Madison County and Marshall, North Carolina
With the French Broad River at its feet, the steep rocky edge of a mountain at its back, a railroad passing through, and a pillared court house, the county seat of Marshall is the epitome of a picturesque mountain town.
Marshall has that warm, small-town feeling while art galleries, high ceilinged apartments rich with brick and wood, restaurants with fresh menus, and unique stores begin to fill the century-old brick buildings. Spend an evening or an afternoon exploring Main Street and Blannerhassett Island.
Where to Eat
Smack those lips and come our way whether you are looking for a burger, pizza or good country cookin’ Madison County is known to be versatile and our food makes no exception.
Things to Do
Just minutes from Asheville, NC, Madison County is full of ways to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Within the Pisgah National Forest, the Appalachian Trail and hiking trails provide a wide range of opportunities for hiking. Other outdoor activities include whitewater rafting on the French Broad River, bicycling on scenic and lightly-traveled mountain roads; horseback riding on trails which provide unique vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains; fishing in our mountain streams and rivers.
Arts and Craft
The Blue Ridge “hills are alive” not only with the sound of traditional music, but also with the sound of various artists and craftspeople working in their medium to create a unique product which displays their particular talent.
Agritourism
At one time, Madison County landscape was covered with acres of tobacco fields and the farm economy relied heavily on burley tobacco. Agriculture in western North Carolina has changed quite a bit. Today, the old-time farmers and newcomers to the trade have responded to the market trend and the county now has more organic farms than any other county in North Carolina.
Shopping
Shopping in a rural county certainly does not include the usual retail stores that you would find in nearby Asheville. But, if you are looking to buy a unique purchase such as the work of local artists or antiques to take home or just a souvenir of your stay, there are several choices to find something perfect for your needs.
Pop Culture of Madison Co
If your visit to Madison County inspired you to learn more, there are many ways to get a view of the county and its culture. Or, if you want to do some “research” before you travel to spend some time, your visit will be enhanced by the perspectives provided. You can get a literary view by reading books about the county or by authors who live in Madison County, a musical view by listening to music recorded by local musicians who grew up listening to generations of traditional musicians or a “Hollywood” view by watching movies that were partially filmed here.