The beautiful mountain town of Boone NC makes an excellent base for exploring the North Carolina High Country. Outdoor activities, undeniably stunning views, great dining and the friendliest locals make it a pleasure to Visit Boone NC. In winter, skiing and snow experiences are popular, while balmy summers welcome holidaymakers looking for a sunny place to enjoy the great outdoors. Spring and autumn also put on impressive shows of beauty, making any season a good reason to book a trip.
Below you will find the most comprehensive guide to the Boone NC / High Country area out there, including:
- Brief History Of The Area
- General Things To Do
- Info And Stats
- Important Area Links
- Top Articles On Charleston SC
- Area Musts and Recommendations
- Our Top 5 Picks
- Visit Boone NC-The Undoubtedly Best Weekend Itinerary
- Article Archives
The History of Boone NC
Boone, NC, was named in 1894 after the explorer Daniel Boone who loved to take hunting trips there. Before that, it was simply known as Councill’s Store after the local post office. It’s still there with its original mailboxes and on the National Register of Historic Places.
What To See And Do In Boone and the North Carolina High Country
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for unquestionably gorgeous scenery that often pulls you to the side of the road for photos. The High Country has the highest elevations in the state, so the views are dramatic.
Take a stroll along King Street in detail to the Jones House Cultural Center for a map of the historic downtown Boone NC, walking tour. The 1.3-mile loop will take you past an old jail that is now a restaurant, the courthouse, the Daniel Boone monument, and many other interesting landmarks.
The campus of Appalachian State sits on 500 acres and has significantly beautiful gardens and historic buildings. Similarly, the buzz of the students is part of what gives Boone its lively atmosphere.
Furthermore, blowing Rock National Park is home to a massive cliff that hangs over Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below. Besides seeing the iconic rock, you are rewarded with an epic hike with gorgeous scenery. Hence, Visit Boone NC, to witness the many hikes in the area for all fitness levels.
Head to Beech and Sugar Mountain in winter and hit the slopes for high-quality skiing, snowboarding, and other markedly wintery adventures. During other seasons the hiking and biking trails lead to incredible views of the North Carolina mountains and fishing and bird watching for more peaceful times.
Where To Stay In Boone and the North Carolina High Country
You are spoiled for choice regarding accommodation in Boone and the surrounding areas. Cozy hotels, luxury resorts, and undeniably cool camping are some of your options.
Given these points, The Horton Hotel is the best boutique stay in the Boone downtown, with a funky rooftop bar and cocktail parlor. Or stay in a lake view lodge in the mountains at Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock. Rustic meets luxury with that are their thoughtfully decorated rooms and unquestionably very comfortable. Even more rural is the Appalachian A-Frame on Airbnb. The hot tub, modern design, and luxurious amenities beg a long stay. Glamping Unplugged is another option for living the high life in nature. Visit Boone NC to stay in the eco-friendly dome tent with nature all around.
Where To Eat In Boone and the North Carolina High Country
You will never get hungry in Boone NC, with so many excellent dining options with hearty, healthy menus full of dishes made with local ingredients.
Moreover, lunch or dinner at Wild Craft Eatery is a treat focused on organic foods complimented by local and international beer, wine and spirits. Proper is the place for homestyle Southern cooking made with manners. Bistro Roca Antlers Bar in Blowing Rock is another winner for dinner, with everything from Mac and cheese to burgers to wood-fired pizzas in a casual and cozy atmosphere. The Local and Artisanal Restaurant should also be squeezed in for a meal or two.
Are you suddenly dreaming of a trip to Boone and the North Carolina High Country?
See our favorite musts, our top five lists, the perfect weekend itinerary, our social media resources, and photo gallery below!
Map
Info
- Population 20,000
- Watauga County
- Home To Appalachian State University
Links
Top Articles
HIGH COUNTRY MUSTS
Tweetsie Railroad
Fun for the entire family! Tweetsie is one of our all-time favorite NC High Country activities. You must take the family to enjoy all the rides, trains, and events at least once!
Blue Ridge Mountain Club
The Blowing Rock community Blue Ridge Mountain Club is North Carolina mountain luxury at its best with homes and views that are unquestionably unmatched.
Appalachian A-Frame
One of our markedly favorite Airbnbs in the entire Carolinas, the Appalachian A-Frame is perfectly nestled in the Blue Ridge just outside of Boone, NC, near the Watauga River.
TOP FIVE PICKS
Where To Stay
- Horton Hotel
- The Mast Farm Inn
- Green Park Inn in Blowing Rock
- Appalachian A-Frame
- Enchanting A Frame
What To Eat
- Wild Craft Eatery
- Proper
- Dan’l Boone Inn
- Over Yonder
- Bistro Roca in Blowing Rock
Grab A Drink
- The Horton Lounge & Rooftop Bar
- The Town Tavern
- Six Pence Pub
- Booneshine Brewing
- Lost Province Brewing Co.
Shop Local
- Tanger Outlets
- Antiques Main
- The Cabin Store
- Watsonatta
- Common Good Co.
- Footsloggers
Things To Do
- Tweetsie Rail Road
- Mystery Hill
- Annie Cannon Gardens
- Hawksnest Zip-line
- Jones House Cultural Center
- Appalachian Ski Mtn.
Arts & Culture
- Horn In The WestFolk Art Center
- Appalachian Theatre Of The High Country
- Jones House Cultural Center
- Blowing Rock Art & History Museum
- Turchin Center For The Visual Arts
Spas & Wellness
- The Spa At Chetola Resort
- Art of Living Spiritual Retreat Center
- The Spa At Eseeola Lodge
- Westglow Resort & Spa
- Crestwood Resort & Spa
Nature
- The Blue Ridge Parkway
- The Blowing Rock
- Grandfather Mountain
- Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park
- Tubing the New River
BROWSE ARTICLES BY CATEGORY
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THE PERFECT WEEKEND IN BOONE ITINERARY
Friday
- Stay in downtown Boone at Horton Hotel
- The first thing to remember: take a stroll downtown and through the campus at the adjacent Appalachian State University
- Meanwhile, grab supper at The Local or Wild Craft Eatery.
- Get dessert at Appalachian Cookie Co.
- End the evening back at the hotel at the rooftop bar.
Saturday
- Wake up early for sunrise at Thunder Hill
- Breakfast at Sunny Rock Eggs and Things
- Head to The Blowing Rock to see some of the best views in the area
- If you Visit Boone NC, head to downtown Blowing Rock to explore downtown
- Have lunch at Storie Street Grill
- All things considered, you must enjoy an afternoon at Chetola. He can enjoy the Chetola Sporting Reserve, and she can enjoy The Spa at Chetola
- Savor an early dinner at the bar at Bistro Roca
- In addition case, head to the Appalachian Theatre for a live show
Sunday
- Grab coffee and breakfast snacks at Hatchet Coffee
- Another key point is to hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway and head south, hitting all the stops: Price Lake, Rough Ridge, and end at Grandfather Mountain
- Visit the mile-high-swinging bridge
- Given that, head back through Blowing Rock on your way out of town to enjoy some deliciousness at The Speckled Trout
