Erwin, Tennessee

[gregintenn]

You guys haven’t failed me before, so here it goes.

I’m headed out for a white water rafting trip near Erwin shortly. Never been there before. I’d love some suggestions of things to see and do as well as places to eat nearby. It’ll be my and the wife, son and his wife, and other son and girlfriend. We won’t have a long time to explore, but if we like it there, we may want to return at some point.

Thanks in advance for your help and wisdom!

[gregintenn]

I think we’re staying in Mars Hill, NC. You get the idea.

[peejman]

There's nothing in Erwin.  Mars Hill is close enough to do the Asheville things.  Elizabethton has some neat history stuff. Go up to Carvers Gap next to Roan Mountain park.  Linville Falls, Boone,  Blowing Rock, ..... Its also curvy motorcycle road nirvana. 

[Jeb48]

It's just a dinner but Clarence's on the North side of Erwin on Rt107 isn't a bad place for lunch. Public shooting range in Unico at Cherokee National forest.

[jpx2rk]

there was a sandwich shop on the edge of town a few years ago that was the place to go for a good sandwich.  On the Johnson City side of town right before you got into town IIRC.  

[Ronald_55]

Don't take your pet elephant to Erwin is my advice.

Well-Bred bakery in Weaverville NC is a great for a meal or just sweets

[gregintenn]

13 minutes ago, Ronald_55 said:

Don't take your pet elephant to Erwin is my advice.

Well-Bred bakery in Weaverville NC is a great for a meal or just sweets

I read that about the elephant. Wild stuff!

[Tom B]

Erwin has a cool little taproom downtown if you like beer

[Sleep profit]

Erwin is a quiet small town good fishing and White water rafting is fun  I would do Boone NC or Blowing rock NC. If I were that close much better food options 

[Erik88]

Have you been to Hot Springs, NC before? Tiny scenic town with some restaurants along the French Broad river. It's a stop for hikers on the Appalachian Trail. It may be out of your way but if not it's worth stopping at for lunch. 

 

 

[Moped]

Personally, I no longer feel comfortable in Asheville. I’ve found the people are as rude as any around. Mostly younger know it alls that don’t like older folks and ideas. COVID pretty much ruined that city. 
 

Boone is a much friendlier town and the home of Mast General Store. Plenty of things to see and do in the East Tennessee/Western North Carolina, especially if you love to camp and hike. 

[analog_kidd]

The story of Murderous Mary the elephant, who met her demise in Erwin is an interesting read:

https://blueridgecountry.com/archive/favorites/mary-the-elephant/

 

[monkeylizard]

On 7/28/2023 at 9:00 PM, Moped said:

Drugged out homeless and liberal politicians pretty much ruined that city.

FIFY!

[ppcgm]

Head up toward the Virginia state line and checkout the birthplace of country music in Bristol. 

[gary_boom]

Bring a lot of money and go to the casino in Bristol if you like to gamble.

[gregintenn]

On 7/28/2023 at 9:00 PM, Moped said:

Personally, I no longer feel comfortable in Asheville. I’ve found the people are as rude as any around. Mostly younger know it alls that don’t like older folks and ideas. COVID pretty much ruined that city. 
 

Boone is a much friendlier town and the home of Mast General Store. Plenty of things to see and do in the East Tennessee/Western North Carolina, especially if you love to camp and hike. 

LOL! 
Many moons ago, on our first wedding anniversary, the bride and I ventured up to the Biltmore for a little getaway. I stopped at a decent looking hotel and inquired about reserving a room for a couple of nights. The desk clerk looked at me indignantly and said I’d be better served across the street at the Motel 6.

 

He was probably right, but at the time, it pissed me off.

28 years later, I’m retired. I bet that arrogant SOB is still working.

[gregintenn]

We had a cabin on top of a mountain. It is beautiful there. We had to go to a campground near Erwin for the whitewater rafting trip. There was what was proclaimed as a VW bus car show going on there. What it was was a hippie fest, complete with all that encompasses. Once we returned from rafting, the Yukon I rented to drive all of us there smelled all the world like pot on the inside. I hope that goes away before I return it, as we were told to not smoke in it. That whole festival was a sight to behold! I’d have stayed longer, but the kids and their women were with us, and the wife objected.

Thanks again for the suggestions! That was a beautiful area, and I intend to return sometime when it is just me and the wife and we have more time to explore.

[gregintenn]

From our back deck.

Edited August 13, 2023 by gregintenn

[gregintenn]

Also from our back deck.