24 Hours in Marion

* Please keep in mind that depending on the day(s) of your visit, some businesses may be closed.  When planning, make sure to check their hours and recent updates.  Each business below is linked to their Facebook or website, where you can find their most up-to-date information.
Marion, and McDowell County at-large, has a variety of lodging options.  Whether you want to stay in a local hotel, go glamping at one of several local campgrounds or rent out a house on Airbnb, there’s an accommodation perfect for your next getaway.

Start your morning off at the perfect breakfast spot in town- The Bantam Chef.  A local haunt and culinary pillar in the community, Bantam Chef has been around long enough to know how to fix the perfect, no-frills breakfast. 

Once you’ve filled up on pancakes and fried livermush (Hunter’s makes it locally, and it’s a town specialty), it’s time to explore the great outdoors in and around Marion!  We have some amazing Mountain Bike trails, excellent water-sports areas, and even outdoor-centric tours of the area.
Our suggestions would be:

• Mt. Ida Trail- Conveniently located near Downtown Marion, right off of Rutherford Road.
• Peavine Trail- 1.5-mile paved path from East Marion to Downtown Marion
• Joseph McDowell Greenway- This riverside trail is flat and easy to manage for any level of walker/runner. Whether you want to walk/run a half-mile, four-miles, or anywhere in between this path is perfect for families interested in being active.
• Tom’s Creek Falls- a short hike for a million dollar view!  Steep in some areas, moderate difficulty.
• Fonta Flora Trail- a state trail that spans beyond the county, this trail can be started and finished in a variety of places!

Once you’ve spent some time outside seeing the beauty the area has to offer, head downtown to check out local shops and eateries.  Find clothing boutiques, musical instruments, outdoor gear, and local art on our Main Street, and several perfect “selfie spots”. 
Make sure to check out:

• Coley’s Graphics
• Flavors on Main
• Shucks Pearls
• Killough’s Music and Loan

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, pick one of our many delicious food establishments in downtown to sample the fare of the area! 

• Bruce’s Fabulous Foods
• Burrito Bros
• Crabby Abbys
• McDowell Local
• Mulligan Mack’s After 5

Looking for dessert?  Artesana has the best ice cream and sorbet around, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients, and recipes that have been passed down through three generations.
Right down Henderson Street is the Miller Complex, housing a variety of businesses and activities for the whole family.  Continue your shopping spree at the following locations: 

• Pressley Made
• Fruit of Her Hands
• All Things Geeky by Two Nerds

If you’re feeling adventurous, make sure to hit the roller-skating rink and arcade at Marion Hot Wheelz!
To finish out the evening, grab a bite to eat at The Marion Wing Factory or Toonez Chophouse. 
The Wing Factory has an extensive list of sauce options sure to check any wing-lovers box, as well as live music, trivia, and other events on certain nights. 
Toonez is known for their steak, and having fresh-made gourmet food, cooked to order and served in a high-end, relaxing atmosphere.
Need help figuring out where to end your night in Marion?  We have some award-winning breweries and taprooms that can provide you with the perfect night cap.

• Keeper’s Cut Meadery
• Mica Town Brewing
• Refinery 13
• Spillway Bridge
• Taylors Brewing Co.
• The Feisty Goldfish

After your exciting day exploring downtown Marion, plan on staying a little longer and checking out more of the businesses in our beautiful city!  No matter the season, we have something for everyone, and we can’t wait to see you in Marion.