Things to Do in Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk

Sitting atop the highest elevations in North Carolina’s northern Blue Ridge Mountains, this region is a winter sports haven. But High Country towns like Boone and Blowing Rock delight in every season, with rhododendron hikes in spring, mile-high adventure in summer and brilliant foliage in fall.

Look & Feel

Highlights

Grandfather Mountain
Tweetsie Railroad
Linn Cove Viaduct
Skiing, Snowboarding & Winter Sports
Hiking, Biking & Camping
Linville Falls
Wine Country

Weather

Winter 44°

Spring 61°

Summer 78°

Fall 63°

Hawksbill Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster in Banner Elk
Appalachian Mountain Brewery in Boone
The Blowing Rock outcropping
Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain
Beech Mountain Resort
Tweetsie Railroad Theme Park's Engine No. 12 in Blowing Rock
Raffaldini Vineyards in Ronda
Linn Cove Viaduct
Tubing on the New River, one of the world's oldest
Cub Creek mountain bike trails in Wilkesboro

Getting Around

Municipalities

Banner Elk
Beech Mountain
Blowing Rock
Boone
Burnsville
Jefferson
Linville
Sparta
Spruce Pine
Sugar Mountain
West Jefferson
Wilkesboro
North Wilkesboro

Getting There

U.S. Route 221

U.S. Route 321

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)

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A Friends’ Getaway to the High Country

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Discover Natural Wonders Camping in the Mountains

Trip Idea

Dream 18: Top-Rated Golf Courses You Can Play

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Fun and Unique Camping Spots

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Enjoy the Rhythm and Colors of Fall Music Festivals

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Find Year-Round Activities at Beech Mountain

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Classic Camping at National Parks

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4 Off-the-Slopes Activities at Ski Resorts

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Escape to Storybook Settings at Castles, Palaces and Mansions

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Adventurous 4-Day Winter Mountain Getaway

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Take a Totally ‘90s Film Tour

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All About Alleghany County: Mountain Music and Parkway Drives with Insider Larry VanHoose

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Up High or Downtown: Find Your Happy in Burnsville

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Mountain Trout Fishing in Western North Carolina

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Look & Feel

Highlights

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Getting Around

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Things To Do

Location

Interest

Season

Content Type

Filter Arts & Entertainment

Filter Eat & Drink

Filter History & Heritage

Filter Kids & Family

Filter Natural Attractions

Filter Outdoor Adventures

Filter Romantic Getaways

Filter Sports

9 Wineries & Vineyards Where You Can Spend the Night

List

Mountain Crafts Destinations Reflect Time-Honored Traditions

List

Plan an imperfectly perfect trip to NC with Insider Christie Younger

Article

Find NC’s First Fall Colors in 12 Scenic Ways in Sugar Mountain

List

Stay on a Farm in North Carolina

List

Beyond the Guidebook: The Linn Cove Viaduct

Article

15 of the Coziest Spots to Eat and Drink

List

Outdoor Dramas to Enjoy Under the Stars

List

Kayak, Tube and Fly Fish on the New River Near Boone

Article

Waterfalls Are a Must-See in Winter Too

Article

7 Rustic & Mountain Wedding Venues

List

Dog-Friendly Hotels Where Man’s Best Friend Is King

List

4 Inspired Journeys for Arts and Music Lovers

Trip Idea

15 Ways to Honor Year of the Trail

List

Explore the Places Where Moonshine and Motorsports Meet in NC

Article

48 Hours of Adventure in the High Country

Trip Idea

Banner Elk: 4-Season Fun in the High Country

Article

Bookmark Summer and Book Fall Travel with Insider Jen Vogelsberg

Article

NC Mountain Cabins to Rent: Discover Four New Walls to Help You Recharge

Trips That Transform

Mountain Drives: Donald Ross Golf Near Asheville

Trip Idea

A Day of Outdoor Adventure and an Evening at the Brewery

Trip Idea

A Winter Weekend in the NC Mountains is Calling You

Trip Idea

15 Coffee Shops and Cafés You’ll Like a Latte

List

Bluegrass Music Venues in Western North Carolina

List

Beyond the Guidebook: Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

Article

9 Mountain Activities for Kids and Teens

List

4-Day Aerial Adventure Trip

Trip Idea

Distill Tripping: Taste the Spirits of North Carolina

Trip Idea

20 Summertime Things to Do in Sugar Mountain

List