Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Linville Caverns are located between the cities of Linville and Marion in North Carolina off NC 221. North Carolina’s only show caverns, they were discovered in the early 1800s by a fishing party that was amazed to see fish swimming in and out of what appeared to be solid rock. Upon closer examination the party discovered a tiny opening in the rock which led to the expansive caverns deep inside Humpback Mountain. The caverns were opened to the public in 1937 and have remained open ever since. In fall and winter, visitors may spot two of the cavern’s most popular visitors as they hibernate for the winter – the Eastern Pipistrelle and Little Brown bats. The caverns are open daily from March through November and on weekends only December through February.
This year-round, slope-side resort offers something for every season and a condominium for every taste. Winter offers skiing on the famous Sugar Mountain slopes. Fall is color season and the resort offers nearly 360 degree views of the nearby peaks. Summer days are cool and dry and spring draws wildflower enthusiasts. The one- and two-bedroom units are efficiency units and come with or without lofts. Amenities include fireplaces, dishwashers, a heated indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and cable television. A resort fee and security deposit are due at check-in. Linville caverns are about three miles away.
This upgraded Best Western is located between Beech and Sugar Mountains, only about four miles from Linville Caverns. They are the only pet-friendly accommodations in the area. The mountain themed lodge offers amenities such as a large, heated outdoor pool that is open year-round, 25-inch televisions with a selection of premium channels, coffeemakers, hairdryers and high-speed Internet access. Outdoors, in addition to the pool, is a courtyard area with grills, picnic tables and mountain views.
Located a little further from the caverns, about seven miles away, but offering a very different experience, the Taylor House Inn in Valle Crucis is a nine-room bed and breakfast that was selected from over 6,000 inns as the “Best in the South” for 2010 to 2011 and 2009 to 2010. Entered into the National Register of Historic Places, the Taylor House Inn offers two suites and five guest rooms in the main house and two cottages with guest rooms on the grounds. All rooms have down comforters, handmade quilts and private baths.