Not only are there many interesting rock formations to see, the mountainside is also home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife. For the more adventurous, the cookies make excellent fare to take along for energy while walking on the nearby wooded trails. Quiet walkers can spot deer, grouse, and turkey hiding among the rocks and trees. W hile standing on the deck, with Grandfather Mountain to your left, Beech Mountain and Valle Crucis straight ahead and Willow Valley to the right, it is hard to believe that there are also many things to see and do within easy driving distance. For those who enjoy shopping, Shoppes on the Parkway outlet mall is only nine miles away.
Many local artists have their work shown in nearby Boone, only five miles away.
Boone is also home to Appalachian State University . For those who appreciate times gone by, Valle Crucis, with the original Mast General Store , is within five miles. A ride on Tweetsie Railroad is available only seven miles away. E nchanting Blowing Rock with its park and many unique shops is only seven miles away via Shulls Mill Road. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Moses Cone Manor House with hiking trails and a shop with North Carolina crafts for sale is an equal distance away.