This Resilient North Carolina Mountain Town Is Back On Its Feet—And More Welcoming Than Ever
Like many Western North Carolina communities, the town of Saluda, located just 35 miles south of Asheville, experienced unimaginable devastation in the wake of Hurricane Helene in September 2024—with some residents losing their homes and livelihoods. One of the most popular outfitters, Green River Cove Tubing, remains closed, with plans to reopen for business in 2026.Demonstrating true Southern resilience, however, the 676-person town has worked to rebuild and recover where possible, and many of its businesses are welcoming back visitors with open arms.
As a town with a long history as a vacation destination—travelers have been making their way to this part of North Carolina since the 1800s—Saluda is a place where tourism is a key industry. People come from far and wide for the mountain views and outdoor adventures, and one of the best ways to support the community in the wake of Helene is to plan a trip. Shop along Saluda’s picturesque Main Street, pop into the oldest grocery store in the state, and book a room at a family-owned inn. Below, we rounded up even more ways to experience the charm and beauty of this pocket of North Carolina.
Here are the best things to do in Saluda.
What to Do
Zipline Across the Green River Gorge
Thrillseekers visiting Saluda should certainly make a point to visit The Gorge Zipline, a local outfitter that offers canopy tours beginning on the rim of the Green River Gorge. There are 11 ziplines, three rappels, and a sky bridge, and the scenic views are paired with a heavy dose of adrenaline.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R27ekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R47ekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframethegorgezipline.Com; 166 Honey Bee Drive, Saluda, NC 28773
Shop Along Main Street
Historic shops, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and art galleries line Saluda’s Main Street. Walking along the thoroughfare almost feels like you’re stepping back in time, especially if you visit M.A. Pace General Store, an old-fashioned hardware and general store founded in 1899. The shelves hold all sorts of things—from jams and jellies to fresh produce and sundries.
facebook.com; 60 E Main St, Saluda, NC
Visit an Art Gallery
Western North Carolina has long been a hub for creativity, as evidenced by the artistic expression throughout Saluda. You’ll find it at eARThly Minds Gallery, Elm & Owl Gallery, Saluda Studios, and the Jim Carson Studio & Gallery. Discover local artists, appreciate new mediums, and bring a bit of Saluda home with you if a particular piece of art speaks to you.
Come for the Saluda Arts Festival
To see Saluda’s art scene in its full glory, you’ll want to visit during the Saluda Arts Festival. The event marked its 20th anniversary in May 2025, and it’s a true celebration of all of the talent in Saluda and the surrounding areas. Downtown Saluda turns into a walkable outdoor gallery, showcasing pottery, sculpture, paintings, and all manner of other crafts, and it’s all complemented by live music and general merriment.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2gekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4gekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeinstagram.com/saludaartsfestival; 6 E Main St, Saluda, NC 28773
Where to Eat and Drink
Have a Meal at the Oldest Grocery Store in North Carolina
Founded in 1890, Thompson's Store bills itself as the oldest grocery store in the Tar Heel State—and Ward’s Grill, a classic diner, was added to the property in 1960. The menu features nostalgic favorites and Southern specialties, including burgers, biscuits and gravy, and milkshakes.
facebook.com/people/Thompsons-Store/100056730954702; 24 E Main St, Saluda, NC 28773
facebook.com/WardsGrill; 24 E Main St, Saluda, NC 28773
Enjoy a BBQ Spread
No matter where you are in the Carolinas, barbeque is almost always on the menu—and it’s the star of the show at Green River BBQ. Don’t expect anything fancy here, but that’s part of its appeal. Just come hungry and ready to try the pulled pork sandwich, the fried okra, and the fried green tomatoes.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2pekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4pekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframegreenriverbbq.com; 131 US-176, Saluda, NC 28773
Dine Al Fresco at a Local Favorite
When the weather cooperates, you’ll want to snag an outdoor table at The Purple Onion, where they serve up mountain trout, a North Carolina shrimp and grits soufflé, salads made with lettuce from Saluda Grade Farm, and more. There’s also live music on Thursday and Saturday nights, and you can check the schedule online to see who’s playing.
purpleonionsaluda.com; 16 E Main St, Saluda, NC 28773
Reward Yourself with a Post-Hike Drink
After completing one of the many hikes in the area—perhaps the Bell Park Nature Trail—stop by Saluda Outfitters and its adjoining eatery, Green River Eddy’s Tap Room & Grill. There are several local craft beers on tap, including the Catawba White Zombie Ale and Boojum Little River Blonde Ale.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R30ekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R50ekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframesaludaoutfitters.com; 435 E Main St, Saluda, NC 28773
Where to Stay
Stay in a Historic Home
A short walk from Saluda’s downtown area, The Oaks of Saluda recently reopened its rooms to guests in the spring of 2025. The 4,600-square-foot Queen Anne Victorian building is a cozy, comfortable home-away-from-home. It’s the type of place where you’re encouraged to embrace a slower pace of living, sip your tea on the veranda, curl up with a novel in the library, or soak up the sun in the side garden.
theoaksofsaluda.com; 339 Greenville St, Saluda, NC 28773
Book a Sumptious Suite
The Saluda Inn is an adults-only property designed to help guests completely relax. Even though the building was built in the 1880s and is listed on the National Historic Registry, it still features plenty of modern amenities. There’s high-speed WiFi, wheelchair-accessible rooms, and a complimentary continental breakfast.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R38ekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R58ekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframethesaludainn.com; 229 Greenville St, Saluda, NC 28773
Unwind Above the Gorge
Set on a ridge above the Green River Gorge, Green River Lodge pairs sweeping views with the quiet ease of a true mountain escape. Just a few minutes from downtown Saluda, this relaxed, pet-friendly lodge is all about simple pleasures—coffee on the deck, starry nights by the fire pit, and the kind of peace that comes naturally when you’re surrounded by forest.
greenriverlodgenc.com, 1793 Holbert Cove Rd. Saluda, NC 28773
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