Jefferson, NC

united states

Jefferson is a small mountain town in northwestern North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, sitting at 3,000 feet elevation as Ashe County's seat. US Highway 221 runs right through town, connecting north to Virginia and south to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Highway 88 brings visitors from Winston-Salem, while Highway 16 comes up from Wilkesboro. The town serves as a base for exploring Mount Jefferson State Natural Area and the ancient New River. The red brick courthouse from 1904 dominates the town square with its distinctive clock tower.