Foxfire is Pleased to Present⎯ 65 Blue Ridge Gem Mine Road, Spruce Pine, NC 28777

How would you like to own your own unique national park like setting, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, in the Little Switzerland community. 20.47 Acres of unrestricted, non-zoned, HOA Free PRIME Real Estate awaiting YOUR VISION!  

The perfect place for multi-use development: turn-key campground (most utilities already in place); or a youth summer camp; or a community based winery with plenty of perfect vineyard land (think Linville Falls Winery); perhaps a tactics and professional shooting range… or any other outdoor enterprise that would benefit from being in a regional tourist area, central to all things Appalachian in the heart of the highest mountains east of the Rockies and west of the Pyrenees— just off the Blue Ridge Parkway— prime acreage in the coveted Little Switzerland, NC.   

Located nest door to Emerald Village, NC’s #1 gem mining attraction, and 3 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 334 and the historic Switzerland Inn and downtown Little Switzerland— coffee shop and bookstore at Little Switzerland Books and Beans, along with the general store and the Switzerland Cafe.

Convenient to downtown Spruce Pine, and Burnsville; a few miles from scenic adventures along the Toe Rivers, with endless recreational opportunities at your doorstep— this property can be the perfect launchpad for all things outdoor here in the high country as it is in an unbeatable location that serves to capture steady tourist traffic while offering serene elevated seclusion with panoramic Mt. Mitchell and the Black Mountain Range views— one of the most iconic vistas in Western NC.  

Nearly 100% of the 20.47 acres is usable, affording one the potential for a multi-income retreat.  Good roads throughout with easy grades make for excellent passage in two-wheel drive cars, large scale RVs and tag alongs.  

The property features a site-built 2-Bedroom, 1-Bath home with the versatility to be converted into a duplex or additional short-term rental; a 1992 single-wide home with 2-Bedrooms and 2-Baths— turnkey.  Several RV sites with utilities are in place, along with a rustic campground area— ready for some “glamping” value-add. 

The property has two wells, multiple springs, and a scenic spring-fed pond— easily aerated for trout.  There is a barn, and bath house on site, 3 lots with septic, water and electric already in place— perfect for quick cabin builds, additional homes, or strategically phased development. 

Whether you’re an investor eyeing rental/campground cash flow, a developer looking for shovel-ready sites with views— this type of scalable land in such a tourist epicenter is exceptionally rare and hard to come by.  

IF YOU APPRECIATE magnificent ancient mountain scenery and like to live or vacation clean and pure— where you can enjoy, but avoid most of the annoyances of urban, suburban or commercialized resort areas, this this property is awaiting your legacy.

You do have deed and value protections, in the way of some light community covenants, but there is NO HOA!  Also, it’s important to acknowledge: THE DEGREE OF FREEDOM IS HIGH, & PROPERTY TAXES ARE LOW!

The emphasis here is on the enjoyment of one of the most beautiful mountain regions in the entire world; on simple forms of outdoor recreation; on clean mountain living; on companionship with interesting people, and small town schools and sports— as well as complete privacy when desired.

Little Switzerland and the Spruce Pine area are approximately mid-way between New York and Florida, and is easily one days drive from 60% of the entire US population— New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., New England, Florida and the Mid-west.

No matter the road you take, to or from here, it’s always the “scenic route!” This ridge top awaits your legacy— your family’s crest or shingle is ready to be erected here in this small town enclave.

You are just 5 minutes away from downtown Spruce Pine, The Grassy Creek Golf and Country Club, and the Blue Ridge Regional Hospital; 5 minutes to the Blue Ridge Parkway; 15 minutes aways from the famous Penland School of Crafts; You will be 15 minutes to downtown Burnsville, or 30 minutes to fine dining, ski resorts and other entertainment at Banner Elk, Beach Mountain, and Sugar Mountain, as well as Mountain Glen Golf Course in Newland; 20 minutes to Lake James, Marion, and I-40; 50 minutes to Asheville, NC; 60 minutes to Johnson City, TN, and the Tri-Cities Airport. This community is two hours from Charlotte, NC.

Serious legacy minded owners, developers, investors, and visionaries— contact Foxfire Real Estate for a confidential tour or pro forma discussion.  Private showings are by appointment.  Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity! 

Little Switzerland, NC

“This Is The Place” —Justice Heriot Clarkson (Founder of the Little Switzerland Land Company)

What started out as a 1,100 acre summer colony retreat, straddling both Mitchell and McDowell Counties, has now become a nearly 8,783 Acre swath of mountaintop lands (just under 14 square miles) that has been settled by the newcomers that are driven to be here as full time and part-time residents. , and the locals who are the dependents of the original pioneer settlers to arrive in this area prior to the American Revolution. 

“A small colony set in a long vista of silence and blue hills… our little slice of the Blue Ridge Mountains.”

The community’s history dates back to 1909, when North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Heriot Clarkson, along with associates, founded the "Switzerland Company" to develop a mountaintop resort village.  Clarkson envisioned it as a summer escape, inspired by the area's sweeping valleys and distant mountain ranges that evoked the foothills of the Swiss Alps.  Development began in earnest in 1910, with the name "Little Switzerland" reportedly suggested by Anna Twelvetrees due to the landscape's resemblance to Switzerland.  Over the next few decades, the area grew into a summer colony featuring Swiss-style architecture, a small hotel, general store, post office, Episcopal church, and about two dozen cottages.

It was a time when colonists and their visitors would build their summer stay like a scenic cruise ship iteanrry, taking advantage of the central location and proximity to all the great sites that can be found along the Blue Ridge Parkway and beyond. 

Many of these folks— like all the curious souls that came to be here in this paradise throughout the Blue Ridge different points in time— gave their names to the ridges and knobs they chose to build upon— From Osborne knob to Rich Knob, to Burgess’s Knob to Linville, to Boone… names attached to these scared mountains as identities and a beckoning reminder of those who were driven to be here. 

The community's significance extends beyond its resort origins.  It has a notable mining history, particularly with emeralds and other gem stones, dating to around 1895 at sites like the Crabtree Emerald Mine, which was later operated by Tiffany's and the American Gem and Pearl Company.  Little Switzerland's location along the Blue Ridge Parkway—often called the "jewel" of this scenic byway—has cemented its status as an iconic "beauty spot" and tourist destination.  Its proximity to natural wonders like Mount Mitchell (the highest peak east of the Mississippi River) and the Pisgah National Forest underscores its role as a gateway to outdoor adventures in the Appalachians. 

Little Switzerland now includes locals and colonists alike, both full time and part-time residents.  The local economy for the area revolves around tourism, hospitality, and local crafts, with several longstanding businesses drawing visitors for dining, shopping, and lodging.  Key establishments include:

The Switzerland Inn— A historic resort offering unique accommodations, warm hospitality, and legendary dining at the Chalet Restaurant. It's a centerpiece of the community, with roots tracing back to the town's founding era (rebuilt in the 1960s).  Adjacent to the Chalet Restaurant is the Foul Play Pub which is a communal gathering spot for the “Who’s Who” of Little Switzerland, Spruce Pine, and sometimes even Burnsville folk who gather to hang with friends and acquaintances and meeting old and new lively characters and personalities from local mountain hollers to parts all over the world! 

Switzerland Cafe & General Store— Known for fresh homemade sandwiches, soups, quiches, and a large wood-fired smokehouse.  The Reuben sandwich there is might fine indeed!  The general store stocks tourist type goods along with craft beers, wines, cheeses, and snacks, making it a go-to for casual eats and provisions.

Little Switzerland Books & Beans— A cozy antique bookstore and coffee shop/cafe combo, ran by some of the best down to earth loving and kind folks around, is perfect for browsing hard to find treasures while enjoying coffee, catching up on the latest local scuttlebutt, and meeting up with old and new friends alike.

This area has been a haven for Foxfire Real Estate’s clientele— the folks that we have served and continue to serve from throughout the world. 

As of mid-2025, the median home price hovers around $469,000, with properties ranging from modest lots under $55,000 to larger homes up to $1 million or more.  It is a stable, but not overly competitive market.  Its position along the Blue Ridge Parkway draws consistent visitors, boosting rental income opportunities for short-term vacation properties.

Key advantages to buying and selling real estate in the Little Switzerland area include a peaceful, high-elevation lifestyle with access to outdoor activities like hiking, gem mining, and scenic drives, all while being about an hour from Asheville, NC or Johnson City, TN for urban amenities. 

The area's unique Swiss-themed architecture and community vibe add cultural value, and combined with the location the properties continues to appreciate, year after year, making a purchase here a sound investment. 

Commercial real estate, such as restaurant or inn sites, benefits from the prime tourism traffic, with some parcels offering multi-million-dollar views that enhance resale or development appeal.

The high mountain views in Little Switzerland are among its most captivating features, earning it the moniker "the jewel of the Blue Ridge Parkway."  Situated at approximately 3,400–3,500 feet elevation, the community offers 180-degree to sometimes 360-degree panoramic vistas of deep valleys, rolling ridges, and distant peaks that mirror the dramatic landscapes of the Swiss Alps—hence its name.  These views are accessible right from the heart of the community, such as along NC Highway 226A, Chestnut Grove Church Road, Emerald Mine Road, McKinney Mine Road and any one of the various peaks and knobs that make up the area.

“On all sides, as far as the eye can see, you are surrounded by an incredible dream of misty blessings mountains and green valleys made unbelievably beautiful by the play of sunlight and cloud shadows falling gently upon the Blue Ridge.” 

Nearby attractions amplify the spectacle: Mount Mitchell, visible from many vantage points, towers at 6,684 feet as the East's highest summit, with cooler temperatures and hiking trails offering even more elevated perspectives. Spots like Linville Falls (Milepost 316) and Grandfather Mountain (Milepost 305) provide complementary views of cascading waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and vast forests in the Pisgah National Forest. The area's trails, such as those in Grandfather Mountain State Park, Table Rock, or to Crabtree Falls, reward hikers with sweeping, multi-layered vistas that change with the seasons—from vibrant fall foliage to misty summer greens and crisp winter snowcaps. These views aren't just scenic; they're immersive, often enjoyed from restaurant patios or private home decks, fostering a sense of tranquility and connection to nature that defines the community’s allure.

Whether you are in Little Switzerland or Spruce Pine, every single time you go to the post office, to the grocery store, or to run an errand— you are in fact taking a scenic drive that the majority of people in this world would have to save a lifetime just to come and visit!  

To sum the community up best, one of the founders back in the day said this and it is just as relevant today:  “At the foot of the mountain, you can leave the stresses of your daily lives in the downcountry”— Come talk to us at Foxfire and let us show you how the altitude will improve your attitude— good safe healthy high-mountain clean air every morning from your property at the top of the world!

 

Spruce Pine, NC

Born a train town, raised on mining, gemstones, timber, industry and farming, and rocking out as a popular tourist area due to its central convenience to all the popular destinations in the High Country!

The town started out as a “Hell On Wheels” town being created alongside the ribbons of steel that brought opportunity, commerce and growth prior to good highways being developed for the area.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Spruce Pine, North Carolina, is the largest small town between Asheville and Boone in this area of Western NC. With a population of about 2,221, the town offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and community charm. With a burgeoning economy and a strong index for growth—It is also a place for artists to pour out their art and soul with an inspiration that only these ancient mountains can provide.

Breathtaking views of the most beautiful place on earth bring tourism and inspire coveted retirement havens; and trains, mines, timber, and industry together have made up the economic wealth of this entire region.

Located in Mitchell County, roughly 50 miles northeast of Asheville, Spruce Pine is emerging as an appealing destination for those seeking a peaceful, affordable lifestyle with access to cultural and outdoor riches. Here’s why this “Mineral City” is a fantastic place to live:

A Rich Historical Tapestry

Spruce Pine’s story begins with the Cherokee, who once inhabited the region, followed by European settlers drawn to its resources. Incorporated in 1907, the area that would eventually become the town was originally called “Kim Thickets” (an old English terminology for the forests of Laurel and rhododendron) and was later called “Spruce Pine” on account of a large Spruce Pine that stood near the mail drop at the Old English Inn, a structure which still stands in the towns oldest community, The English Woods. It earned its nickname, “The Mineral City,” from what would become it’s mining heritage.

By the late 19th century, the arrival of the Clinchfield Railroad spurred growth, connecting Spruce Pine to broader markets. The area became a global leader in high-purity quartz mining—essential for glass, ceramics, and today’s tech industry—as well as feldspar and mica. The Great Depression hit hard, but the town rebounded, with mining remaining a backbone.

The Museum of North Carolina Minerals near the Blue Ridge Parkway chronicles this legacy, offering a glimpse into Spruce Pine’s gritty, industrious past.

Remarkably Low Crime

Safety is a hallmark of Spruce Pine. With a crime rate of just 135 per 100,000 residents—94% below the national average—it’s one of the safest towns in America. Violent crime is virtually nonexistent (0 per 1,000), and property crime is minimal (1.35 per 1,000), making it a haven for families and retirees. This security stems from its small, tight-knit community and rural setting, fostering a sense of trust and vigilance among residents.

The Weather

The area experiences a distinct four seasons, without the extremes. You will have a fairly mild climate of mixed variety, except on those rare winter days when the altitude gets the better of our latitude— but for the most part, you will have year round comfort assurance.

Tax Savings and Affordability

Living in Spruce Pine saves money compared to Asheville and other larger cities. Mitchell County’s property tax rate is 0.55%—lower than Buncombe County’s 0.77%. For a $350,000 home, that’s $1,925 annually versus $2,695—a $770 yearly savings!

The cost of living in this area is 12% below the national average!

No state income tax on Social Security and a flat 4.75% rate on other income add to the financial perks, making Spruce Pine a wallet-friendly alternative for Asheville commuters (50 minutes away) or retirees.

Demographics at a Glance

Spruce Pine’s 2,221 residents (2024 estimate) reflect a median age of 42.3, with 58% of adults married and 39% of households with kids under 18. The population is 88.9% White, 11.1% Hispanic or Latino (who may be of any race), and small percentages of other groups.

Median household income is modest at $42,143, with 31% earning under $25,000 and 16% above $150,000, showing economic diversity.

With a population density of 474 per square mile—higher than rural norms, but far below urban levels—Spruce Pine balances community closeness with breathing room.

Major Employers and Healthcare

Major employers for the area, outside of retail and hospitality include Bombardier Motor Corp. of America (makers of Can-Am & Sea-Doo), along with Buck Stove Corporation, Sibelco North America, and the Quartz Corp. USA— all having established their companies and livelihood here amongst all those so fortunate to call this place home, and providing good incomes to nearly 4,000 individuals. In addition, within less that 10 miles, another 4,000+ people are employed at Baxter’s Healthcare and at two major state correctional facilities located just across the county line.

Mining remains a cornerstone, with Sibelco and The Quartz Corp employing hundreds to extract the world’s purest quartz, vital for semiconductors and solar panels.

Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, part of Mission Health, is a key employer and lifeline, offering emergency care, surgery, and specialty services like orthopedics and chemotherapy. Located at 125 Hospital Drive, it’s a critical asset for Spruce Pine and nearby towns, ensuring quality healthcare without a long trek to Asheville. Other sectors, like retail and tourism, also contribute, buoyed by the town’s proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Our brand new state-of-the-art YMCA provides a wellness center featuring top-of-the-line cardio equipment, weight machines, free weights, and an indoor track, as well as an aquatic center featuring pool exercise and play for all ages of children and adults. This facility has an indoor athletic center as well and is central to downtown.

Education and Craft Opportunities

Higher education is accessible via Mayland Community College, with its main campus in Spruce Pine offering associate degrees, certificates, and unique courses in mountain woodcrafts and digital media—perfect for career changers or lifelong learners.

Mayland is a public two-year institution that offers a variety of programs, including associate degrees and certificates. The school has received notable national recognition in various rankings. For instance, it has been listed as the 10th-ranked college among the top 50 community colleges by thebestschools.org, the 32nd-ranked college in the top 50 by Washington Monthly, and the 9th-ranked college in the nation’s top 10 community colleges by Bankrate, Inc

Additionally, it ranks 16th in "Community Colleges in the U.S." according to Create A Career’s Top 25. These accolades suggest that Mayland performs well above the median for community colleges nationally in terms of factors like student success, affordability, and educational quality, though the specific criteria for these rankings vary (e.g., student outcomes, cost, or program quality).

Mayland has a strong college transfer program with articulation agreements to universities like Gardner-Webb University and Milligan College. Its first-year progression rate (69.5% for Fall 2021) and college transfer success rate (80.9% for the 2020-21 cohort) indicate solid student persistence and preparation for further education, which are competitive with or above national norms for similar institutions.

With in-state tuition at $2,561 and out-of-state at $8,705 for the 2020-2021 academic year (per US News), it is significantly less expensive than the national average for public two-year colleges, which the College Board reported as $3,900 for in-state tuition in 2023-2024.

For its nursing program, Mayland’s three-year average NCLEX-RN passing rate is 94%, earning it an "A" grade and placing it above both the North Carolina state average (88.37% for ADN programs) and the national average (typically around 85-87% for ADN programs), highlighting a specific area of excellence.

Mayland ranks above the national average for community colleges in affordability, certain program outcomes (like nursing), and external recognition, though its graduation rate is slightly below average. Its strengths lie in cost-effectiveness, transfer opportunities, and workforce-relevant programs, making it a competitive option within the national landscape of two-year institutions.

The world famous Penland School of Crafts— stands out as one of the nation’s premier and prestigious schools of art with a diverse student body from all over the world, with many famous and talented people attending at various times, for workshops in glass, clay, metals, and more. Its free galleries and resident artist programs enrich the town culturally and economically, inspiring creativity just minutes from downtown.

The East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine Community Service Learning Center (CSLC) in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, is one of eight such facilities operated by the East Carolina University (ECU) School of Dental Medicine. It operates in partnership with Blue Ridge Community Hospital, also in Spruce Pine, and serves the Mayland area, which includes Mitchell, Avery, and Yancey Counties.

Educationally, the center plays a key role in ECU’s dental program. Fourth-year dental students complete nine-week rotations here, gaining hands-on experience under the supervision of faculty, residents, and staff. This aligns with the school’s community-based, service-learning model, which emphasizes practical training in underserved areas. The facility is equipped with 16 chairs and modern clinical and communication technology, linked to ECU’s main campus in Greenville via a videoconferencing network, ensuring students and staff have access to faculty expertise.

The ECU School of Dental Medicine CSLC in Spruce Pine is a vital healthcare and educational hub, addressing regional dental shortages while training future dentists to serve rural communities effectively.

Nearby, Appalachian State University and UNC-Asheville (both about an hour away) expand options.

Unmatched Natural and Cultural Beauty

Spruce Pine sits at 2,559 feet elevation, surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest and 33 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway wraps around the region offering breathtaking vistas.

Downtown’s two main streets—Upper (Oak Avenue) and Lower (Locust Avenue)—blend quaint charm with artistic flair, thanks to galleries like the Toe River Arts Council and public art installations, along with multiple shopping and dining opportunities.

The entire region is known for its national forest and wilderness areas. The North Toe River ribbons through the town, offering world-class canoe and kayaking, along with a high concentration of the largest specimens of our native brook/speckled trout attracting fly-fishermen from all over the US. In addition to this world-class, clear-water angler’s dream, one can enjoy this backwater all the way from Spruce Pine, to the Mississippi on into the Gulf of America.

Also nearby are amazing attractions like Grassy Creek Falls and the Linville Falls delving into the Linville Gorge dazzling hikers as the Grand Canyon of the southeastern United States.

The Penland School of Crafts, just six miles away, elevates the scene with world-class exhibits, cementing Spruce Pine’s status as an arts hub amid stunning mountain scenery.

Festivals That Celebrate Community

Spruce Pine buzzes with festivals that highlight its creative and quirky spirit. The Spruce Pine Alien Festival in June leans into extraterrestrial lore with over 125 vendors selling cosmic crafts, alien decor, and more—an “out-of-this-world” draw for locals and visitors.

The Fire on the Mountain Blacksmith Festival, held the last Saturday in April, showcases master blacksmiths in action, a nod to the area’s craft heritage bolstered by the nearby Penland School of Craft. October brings the Spruce Pine BBQ & Bluegrass Festival at Riverside Park, blending savory eats with toe-tapping tunes, while the NC Mineral and Gem Festival in August celebrates the town’s mining roots with dazzling displays. The Spruce Pine Potters Market, also in October, rounds out the calendar, spotlighting local artisans in a historic textile factory setting.

Why Spruce Pine is a Great Place to Live

Spruce Pine, NC really is the center of it all here in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. The town shines as a place to put down roots. Its affordability—low taxes, cheaper homes, and a modest cost of living—pairs with stunning surroundings, from mountain trails to riverbanks. The crime rate’s rarity offers peace of mind, while festivals and the Penland School infuse vibrancy and culture.

Jobs in mining and healthcare provide stability, and Blue Ridge Regional Hospital ensures care close to home. Education options, from Mayland to Penland, cater to all ages.

The areas surrounding Spruce Pine offer breathtaking views and pristine waters, centered in the highest peaks of the mountains of North Carolina. We are a safe place to adventure and live. With our low taxes, low crime rate, emphasis on freedom, and improving infrastructure we are a place to grow and have opportunity.

People move here to get away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world. Our realm is safe, clean, and still retains a degree of the ancient wild. People desire our beautiful mountain views, and clear pristine waters. Such natural capital as exists here keeps our market strong even during economic downturns.

With a friendly community, outdoor adventures, and a slower pace—yet with Asheville’s and Johnson City’s amenities within reach—Spruce Pine delivers a rich, fulfilling life at a fraction of the cost. It’s a mountain town where history, nature, and opportunity meet, making it an unbeatable spot to thrive.

So… the only thing left for you to do is to call or text Peter Franklin with Foxfire Real Estate at (828) 766-7221, and lets start the conversation on how we are going to get you into the right property at the right price, because we’ve already established that this is the right place to be!