9 Things to Do in Boone, NC

Hiking on Grandfather Mountain Trail offers some of the most amazing views of the mountains and valleys below. This 1.2-mile loop near Linville, North Carolina, is generally considered moderately challenging and takes an average of 44 minutes to complete. It is popular for birding, hiking, and running, though quieter times of day can still offer some solitude. Come prepared with the right hiking gear and plenty of water.

Other trails we hiked included Price Lake Loop, Boone Fork Trail, Crab Orchard Falls Trail, Glen Burney Trail, Cone Manor to Bass Lake Trail, Rich Mountain Carriage Trail, Hunt Fish Falls via Gragg Prong, Green Knob Loop, and Price Lake Loop. Boone Fork Trail was our favorite.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States, noted for its scenic beauty. America’s longest linear park runs for 469 miles through 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties, linking Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is a do-not-miss stop. The estate is an important part of the Blue Ridge Parkway National Park, and the views from the hilltop are fantastic. Textile magnate Moses H. Cone built this summer retreat with his wife, Bertha, at the turn of the 20th century. In 1949, the family donated the estate, now listed on the Register of Historic Places, to the National Park Service. Visit Flat Top Manor and the estate’s winding carriage trails, historic manor, and Southern Highland Craft Guild craft shop.

Proper Restaurant: If you’re a foodie, you’ll definitely want to check out Proper. This farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Boone serves beautifully presented dishes made with locally sourced ingredients that change with the seasons.

The town of Blowing Rock has great stores and restaurants. This village in western North Carolina sits on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and is named after The Blowing Rock, a formation with sweeping views of peaks, forests, and the Johns River Gorge. The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum features regional artwork, while nearby Moses H. Cone Memorial Park preserves a country estate with a 1901 mansion. A trail from Annie Cannon Gardens leads to Glen Burney and Glen Marie waterfalls. It is not a long hike, but good footwear is essential because the trail is very rocky.

The Common Market serves farm-to-table cuisine in a casual setting.

Appalachian State University: Take a walk around campus to soak up the lively atmosphere and appreciate the beautiful architecture. Don’t miss the student art galleries.

Mast General Store: This iconic store has been around since 1883 and is stocked with everything from candy and clothing to outdoor gear. Be sure to visit the old-fashioned candy counter and pick up a few souvenirs.