Ok, to be honest, no one really wants to live underground. But sometimes it is nice to step away from the world for a bit and enter into a land of darkness, (some) solitude, and otherworldly creations. Maybe you’re seeking a drink, a new experience, or getting lucky by mining for gold…either way, these nine unique attractions make ‘below ground’ pretty cool.
- The Underground Pub, Tarboro
Yelp / Kevin C. This cellar-style pub has a wide selection of rotating NC and European drafts. They also serve up some delicious bar food - try the nachos!
- Reed Gold Mine, Midland
Flickr / Neal Wellons For a mere two dollar entry fee you can explore where the first commercial gold find took place in America.
- Thirsty Monk, Asheville
WNC Beer Guide Located in the heart of downtown Asheville you’ll find the original Thirsty Monk. This is one of the best bars in North Carolina. But head downstairs to the Belgian Bar in the basement. The atmosphere is rustic with stone walls and leather couches. You’ll find yourself enjoying a beer or three, the downstairs bar has 18 Belgian, European, and rare beers on draught.
- Linville Caverns, Marion
Flickr / Demonicuss Once you enter Linville Caverns you’ll be quite possibly convinced you’ve entered a whole other world. It is true that all of this lies just below our feet, well, deep within Humpback Mountain. The limestone formations are quite jaw dropping. Linville Caverns takes you straight out of North Carolina and into a maze of dark tunnels with otherworldly rock formations. Linville Caverns is also home to blind trout that live in the small streams.
- Boone’s Cave State Park
State Parks While not so much underground, you’ll feel away from the world inside Daniel Boone’s former hiding place at this State Park. Bonus: it overlooks the Yadkin River, so maybe you won’t want to stay “underground” forever.
- North Carolina Aquariums, multiple locations
Flickr / Mandie Not so much ‘underground’ but still away from the world (and daylight) you enter into an underwater dreamland.
- Asheville Salt Cave
Asheville Salt Cave The Asheville Salt Cave is a place you definitely won’t want to leave! This unique spa offers relaxing treatments in a truly innovative environment. The micro-climate within the cave allows your body to slip into endless relaxation and rejuvenation.
- The Wine Vault, Charlotte
Flickr / Jim W. Near UNCC you’ll find The Wine Vault. While you’d frequently sit outside on a nice day, or even inside, if you find the staircase near the wine it leads you downstairs to a whole room filled with plush couches and chairs to lounge on.
- Fox Liquor Bar, Raleigh
Yelp / Shane K. I mean, why wouldn’t you want to stay forever at this chic liquor bar with the hottest craft cocktails in town? They also have cheeseboards and a variety of meat to snack on.
Where are your favorite underground places in North Carolina? Tell us in the comments!
Yelp / Kevin C.
This cellar-style pub has a wide selection of rotating NC and European drafts. They also serve up some delicious bar food - try the nachos!
Flickr / Neal Wellons
For a mere two dollar entry fee you can explore where the first commercial gold find took place in America.
WNC Beer Guide
Located in the heart of downtown Asheville you’ll find the original Thirsty Monk. This is one of the best bars in North Carolina. But head downstairs to the Belgian Bar in the basement. The atmosphere is rustic with stone walls and leather couches. You’ll find yourself enjoying a beer or three, the downstairs bar has 18 Belgian, European, and rare beers on draught.
Flickr / Demonicuss
Once you enter Linville Caverns you’ll be quite possibly convinced you’ve entered a whole other world. It is true that all of this lies just below our feet, well, deep within Humpback Mountain. The limestone formations are quite jaw dropping. Linville Caverns takes you straight out of North Carolina and into a maze of dark tunnels with otherworldly rock formations. Linville Caverns is also home to blind trout that live in the small streams.
State Parks
While not so much underground, you’ll feel away from the world inside Daniel Boone’s former hiding place at this State Park. Bonus: it overlooks the Yadkin River, so maybe you won’t want to stay “underground” forever.
Flickr / Mandie
Not so much ‘underground’ but still away from the world (and daylight) you enter into an underwater dreamland.
Asheville Salt Cave
The Asheville Salt Cave is a place you definitely won’t want to leave! This unique spa offers relaxing treatments in a truly innovative environment. The micro-climate within the cave allows your body to slip into endless relaxation and rejuvenation.
Flickr / Jim W.
Near UNCC you’ll find The Wine Vault. While you’d frequently sit outside on a nice day, or even inside, if you find the staircase near the wine it leads you downstairs to a whole room filled with plush couches and chairs to lounge on.
Yelp / Shane K.
I mean, why wouldn’t you want to stay forever at this chic liquor bar with the hottest craft cocktails in town? They also have cheeseboards and a variety of meat to snack on.
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