With only about 800 residents, Marshall is a picture-perfect walkable town with quaint shops and delicious, unforgettable restaurants. Wrapped in a gorgeous backdrop of mountains on the banks of the old French Broad River, Madison’s county seat is rich in history and culture, bringing lots of visitors to this unique city. Let’s see why this small town in North Carolina is the perfect day trip destination.

As you can see, the town of Marshall is tucked in between some of the most accessible resources for outdoor activities.
Downtown Marshall, NC/Facebook
But today we're featuring Main Street, the most walkable stretch for shopping and exploring.
David Wilson, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Day or night, this is a magical place.
Downtown Marshall, NC/Facebook
1. Breakfast
Zuma Coffee, 7 N Main St, Marshall, NC 28753, USA
Zuma Coffee & Provisions/Facebook
For great drinks and comfort food, start your day off with a hot drink or fortifying smoothie at Zuma Coffee & Provisions.
A bold espresso and a lemon bar will do the trick.
Zuma Coffee & Provisions/Facebook
2. Tattoo
Natural Canvas Tattoo, 73 S Main St, Marshall, NC 28753, USA
Natural Canvas Tattoo/Facebook
And next, you guessed correctly, it's tattoo time at Natural Canvas Tattoo.
Bring a friend or family member and have some beauty designed on your skin by very talented artists.
Natural Canvas Tattoo/Facebook
This cool space contains a podcast studio, a book/record library, and a jam room.
3. Spiritual Adventures
Of Wand & Earth, 20 S Main St, Marshall, NC 28753, USA
Of Wand & Earth/Facebook
You'll want to shake off the sting and maybe do a little soul-searching at Of Wand & Earth, offering a few businesses under one roof, including Haninah Healing.
This metaphysical store's generous inventory features crystals, readings, herbal apothecary, and books to name a few.
Of Wand & Earth/Facebook
Get a hot cup of tea at Two Brooms Teahouse, also located inside the store.
4. Game Time
Main Street Comics and Games, 82 S Main St, Marshall, NC 28753, USA
Main Street Games & Comics/Facebook
Next up is Main Street Games & Comics, a comic bookstore, game room, and hobby shop all in one.
Challenge your opponents to some of the most fun games on the market.
Main Street Comics and Games/Facebook
And for you collectors, check out the classic comic books while you're there.
5. Lunch
Star Diner, 115 N Main St, Marshall, NC 28753, USA
Star Diner/Facebook
It's time for lunch and the picturesque Star Diner is cooking up something spectacular.
This vintage eatery was established in 2017 in a refurbished old Gulf station.
Star Diner/Facebook
While there are many choices on the menu, this blackened catfish po' boy is pretty spectacular.

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6. Art
Flow, 14 S Main St, Marshall, NC 28753, USA
FlowMarshall/Facebook
Walk off the meal at Flow, an artist-owned gallery featuring a community of skilled Western North Carolina makers.
Here you'll find distinctive handmade arts and crafts, including this one-of-a-kind rocking chair.
FlowMarshall/Facebook
7. Classic Department Store
Penland & Sons Department Store, 50 S Main St, Marshall, NC 28753, USA
Penland & Son's Department Store/Facebook
Penland & Son's Department Store is a century-old third-generation wonderland.
If you can't find it here, you won't find it anywhere.
Penland & Son's Department Store/Facebook
With names like Carhartt, Kavu, and Redwing; locally made candles, pottery, jewelry, and art; jams; old-fashioned candy; and books about Madison County, this truly is a general store.
8. Vintage Fun
French Broad Exchange, 63 S Main St, Marshall, NC 28753, USA
Warren LeMay from Cincinnati, OH, United States, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Aptly located inside the old French Broad Masonic Lodge building, French Broad Exchange sells an eclectic selection of used books, music, and vintage clothing.
Half of the fun is the find here, as you're bound to stumble on the most exciting and interesting items you won't live without.
French Broad Exchange
9. Grocery Shopping
Madison Natural Foods, 101 N Main St, Marshall, NC 28753, USA
Madison Natural Foods/Facebook
Buy something to take home at Madison Natural Foods, a family-owned grocery store.
You'll be impressed with the large selection of locally sourced natural and organic groceries, produce, fresh bread, body care, and supplements.
Madison Natural Foods/Facebook
You might even learn a few things about improving your health.
10. Dinner
Mad Co. Brew House, 45 N Main St, Marshall, NC 28753, USA
Mad Co. Brew House/Facebook
You've earned some dinner with all this perusing at Mad Co. Brew House, the county's first brewery.
Doesn't the aroma of this fresh-baked pie make you want to run over there and order one with a brewski?
Mad Co. Brew House/Facebook
11. Dessert To Go
The Sweet Monkey, 133 S Main St #105, Marshall, NC 28753, USA
Downtown Marshall, NC/Facebook
And on your way out, drop into The Sweet Monkey Cafe & Bakery for a souvenir.
Yes, one of these cakes should satisfy that sweet tooth and leave you with fond memories of your trip to Marshall.
The Sweet Monkey
A celebration is usually taking place around every corner because this is truly a happy place.
Downtown Marshall, NC/Facebook
And don't forget a return visit to this fabulous city.
Downtown Marshall, NC/Facebook

Are you ready to explore this interesting walkable town? And if you spend the night, experience the history on the French Broad River at the Old Marshall Jail Hotel. If you visit Marshall, please tell us about your experience in the comments below.

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Marshall, NC 28753, USA