Jordan’s guidebook
Hiking
Very gentle, beautiful hike around the lake. Price also has dirt cheap kayak and canoe rentals during the high season. Get there early though. Also easy is the Moses Cone Manor off the parkway (the craft museum and shop in the newly restored Manor are lovely). Or cross the parkway for a slightly more strenuous hike at Julian Price Memorial Park (Milepost 297 on the parkway; a few ladders so not suitable for pets or young kids you can’t carry). In the town of Blowing Rock is a beautiful waterfall hike called Glen Marie Falls. It will take about two hours to hike in and out depending on your pace.
Price Lake Trail
Price Lake TrailVery gentle, beautiful hike around the lake. Price also has dirt cheap kayak and canoe rentals during the high season. Get there early though. Also easy is the Moses Cone Manor off the parkway (the craft museum and shop in the newly restored Manor are lovely). Or cross the parkway for a slightly more strenuous hike at Julian Price Memorial Park (Milepost 297 on the parkway; a few ladders so not suitable for pets or young kids you can’t carry). In the town of Blowing Rock is a beautiful waterfall hike called Glen Marie Falls. It will take about two hours to hike in and out depending on your pace.
The craft museum and shop in the newly restored Manor are lovely
10 locals recommend
Southern Highland Craft Guild, Moses Cone Manor
Blue Ridge ParkwayThe craft museum and shop in the newly restored Manor are lovely
Milepost 297 on the parkway; a few ladders so not suitable for pets or young kids you can’t carry
70 locals recommend
Julian Price Memorial Park
297 Blue Ridge PkwyMilepost 297 on the parkway; a few ladders so not suitable for pets or young kids you can’t carry
Entrance fee is $22.00 per ”adult over 13” and well worth it on a beautiful day. Skip if it’s foggy. Lots of hiking trails, incredible views from this almost 6000’ peak, nice conservation area showcasing local rescued wildlife in natural habitats, Mile high swinging bridge, concessions and gift shops.
Purchase tickets online or find out how to just hike in for free (no admission to bridge or animal area) here. grandfathermountain.com
716 locals recommend
Grandfather Mountain
2050 Blowing Rock HwyEntrance fee is $22.00 per ”adult over 13” and well worth it on a beautiful day. Skip if it’s foggy. Lots of hiking trails, incredible views from this almost 6000’ peak, nice conservation area showcasing local rescued wildlife in natural habitats, Mile high swinging bridge, concessions and gift shops.
Purchase tickets online or find out how to just hike in for free (no admission to bridge or animal area) here. grandfathermountain.com
he Greenway Trail. Fully-accessible, paved or gravel and mostly flat EASY.
https://www.exploreboone.com/outdoors/hiking/boone-greenway/
16 locals recommend
The Greenway Trail
The Greenway Trailhe Greenway Trail. Fully-accessible, paved or gravel and mostly flat EASY.
https://www.exploreboone.com/outdoors/hiking/boone-greenway/
Skiing
(website: appskimtn.com) ONLINE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED and sell out fast. Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and home of the renowned French Swiss Ski School.
251 locals recommend
Appalachian Ski Mtn
940 Ski Mountain Rd(website: appskimtn.com) ONLINE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED and sell out fast. Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and home of the renowned French Swiss Ski School.
Shopping
Lots of various stores: American Eagle Outfitters, Columbia Factory Store, Gap Outlet, Vera Bradley and MORE!
Hwy 321 to Blowing Rock. Tanger Outlets is located approximately 1 mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway intersection and US Hwy 321.
109 locals recommend
Tanger Outlets Blowing Rock
278 Shoppes on the Parkway RdLots of various stores: American Eagle Outfitters, Columbia Factory Store, Gap Outlet, Vera Bradley and MORE!
Hwy 321 to Blowing Rock. Tanger Outlets is located approximately 1 mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway intersection and US Hwy 321.
Blowing Rock is a shopper’s paradise with block after block of quaint, mostly-locally-owned boutiques on Main Street.
9 locals recommend
Main Street
Main StreetBlowing Rock is a shopper’s paradise with block after block of quaint, mostly-locally-owned boutiques on Main Street.
On your way to Banner Elk, you’ll pass a store on Broadstone Rd called Mast General Store (historic; great gifts, outfitter gear and apparel, jams, salad dressings) and the Mast Annex (“penny” candy of every imaginable variety and more clothing) in Valle Crusis. These are a MUST, but they are crowded. Go during the week if you can.
Behind the General Store is the Red Schoolhouse where everything is 50% off - Smartwool socks, great boots and comfort footwear and sometimes ski/apparel. Adults and kids. Great bargains on high quality merchandise.
102 locals recommend
Mast Store Annex
2918 Broadstone RdOn your way to Banner Elk, you’ll pass a store on Broadstone Rd called Mast General Store (historic; great gifts, outfitter gear and apparel, jams, salad dressings) and the Mast Annex (“penny” candy of every imaginable variety and more clothing) in Valle Crusis. These are a MUST, but they are crowded. Go during the week if you can.
Behind the General Store is the Red Schoolhouse where everything is 50% off - Smartwool socks, great boots and comfort footwear and sometimes ski/apparel. Adults and kids. Great bargains on high quality merchandise.
NC-105 as you drive toward Banner Elk is lined with shops on both sides. Lots of antique stores, galleries, Dewoolfson Down if you love luxury linens and bedding.
Downtown BE has quite a few local shops as well.
DEWOOLFSON
9452 North Carolina 105NC-105 as you drive toward Banner Elk is lined with shops on both sides. Lots of antique stores, galleries, Dewoolfson Down if you love luxury linens and bedding.
Downtown BE has quite a few local shops as well.
I guarantee this gas station has the best fresh-baked whole grain bread (one reviewer described it as “life-changing”), cookies, muffins, bars, brownies, burgers, sandwiches, etc you will find anywhere. You’ll also find exceptional locally roasted coffee beans, gourmet food pantry items, locally made jams, honeys, home decor, staples like milk, butter, fresh eggs, soft drinks, snacks......and live bait and gas.
11 locals recommend
Cove Creek Store
1182 US-321I guarantee this gas station has the best fresh-baked whole grain bread (one reviewer described it as “life-changing”), cookies, muffins, bars, brownies, burgers, sandwiches, etc you will find anywhere. You’ll also find exceptional locally roasted coffee beans, gourmet food pantry items, locally made jams, honeys, home decor, staples like milk, butter, fresh eggs, soft drinks, snacks......and live bait and gas.
Neighborhoods
Very charming and quaint. Lots of great locally-owned shops and restaurants. I highly recommend Our Daily Bread for lunch (carry out, lots of benches around for an impromptu picnic); Lost Province for lunch or dinner (wood-fired oven for amazing blistered pizzas, wood-fired olives and a wood-fired beet salad that’s to die for. Melanies for brunch. Black Cat for interesting, delicious burritos. COBO for sushi. Footsloggers (outfitter/gear) has a rock climbing wall outside - not too challenging for kids.
If you’re missing your yoga class, I highly recommend Neighborhood Yoga. They also operate a vegan restaurant called Kindly Kitchen.
For a nicer dinner (no outdoor seating though), try Vidalia. Ben and Jerry’s; all the coffee shops are great. And have fun shopping. Horton Boutique Hotel has a roof top lounge.
7 locals recommend
West King Street
West King StreetVery charming and quaint. Lots of great locally-owned shops and restaurants. I highly recommend Our Daily Bread for lunch (carry out, lots of benches around for an impromptu picnic); Lost Province for lunch or dinner (wood-fired oven for amazing blistered pizzas, wood-fired olives and a wood-fired beet salad that’s to die for. Melanies for brunch. Black Cat for interesting, delicious burritos. COBO for sushi. Footsloggers (outfitter/gear) has a rock climbing wall outside - not too challenging for kids.
If you’re missing your yoga class, I highly recommend Neighborhood Yoga. They also operate a vegan restaurant called Kindly Kitchen.
For a nicer dinner (no outdoor seating though), try Vidalia. Ben and Jerry’s; all the coffee shops are great. And have fun shopping. Horton Boutique Hotel has a roof top lounge.
Food scene
Great for casual lunch or dinner in Blowing Rock. American sports bar & grill with many TVs & a large outdoor patio, plus frequent live music.
46 locals recommend
The Town Tavern
1182 Main StGreat for casual lunch or dinner in Blowing Rock. American sports bar & grill with many TVs & a large outdoor patio, plus frequent live music.
Great for casual lunch or dinner in Blowing Rock. Laid-back microbrewery featuring a restaurant/bar with terrace seating.
67 locals recommend
Blowing Rock Brewing Company
152 Sunset DrGreat for casual lunch or dinner in Blowing Rock. Laid-back microbrewery featuring a restaurant/bar with terrace seating.
Chain pizza restaurant in Boone and Blowing Rock is the best pizza place for large groups/families and young kids.
53 locals recommend
Mellow Mushroom
805 W King StChain pizza restaurant in Boone and Blowing Rock is the best pizza place for large groups/families and young kids.
British-inspired pub offering a lengthy drinks list & a menu of American & English comfort fare. Great for casual lunch or dinner in Blowing Rock
32 locals recommend
Six Pence Pub
1121 Main StBritish-inspired pub offering a lengthy drinks list & a menu of American & English comfort fare. Great for casual lunch or dinner in Blowing Rock
The best trout period! Beware this place is almost always busy.
56 locals recommend
Blowing Rock Cigar Company and Club
1179 Main StThe best trout period! Beware this place is almost always busy.
Refined American meals in a historic building at Chetola Resort, plus a wine room & outdoor seating. We recommend making reservations.
6 locals recommend
Chetola Resort Lodge
185 Chetola Lake DrRefined American meals in a historic building at Chetola Resort, plus a wine room & outdoor seating. We recommend making reservations.
Cozy, sophisticated venue presenting seafood, steak & pasta with Mediterranean French flavors.
7 locals recommend
Café Violette
1132 Main StCozy, sophisticated venue presenting seafood, steak & pasta with Mediterranean French flavors.
Haute American fare from land & sea served in a log cabin on the grounds of a boutique mountain inn.
34 locals recommend
The Best Cellar
203 Sunset DrHaute American fare from land & sea served in a log cabin on the grounds of a boutique mountain inn.
Upscale-casual bistro & bar serving New American comfort foods & pizzas from a wood-burning oven.
136 locals recommend
Bistro Roca
143 Wonderland TrailUpscale-casual bistro & bar serving New American comfort foods & pizzas from a wood-burning oven.
If you like game or a good steak, The Gamekeeper. One of my 3 favorites in the High Country!
They do have lovely outdoor seating for “walk ups” only. Service and food are impeccable, and the atmosphere is a delightful mix of quaint and quirky. It’s a really special place, and prices reflect that. (Gamekeeper-nc.com, (828) 963-7400). I suggest calling for a reservation TODAY if it appeals to you.
105 locals recommend
Gamekeeper Restaurant
3005 Shulls Mill RdIf you like game or a good steak, The Gamekeeper. One of my 3 favorites in the High Country!
They do have lovely outdoor seating for “walk ups” only. Service and food are impeccable, and the atmosphere is a delightful mix of quaint and quirky. It’s a really special place, and prices reflect that. (Gamekeeper-nc.com, (828) 963-7400). I suggest calling for a reservation TODAY if it appeals to you.
Our favorite restaurant in the High Country is Artisanal, but it’s VERY HARD to get a table. Dressy and quite expensive but so worth it for a special occasion.
85 locals recommend
Artisanal Restaurant
1200 Dobbins RdOur favorite restaurant in the High Country is Artisanal, but it’s VERY HARD to get a table. Dressy and quite expensive but so worth it for a special occasion.
Casual: Banner Elk Cafe has outdoor seating, varied American menu.
191 locals recommend
Banner Elk Cafe & Tavern
324 Shawneehaw Ave SCasual: Banner Elk Cafe has outdoor seating, varied American menu.
Bodega’s Kitchen & Wine Bar offers Caribbean-inspired fare and tapas style dining. Nestled in the beautiful mountain setting of Banner Elk, Bodegas has a casually sophisticated atmosphere that caters to date night and family time all at the same time! Outdoor seating is available.
61 locals recommend
Bodegas Kitchen and Wine Bar
488 Main St WBodega’s Kitchen & Wine Bar offers Caribbean-inspired fare and tapas style dining. Nestled in the beautiful mountain setting of Banner Elk, Bodegas has a casually sophisticated atmosphere that caters to date night and family time all at the same time! Outdoor seating is available.
If you like Indian food, you will LOVE Mint. Carry out, small outdoor dining space, and HUGE dining room
57 locals recommend
Mint Indian Cuisine
203 Boone Heights DrIf you like Indian food, you will LOVE Mint. Carry out, small outdoor dining space, and HUGE dining room
Delicious burgers including a beet burger and daily game burger in an uber casual relaxed “dive.” Good local beer selection. Pet friendly deck in back; close to the house on highway 105. If you’re muddy and grimy from a long day outside, this is your place. Tempeh tenders, cardinal style and Jalapeno hush puppies are the bomb.
79 locals recommend
The Cardinal
1711 NC-105Delicious burgers including a beet burger and daily game burger in an uber casual relaxed “dive.” Good local beer selection. Pet friendly deck in back; close to the house on highway 105. If you’re muddy and grimy from a long day outside, this is your place. Tempeh tenders, cardinal style and Jalapeno hush puppies are the bomb.
Things to Do
Mystery Hill will be on your right as you drive down 321 from the house to Blowing Rock. It is one of only a few known gravitational anomalies on the planet and kind of fun to experience once. They also have gem mining (skip it here), and a tomahawk throw. See water and balls roll up hill and swing on a very strangely affected swing.
You can reserve tickets online at mysteryhill.com
79 locals recommend
Mystery Hill
129 Mystery Hill LnMystery Hill will be on your right as you drive down 321 from the house to Blowing Rock. It is one of only a few known gravitational anomalies on the planet and kind of fun to experience once. They also have gem mining (skip it here), and a tomahawk throw. See water and balls roll up hill and swing on a very strangely affected swing.
You can reserve tickets online at mysteryhill.com
Trust me, if you have kids, they will LOVE this. Docs Rocks is in Tanger Outlet Mall (docsrocks.org) and Foggy Mountain Gem Mine (foggymountaingems.com) on 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock are both indoors. Foggy Mountain has a second location on 105 that is outdoors but covered. Great thing to do on a rainy day! Doc’s Rocks is our favorite.
32 locals recommend
Doc's Rocks Gem Mine
100 Shoppes on the Parkway RoadTrust me, if you have kids, they will LOVE this. Docs Rocks is in Tanger Outlet Mall (docsrocks.org) and Foggy Mountain Gem Mine (foggymountaingems.com) on 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock are both indoors. Foggy Mountain has a second location on 105 that is outdoors but covered. Great thing to do on a rainy day! Doc’s Rocks is our favorite.
Trust me, if you have kids, they will LOVE this. Docs Rocks is in Tanger Outlet Mall (docsrocks.org) and Foggy Mountain Gem Mine (foggymountaingems.com) on 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock are both indoors. Foggy Mountain has a second location on 105 that is outdoors but covered. Great thing to do on a rainy day! Doc’s Rocks is our favorite.
Foggy Mountain Gem Mine
2422 U.S. 321Trust me, if you have kids, they will LOVE this. Docs Rocks is in Tanger Outlet Mall (docsrocks.org) and Foggy Mountain Gem Mine (foggymountaingems.com) on 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock are both indoors. Foggy Mountain has a second location on 105 that is outdoors but covered. Great thing to do on a rainy day! Doc’s Rocks is our favorite.
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is North Carolina’s first alpine roller coaster, providing thrilling outdoor adventure in Banner Elk.
The height requirement to ride alone is 54 inches and 9 years old. If riding along, the height requirement is 38 inches while the person controlling the sled has to be 54 inches tall and not younger than 16 years. The maximum height to ride is 84 inches (7 feet).
206 locals recommend
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
3265 Tynecastle HwyWilderness Run Alpine Coaster is North Carolina’s first alpine roller coaster, providing thrilling outdoor adventure in Banner Elk.
The height requirement to ride alone is 54 inches and 9 years old. If riding along, the height requirement is 38 inches while the person controlling the sled has to be 54 inches tall and not younger than 16 years. The maximum height to ride is 84 inches (7 feet).
There are MANY outfitters in the area, but we recommend Orvis endorsed Foscoe Fishing Company if you want a guided fishing trip.(foscoefishing.com).
If you prefer something quick and dirty and almost a guaranteed catch check out grandfathertroutfarm.com. They provide everything and clean your fish. Great for kids!
9 locals recommend
Foscoe Fishing Company & Outfitters
8857 NC-105There are MANY outfitters in the area, but we recommend Orvis endorsed Foscoe Fishing Company if you want a guided fishing trip.(foscoefishing.com).
If you prefer something quick and dirty and almost a guaranteed catch check out grandfathertroutfarm.com. They provide everything and clean your fish. Great for kids!
If you prefer something quick and dirty and almost a guaranteed catch check out grandfathertroutfarm.com. They provide everything and clean your fish. Great for kids!
There are MANY outfitters in the area, but we recommend Orvis endorsed Foscoe Fishing Company if you want a guided fishing trip.(foscoefishing.com).
26 locals recommend
Grandfather Trout Ponds
10767 NC-105If you prefer something quick and dirty and almost a guaranteed catch check out grandfathertroutfarm.com. They provide everything and clean your fish. Great for kids!
There are MANY outfitters in the area, but we recommend Orvis endorsed Foscoe Fishing Company if you want a guided fishing trip.(foscoefishing.com).
ATV/UTV rentals/trips for the whole family plus lunch!
(828) 297-1289
https://appalachiansoutdooradventures.com/
8 locals recommend
Appalachians Outdoor Adventures
276 Watauga Village DrATV/UTV rentals/trips for the whole family plus lunch!
(828) 297-1289
https://appalachiansoutdooradventures.com/
Tweetsie Railroad is a family-oriented heritage railroad and Wild West amusement park located between Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina, United States. The centerpiece of the park is a 3-mile ride on a train pulled by one of Tweetsie Railroad's two historic narrow-gauge steam locomotives.
242 locals recommend
Tweetsie Railroad
300 Tweetsie Railroad LnTweetsie Railroad is a family-oriented heritage railroad and Wild West amusement park located between Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina, United States. The centerpiece of the park is a 3-mile ride on a train pulled by one of Tweetsie Railroad's two historic narrow-gauge steam locomotives.
Obstacle courses & zip-line tours are designed for most ages at this forested family attraction.
61 locals recommend
High Gravity Adventures Zip Line & Aerial Park
215 Tweetsie Railroad LnObstacle courses & zip-line tours are designed for most ages at this forested family attraction.
Closest grocer
Closest grocer to the house. Other options not too far away include Publix, Harris Teeter, and Walmart all in Boone.
31 locals recommend
Ingles Markets Inc.
2575 NC-105Closest grocer to the house. Other options not too far away include Publix, Harris Teeter, and Walmart all in Boone.