Tubing south of asheville. Where was I?

I took a backroad from Asheville to Atlanta and happened to drive through a tourist destination. There was a small creek that ran through town. I stopped and did some tubing. I remember a spot beside the creek that had a bunch of sneakers tied to a fence. I guess these were shoes lost by tubers?
There was an old stone mill in town that still ground flour.
I recall the town might have had German architecture in their tourist area.
I've traveled so many places they run together.
I'd like to go back, but I've no idea where I was.
Anyone?
Thanks.