Area Guide

Appalachian Ski Mountain — 11 slopes, 2 terrain parks, and an ice skating rink. Perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers, with night skiing available. Season typically runs late November through mid-March.

Sugar Mountain Resort — The largest ski area in North Carolina with 21 slopes and trails, 125 acres of skiable terrain, and 1,200 feet of vertical drop. Also offers ice skating and snow tubing.

Beech Mountain Resort — The highest ski resort in eastern North America at 5,506 feet, with 17 slopes and a great craft beer scene in the village below.

Hawksnest Snow Tubing & Zipline — The largest snow tubing park on the East Coast with over 30 lanes across four different areas. In warmer months, enjoy their zipline tours with stunning mountain views. A favorite for families and groups.

Grandfather Mountain — One of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Southeast. Walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge at 5,280 feet, explore nature trails, and visit the wildlife habitats. The views are extraordinary on clear days.

Blue Ridge Parkway — America's favorite drive runs right through the area. Mile after mile of stunning mountain vistas, wildflower meadows, and overlooks. Access points are minutes from the cabin. The Linn Cove Viaduct section near Grandfather Mountain is a must-see.

Linville Falls — One of the most photographed waterfalls in North Carolina. Multiple overlook trails ranging from easy to moderate let you see the falls from different angles.

Linville Gorge Wilderness — Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Challenging trails for experienced hikers with dramatic cliff views and pristine wilderness.

Boone Fork Trail — A beautiful 5-mile loop near Price Lake on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Stream crossings, rock scrambles, and wildflowers make this a favorite moderate hike in the area.

Rough Ridge Trail — One of the most rewarding short hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway. A 1.5-mile roundtrip climb at Milepost 302.8 leads to a boardwalk atop exposed rock with panoramic views of Grandfather Mountain, Linn Cove Viaduct, and Linville Gorge. The terrain is rocky and the ecosystem is fragile — stay on the boardwalk to protect the rare plants and lichens.

Crab Orchard Falls — A beautiful waterfall hike near Valle Crucis. Two trails lead to the falls from the Valle Crucis Conference Center on Broadstone Road — the original 1.3-mile trail and a newer, gentler 1.5-mile trail opened in 2024. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be muddy and slippery after rain.

Otter Falls Trail — Located near Seven Devils, this trail leads to a stunning multi-tiered waterfall. A moderate hike that is well worth the effort, especially after recent rain.

Tweetsie Railroad — A wild west theme park with a vintage steam train, live shows, rides, gem mining, and a petting zoo. Open seasonally from spring through fall, with special Ghost Train events in October.

Mystery Hill — A quirky roadside attraction in Blowing Rock where gravity seems to work backwards. Kids love it. The complex also includes the Appalachian Heritage Museum and gem mining.

Gem Mining — Several gem mines in the area let you sluice for rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and other gems. Great rainy-day activity for families.

High Mountain Expeditions — Guided outdoor adventures including whitewater rafting, cave tours, and rock climbing. A great way to experience the High Country with experienced guides, suitable for families and groups of all skill levels.

Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster — North Carolina's first alpine coaster, located along Highway 184 in Banner Elk. The 3,160-foot track features three loops, waves, and twists — all gravity-fed and rider-controlled. Riders set their own speed up to 27 mph. Open year-round, seven days a week — a hit with kids and adults alike.

Valle Crucis Community Park — A lovely park in the historic Valle Crucis area. Playground, picnic areas, walking trails along the Watauga River, and a great spot to relax on a sunny afternoon.

Appalachian Theatre — A beautifully restored historic theater at 559 West King Street in downtown Boone. Live music, comedy, film screenings, and community events year-round. Check their schedule at apptheatre.org — it is a great evening out.

Julian Price Memorial Park — A beautiful park along the Blue Ridge Parkway with hiking trails, picnic areas, and canoeing on Price Lake. The park offers a peaceful setting for families to explore the outdoors, with easy trails suitable for all ages and a scenic lake surrounded by mountain views.

Apple Hill Farm — A family-friendly orchard near Banner Elk offering pick-your-own apples in season, farm animals, and a country store. A great autumn outing for families with kids — check their seasonal hours before visiting.

Appalachian Mountain Brewery — An excellent Boone brewery on Boone Creek Drive, offering a variety of craft beers and a dog-friendly outdoor space.

Banner Elk Winery — A family-owned winery producing award-winning wines. Features a tasting room and patio with Blue Ridge Mountain views. A great afternoon outing.

The Gamekeeper — A fine dining destination on Shulls Mill Road between Boone and Blowing Rock. Known for creative wild game dishes and an intimate atmosphere in a converted log cabin. Reservations recommended.

Grandfather Vineyard — A scenic vineyard and winery near Banner Elk with mountain views. Enjoy wine tastings, live music events, and a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the Watauga River.

The Local — A farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Boone with a menu that changes with the seasons. Locally sourced ingredients, creative cocktails, and a warm, relaxed atmosphere. One of our favorite spots in the High Country.

Lost Province Brewing Co. — A craft brewery in downtown Boone with wood-fired pizza and a great selection of beers. Cozy taproom with a lively atmosphere.

Mast Farm Inn — A historic country inn in Valle Crucis dating back to 1810. The Valle Tavern serves a plated three-course dinner that changes nightly on Friday and Saturday evenings, with a farmhouse bar open from 4:30 PM. Breakfast is served Friday through Sunday. Reservations recommended — call (828) 963-5857.

Mellow Mushroom — A popular pizza chain on King Street in Boone with a fun atmosphere, craft beers on tap, and creative specialty pizzas.

Mountain Grounds Coffee — A cozy coffee shop on NC-105 near Banner Elk. Great espresso, pastries, and a relaxed mountain vibe — perfect for your morning caffeine fix.

The Speckled Trout — A popular restaurant and bottle shop on Main Street in Blowing Rock. Southern Appalachian cuisine with an excellent craft beer and wine selection. Great for a relaxed meal in the village.

Twigs Restaurant & Bar — A Blowing Rock favorite on Valley Boulevard since 2000. New American cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Our recommendation: sit at the bar — you can order off both the bar and dining room menus, and it is a great atmosphere. Live music Friday and Saturday nights. Reservations recommended for the dining room.

Watauga County Farmers' Market — Every Saturday from 8 AM to noon, May through November, at 591 Horn in the West Drive in Boone. Over 60 local vendors selling produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and crafts. Live music and cooking demos most weeks. A great Saturday morning outing.

The cabin has a fully equipped kitchen, so cooking in is always an option — especially nice after a long day on the slopes or trails. The nearest grocery stores are in Banner Elk.

Tanger Outlets — Over 30 stores with great deals on name brands.

Mast General Store — The original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis. A beloved landmark since 1883, selling everything from penny candy to outdoor gear. The wide-plank floors and old-fashioned charm make it worth the visit even if you do not buy a thing.

Local Craft Shops — The High Country is known for its artisan community. Browse handmade pottery, woodwork, jewelry, and mountain crafts in the shops along King Street in Boone and throughout the Blowing Rock village.