Did You Know?
Parkway construction began in September of 1935 at Cumberland Knob near the North Carolina and Virginia state line (at Milepost 217.5). Photo from NPS Archives
Crowds enjoying the Christmas in July Celebration in West Jefferson Photo by Don Sloan
Location
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Ashe County Chamber and Visitor Center
West Jefferson, North Carolina
336.846.9550
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http://www.visitwestjefferson.org
Near milepost 261
West Jefferson’s downtown area features more than a dozen art galleries plus craft shops and restaurants. Fifteen murals adorn the historic buildings throughout downtown depicting the musical heritage, colorful landscape and diverse culture of the region. A walk through town is, in itself, a visual delight.
A visit to a small country church is a delight in itself but the experience is enhanced when that church also houses world famous frescoes. One of the two Churches of the Frescoes resides in West Jefferson: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church hosts three Ben Long frescoes. The beauty of this art is truly enhanced by the sanctity of the setting.
The Christmas in July Festival is our annual Independence Day weekend celebration, which draws more than 20,000 visitors. Join us for a unique experience.
The Blue Ridge Parkway borders Ashe County for 20 miles from milepost 255 to milepost 275. During Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration, the construction of the Parkway provided much-needed employment for the depressed region of our county and surrounding counties.
How We're Doing Our Part
The Northwest Trading Post at milepost 259 has offered local craftsmen an outlet in which to sell their art, homemade crafts, baked goods, and antiques in one magical historic venue.
Many Parkway travelers venture into our county’s unique communities and townships where they are greeted with small town charm, hospitality, local arts and crafts, and get a feeling of being in “God’s Country.”
