SOUTHERN STATES
Planning your trip to North Carolina’s mountains
THE BEST WAY
From LAX to Asheville, N.C., Continental, Delta, Northwest and US Airways have connecting service (change of plane). Restricted round-trip fares begin at $418.
WHERE TO STAY
Squire Watkins Inn, 657 Haywood Road, Dillsboro; (800) 586-2429, www.squirewatkinsinn.com. The inn, built in 1880, is a nod to the days when guests were received at friends' country homes. Only four guest rooms and a cottage. Doubles from $99.
Mountain Magnolia Inn and Retreat, 204 Lawson St., Hot Springs; (800) 914-9306, www.mountainmagnoliainn.com. This 1868 home of Col. James Rumbough, one of Hot Springs' early settlers, features six guest rooms, a guest house and Fowler's Bend, converted from a turn-of- the-last-century general store to living quarters. Doubles $95.
WHERE TO EAT
The Jarrett House, 100 Haywood St., Dillsboro; (800) 972-5623, www.jarretthouse.com. Huge family-style portions of local trout, chicken, biscuits and old-fashioned vinegar pies. Dinner entrees $13.95 to $14.95. Open April through December.
Dillsboro Smokehouse: 403 Haywood Road, Dillsboro; (828) 586-9556. Hickory-smoked barbecue, ribs basted in Southern peachy barbecue sauce, $3.95 to $13.95
Bridges Barbecue Lodge, U.S. 74, Shelby; (704) 482-8567. Get a single-serving tray of chopped barbecue with slaw and hush puppies for $5.40. Open Wednesdays through Sundays.
Patio Bistro & Coffee Shop, 26 Church St., Waynesville; (828) 454-0070, www.patio-nc.com. Picnic cuisine, including sandwiches and wraps with side dish, $5.95 to $7.95.
THINGS TO DO
Huck Finn Rafting Adventures, 158 Bridge St., Hot Springs; (877) 520-4658, www.huckfinnrafting.com. Rafting $30 to $65, unguided float trips $10 to $35.
Chimney Rock Park, Highway 64/74A, Chimney Rock; (800) 277-9611, www.chimneyrockpark.com.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, 119 Front St., Dillsboro; (800) 872-4681, www.gsmr.com. Fares from $49.
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