Harmony North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Harmony, North Carolina.
1. Hunting Creek Preserve
NATURE AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Hunting Creek Preserve is a natural sanctuary offering visitors a peaceful retreat in Harmony. Visitors can explore trails that wind through diverse ecosystems and observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. The preserve provides an excellent opportunity for nature photography, bird watching, and outdoor education.
2. Taproot Artisans
LOCAL ART AND CRAFTS
Taproot Artisans showcases the work of local craftspeople and artists in the heart of Harmony. The gallery features a variety of handmade goods, from pottery and textiles to woodwork and jewelry. Visitors can often meet the artists, learn about traditional crafting techniques, and purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
3. Turkeyfoot LLC
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES AND RECREATION
Turkeyfoot LLC offers guided outdoor adventures and recreational activities in the Harmony area. Visitors can participate in activities such as fishing excursions, hunting trips, and nature tours led by experienced local guides. The company specializes in providing authentic North Carolina outdoor experiences while emphasizing conservation and respect for natural resources.
4. Lake Norman
LARGEST MAN-MADE LAKE
Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in North Carolina, located just a short drive from Harmony. The lake offers 520 miles of shoreline with abundant opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports. Visitors can rent equipment, take sailing lessons, or simply relax on the shore while enjoying scenic views of the water.
5. Hiddenite Gems Emerald Hollow Mine
AMERICA'S ONLY PUBLIC MINE
Hiddenite Gems Emerald Hollow Mine is America's only public emerald mine and is located near Harmony in Hiddenite. Visitors can try their hand at gem mining through sluicing, creeking, or digging in the authentic working mine. The facility also offers gem cutting and jewelry making services to transform your discoveries into lasting keepsakes.
6. Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery
TUSCAN-STYLE WINE EXPERIENCE
Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery offers a taste of Tuscany in the foothills of North Carolina's Yadkin Valley. The winery features Italian-style wines produced from their own vineyards, served in a stunning villa with panoramic mountain views. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings, seasonal events, and picnics on the grounds while learning about the winemaking process.
7. Lazy 5 Ranch
EXOTIC ANIMAL SAFARI
Lazy 5 Ranch is a unique drive-through safari park featuring over 750 animals from six continents. Visitors can observe exotic and domestic animals up close from their own vehicle or on a horse-drawn wagon ride through the 3.5-mile scenic trail. The ranch also includes a petting zoo area where children can interact with friendly farm animals and learn about wildlife conservation.
8. Divine Llama Vineyards
WINE AND LLAMA TREKS
Divine Llama Vineyards combines wine tasting with the unique experience of llama trekking in the scenic Yadkin Valley. Visitors can sample award-winning wines in a rustic tasting room overlooking the picturesque vineyard and llama farm. The vineyard offers special llama trek events where guests can hike with these gentle animals through the countryside before returning for a wine tasting session.
9. GoPro Motorplex
PROFESSIONAL KARTING EXPERIENCE
GoPro Motorplex offers a professional karting experience on a track modeled after the famous Kartdromo Parma circuit in Italy. Visitors can race high-performance rental karts at speeds up to 55 mph on the 0.7-mile, 11-turn concrete track. The facility also hosts competitive racing leagues, corporate events, and provides a glimpse into the motorsports culture that defines the region.
10. Fort Dobbs State Historic Site
COLONIAL MILITARY HISTORY
Fort Dobbs State Historic Site preserves North Carolina's only frontier fort from the French and Indian War period. Visitors can explore the reconstructed fort, view archaeological exhibits, and learn about 18th-century colonial life through interpretive displays. The site hosts regular living history demonstrations, military reenactments, and educational programs that bring the past to life.
11. Elkin Creek Vineyard and Winery
HISTORIC MILL VINEYARD
Elkin Creek Vineyard and Winery is set on a historic property featuring a restored grist mill and creek-side setting in the Yadkin Valley. Visitors can sample handcrafted wines in the rustic tasting room or on the patio overlooking the picturesque creek. The winery is famous for its Sunday brick oven pizza days, where fresh artisanal pizzas are paired with their estate-grown wines.
12. River Park at Cooleemee Falls
THE BULLHOLE SWIMMING SPOT
River Park at Cooleemee Falls, locally known as 'The Bullhole,' offers a natural swimming area along the South Yadkin River. Visitors can swim in the clear pools formed by a small dam, sunbathe on large rock formations, or fish in the river. The park features picnic facilities, hiking trails, and a scenic overlook perfect for observing the waterfall and surrounding natural beauty.
13. RayLen Vineyards
AWARD-WINNING YADKIN WINES
RayLen Vineyards produces award-winning wines from its 35-acre vineyard in the heart of North Carolina's Yadkin Valley. Visitors can enjoy tastings of their European-style wines in a spacious tasting room with panoramic views of the vineyards and surrounding countryside. The winery hosts regular events including harvest festivals, food pairings, and live music performances throughout the year.
14. Antique Mall of the Foothills
VINTAGE SHOPPING DESTINATION
Antique Mall of the Foothills houses a vast collection of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items from dozens of different vendors. Shoppers can explore room after room of treasures including furniture, glassware, jewelry, toys, and architectural salvage pieces. The mall attracts both serious collectors and casual browsers looking for unique pieces with history and character.
15. Shadow Springs Vineyard
FAMILY-OWNED BOUTIQUE WINERY
Shadow Springs Vineyard is a family-owned boutique winery producing small-batch wines in the Yadkin Valley. Visitors can sample their range of red, white, and sweet wines in a modern tasting room overlooking the vineyards and Blue Ridge Mountains. The vineyard offers a relaxed atmosphere with a covered patio, fire pit, and regular events including live music and seasonal celebrations.