Everything you need to know about West Jefferson, NC

A small town, but one worth visiting — and living — if you love a close-knit community.

Read on to learn more about this community.

homes for sale near West Jefferson NC

What West Jefferson, NC, is known for

West Jefferson was established in 1915. The thriving downtown area is best known for its Arts District, which has numerous galleries featuring local artists. During the beautiful summer months, you can find the streets lined with art for their weekly Art Crawl. Not only can beautiful art be found in several local galleries, but there are also 15 murals along the downtown walking area. These murals were painted to show the heritage of the area and the beauty of the mountains. Lastly, the Ashe County Civic Center houses Ashe County Little Theatre and several other performances throughout the year.

While taking a tour of the downtown area, be sure to stop into St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Here you will find three out of four Fresco’s located in Ashe County. The three featured in St. Mary’s are Mary Great with Child, John the Baptist and Mystery of Faith. The fourth, The Last Supper is located at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Glendale Springs, approximately 15 minutes from West Jefferson. The artist Benjamin Long studied at UNC-Chapel Hill and the Arts Students League in New York. Long has completed over a dozen Frescos throughout the state of North Carolina along with commissions in both Italy and France.

Things to do in West Jefferson, NC

West Jefferson has many great things in the town that you surely do not want to miss. Here are just a few:

Ashe County Cheese

They are the oldest cheese plant located in the Carolina’s. Ashe County Cheese was established in 1930. It is a popular location for locals and tourists. They sell over 20 varieties of cheese! Along with cheese, they are also known for their homemade butter, fudge, and fresh cheese curds.

 

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The Honey Hole

The Honey Hole promotes the art of beekeeping by providing supplies and attire for beekeepers.  There is also a wide variety of honey related products related to bees and honey.

Quilt Square Girls

Quilt Square Girls have been producing unique and colorful quilt barn squares for your office, home, barn or outbuilding since 2010. They have put a modern twist on outdoor barn quilts which began as a way to pay homage to a loved one with a beautiful piece of folk art.

Places to eat in West Jefferson, NC

Boonedocks Brewing and Tap Room

Locally owned and operated restaurant, providing fresh ingredients with an appealing atmosphere. Boondocks Brewing and Tap Room was Ashe County’s first commercially licensed Craft Beer Brewery (2012). It is the local watering hole.

 

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Sweet & Savory Bakery & Deli

Sweet & Savory Bakery & Deli provides customers with a comfortable dining experience.  They provide soups, sandwiches and desserts baked in-house. Sweet & Savory is known for upscaling simple sandwiches and soups and making them extraordinary.

New River Brewing

Provides excellent eats and brews. It is located just off of Main Street so be careful you don’t pass by. They are well known for having “out of this world” pimento cheese. It is a restaurant you don’t want to miss while visiting West Jefferson, NC.

 

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Demographics of West Jefferson, NC

In 2000, there were 1,081 people and 527 households in the town. The racial makeup of the town is mainly White.

  • 19.3% under the age of 18
  • 8.8% from 18 to 24
  • 25.2% from 25 to 44
  • 3.5% from 45 to 64
  • 23.2% were 65 years or older

Why you want to move to West Jefferson, NC

Imagine a small bustling town in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, where stores line Main Street and there are hundreds of smiling faces passing by. This may sound like something out of a dream. Well, that or something out of the 1950’s. However, this is a real town which has a thriving arts community, fantastic cheeses, bluegrass gatherings of epic proportions and a wide variety of dining options. There is magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains! More importantly, there is magic in West Jefferson, NC.

Images of West Jefferson, NC

 

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Noteworthy businesses in West Jefferson, NC

Ashe County has become in the #1 Christmas Tree industry. Most Christmas trees across the United States come from six counties in North Carolina and Oregon. Ashe County provides just shy of 2 million Christmas Trees per year. For years, Ashe County said they produced the most trees East of the Mississippi, but as it turns out, they are now the largest producer anywhere in the US!

History of West Jefferson, NC

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, West Jefferson was served by the Northwestern Railroad, known as “The Virginia Creeper,” and was a major stop. The railroad provided lumber and wood for the town, which assisted with commercial growth. In the 1930’s Kraft Cheese (also known as Ashe County Cheese) moved into the town.  The factory continues, to this day, to bring in tourists from all around.

In the 1970s many small towns saw a decline as the railroad systems died out. However, West Jefferson responded though opening more tourist-oriented businesses in an arts integrated community. Because of this, West Jefferson has remained a tourist destination in the High Country of North Carolina.

Throughout its history, West Jefferson has maintained a small town feel while holding on to the history and culture that surround the town. There is no doubt you will find some of the friendliest people walking around or sitting on their front porches in West Jefferson, NC.

Homes for sale in West Jefferson, NC

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