Ashe County, NC Attractions

Ashe County Cheese Factory

The Ashe County Cheese Factory, located in West Jefferson, North Carolina, is North Carolina's oldest and largest cheese manufacturer1. Originally started in 1930 by the Kraft Corporation, Ashe County Cheese was part of a consolidation of several small community cheese plants in the area, producing cheddar daisy wheels for distribution nationwide.

Today, Ashe County Cheese offers a wide range of cheeses, including cheddar varieties, hoop cheese, curds, and farmer's cheese. Visitors to the factory can watch cheese being made in the factory viewing room and explore the retail store, which also offers fresh country butter, fudge, hand-dipped ice cream, and a Kandy Korner with over 150 varieties of candies12.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic road that stretches 469 miles through the Appalachian Highlands, offering stunning views[1]. It is managed by the U.S. National Park Service and provides visitors with opportunities to enjoy a slow-paced and relaxing drive while taking in the natural beauty of the area[1]. The parkway passes through multiple states, including North Carolina and Virginia.

The Blue Ridge Parkway borders or goes through Ashe County for 20 miles from Milepost 275 to Milepost 255. Ashe County's county seat, Jefferson, is located at the foot of Mount Jefferson, which can be seen from the overlook between Mileposts 266 and 267 on the Blue Ridge Parkway[1]. The parkway offers breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains and is a popular destination for scenic drives and outdoor recreation.