Take Me Home, Country Roads

Looking for an enticing outdoor escape? The hills of the High Country are calling…

“The future tells me go, but my mountain heart says stay.” If your heart belongs to the mountains a la country crooner/queen Dolly Parton, soothe it via a vacay to High Country. Nestled in the “Coolest Corner in North Carolina” amid the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and home to the highest town in eastern America (aka Beech Mountain), this area offers stunning views of the second-oldest mountain range on Earth, an array of high-altitude activities, plus fantastic food and drink ops galore. 

A mere three-hour-ish ride from Raleigh, such gems as Blowing Rock, Boone, West Jefferson and more make for the ideal getaway to unplug and reground yourself in the woods or simply spend some QT with your people. Thrill-seekers can pounce on the area’s plethora of extreme sports, while a lineup of laid-back activities await for those who like to play it safe. Happy trails! 

EAT

6th and Main

Grandma’s house vibes found. Settle down for dinner at this home-turned-restaurant mealtime mainstay where dinner feels at once like a warm hug and a sweet surprise. The cozy locally owned gem sources local ingredients to serve up specials on the regular—think fried chicken with a spicy pecan glaze, dynamite shrimp (it’ll blow you away), lobster bisque, and more mouthwatering meals. Ain’t nothin’ finer! Wilkesboro, 6thandmainrestaurant.com 

New River Brewing Smokehouse and Eatery

Let the divine scent of smoked pulled pork beckon you off the beaten path to this “palpable and positive” father-and-son-founded brewery/smokehouse where meats reign supreme. Dig into jumbo wings, ribs, sandwiches, salads and more. Pro tip: The smokehouse fries topped with pulled pork, cheese and housemade Cheerwine BBQ sauce will send you. Holy smokes, indeed! West Jefferson, newriverbrewing.beer

Beech Mountain Brewing Co.

Brews and views? It doesn’t get much better than that. Take a seat out on the deck to enjoy impeccable vistas and the classic mountain resort menu with a succulent twist—perfect for skiers and snowboarders seeking a quick bite and/or a drink after shredding the gnar. Popular ops include the smashburger, brisket sandwich and loaded fries—plus, any of the brews, natch. Beech Mountain, beechmountainbrewingco.com

DRINK

Call Family Distillers 

It’s all smooth sipping at the 2023 NCRLA Distillery of the Year, with a history tracing back to the 1800s (!)—plus a boost from Willie Clay Call, aka “The Uncatchable” and one of the most renowned moonshiners to come out of Wilkes County. Answer the call to get in on the mishmash via the magic of moonshine-making—then chill over a bev or two and extend the buzz via live tunes at Mash House. Wilkesboro, callfamilydistillers.com 

Bohemia Coffee 

But first, coffee. Keep your getaway grounded with a cuppa from this quaint downtown cafe boasting an abundance of coffee selects and flavor choices and a cozy, eclectic atmosphere. Go bold with a frozen cotton candy or dragonfly coconut drink, or stick to the basics. If you name it, they can brew it. West Jefferson, bohemiawj.square.site

5506’ Skybar

Will trek for booze. Take the chairlift up—you guessed it—5,506 feet to enjoy a bev in the warmth of the round glasshouse, or bundle up in one of the Adirondack chairs outside to really soak in the views. During the winter, you’ll actually want to drink responsibly as the only way down is by ski or snowboard (!). Beech Mountain, beechmountainresort.com

STAY

Mountain Top Cottage

Get high in High Country—literally—by taking to the hills to stay at this secluded mountaintop home. The majestic mountain vistas are the perf backdrop for exploring the extensive wooded property, snacking on s’mores by the fire pit, or taking a dip in the hot tub on the enormous deck. Top that, we dare ya! Wilkesboro, vrbo.com

The Flight Deck

Ready for takeoff? This luxe cabin at 4,500 feet is sure to lift you (plus 13 guests) to cloud nine via breathtaking views spanning 100+ miles over the Blue Ridge Mountains—best served on the swing a la wraparound porch. Inside, the game room with arcade and pool table elevates to ideal group getaway. West Jefferson, airbnb.com

Treetop Yurt 

Log off and marvel at the beauty of Appalachia with a snooze curled up in a literal treehouse cabin situated just far enough from Downtown Beech Mountain to avoid the hustle and bustle, yet close enough to access the slopes. A little quiet time in the trees never *yurt* anyone! Beech Mountain, airbnb.com

DO

Brushy Mountain Apple Festival

When in apple country, this fest is a core activity to add to the to-do list, naturally. The popular Oct. 7 fall fest features all your fave apple-flavored treats (cider, dried apples, jams and desserts)—NTM 425+ artisans and tradespeople selling handmade chairs, quilts, soaps and woodcarvings; ~100 food vendors; and four music stages showcasing live music and dancing. Ready to get lost in the (apple) sauce?! Wilkesboro, applefestival.net 

Blue Ridge Parkway MP 249-263

Life is a highway—er, parkway? Enjoy a stunning joyride along the winding Blue Ridge Parkway (the best time to go is the fall when all the leaves change colors!). Be sure to pack a picnic to stop at one of the six lookout spots, or venture inside Holy Trinity Church to peek at Ben Long’s fresco of the Last Supper. West Jefferson, blueridgeparkway.org

Beech Mountain Resort

Adrenaline seekers, this one’s for you. Take your bike or skis up one of the nine lifts or hit the freestyle terrain park feat. rails and jumps for beginners and pros alike at the East Coast’s highest mountain resort. Newbies, have no fear, as the resort also offers ski, snowboard and mountain bike lessons for all ages. Then it’s all downhill from there! Beech Mountain, beechmountainresort.com