This weeks Cruising the Carolinas trip takes riders deep into Yancey and Mitchell Counties in the High Country Loop.

Start off by heading towards Burnsville from Asheville, taking I-26 towards Mars Hill and getting off on US-19.  Head east towards Burnsville and continue onward to the town of Spruce Pine.  Once in Spruce Pine, take NC-226 north to Bakersville, the Seat of Mitchell County.  Take US-226 into Bakersville and then continue on the road and head towards the community of Loafers Glory.

Just before reaching Loafers Glory, you will turn left onto NC-80 and head south.  Eventually NC-80 will make its way back to 19E near the Micaville/Newdale communities. Turn right onto US 19E and head back towards Burnsville, completing the loop.

Always follow local traffic laws and speed limits

Throughout this route, you will see several quilt pattern blocks hanging on everything from government buildings to derelict barns.  This is part of the Quilt Trails of Western North Carolina program which can be found through both Mitchell and Yancey Counties.  Each square is unique and exhibits the rich tradition of quilting in the region.  For more information, as well as maps of the location of all quilt blocks, go to their website at www.quilttrailswnc.org

Burnsville is a small town full of rich history and attractions, be sure to take a break in its downtown area and take in the sights and sounds.  A large park square in the heart of town provides visitors with a panoramic views of many of  the towns buildings, quilt squares, and murals.

The town of Spruce Pine has several attractions to view along the trip.  The town is home to author Gloria Houston, who wrote The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree.  There is an entire store dedicated to this story located downtown.  Spruce Pine is also home to several feldspar and mica operations within its mining district and plays a crucial role in the development of computer chips on a global scale.  Located south of town on the Blue Ridge Parkway lies the Museum of North Carolina Minerals,

The Mitchell County Seat of Bakersville is a small town nestled up in the mountains with a lot of history.  Visitors can see the old Mitchell County Courthouse or take a walking trail through the area.  Either way, Bakersville is a very photogenic little town and there are several chances for a great picture.

For a panoramic view of downtown Bakersville, head just north on NC-261 (head straight when you make a sharp left and continue on NC-226 just past the courthouse)  and then turn left onto Long View Drive and take the road up to the new Mitchell County Courthouse and other government services.  In the parking lot, you get a panoramic view of Bakersville with the Appalachian Mountains as a fitting backdrop.

In 2002, a fire broke out at the Mitchell County jail in Bakersville, resulting in the death of 8 inmates.  The jail site has now been turned into a memorial to those lost with a marker and a garden.  The location is just behind the old Mitchell County Courthouse.

Instead of turning onto NC-80 in Loafers Glory, if you proceed straight you will come to the old Cane Creek Mill.  A grist mill located just off the side of Cane Creek.  The road is narrow here but if you were to turn off onto Toecane Road you can get a good view of the mill from the other side of the creek.

Another grist mill in the area is the Dellingers Grist Mill in Hawk, NC.   Located four miles east of Bakersville on Cane Creek Road, this grist mill is one of the oldest operating mills in the state and is open for tours every third Saturday during the months of May through September.

Also for those with the camera, there are several little churches dotting the countryside along NC-80 as you head back towards Burnsville most are very photogenic in nature.