40+ Great Things to Do in Boone and Nearby (The Boone Bucket List!)

Spend a weekend in App Town, exploring all the things to do in Boone (and nearby!), and you’ll be as hooked as we are on this place.

We can vouch for that after many visits to the mountain town, digging into its awesome restaurant scene, and becoming familiar with many spots around it in the High Country of North Carolina.

If you follow us on social media, you’ll know we have a lot of love for Boone. And that’s what we will share here, mixing food, outdoor fun, and attractions beyond the town’s limits.

Here are all the ways you can enjoy Boone this weekend and beyond:

• Where is Boone?
• Where to Stay
• Annual Events and Seasonal Things to Do in Boone (Football, Skiing, and More!)
• Things to Do in Boone This Weekend (and ALL Year)
• Restaurants in Boone
• Breweries in Boone
• Things to Do Near Boone NC (Day Trips)
• Blue Ridge Parkway Stops near Boone (Hikes, Overlooks, and More!)
• Hiking near Boone
• Waterfalls Near Boone
• Mountain Towns Nearby (Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and More!)
• More Things to Do in Boone and Nearby (NC Travel Guides)

Whether you’re a new resident, a frequent visitor, or a local, we’re leaving no detail behind. If you live in the Boone area and are wondering, “What are the best things to do near me?” we think this NC travel guide will help you!

Read More: Winter Getaways in North Carolina

Where is Boone, North Carolina?

Boone is a town in Watauga County, in Northwestern North Carolina. It’s part of an area known as the High Country in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Watauga County borders one county in Tennessee (Johnson County) and four NC counties, including the following:

• Ashe County (northeast)
• Avery County (southwest)
• Caldwell County (south)
• Wilkes County (east)

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through here, and parts of Pisgah National Forest lie within the county lines.

Read More: 100+ Places to Visit in Western North Carolina

Where to Stay in Boone

• If you’re looking for an excellent base for the best things to do in Boone, start with the Horton Hotel (611 W King St, Boone, NC). It’s the only downtown Boone hotel, right on King St and surrounded by all the shopping and some of the best places to eat, as we’ll mention shortly.

• Just outside Downtown Boone is Blue Ridge Tourist Court (574 Old East King Street, Boone, NC). This is a newly restored authentic 1950s-era roadside motel. They offer a retro stay with the modern amenities of an actual boutique.

• One of our favorite new rentals in Boone is Firefly Luxury Rentals. Their Cabin on the Cascades sits along a waterfall, offering comfortable and beautiful accommodations.

Read More: The Coolest Airbnbs in North Carolina

Annual Events in Boone NC

Before we dig into things to do in Boone throughout the year, here are some specific events you should keep on your calendar.

Boone’s Easter Eggstravaganza (March or April)

Downtown Boone

This family-friendly event is typically held on a Saturday the week before Easter (March or April), with fun for all ages. Egg hunts start at the Watauga County Library at 2:00 pm and a scavenger hunt will take over downtown, too.

Hickory Ridge Living History Museum (Mid-April to November)

Address: 591 Horn in the West Dr, Boone, NC

Hickory Ridge Living History Museum is a Revolutionary War-era recreation of a small mountain community that shares the grounds and sits next to Daniel Boone Native Gardens.

It typically opens for tours from mid-April through November. Visitors can also experience demos of hearthside cooking, blacksmithing, and more period-focused crafts.

Read More: Great Things to Do in Hickory

Tweetsie Railroad (April to December)

Address: 300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock, NC

If you visit Tweetsie Railroad during any regular day, you’ll quickly see why this is one of the most fun things to do in North Carolina. Start with a Wild West Train Adventure, with a mix of comedy and suspense that’ll get the parents and kids a laugh.

The rest of your day can be spent walking around the massive park, enjoying a carousel ride, or playing arcade games. Take a chair lift to and from Miner’s Mountain, admiring the views.

Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do With Kids in Asheville (and Nearby!)

From its yearly opening in April to December, there’s always a special event at Tweetsie Railroad.

• Fireworks Extravaganza in July
• Tweetsie Ghost Train (September to October)
• Tweetsie Christmas (November to January)

You can learn more about special Tweetsie events here.

Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do In North Carolina (Your NC Bucket List)

Watauga County Farmers’ Market (Saturdays, May to November)

Address: 591 Horn in the West Dr, Boone, NC

Looking for things to do in Boone this weekend? Open from May to November, the Watauga County Farmers’ Market is the perfect place to start your Saturday morning.

Stroll around, pick up something fresh and local, and don’t forget to get in line for Everybody’s Loaded Biscuits!

Howard’s Knob County Park (May to October)

Address: 604 Howards Knob Rd, Boone, NC

Howard’s Knob County Park is a famous spot in Boone that overlooks the town of Boone and Appalachian State University. The park is open from May 1 to October 20 and has short trails, picnic tables, and a shelter.

Read More: 15+ Enchanting Ghost Tours in NC for You to Join!

Daniel Boone Native Gardens (May to October)

Address: 651 Horn in the W Dr, Boone, NC

One of our favorite free things to do in Boone is to visit the Daniel Boone Native Gardens. It is open every day from May to October and hosts over 200 species of plants, including various native trees and wildflowers.

As mentioned, admission is free, though a donation is encouraged for visitors ages 16 and older.

Read More: The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens in North Carolina

Whitewater Sports (Summer)

Whitewater is just a short drive from the High Country, and more than a few outfitters can shuttle you out to navigate those rivers and waterways.

They’ll set you up with a kayak, canoe, or raft throughout the warmer months, but you can also reach out at any time of year to see if conditions are cooperating.

Here are a few outfitters in Boone and nearby who can take you out on the water:

• Edge of the World Whitewater Rafting and Climbing (394 Shawneehaw Ave S, Banner Elk, NC)
• High Mountain Expeditions (1380 NC-105, Boone, NC)
• River & Earth Expeditions (1380 NC-105, Boone, NC)
• Wahoo’s Adventures (3385 US-321 S, Blowing Rock, NC)

Read More: 13 Amazing Restaurants in Banner Elk and Nearby (+ Where to Drink!)

Horn in the West (June to August)

Address: 591 Horn in the West Dr, Boone, NC

Horn in the West is the oldest Revolutionary War drama (June to August), premiering in 1952 at the Daniel Boone Amphitheater (591 Horn in the West Dr).

Boonerang (June)

Downtown Boone NC

Of course, don’t forget about Boonerang (June), a festival that started with the sesquicentennial celebration of Boone! This free event brings musicians, local artists, and everyone who either lived in Boone or who calls it home now!

Doc Watson Day (August)

Address: 604 W King St, Boone, NC

Celebrating Doc Watson Day is one of the best free things to do in Boone during August (formerly in June). Held on the third Friday in August, this is a free concert that celebrates the late great area resident and 7-time Grammy winner.

The Jones House (604 W King St) usually invites musicians who played with him and those inspired by his influence to come and play.

High Country Beer Fest (August)

Address: 748 Roby Green Rd, Boone, NC

High Country Beer Fest brings together about 50 regional and national breweries, music, and food to the High Country Fairgrounds each August.

Appalachian State University Football (Late Summer, Fall, and Winter)

Address: 270 Stadium Dr, Boone, NC

Kidd Brewer Stadium fills up on Saturdays from August to December when the App State Mountaineers are in town.

Games here are more than an event. They’re a tradition that alumni return for, and students enjoy.

Choose and Cut Christmas Trees (November and December)

Boone is home to some of our favorite Christmas tree farms, and their “Choose and Cut” season begins in November. Picking out your family Christmas tree is an annual tradition for many!

Here are a few in Boone:

• C & J Christmas Trees (1999 Brookshire Rd, Boone, NC)
• Circle C Tree Farms (372 Will Cook Rd, Boone, NC)
• Panoramic View Tree Farm (368 Panoramic Ln, Boone, NC)

Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!)

Ski Season (Winter)

There are a few great places to go skiing near Boone. Depending on the weather, the season typically runs from early- to mid-November to the end of March. Each of these places is within 30 minutes of downtown Boone.

• Appalachian Ski Mountain (940 Ski Mountain Rd, Blowing Rock, NC)
• Sugar Mountain Resort (1009 Sugar Mountain Dr, Sugar Mountain, NC)
• Beech Mountain Resort (1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC)

In addition to these ski resorts in North Carolina, Boone is also a great place to go snow tubing! Head to Hawksnest Snow Tubing, where they have 30 lanes and a wintery zipline to make memories in the winter.

Read More: How to Visit Land of Oz (10 Essential Tips Before You Go!)

New Year’s Eve at the Horton Hotel (December)

Address: 611 W King St, Boone, NC

The Horton Hotel isn’t just one of the most awesome places to stay in Boone, it’s THE place to be for New Year’s Eve. The fun begins in the Horton Hotel’s rooftop lounge, followed by a midnight ball drop and a complimentary bubbly toast.

Read More: Christmas in North Carolina

Things to Do in Boone NC This Weekend and ALL Year

You may think there’s a specific time to visit, but there are quite a few fun things to do in Boone this weekend or any weekend throughout the year, too!

Shopping in Downtown Boone

We mentioned the shopping on King St. but must give it another shoutout here.

• Start with the Shoppes at Farmers Hardware (661 W King St, Boone NC), family-owned since 1924 and home to just about anything you can think of buying.
• Common Good Co. is a boutique home shop with some of the most adorable items! From high-quality children’s toys to beautiful prints, we love stopping in at Common Good. Oh, and they also have an espresso bar in the back! (They also have a location in Blowing Rock)

There are more shops on King, Howard, and Depot Streets to fill out any Friday or Saturday afternoon.

• Another one of our favorite shops includes Footsloggers (139 Depot St, Boone NC), an awesome outdoor and travel gear store. They also have a rock-climbing wall outside, facilitated by Rock Dimensions!
• Mountaineer Mania (497 W King St, Boone NC) for my next App State shirt purchase after jumping on the bandwagon.
• Wildwood Community Market is another new favorite shop in Boone. They have organic local meats, produce, and products. They also have an excellent deli bar if you are looking for a fast lunch!

Read More: Why and How to Support Our Local Businesses

The Boone Greenway Trail

The Boone Greenway Trail follows the New River and takes you to spots far away from everything, not just town. The trail comprises pavement and some gravel, accessible for hikers, strollers, and wheelchairs.

Boone Saloon

Address: 489 W King St, Boone NC

Boone Saloon is the watering hole that Boone will always need. A huge bar sits in front of a small stage, where you can watch live music throughout the year with the drink of your choice.

A tasty food menu complements a huge selection of drinks, and you can also come to Boone Saloon and chill outside on their deck. Don’t forget about the arcade games that await—yet another reason to love Boone Saloon!

Mast General Store

Address: 630 W King St, Boone NC

Of course, we can’t leave out Mast General Store while talking about things to do in Boone. This location is absolutely worth a visit if you need some hiking gear, or need to find a gift for your friends or family at App or elsewhere.

Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park

Address: 285 Mountain Bike Wy, Boone NC

Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park as we know it today is the product of hours of volunteer labor and funds from local organizations—Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (WCTDA) and the nonprofit Boone Area Cyclists.

The park has five trails that range in difficulty and a playground that’s perfect for kids to explore!

Restaurants in Boone

Before or after you dig into all the fun things to do in Boone, remember that there are some great restaurants here.

• For a quick breakfast, a cinnamon bun from Stick Boy (two locations) is the only worthy start, unless you’re stopping by Espresso News (267 Howard St, Boone NC) or Hatchet (150A Den Mac Dr, Boone NC) for coffee first.
• If you’re sitting down, the Sunrise Grill (1675 Highway 105 S, Boone NC) is hard to beat. Just get there as early as possible because I’ve seen it fill up shortly after they open.
• Go beyond both and enjoy a meal at Melanie’s Food Fantasy (664 W King St, Boone NC), also owned under the Stick Boy umbrella.
• A burger from The Cardinal (1711 Highway 105, Boone NC) is a must for lunch, especially if you like bison or enjoy casual pub fare from Pepper’s (240 Shadowline Dr, Boone NC).

• The Local (179 Howard St, Boone NC) is THE place for great drinks to accompany delicious bites and a fun atmosphere. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights keeps it one of the area’s most popular spots.
• Ribs from Howard Station (268 Howard St, Boone NC) are also hard to beat.

It’s so tough to choose our favorite restaurant in Boone. We think you’ll be interested in reading more.

Read More: 20+ Delicious Restaurants in Boone for Your Next Meal Out!

Drink (and Eat) at ALL the Breweries in Boone

You can easily pace yourself and visit every brewery in Boone, as there are currently four in town.

Appalachian Mountain Brewery

Address: 163 Boone Creek Dr, Boone, NC

Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB) is the largest, sitting just off US 321 near Boone Mall. An on-site food truck du jour accompanies a great selection of beers.

Seasonal creations and taproom exclusives join forces with flagships like Long Leaf IPA to keep AMB visits among the best things to do in Boone.

Read More: The Best Breweries in Asheville

Lost Province Brewing Company

Address: 130 N Depot St, Boone, NC

Walk or drive up the hill on Depot St to Lost Province Brewing Company and enjoy wood-fired pizzas with your pint.

Depending on how I’m feeling, a Fat Bastard Oatmeal Stout or Hipster Juice IPA absolutely hit the spot before I have to descend back down the hill.

Booneshine Brewing Co.

Address: 465 Industrial Park Dr, Boone, NC

For the latter, we recommend caution, proper footwear, and tires on your car to get out. The entrance is a steep slope and hard to get out if there’s enough snow cover.

The winner of “Most Beautiful Taproom Ever” should go to Booneshine Brewing Co. You might not care as much as me about these things, so let’s talk about the important stuff.

Ales and pilsners dominate the board and they also have a nice food menu. The place gets pretty busy in the evenings, so plan accordingly. We never leave Boone without bringing some home with us!

SouthEnd Brewing

And brand new to the beer scene in Boone is SouthEnd Brewing. This Greensboro brewery has opened a location in downtown Boone. They offer a fantastic line up of brews, including a tasty cream ale! SouthEnd Brewing has an outdoor patio and small bites available as well.

More Beer to Come?

Since Appalachian State is cool enough to offer Fermentation Sciences as a major, I suspect more breweries in Boone to come over the years.

Outdoor Adventure at Sky Valley Zip Tours

Sky Valley Zip Tours is the ultimate adventure seekers paradise! With 140 acres of pristine wilderness, zip through the trees or off-road on the trails. The Canopy Tour consists of 10 zip lines, a Cliff Jump, and 120-foot swinging bridge. 

Soar 300 feet above the valley on a 1600-foot zip line before rappelling off a 45-foot rock cliff. Want an even cooler experience? Do it at night! 

Even if you are traveling with tiny thrill seekers, there’s an adventure for them at Sky Valley Zip Tours! The Whistle Pig Adventure Park is a zip line course designed for children 4 years old and up. There are seven exhilarating zip lines and a 20-foot slide!  

Want to keep your feet on the ground? Then try their 4-wheel drive all-electric vehicles! Made in Mars Hill, NC, the Mountain Cat Off Road Adventures are even accessible for guests with mobility impairments. 

So if you’re looking for a rush of adrenaline while in the High Country, check out Sky Valley Zip Tours! We promise it’s one of the best things to do in Boone! 

The Best Things to Do in Boone NC’s Surroundings (Day Trips)

Before you connect with us, here are more things to do in Boone’s surroundings.

• The Blue Ridge Parkway
• Hiking Trails Near Boone
• Waterfalls Near Boone
• Mountain Towns

Read More: The NC Tripping North Carolina Travel Map

The Blue Ridge Parkway

Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best things to do in Boone NC for couples, for families, and for yourself.

The Parkway has our favorite hikes, beautiful overlooks, epic waterfalls, spring flowers, and fantastic fall foliage.

Access from Boone to the Blue Ridge Parkway is about five miles via US 321. A few of the hikes we’ll mention shortly require getting on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is no problem in my book. Some of the Parkway’s most iconic stops are within 30 minutes of driving from Boone.

Here are a few of them:

• Moses Cone Memorial Park (MP 294.1)
• EB Jeffress Park (MP 272.5)
• Boone Fork Trail and Hebron Falls aka Boone Fork Falls (MP 296.5)
• Rough Ridge Overlook Trail (MP 302.8)
• Linn Cove Viaduct (MP 304.4)
• Linville Falls (MP 316.8)

You can visually travel to these spots on our Western North Carolina map. In the meantime, here’s a breakdown of two popular Blue Ridge Parkway stops near Boone—Moses Cone Memorial Park and Linn Cove Viaduct.

Moses Cone Memorial Park (MP 294.1)

20 minutes away from Boone

At 3,500 acres, Moses H Cone Memorial Park is the largest dedicated space for hiking and horseback riding. The beautiful Flat Top Manor was once home to the namesake North Carolina textile mogul and philanthropist.

We highly recommend looking up at it while strolling around Bass Lake. This is one of the most beautiful scenes in the High Country.

The Flat Top Tower Trail is a great hike and starts from the manor. You’ll walk nearly 3 miles up to an old fire tower, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.

Read More: Day Trips from Boone

Linn Cove Viaduct (MP 304.4)

30 minutes away from Boone

Linn Cove Viaduct is just over 30 minutes away from Boone, and is one of the most iconic Blue Ridge Parkway attractions.

Note: Some sections of the Parkway are closed during winter due to weather and construction. More info is available here.

Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina

Hiking Trails Near Boone

We’ve discovered tons of hiking trails near Boone and here are a few of our favorites.

• Elk Knob State Park
• Boone Fork Trail (Blue Ridge Parkway)
• Rough Ridge Trail (Blue Ridge Parkway)
• Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
• Grandfather Mountain (Grandfather Mountain and Grandfather Mountain State Park)

Read More: 100+ Hiking Trails in North Carolina

Elk Knob State Park

20 minutes away from Boone

Elk Knob State Park is one of our newer state parks, opened in 2002, but full of fun things to do in Boone’s surroundings. Much of it is still developing, but you have to drive out to Elk Knob and check it out.

We love the Summit Trail (1.8 miles), which leads to beautiful views throughout the year. As long as the conditions aren’t too icy, Elk Knob is one of the few area hikes that are accessible in the winter.

One great thing about this park is that if there is snow on the ground, Elk Knob is the only state park where you can go cross-country skiing.

Read More: Winter in North Carolina

Boone Fork Trail (296.5)

25 minutes away from Boone

Boone Fork Trail is an almost 5-mile loop that starts at Julian Price Memorial Park, about 25 minutes away from Boone. It takes you through diverse terrain, crossing its namesake Boone Fork River at many turns.

From Julian Price Campground, Hebron Falls (Boone Fork Falls) is about 1.5 miles into the hike and is one of our favorites to watch!

Summer and early fall hikers come for swimming spots, flowers, and eventual foliage but it’s a gorgeous hike throughout the year.

Read More: 4 National Forests in NC (Things to Do + Why We Love Them!)

Rough Ridge Overlook Trail (MP 302.8)

30 minutes away from Boone

Rough Ridge Trail is about 30 minutes away from Boone. It’s a quick hike to the first overlook (1/3 of a mile) and absolutely beautiful if you can get there for sunrise. You can keep going another half-mile to the summit, which stands at 4,773 ft.

Read More: Colorful Fall Hikes in North Carolina (+ 20 Beautiful Places to Explore!)

Mount Jefferson State Natural Area

35 minutes away from Boone

You can see Mount Jefferson from the Blue Ridge Parkway (MP 266.8), but visit Mount Jefferson State Natural Area for a closer look. There a multiple viewpoints where you can look down at West Jefferson and its Ashe County surroundings.

Of course, you should hop on one of the park’s five fairly short yet difficult hiking trails. Here are a couple of them:

• Stare out toward Virginia and Tennessee from the Jefferson Overlook.
• The kid-friendly TRACK trail (1.1 miles) runs from Mount Jefferson’s summit to Luther Rock. From Luther Rock, you can see the New River to the east on clear days.

Read More: 25+ Beautiful Waterfalls near Boone (within 2 Hours)

Grandfather Mountain

• The Private Attraction is 40 minutes away from Boone
• Grandfather Mountain State Park is 35 minutes away from Boone

When you say “Grandfather Mountain” to someone, you might be referring to just the mountain, the non-profit tourist attraction with the mile-high swinging bridge, or the NC State Parks side.

You can reach the NC State Parks side of Grandfather Mountain from the bridge, where some difficult hiking trails and rewarding views await.

The Grandfather Trail (2.4 miles) is reachable via the Underwood Trail (0.5 miles). The Grandfather Trail is advanced-level and will take you to the Calloway Peak, the highest of Grandfather Mountain’s four summits.

The Grandfather Trail also connects with the Profile Trail (3.6 miles), another popular yet tough hike in this state park. The Profile Trail leads to both the Profile View and Foscoe View.

Every year, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games brings colors to Macrae Meadows with pageantry, athletic competitions, and more to celebrate North Carolina’s Scots-Irish heritage.

There are so many more trails beyond these, though. If you’ve explored the area before, do you have a favorite to share with us? Let us know in the comments!

Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips)

Waterfalls Near Boone

Many of the area’s hiking trails lead to beautiful waterfalls, another wonderful thing to do in Boone’s surroundings. These are among the best in the state and especially in the High Country.

• Glen Burney Trail
• EB Jeffress Park (Blue Ridge Parkway)
• Otter Falls
• Linville Falls (Blue Ridge Parkway)

Glen Burney Trail

20 minutes away from Boone

The entrance to the Glen Burney Trail (3.1 or 3.2 miles) sits off Main St in Blowing Rock. This awesome trail takes you away from everything and toward three beautiful falls—Glen Burney, Cascades, and Glen Mary.

Each is so awesome that we included them among our favorite waterfalls in the Blowing Rock area.

You’ll descend about 800 feet, so get those legs and knees ready for a workout on the way back up! Also, beware of roots and occasional muddy areas, especially if it’s recently rained.

Read More: 80+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (The Asheville Bucket List)

EB Jeffress Park (Blue Ridge Parkway MP 272.5)

25 minutes away from Boone

EB Jeffress Park is named after one of the men responsible for the Blue Ridge Parkway being a toll-free road. Aside from a pretty awesome picnic spot, this park has one of the best hiking trails near Boone.

Read More: Excellent Day Trips from Greensboro (Within a 2-Hour Drive)

Otter Falls Trail

25 minutes away from Boone

Otter Falls is an awesome High Country waterfall hike that sits inside the resort community of Seven Devils. The Otter Falls Trail that we know today has only been around since 2015, and it dips about 230 feet in elevation via two loops.

You’ll find plenty of benches along the way, in case you’d like to kick back and relax along this path.

The trails aren’t marked all that clearly, but you’ll find the falls as long as you follow the sound of water. One of our favorite kid-friendly waterfalls awaits!

Read More: The Most Beautiful Waterfalls in North Carolina

Linville Falls (MP 316.8)

45 minutes away from Boone

There are a lot of places with Linville in their name that we love. The scenic Linville Falls Winery and the super interesting Linville Caverns jam-pack this area with fun.

Favorites not named Linville include Famous Louise’s Rockhouse Restaurant, which sits on three county lines (McDowell, Avery, and Burke).

Come here for a delicious breakfast or lunch before or after you’ve hiked around Linville Falls, which is off the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is a way to hike to Linville Falls from another entrance (toward Wiseman’s View), but the Visitor Center is near MP 316.8 on the Parkway.

There are a few trails at the park, including the easier Erwin’s View Trail. It’s a fairly simple 1.6 miles round trip, with multiple views of Linville Falls from above.

The moderate 1.4-mile-long Plunge Basin Trail takes you to a view from the river’s opposite side.

The Gorge Trail branches off from the Plunge and ends up at the foot of the falls. However, some parts are inaccessible when the water is too high.

Read More: Hiking Table Rock Mountain

Mountain Town Day Trips from Boone

Exploring these nearby mountain towns is also one of the best things to do in Boone, since they’re not too far away!

Banner Elk

Any description of the High Country without mentioning Banner Elk would be incomplete. This town of 1,500-plus has incredible restaurants, with Banner Elk Cafe & Tavern one of many you should visit.

Grandfather Vineyard is one of our favorite things to do in Banner Elk. We enjoyed sitting by the creek with our glass in hand, not sure if we admired the scenery or the wine more.

Either way, we’re convinced that this is one of the best North Carolina wineries and vineyards.

Don’t forget about the awesome and exhilarating Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, which is also in Banner Elk! You can’t miss it.

We’ve been fortunate enough to spend some time here, even venturing out to Apple Hill Farm. There’s no apple picking available, just special people and an atmosphere that can cure anyone’s ill mood or feelings.

Read More: How to See Waterfalls Park in Newland (near Banner Elk)

Blowing Rock

20 minutes away from Boone

It’s hard to write about Boone without its close neighbor Blowing Rock coming up. The town is home to amazing restaurants, an awesome shopping scene, and the famed Blowing Rock—North Carolina’s oldest tourist attraction.

It’s also home to a couple of our favorite hikes—Flat Top Tower Hike and Glen Burney Trail.

Read More: Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock

Original Mast General Store (Valle Crucis)

20 minutes away from Boone

The original Mast General Store location in Valle Crucis is fun to walk through, too. It’s well-known for its collection of just about everything, moon pies, and an inviting back porch.

Outside, you’ll see two connected buildings with an interesting history. And inside, you’ll find outdoor gear, toys, clothes, and so much more.

Read More: Day Trips from Asheville

Ski Resort Towns

We mentioned ski season earlier but wanted to point out that Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain have fun things to do throughout the year. You can ride the ski lift for epic views of the surrounding mountains.

• At Sugar Mountain, you can ride to the top and go back down via the ski lift or with your mountain bike.
• In Beech Mountain’s case, the lift will take you up to the 5506′ Sky Bar, where you can hop off for mountain biking or a pint of tasty beer from their brewery.

Read More: 25+ Amazing Waterfalls near Banner Elk (within 2 Hours’ Drive)

Ready for These Things to Do in Boone NC and Nearby?

I know we’ve listed too many fun things to do in Boone NC for one weekend, so you’ll just have to come back. And after your experience in this fun town, trust me in confidently knowing that you’ll want to come back.

Boone and its surroundings can make you want to be there when you’re sitting somewhere far away. At least, that’s how I feel when I’m not there.

And while we wait for our next trip to Boone, I want to know. What would you do during your first trip here? If you’ve been before, what do you love about this area, and is there anything we left out?

Feel free to let us know in the comments or by email. Also, don’t forget to share your Boone travel adventures in our North Carolina Travel Facebook Group!

More Things to Do in Boone (NC Travel Guides)

There are many fun things to do in Boone NC’s surroundings, most of which are in the High Country of North Carolina. These NC travel guides cover the Boone attractions mentioned above and more!

Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock (17 Things We Love About It!)

10 Things We Love About Boonerang Music & Arts Festival in Boone

Amazing Hikes near Boone and Blowing Rock (45 of the Best!)

NC Travel Chat #12: The Incredible Toe River Arts w/ Nealy Andrews

12 Amazing Restaurants in Banner Elk, NC and Nearby (+ Where to Drink!)

40 Wonderful Places To Visit In The High Country (Boone, Blowing Rock, And More!)

25+ Wonderful Waterfalls Near Blowing Rock (within 2 Hours)

Tweetsie Railroad Travel Guide (Attractions and The 5 Best Things to Do)