Ashe County Cheese

If there’s one stop that captures the heart of West Jefferson, it’s Ashe County Cheese. As the oldest continuously operating cheese factory in the Carolinas and a beloved community staple since 1930, this small-town landmark has been a cornerstone of Ashe County life for nearly a century. With fresh, locally-made cheese, a window into the cheese-making process, and one of the most iconic photo stops in town, Ashe County Cheese is a must-do for any visit to the High Country. Be sure to check out the pictures below to get a feel for the place before you go — or to relive the visit after.

A Carolina Cheese-Making Tradition

Ashe County Cheese has a story that goes back nearly a century. The factory was established in 1930 by the Kraft Corporation, which operated the plant until 1975. Since then, the facility has changed hands several times, but each owner has maintained the same commitment to quality that earned the factory its reputation in the first place. The current ownership group — based in Wisconsin and bringing serious cheese-making expertise to the mix — has been running the operation since 1994 and has helped Ashe County Cheese continue to thrive as a regional landmark.

Today, the factory remains the oldest continuously operating cheese factory in the Carolinas — and a genuine source of pride for the people of West Jefferson and the wider Ashe County community.

What You’ll Find

A visit to Ashe County Cheese is a layered experience — you can come for a quick cheese run or spend a whole afternoon making the most of the stop:

• The Viewing Room — A window adjacent to the manufacturing facility lets visitors watch the cheese-making process in real time. It’s a great way to connect with the craft behind what’s in the cooler.
• The Cheese Store — Located right across the street, the retail store offers Ashe County Cheese’s full lineup alongside other locally made goods. Cheese curds, blocks, specialty varieties, and gifts are all easy to pick up here.
• The Iconic Cows — The brightly painted, larger-than-life cow sculptures outside the store have become one of the most photographed stops in West Jefferson. Kids love them, and they make for a fun family memory.

A West Jefferson Must-Stop

What makes Ashe County Cheese so worthwhile isn’t just the cheese — it’s how meaningful the place is to the community. The factory employs local residents, supports local dairy operations, and remains a destination that draws visitors from across the region and beyond. You’ll often find Ashe County Cheese products in grocery stores throughout North Carolina, but stopping by the factory itself is a different kind of experience — the kind that gives you a story to tell when you bring the cheese home.

Our family’s particular favorite? The cheese curds. Fresh, squeaky, and worth the trip on their own.

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Resources

Ashe County Cheese Website

Ashe County Cheese Facebook

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Location

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Social Media

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