The small mountain town of Boone, NC (84 miles from Asheville) gets its name from the famous folk hero Daniel Boone, who camped regularly in the area as an early frontiersman and pioneer. Boone is the largest town and county seat for Watauga County (elevation of 3,333 ft) and is considered part of The High Country of Western NC. Boone is home to Appalachian State University, founded in 1899, is also a college town whose 500-acre campus is spread throughout downtown and where dedicated fans cheer on the Mountaineers football team who compete in the NCAA Division.
Many are drawn to Boone, NC, for winter fun and a mix of ski resorts in the area. Beech Mountain Resort, Sugar Mountain Resort, and Appalachian Ski Mountain offer varying options for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Hawksnest (2058 Skyland Drive, Seven Devils) is the largest snow tubing park on the East Coast and is 13.9 miles from Boone.
In addition to snow-based fun, the Boone area offers many other outdoor activities in the Spring and Summer months, including hiking, ziplining, whitewater rafting, fishing, mountain biking, camping, and more. The New River, which is one of the 5 oldest rivers in the world, is a popular spot for tubing, kayaking, and canoeing in the area. Julian Price Park is a top spot for lakeside camping and happens to be the largest campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 297.
You can easily connect to the Blue Ridge Parkway from Boone, with plenty of ways to explore the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. There are many nearby hiking trails, overlooks, scenic drives, picnic spots, and more, including Linn Cove Viaduct, Rough Ridge, and Grandfather Mountain.
Downtown Boone Arts & Culture
King Street is the center of downtown Boone, NC, with plenty of shops, outfitters, galleries, restaurants, and a giant 40’ climbing wall! A King Street must-stop is Mast General Store (360 W. King Street) for souvenirs, gifts, gear, and more. Also, find Boone’s first boutique hotel with a rooftop and lounge, Horton Hotel.
Be sure to visit The Turchin Center (423 West King Street), which is part of Appalachian State University with seven rotating art galleries featuring contemporary art from local, regional, national, and international artists. Admission is free!
Boone has been home to many bluegrass musicians, including Grammy Award-winning guitar player Doc Watson, whose sculpture is at the corner of King St and Depot St, right outside of Mast General Store. The town of Boone is part of the Blue Ridge Craft Trails & Music Trails.
Doc Watson sculpture. Photo Credit: Explore Boone
Family Friendly
Tweetsie Railroad is a must-stop for families! Originally a part of the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad, Tweetise is now a family fun park featuring a Western-themed ride on an authentic steam train, ferris wheel, mouse mine trains, and kid-friendly rides. Mystery Hill is another hot spot for families looking for an indoor activity for kids.
Photo Credit: Tweetsie Railroad
Food & Drink
Our top picks for Boone downtown places to eat include Melanie’s for brunch or breakfast (664 W King St), coffee at Espresso News (267 Howard St), Stick Boy Bread Company (345 Hardin Street) for delicious pastries, cakes, and baked treats, and coffee.
Boone Breweries
- Appalachian Mountain Brewery (163 Boone Creek Drive)
- Booneshine Brewing Company (465 Industrial Park Drive)
- Lost Province Brewing Company (130 North Depot Street)
Pick up a travel guide at the Visitor Center located at 331 Queen Street, Suite 101. Boone, NC 28607. Or order a free guide here. Nearby small towns include Blowing Rock, Beech Mountain, and Valle Crucis. Banner Elk is also nearby.
Beech Mountain Ski Resort
As the highest ski and snowboard area in the eastern US, ride 17 slopes on 95 acres. Find runs for every skill levels, with a vertical drop of 830 feet and 80+ inches of annual snow. The Alpine… read more
As the highest ski and snowboard area in the eastern US, ride 17 slopes on 95 acres. Find runs for every skill levels, with a vertical drop of 830 feet and 80+ inches of annual snow. The Alpine Village has ice skating, brewery and even a mountaintop bar. Snow tubing and terrain park. Ski vacation packages and lessons.
Rough Ridge
(1.5 to 8 miles round-trip, moderate to strenuous) This unique hike offers plenty of breathtaking viewpoints and a wooden boardwalk over fragile vegetation. The Tanawha Trail features many rock… read more
(1.5 to 8 miles round-trip, moderate to strenuous) This unique hike offers plenty of breathtaking viewpoints and a wooden boardwalk over fragile vegetation. The Tanawha Trail features many rock outcrops to enjoy sweeping mountain panoramas. Turn around at any time or continue the trail to Beacon Heights (4 miles). Milepost 302.8 Blue Ridge Parkway.
Linville Falls
Perhaps the most photographed waterfall in NC, Linville Falls (a.k.a. the “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians”) is along the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 316). A moderate hike of 1.6 miles… read more
Perhaps the most photographed waterfall in NC, Linville Falls (a.k.a. the “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians”) is along the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 316). A moderate hike of 1.6 miles round-trip offers four overlooks, add another 1.5-mile hike for two more vistas. Second parking area in National Forest. Also see Dugger Creek Falls here.
Places to Stay in Boone
Find the perfect place to stay in Boone, NC including hotels, cabins, cottages, B&Bs, and resorts- all with convenient access to major attractions, dining, shopping, and outdoor adventure! … read more
Find the perfect place to stay in Boone, NC including hotels, cabins, cottages, B&Bs, and resorts- all with convenient access to major attractions, dining, shopping, and outdoor adventure!
Grandfather Mountain
Don’t miss the views that can be seen from Grandfather Mountain, which at 5,946 ft’ is one of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountain range. Grandfather Mountain State Park encompasses 2,456-… read more
Don’t miss the views that can be seen from Grandfather Mountain, which at 5,946 ft’ is one of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountain range. Grandfather Mountain State Park encompasses 2,456-acres of wilderness to explore. If you are staying in Asheville, 70 miles from Asheville, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Tweetsie Railroad, Boone
Tweetsie Railroad has been the High Country's premier family fun park for over 70 years! This Wild West family theme park features a three-mile, steam-powered train ride through the mountains,… read more
Tweetsie Railroad has been the High Country's premier family fun park for over 70 years! This Wild West family theme park features a three-mile, steam-powered train ride through the mountains, along with shopping, live entertainment, amusement rides, and a petting zoo. Tweetsie also features seasonal favorites like the Ghost Train Halloween Festival and Tweetsie Christmas. The steam engine #12…
Explore Boone Visitor Guide
Order this free 48-page printed guide featuring everything you need to know to plan your visit to the High Country including places to stay, things to do, event calendar, maps, and more!
Order this free 48-page printed guide featuring everything you need to know to plan your visit to the High Country including places to stay, things to do, event calendar, maps, and more!
Boonerang Festival, Boone
Jun 15, 2023 - Jun 17, 2023This free festival in downtown Boone celebrates the town and its local artists with live music, food trucks, craft beer and wine, kid activities, and a silent disco! Also shop handmade crafts,… read more
This free festival in downtown Boone celebrates the town and its local artists with live music, food trucks, craft beer and wine, kid activities, and a silent disco! Also shop handmade crafts, pottery, textiles, artwork, photography, jewelry, apparel, home décor, personal care items, food products, and more.
Fireworks Extravaganza at Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock
Jul 04, 2023Enjoy this top fireworks show in the High Country of Boone, NC! The Wild West theme park will be open for extended hours on July 4 from 10 AM to 9 PM. Fireworks are at 9:30 PM.
Enjoy this top fireworks show in the High Country of Boone, NC! The Wild West theme park will be open for extended hours on July 4 from 10 AM to 9 PM. Fireworks are at 9:30 PM.
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
Jul 06, 2023 - Jul 09, 2023One of the biggest Scottish Games in the United States, with plenty of live music (bagpipes to rock), athletic competitions, dancing, food, heritage vendors, and more.
One of the biggest Scottish Games in the United States, with plenty of live music (bagpipes to rock), athletic competitions, dancing, food, heritage vendors, and more.