Explore Marshall

 
 

The town of Marshall is rich in history, arts and scenery. A small Appalachian town dedicated to cultivating a creative community while preserving its roots.

Downtown is home to family-owned storefronts, art galleries, unique shops and gift stores, restaurants with local fare, a Sunday afternoon farmers market on the island, and more.

Marshall hosts several popular regional festivities throughout the year, like the Annual Mermaid Parade, Marshall Gras, and monthly Third Thursday crawls. Visitors can browse the several galleries downtown, or explore the classes, exhibits, shows and concerts offered throughout the year, often centered on mountain culture.

 

The Old Marshall Jail sits at the heart of downtown Marshall, NC. Walking distance to all downtown has to offer. Step outside the front door and look to the right to see the historic courthouse designed by Richard Sharpe Smith, who also contributed to the design of the Biltmore Estate. To our left, guests will find unparalleled views of the French Broad River as it flows north to the Tennessee border.

Photograph by Baxter Miller from Our State Mag, “A Storied Stay at the Old Marshall Jail” by Ryan Stancil

Dining and Drinking

Zadie’s Market - Our bar and restaurant located on the main level, serving lunch, dinner, and brunch Wednesday-Sunday.

Zuma Coffee - Favorite local cafe and coffee shop, serving breakfast and lunch with daily specials.

Star Diner - Upscale American dining for dinner and brunch, reservations recommended

Mad Co Brewing - Locally owned brewer, taproom, and pizza kitchen with river views and small bites

Main Street Cafe - Quaint breakfast & lunch cafe with outdoor seating

Mal’s Bar - Casual and cool local bar with beer, wine, and non-alchoholic options, pool table, and live music events

Madison Natural Foods Market - Small local grocer and market with a selection of organic food options, locally grown produce and grab and go options.

Downtown Shops

  • Penland & Sons

  • Flow Arts

  • Of Wand and Earth

  • Carolina Flowers

  • Main Street Comics & Games

  • Modern Off-Grid Store

  • Madison Natural Foods Market

Outdoors and Adventure

French Broad Adventures - Adventures on the river! French Broad Adventures offers guided rafting trips, kayaks, ziplining, and canyoneering expeditions that will be fun for the whole crew. Book in advance. Old Marshall Jail Hotel guests get 10% off when they book online or over the phone.

Sandy Bottom Trail Rides - Explore the high country on horseback. Sandy Bottom offers guided horseback rides along picturesque trails on a private, family-owned ranch.

Spa & Hot Springs

Spa at Capitola Mill - Luxurious spa & sauna house in downtown Marshall, right across the bridge inside the historic and beautifully renovated Capitola Mill. The Spa offers a range of modalities and services in massage, facials & esthetics, reflexology, and bathhouse sauna sessions.

Hot Springs Resort & Spa - A wonderful way to unwind amidst the beauty of Western NC, book an hour at Hot Springs in one of their outdoor hot tubs supplied with natural mineral water directly from underground springs. Located in Hot Springs, NC - about a 20 minute drive from downtown Marshall.

Hikes & Waterfalls

  • Laurel River Trail

  • Rich Mountain Fire Tower

  • Shelton Laurel Backcountry

  • Max Patch

  • Paint Rock

  • Bailey’s Mountain Preserve