Boone has so much to offer we couldn't possibly highlight everything here. Breweries, cideries, restaurants, hiking, and more! We recommend visiting the town if you have any free time. Some of our favorite spots are Booneshine Brewing Company and Appalachian Mountain Brewery.
Similar to Boone, Banner Elk has a number of hot spots we recommend taking time to enjoy. Some of our favorites are Banner Elk Winery, Grandfather Mountain Vineyard & Winery, Grandfather Mountain State Park, and Rough Ridge Trail.
Blowing Rock is home to North Carolina's oldest travel attraction, The Blowing Rock! This view point sits 4,000 ft. above sea level and has a beautiful view of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The town of Blowing Rock is full of tasty restaurants and cafes, shops, and art galleries. If looking for a nice dinner, we recommend booking a reservation at the Restaurant at Gideon Ridge Inn.
If interested in exploring in a nearby North Carolina city, Asheville is an hour and half drive away from Banner Elk. Asheville is known for its brewery scene, hiking, and rich arts. We recommend visiting the Green Man Brewery!