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Even near-neighbors have been known to have trouble finding
us. Here's a bit of driving advice, as well as a few maps.
If you're coming from far away, check Map
1 first for a rough idea of where we are. Ashe County is a
fairly remote area in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina,
bordering both Tennessee and Virginia. Those of you traveling by
air should note that the nearest major airports are in Greensboro
and Charlotte, each some 2 to 2.5 hours away by car (Greensboro
being slightly closer).
Here in Jefferson we are about an hour away from the nearest
interstate highway. Good "access points" are Wytheville, VA;
Bristol, TN/VA; and Charlotte and Winston-Salem, NC. Maps 1 and 2 show the
best roads to use from these and a few other cities. In the
winter our roads are frequently slick, so we recommend checking
on conditions a day ahead of time. We may be able recommend a
different route if the weather is iffy. Under ordinary
circumstances, the routes listed below are best.
From Tennessee
Via either Bristol (on US 421) or Johnson City (on I-181, US 321
and TN 67), get to Mountain City, TN. From US 421 South, take a
left onto TN 167 and proceed until it intersects in North
Carolina (now under the name Big Laurel Road) with NC 88. Take a
left onto 88 East and follow it to McFarland. Be alert as you
enter the Smethport community; 88 forks left (don't miss the
turn!). McFarland's main office is on the left, about .65 miles
farther.
From Virginia
At Wytheville, VA (a handy access point because two interstates,
81 and 77, meet here), take US 21 South to Independence and turn
right onto US 58 West. Proceed to the crossroads of Mouth of
Wilson and turn left onto Hwy 16, which goes straight to
Jefferson, NC. At the intersection of 16/221 and NC 88, turn
right onto 88 West/221 South. Follow 88 when after .9 miles it
veers right at a large shopping center featuring a Food Lion, a
Roses store and a Hardee's. Afterward go through one stoplight,
then proceed .9 miles on 88 to McFarland. The main office is on
the right.
From South and East
Get to the intersection of Interstate 77 and US 421. Follow 421
North through Wilkesboro. After eventually cresting a mountain
and passing beneath the Blue Ridge Parkway, turn right (at a
stoplight) onto US 221 North. About 13 miles later, at the third
stoplight you will have encountered on 221, turn left onto Long
Street, which will end after a block with a Shell gas station on
your right. Turn right, then take the first left at the stoplight
onto NC 88 West (don't be confused by a green street sign
referring to "Old Hwy 16"). Go .9 miles to McFarland. The main
office is on the right.
The Building
Our smallish white sign at the road is easy to miss, so watch
carefully. Parking is tight, but there are two designated visitor
spaces at the near end of the building. The main entrance, marked
by a large stone sculpture, is on the downhill side of the
building. Come right on in. If we don't notice you right away,
just ring the bell in the lobby.
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Map 1 (click to enlarge)
Map 2 (click to enlarge)
Map 3 (click to enlarge)
The Street Address
960 NC Highway 88 West
Jefferson, NC 28640
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