5 Can’t-Miss Sights & Experiences Around Mill Spring
Bright’s Creek, just outside of Mill Spring NC, offers a peaceful mountain oasis experience while being within reach of amazing local spots, charming towns, and convenient resources. Just minutes from our gates, you’ll discover everything you need — markets, shops, entertainment, and so much more. Whether you’re searching for farm-fresh seasonal produce, supplies for your next project, or an eatery with lots of local flair, you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s our local’s guide to the Mill Spring area, just outside of beautiful Bright’s Creek.
1. Shop for Local Meat, Fresh Produce, and Artisan Cheese
Drive time from Mill Spring, NC: Less than 15 minutes
Open all year round, the local gem known as Mill Spring Farm Store features a great selection of dairy, produce, meat, breads, baked goods, cheese, jams and honey, snacks, and even frozen prepared foods. Conveniently located near local wineries and Lake Lure, it’s the perfect place to stock up on groceries. With almost a 5-star rating online, it’s truly a local favorite that can’t be missed.
2. Explore the Area’s Best Wineries and Breweries
Drive time from Mill Spring, NC: 7-40 minutes
Just about 7 minutes up the road sits Parker-Binns Vineyard, a stunning 40-acre winery located in the Tryon Foothills. This family-owned winery features amazing reds, whites, rosés, and more unique blends you won’t want to miss. With fun events, live music, food trucks, and more so close to Bright’s Creek, Parker-Binns is practically your own personal wine retreat.
About 11 minutes from Mill Spring, you’ll find another amazing winery — Overmountain Vineyards located in Tryon. Discover French-style wines made primarily from estate-grown fruit on their 70-acre family-run farm. Come enjoy a picnic lunch and discover their 5 varieties of local grapes planted right onsite. With stunning scenery and amazing wines, it’s the perfect adults-only adventure just minutes away from Bright’s Creek.
The area is also brimming with breweries! Just about a 20-minute drive from Bright’s Creek is Iron Key Brewing Co. in Columbus. Formerly a state prison from the 1930s, this unique space houses tons of history, in addition to amazing craft beers, wine, and food.
Some of the nation’s most beloved breweries are also in the area! Renowned Sierra Nevada has a taproom about 40 minutes from Bright’s Creek, with a back porch that offers food and 20 beers on tap. Enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, and so much more at this famed Mills River destination.
Finally, Highland Brewing, an Asheville favorite since 1994, sits just about an hour’s drive from Bright’s Creek. Take a taproom tour and enjoy an array of food and beer options in their unique and lively space.
3. Experience History & Community at the Mill Spring Ag Center
Drive time from Mill Spring, NC: Less than 15 minutes
Built in 1921, this 41,000 sq. ft. former schoolhouse is now a multi–purpose space offering an array of unique amenities. Whether you’re looking to rent an auditorium space for an event, need a new office space equipped with WiFi, are in the market for an art studio space, want to connect with the community, or just want to explore a local landmark, the Mill Spring Ag Center is definitely worth a visit. It’s the perfect escape for artists, farmers, and entrepreneurs alike.
4. Bring Your Projects to Life with Help from the Local Hardware Store
Drive time from Mill Spring, NC: Less than 20 minutes
Red Mountain Trading Post is a local gem stocked with everything you’ll need for both large DIY undertakings and small projects. This favorite “mom-and-pop” hardware store has a helpful community feel you just won’t find at big-box chains. Beyond tools and supplies, you’ll even find seasonal plants, local treats, decor, and more.
5. Enjoy Family-Friendly Equestrian Entertainment
Drive time from Mill Spring, NC: 20 minutes
Horse enthusiasts who appreciate our intimate on-site equestrian center can further indulge their love of all things equestrian at the popular Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort.
Located in the Blue Ridge Foothills of Mill Spring, this social hub features horse shows, live music, family-friendly events, competitions, shopping, and more. With on-site dining options from sushi and BBQ to Italian and Mexican food, there’s truly something for everyone to love.
If you thought mountain living was too remote or too far from life’s necessities, that’s certainly not the case at beautiful Bright’s Creek.
Ready to explore both our on-site amenities (our NEW amenity center will feature a grab-and-go market) and all of the local gems just outside of our gates? To learn more about available real estate and club memberships at Bright’s Creek, contact us today.
