Location: Saluda
Top Things to do in Saluda
Countries
What to do and see in Saluda, North Carolina (NC): The Best Free Things to do
Saluda is a city Polk and Henderson counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The population was 713 at the 2010 census. Saluda is famous for sitting at the top of the Norfolk Southern Railway's Saluda Grade, which was the steepest main line standard-gauge railway line in the United States until Norfolk Southern ceased operations on the line in 2001. Saluda is close to the South Carolina state line, between Asheville, North Carolina, and Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Restaurants in Saluda
1. Salamander
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Carreth
I’ve been shopping at Salamander since they opened. I love it. I can find the most unique gifts here. The energy in the place is so peaceful. The owners are delightful. I hope I can shop here for years to come
2. Heartwood Contemporary Crafts Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By SusanJ773
This gallery offers a fine selection of unique and handmade gifts ranging from jewelry to turned wooden bowls. I can always fine that perfect gift here.
3. Somewhere in Time
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By nkimperial - Franklin, United States
After dinner we walked to this store for some delicious ice cream. They have lots of varieties to chose from. We have had ice cream here before on a trip to Saluda. They don't have many places to sit, however, just a couple stores away the is a little park between two buildings where you can sit. It also is a gift shop.
4. Thompson's Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By R4199DRrichardd - Asheville, United States
This experience will thrill anyone looking for a nostalgic trip filled with items from the past and present. The staff in the store were friendly and helpful.
5. Saluda Historic Depot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
The Saluda Historic Depot was built in 1903 by Southern Railway to serve the passengers on the Spartanburg to Asheville route. Moved to its current Main St. location in 1985 and serving as retail space until 2015, when it was purchased for an organization to create a train and heritage museum. The Saluda Grade is the steepest, standard gauge, mainline railroad in the country. You will see train memorabilia, interactive diorama models of the trains that traveled this route, and a diorama of 3 miles of the Saluda Grade. Historical photos and artifacts about the town's beginnings are displayed and there are monthly storytelling and art exhibits held in the depot. The Visitor's Center and Gift Shop include area information and souvenirs, books, unique gifts, t-shirts, and more. Free admission and donations are appreciated.
Reviewed By Cassara - Charlotte, United States
The depot has been beautifully restored and it offers an interesting history about Saluda. There are short films, dioramas and other relics of the train economy of the town. It’s free and the whole visit can take about 30 minutes. If you are walking around Saluda, drop in.
6. M. A. Pace General Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Mommytofive
Wonderful stop at this store and chatting with the elderly gentleman who runs it. He took time to pull out an old "history" book of the area and showed us how this is the REAL oldest store in the state. Definitely worth a visit! We bought some farm fresh eggs and cooked them over the fire at our camp.
7. Big Bradley falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By jhornerdvm - Franklin, United States
The Little Bradley falls is beautiful as well and quite large. It is about 1.1 mile hike from the road opposite of the Big Bradley entrance. This past spring there was a lot of flooding and slides with down trees. The hike is still very doable. Follow the red dot markers on trees along the trail The trail starts uphill to the left. The lower trail dies out about 1/4 mile in, due to debris and down trees. Just take your time and stay away from the edges where you can. There are 2 water crossings, one is likely to get wet, so water shoes are helpful.
