Valle Crucis
John Preston Arthur, local historian and author, wrote this elegant description of Valle Crucis in his “History of Watauga County” in 1915: “There is, perhaps, more interest in this place and its romantic history than in any other in Watauga County. …There is a dreamy spell which hangs over this little valley…”
“Let me just say, that this little town completely caught us off guard. We didn’t expect to fall head-over-heels in love with this town the way that we did… the people… the history… the story.” • Jason & Heather Barr, Revival Creatives
The Mast General Store
The small community of Valle Crucis is North Carolina’s first rural historic district and is where you’ll find the Original Mast General Store and the Mast Store Annex. Still the center of the community, the Original Mast Store houses the Post Office. Traversing its creaking floorboards, you’ll find country gourmet foods, cast iron cookware, speckleware, old-fashioned toys, footwear for all walks of life, hardware, and even a pair of galluses (suspenders), if you need them.
The Mast Farm Inn
The Mast Farm Inn is an award-winning historic country inn in the Valle Crucis Historical District of North Carolina, which has been welcoming guests since the 1800s. Historic farmhouse, cottages, invigorating retreats & workshops, memorable elopements, weddings & honeymoons. A Historic Hotels of America hotel, a Select Registry Inn, and on The National Register of Historic Places. So Much More… The world renowned Mast Farm Inn of Valle Crucis is nothing short of a handcrafted masterpiece of North Carolina Folk Art.
The Taylor House Inn
Your home base to visit the area attractions that have been attracting settlers and travelers alike, for nearly 250 years. Taylor House Inn is known for offering romantic getaways, hosting fabulous family reunions, corporate retreats, and some of the best weddings in Valle Crucis. With the surrounding majestic valley scene, it is the perfect place to spend some quality time as well as to host an outdoor event. We invite you to recapture a wonderful time with us in beautiful Historic Valle Crucis; experience a place that reminds one of times past, a place where moments of solitude are as abundant as the rivers and streams that give life to the surrounding hills.
Heritage Hill
Adjacent to the Mast Farm Inn, premier family friendly lodging. Each of the well-appointed cabins are unique, giving you that authentic country feel but adding those must have modern amenities like Smart TV’s and free WiFi. Looking for a romantic getaway or a rustic family haven for the kids? Want to vacation with extended family and friends? We can set you up as cabin neighbors. From hiking to skiing, to exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway and discovering our charming mountain towns, this is the ideal base to explore the best of the high country. Heritage Hill Cabins near Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and Beech Mountain offer easy proximity to everything the area has to offer.
Over Yonder
Over Yonder is a destination restaurant in Valle Crucis, North Carolina; Near Blowing Rock, Boone, Banner Elk, and Linville in The Western North Carolina High Country mountains. Designed, owned and managed by the award-winning Mast Farm Inn, Over Yonder restaurant tells the story of historic Appalachian cuisine in a picturesque setting atop the rolling hills and peaks of Valle Crucis, North Carolina. Located across from the Original Mast General Store, a few hundred yards from The Mast Farm Inn.
Lazy Bear Lodge
Lazy Bear Lodge is an “All Seasons” bed and breakfast retreat situated in the North Carolina Mountains of Valle Crucis. The Lodge is a custom built five bedroom modern log cabin perched on a mountainside overlooking spectacular vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and valley below. We are centrally located and only minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk. Guests are welcome to relax in the common areas where a wood burning double sided fireplace graces both the Great Room and Dining Room to create a warm and friendly atmosphere for socializing or simply relaxing. Both these rooms have full length windows and doors that access the back veranda with ample seating to enjoy the surrounding beauty of mountains, forest, gardens and abundant wildlife.
The Valle Crucis Conference Center
The Valle Crucis Conference Center is a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, part of the Episcopal Church. Located on over 450 acres of mountain woodland and verdant farming valley, the Valle Crucis Conference Center is truly one of the more beautiful places on Earth. With its beauty comes a sense of timeless spiritual grace that transcends denomination or faith tradition. The Valle Crucis Conference Center is located in the historic Mission School, featuring buildings dating from the late 19th Century and early 20th Century, nearly all of which are on the National Historic Register.
Valle Crucis Community Park
In 1983, members of the Valle Crucis Community joined forces to preserve a 12-acre tract of land along the Watauga River that was slated for development as a recreational vehicle campground. Their efforts were successful, and the Valle Crucis Community Park was born. The park’s founders held a clear vision for the land: That it should remain undeveloped, as a recreational and gathering space for the community, in perpetuity. Today Valle Crucis Community Park has grown into a 28-acre destination for High Country residents as well as visitors to the area. The park is open to the public year-round and provides space for a variety of outdoor activities.
The Valle Crucis School
Valle Crucis School is committed to educating the whole child. We work to learn, understand, and treat our students as human beings in an effort to establish meaningful relationships that aide in their academic, social, and emotional growth. We focus on making student driven decisions that are supported by accurate and relevant data. At Valle Crucis there is a shared belief that each student should be surrounded by faith, love, hope, and positivity within our school environment.
Church of The Holy Cross
In 1840, a botanist from New York came through this valley and was struck by its remoteness and natural beauty. On his way back to New York, he stopped in Raleigh and spoke with Bishop Levi Silliman Ives, who at that time oversaw the Diocese of North Carolina, which comprised the entire state. In July 1842, Bishop Ives traveled to this area, held services, and talked to the people he met. He promised to “send them, the moment it should be in my power, a Missionary, who should teach them the rudiments of knowledge, and preach to them the word of God.” Legend has it that Bishop Ives saw the image of a St. Andrew’s Cross, in either the two streams in the valley, or in their accompanying mist, and named this valley Valle Crucis, which is Latin for Vale of the Cross. In 1925, the church had outgrown its building by the Mission House and money was raised to build a fine stone church on the hill overlooking the valley. Holy Cross Church remains an active and dynamic parish today.
Mark Read
Mark Read Studio produces one-of-a-kind art and functional pieces ranging from fine jewelry to large sculptural and architectural works. Broad technical expertise and deep experience puts us among the country’s top restorators of fine metalwork.
The Inn at Little Pond Farm
The enchanting Inn at Little Pond Farm, a sophisticated country house detailed to perfection with exceptional style and quiet simplicity, is nestled amidst a splendid pine grove and pastoral mountain meadow. The innkeepers have put charm back into everyday life at this classic 1900 farmhouse, filling it with a sense of conviviality and warmth. Polished with country refinement and composed by a sure and artistic hand, tailored interiors and a poetry of color reflect a luxurious aesthetic.
The Kitchen at Little Pond Farm
The Kitchen at Little Pond Farm was inspired by childhood memories of waking to the aromas of muffins baking, sauce simmering in immense pots, and the sight of fresh pasta, turned out by grandmother’s hand, drying over chair backs; by recollections of planting seeds with grandfather for a kitchen garden; of picking the vegetables and fruit that rewarded these efforts; and of cutting flowers each day for the family table. The life that we shared centered around the stove top, and those rich culinary traditions became inspiration for all that we do here at Little Pond Farm.
Valle Crucis Vineyard
Valle Crucis Vineyard a unique, modern, rustic experience in The High Country. Rooted in North Carolina’s High Country. In 2014, Baker and Kate bought the Maybell farm and transformed it into a modern, rustic vacation getaway, event venue, and vineyard.
The Jerky Outpost
Located in Valle Crucis, The Jerky Outpost offers the largest and best selection of craft jerky in the High Country. The second location is in Blowing Rock at Shoppes on the Parkway.
Rivercross Market
Rivercross Market, located right beside the Original Mast Store in historic Valle Crucis, is filled with a collection of goods handmade in America. Many local artists are a part of the collection including woodworkers, weavers, painters, and stained glass creators. From pottery and jewelry to candles and paper art, you’re sure to find perfect gifts for everyone…including yourself.
St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church
On August 1, 1847 William West Skiles was ordained to the deaconate in Valle Crucis. For thirteen years Brother Skiles was a shepherd to the mountain people. He walked or rode on horseback, often in severe weather, to read and answer letters for those unable to do either, to explain legal documents and settle disputes, to pray with his beloved flock and to teach them the catechism. He delighted in the growth of the mission on the Lower Watauga River and aspired to help the faithful to build their own chapel. With contribution of labor, lumber and small financial gifts, he designed and supervised the construction of a simple, but architecturally beautiful chapel, dedicated to St. John the Baptist.
Valle Crucis United Methodist Church
Valle Crucis United Methodist Church is located in Valle Crucis, North Carolina. The congregation met in a log schoolhouse before constructing the current church in 1870.
Blue Ridge Conservancy
Blue Ridge Conservancy is a private, non-profit, non-governmental organization incorporated in North Carolina. Since our founding, we have protected over 20,000 acres in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey Counties.
High Country Audubon Society
HCAS schedules several bird walks throughout the year. Valle Crucis walks are held every Wednesday during the spring, summer and fall at Valle Crucis Community Park.
Watauga Riverkeeper & MountainTrue
The Watauga Riverkeeper is the key protector and watchdog of the Watauga River Basin in Western North Carolina. MountainTrue’s Watauga Riverkeeper endeavors to monitor and protect the quality of our region’s waterways through dedicated volunteers and engagement with Watauga and Avery county communities and local and state government. The riverkeeper wants all High Country residents and visitors to enjoy clean waterways free of sediment pollution and supporting a thriving mountain ecosystem.
