The warm weather is waning, the foliage is falling and the High Country hills are calling. What better way to satisfy the craving for fresh air and elevated experiences than a breather in Boone?
Nestled in the storied Blue Ridge Mountains—part of the second-oldest mountain range on Earth—the college town serves high-altitude adventure, local flavors and culture galore (think App State, Eric Church roots and Rainbow Kitten Surprise), all just a three-hour-ish drive west.
Just one glance at the majestic mountain views and vibrant leaves, coupled with a taste of the cool mountain air, and you’ll see why the “Boonerang Effect” is real—making it an instant fave season after season. Here’s where to get high on the High Country.
DO
Mary Griffin
King Street It’s your Grandma’s main street—in the best way. Live like a king amid the historic charm of Boone’s downtown district, where you can stock up on gear before an outdoor excursion at the Mast General Store (or just satisfy your sweet tooth at the candy barrels) or spruce up your home with collectibles like vintage Pyrex dishes and furniture from Appalachian Antique Mall. downtownboonenc.com
Mile High Swinging Bridge It’s time to tick off your bucket list and finally join the Mile High Club. Atop a scenic route through the Blue Ridge Mountains hangs America’s highest suspension footbridge, leveling out exactly a mile above sea level. Ooh and ahh at the mountain views, or embark on the trailheads near the bridge. And listen in: Swing turns to sing as the bridge hums like a harmonica when the wind blows. grandfather.com
Appalachian State University Nature Preserve Tap into your inner Daniel Boone on a hike through the largest contiguous forested area in town, slithering with native creepy crawlies, invasive plants and two spring-fed creeks—all preserved as an outdoor classroom and playroom. appstate.edu
EAT
Come Back Shack Born in Boone and bred to reach farther corners of the South, the family-owned burger joint is often the first op for locals to tote their out-of-town friends. The straightforward menu boasting honest ingredients (no freezers here!) also serves up chicken sammies, loaded fries and handspun milkshakes—think flavors like sweet cream, Nutella and coffee. Trust—you’ll be coming back. comebackshack.com
Dan’l Boone Inn Taste the memory of your Grammy’s country cuisine at this homecooked High Country eatery with a half-century of history, good eats and even better times under its belt. From fried chicken and country-style steak to buttermilk pancakes and grits, tucking into a meal here—paired with a stroll through the historic halls—is a standard on any visit to Boone.danlbooneinn.com
Amanda Widis
Stick Boy Bread Co. Sticky sitches are nowhere to be found when a fresh loaf of naturally fermented Carolina sourdough is in hand. The standout bakery staff pours their heart, soul and time into the likes of blueberry sourdough and chocolate chip brioche, plus sandwiches, pastries and desserts sure to leave you yearning for more. stickboybread.com
DRINK
Town Tavern Fun fact: Before making it big, country music star Luke Combs played these hallowed halls during his time at App State. The sports bar, eatery and live music joint still serves as the ideal hub for locals and visitors alike looking to crack open a “long-neck ice cold beer” and catch a game or acoustic set. towntavernbr.com
Grandfather Vineyard & Winery Like the wisdom of your grandfather, this picturesque hillside winery is rooted in tradition, from the rows of lush grapevines to the care taken and techniques applied to creating unique blends—perfect for sipping on the patio with a locally made charcuterie board under the sweet shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains. grandfathervineyard.com
Appalachian Mountain Brewery When in Appalachia—do as the Appalachians do: Drink beer. And what better place for a round or two than this local mainstay, what with its airy interior, ample green space and plenty of laidback-lively vibes to boot. While beer and cider take the spotlight, a crafty mix of sours, seltzers and mead are also on tap—all but certain to turn anyone into a certified beer guy or gal.amb.beer
STAY
Chetola Resort
Chetola Resort Dolly Parton said it best: My mountains, my home. Settle in at this sprawling 75-acre mountain haven serving lake views, boating, fitness classes, a tranquil spa, and Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing trips. In short, it’s a rural yet sophisticated retreat thoughtfully curated for deeper connection with nature. chetola.com
The Horton Hotel Here, historic charm meets modern flair. Equal parts stylish and cozy, the inn’s two buildings outfitted with wood furnishings, a rooftop bar, and a gym and sauna embody the rustic feel of the High Country without bashing the comfort and convenience you yearn for on a getaway. thehorton.com
Rhode’s Motor Lodge Camping—but make it a motor lodge… and one of the “coolest new hotels in America” per the likes of Travel + Leisure and Garden & Gun—to name but a couple of accolades. The drive-up motor inn-meets boutique stay invites you to set life on rewind sans the sacrifice of comfort. To wit, all rooms face the Southern sky and mountains, and rustic vibes mingle with modern amenities with rooms outfitted for road trip warriors, casual mosiers and family ramblers alike. Hey, all roads lead here for a reason. rhodesmotorlodge.com
And we’ll never be royals… but we can romp around the Queen City.
Uptown Girls (and Boys)
Uptown (not to be called downtown—they’ll know you’re a tourist) is the beating heart of CLT, and it’s chock-full of fun things to do—from theNASCAR Hall of Fame to open-air shopping to museums to acclaimed restaurants and bars. Soak it all up…
For the Fanatics
Sports fans can get their fill year-round in Charlotte, thanks to the Panthers, Charlotte FC, the Hornets and the Knights(P.S. Stick around Truist Field after home games for fireworks!). Game on.
Savor the Asheville flavor during the two remaining weekends of culinary event series Chow Chow (Aug. 4–7, Sept. 8–11) feat. multiple food-focused events—including a handmade tamale workshop and a free Sunday super series. Chow down!
Jam Out
Live music fans are gonna wanna grab tix to a show at legendary music venue The Orange Peel—this summer hosting Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Spoon, Switchfoot and more. Ah, “the way we get by…”
Your ribs’ll be shaking from laughter after attending the Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival, aka the largest stand-up comedy event in the Southeast, with 40 comics performing at an array of Asheville venues.
Winston-Salem
Brunch is always a good idea. And the perfect day in Winston-Salem starts with brunch at Parisian restaurant The Katharine Brasserie & Bar, located in the The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel (Pro tip: Get the croque-monsieur)—where you should also absolutely lay your head after a day of adventuring. Post-noshing, stroll Winston-Salem’s Downtown Arts District and check out the breweries and ’cue joints on The NCBS Historic Barbecue Trail.
Boone
“Get your awe back” in the “high country”—from breweries and artastic attractions to the Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock (whitewater rafting, wineries, spas!) and, of course, Grandfather Mountain, where you’re gonna wanna hike the highlands. Plus you can’t say you’re an NC’er until you’ve seen NC from the famed Mile High Swinging Bridge (aka America’s highest suspension footbridge—and, yes, it literally swings). Poetry in motion, really.
Durham
Staycation all I ever wanted. … Skip the heavy baggage and gas prices for a summer siesta in the Bull City. Whether you like it dirty or keepin’ it neat, Bar Virgile’s award-winning bar and resto’ll help you get in the spirit and kick it into #vacationmode with a craft cocktail via one of the largest liquor selections in the Triangle. Then keep it jamon at multi-Beard-nominated chef Matt Kelly’s Mateo for tapas that’ll straight transport you to Spain before a nightcap on the rooftop of bougee midcentury-modern boutique hotel The Durham (pro tip: Book the Night Out Package so your nightcap is mere steps from your swank sleep sitch).
Wilmington
Garden Variety
Stop and smell the flowers at the year-round Airlie Gardens, also home to the Airlie Luncheon Garden Party—Wilmington’s premier event during the annual spring NC Azalea Festival.
Flock Here
’Tis the season for seafood, and there’s no better spot to get your fill than Dean Neff and Lydia Clopton’s recently opened Seabird restaurant, which puts a spotlight on local seafood, natch, in addition to creative and seasonal breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes.
Go big or go, well, small by staying in either the stunningly gorgeOld Edwards Inn and Spa (a spa day is a must) or booking a night at the tranquil Carriage House at Wyanoak, a cozy love nest that’s perf for a romantic getaway.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Peak experiences await via NC’s picturesque parkway joyride. Pack your hiking boots and take the scenic route this summer (and again this fall for ’Gram-worthy foliage), winding through the NC (and VA) mountains for 469 miles of “America’s Favorite Drive.”
Mount Mitchell
Keep calm and get high by hiking up to the dramatic summit of the highest point in NC (6,684 feet!). Located in the Black Mountain range of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, Mount Mitchell boasts unmatched views—plus a nine-site family campground. Early bird gets the worm—er, campsite!
Bryson City
Adrenaline junkies, this one’s for you. Feel the rush in Bryson City this summer, where, beyond the lure of this laid-back small mountain city are opps aplenty to channel your inner Tarzan (!)—from swinging through the treetops via zip lines at Nantahala Outdoor Center (dubbed one of the “Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure) to climbing, tubing, hiking, hitting the Nantahala River rapids and so much more. Ahem, they don’t call it the “Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Great Smoky Mountains” for nothing.
“Thumbin’ my way into North Caroline…” After a wildly successful inaugural showdown last summer, country boys and girls are gettin’ down for Night in the Country Carolinas—the second-annual music fest at Tryon International Equestrian Center, Aug. 25–27 (aka three nights showcasing 12 boot-stompin’ acts of country heavy-hitters like Darius Rucker, Jon Pardi, Dierks Bentley and more).
Beech Mountain
Beech, please! NC’ers know and love this pleasant lil mountain town as a winter ski destination, but the charmer is a quintessential summer reprieve—think temps that usually don’t break 70 degrees—famed for its Swiss Alps-esque aerial trams. Serving up unparalleled vistas in summer, fall and winter, the round-trip scenic chair lift promises to transport you to new heights (literally—peaking at 5,506 feet—aka the highest town in the Eastern U.S.).
Lake Lure
“So I carried a watermelon?” Fete the cult-classic film and have the time of your life at this 13th annual edition of the uberpopular Dirty Dancing Festival on Sept. 10, feat. film-inspired dance (natch) and tunes, local and regional arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, “on scene” selfie spots, the infamous Lake Lift Competition, and more. Oh, and don’t miss sips in the Club House garden (think beer, wine and cider). Nobody puts Baby in a corner…
