Arts & Culture

The Old marshall jail is an arts & history hotel celebrating the creative spirit of Marshall, NC


Appalachian Ballad Swaps at Zadie’s Market

Zadie’s Market, Every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 6-8 pm

Ballad Swaps nights at the Old Marshall Jail offer the rare opportunity for visitors to experience Appalachian folk music in person, while enjoying a cold beverage and a great meal. We are lucky to have several talented ballad singers here in Marshall, including our very own Donna Ray Norton at the Old Marshall Jail, who’s flock of songbirds host a traditional Ballad Swap right here on our downstairs patio. The tradition of Appalachian ballad singing is a vital part of the cultural identity of the Appalachian people.  Originating from the Irish and British folk ballads of early settlers, ballads are passed down through generations, with each rendition carrying the unique interpretations and nuances of the singer.  A uniquely special form of Appalachian heritage that lives through those who seek to preserve the integrity of musical heritage, tradition, and storytelling through the art of song.  


Josh Copus Pottery

Josh Copus is the co-owner of the Old Marshall Jail Hotel and Zadies Market. He is a ceramic artist and creative entrepreneur who is featured in galleries throughout the United States, including Blue Spiral in Asheville. He makes most of his pottery in a woodfire kiln in Walnut, about 10 minutes from the Old Marshall Jail. His large sculptural vessels, tiles and functional tablewares are showcased throughout the building and available for purchase. Josh is also an accomplished welder who created many of the custom sconces and railings you see throughout the building.

Featured Photography

 

Explore Marshall

 

Photograph by Baxter Miller from Our State Mag, “A Storied Stay at the Old Marshall Jail” by Ryan Stancil

Marshall, North Carolina

The town of Marshall is rich in history, arts and scenery. A small Appalachian town dedicated to cultivating a creative community while preserving its roots.

Downtown is home to family-owned storefronts, art galleries, unique shops and gift stores, restaurants with local fare, a Sunday afternoon farmers market on the island, and more.

Marshall hosts several popular regional festivities throughout the year, like the Annual Mermaid Parade, Marshall Gras, and monthly Third Thursday crawls. Visitors can browse the several galleries downtown, or explore the classes, exhibits, shows and concerts offered throughout the year, often centered on mountain culture.

The Old Marshall Jail sits at the heart of downtown Marshall, NC. Walking distance to all downtown has to offer. Step outside the front door and look to the right to see the historic courthouse designed by Richard Sharpe Smith, who also contributed to the design of the Biltmore Estate. To our left, guests will find unparalleled views of the French Broad River as it flows north to the Tennessee border.

 

Mad Co Brewing - Locally owned brewer, taproom, and pizza kitchen with river views and small bites

Main Street Cafe - Quaint cafe with classic breakfast and lunch options and outdoor seating

Mal’s Bar - Casual and cool local bar with beer, wine, and non-alchoholic options, pool table, and live music events

Madison Natural Foods Market - Small local grocer and market with a selection of organic food options, locally grown produce and grab and go options.

Dining and Drinking

Zadie’s Market - Our bar and restaurant located on the main level, serving lunch, dinner, and brunch Wednesday-Sunday.

Zuma Coffee - Favorite local cafe and coffee shop, serving breakfast and lunch with daily specials.

Ivy & the Poet - Local bakery with a selection of fresh baked goods and pastries

Star Diner - Upscale American dining for dinner and brunch, reservations recommended

Sweet Monkey - Local caterer’s brick-and-mortar location

 

Arts & artists

Madison County is home to many artists in the Western North Carolina region. The Madison County Arts Council is located downtown and a great resource to discover many local artists.

Blannahasset Island & Marshall High Studios is located aross the bridge, a beautiful park, playground and half-mile nature trail with great views of the river. Marshall High Studios sits in the center of the island, and although it’s not open to the public, the space sometimes hosts open house events for a chance to peek inside the studios of many local makers.

Flow Arts on Main Street is a local artist owned shop, studio and cooperative that has rotating artists-in-house.

Local Artists include:

  • Lainard Bush

  • Susan McChesney

  • Martha Skinner

  • Josh Copus

  • Rob Amberg

  • Tim Barnwell

  • Azule (Hot Springs)

    (And many more…)

 

Downtown Shops

  • Penland & Sons

  • Flow Arts

  • Of Wand and Earth

  • Carolina Flowers

  • Main Street Comics & Games

  • Modern Off-Grid Store

  • Madison Natural Foods Market

Outdoors and Adventure

French Broad Adventures - Adventures on the river! French Broad Adventures offers guided rafting trips, kayaks, ziplining, and canyoneering expeditions that will be fun for the whole crew. Book in advance. Old Marshall Jail Hotel guests get 10% off when they book online or over the phone.

Sandy Bottom Trail Rides - Explore the high country on horseback. Sandy Bottom offers guided horseback rides along picturesque trails on a private, family-owned ranch.

NEARBY HIKES

  • Laurel River Trail

  • Rich Mountain Fire Tower

  • Shelton Laurel Backcountry

  • Max Patch

  • Paint Rock

  • Bailey’s Mountain Preserve

Spa & Hot Springs

Spa at Capitola Mill - Luxurious spa & sauna house in downtown Marshall, right across the bridge inside the historic and beautifully renovated Capitola Mill. The Spa offers a range of modalities and services in massage, facials & esthetics, reflexology, and bathhouse sauna sessions.

Hot Springs Resort & Spa - A wonderful way to unwind amidst the beauty of Western NC, book an hour at Hot Springs in one of their outdoor hot tubs supplied with natural mineral water directly from underground springs. Located in Hot Springs, NC - about a 20 minute drive from downtown Marshall.