First-Timers' Guide to Boone, NC (2024)

Known as the Heart of the High Country, Boone is perfectly positioned to offer endless mountain adventuresand awe-inspiring experiences just a short drive (or hike) away from your accommodations. We know it can be a daunting task to decide on things to do, so here it is – the must-do guide for your first visit to Boone!

Jump to:

  • King Street
  • Blue Ridge Parkway
  • Farmers' Markets
  • Thrilling Adventures
  • Appalachian State University Campus
  • Dan'l Boone Inn
  • Ski Areas
  • Boone Greenway

First-Timers' Guide to Boone, NC (1)

Photo of 1940s Postcard Provided by theNorth Carolina Digital Heritage Center

KING STREET

Historic downtown Boone is where visitors and locals, alike, gather over locally-roasted coffee, peruse the shelves of a centuries-old general store, meet up for a movie at the historic Appalachian Theatre, and listen to the sounds ofmany genres flowing into King Street. On the firstFriday of each month excluding January, downtown Boone hosts the First Friday Art Crawl, where residents enjoy free concerts at the Jones House, browse the wares of local craftspeople at several art galleries, and enjoy special coursed dinners at various restaurants. Make sure you pay a visit to our local music legend, Arthel "Doc" Watson, memorialized in bronze at the corner of Depot and King Streets. If you time it right, the entire community will be paying homage to this 7-time Grammy Award winner during Doc Watson Day.

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First-Timers' Guide to Boone, NC (2)

Cyclists on the Linn Cove Viaduct, Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Boone area section of America's Favorite Drive offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States. Spanning from around mile marker (MM)270 to just past MM317, there are countless hiking trails and scenic overlooks to be enjoyed. Some of the most popular hiking trails in our area include Beacon Heights, Rough Ridge, and Linville Falls. For leisurely adventurers, Moses Coneand Julian Price Memorial Parksare laid-back alternatives. Make a stop at Grandfather Mountain to learn about our Appalachian ecosystem, view several wildlife habitats, and cross the iconic Mile-High Swinging Bridge.

🍃 #PreserveTheAwe: Stick to clearly marked trails and avoid crowded areas to help preserve our stunning, but delicate, ecology for future generations!

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Farmers' Markets

The first settlers ofthe Boone area were mostly isolated from the rest of North Carolina, emphasizingthe necessity of growing crops and cultivating the rich soils of mountain valleys. Fast-forward 100 years and you can still find some of these farms selling fresh produce year-round at one of our seasonal farmers' markets. FromMarch-November, theproducer-only Watauga County Farmers' Market exemplifies the neighborly spirit Boone is known for, amidst live music and the smell of fresh cheese biscuits drifting on the cool mountain breeze.For those who can't make Saturday mornings, the King Street Market runs from May-October on Tuesday afternoons in downtown Boone. During the snowier months of December-March, the Boone Winter Market supplies residents and visitors with an indoor connection to a widevariety of local goods.

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First-Timers' Guide to Boone, NC (3)

Photo Courtesy High Gravity Adventures

Thrilling Adventures

Calling all adrenaline junkies! If the 40-foot climbing tower downtown didn't tip you off, the Boone area is home to a world of thrills and exciting excursions. Spend a day on the rapids with one of our whitewater rafting outfitters, zoom down the side of a mountain on NC's first alpine coaster, or race along the treetops and across wildflower-filled meadows with a zipline adventure. Avid mountain bikers will want to head to Rocky Knob for a challenging progression trail system and freshly-paved pump track.

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First-Timers' Guide to Boone, NC (4)

Appalachian State UniversityCampus

Go Mountaineers! With a student population greater thanBoone's local population and university classrooms just steps from downtown, this state college is hard to ignore. So, don't! App State'srolling campus has abundant green space, a beautiful creekside park perfect for picnics, and its very ownNature Preserve completewith hiking trails leading to a wind turbine. Enjoy performances from internationally-touring acts at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts orrevel with fellow football fans at the southeast's most picturesque stadium, Kidd Brewer.

🔎 Fun Fact:Nationally-recognized bands like Rainbow Kitten Surprise and the Jonathan Scales Fourchestra got their start atAppalachian State's Hayes School of Music.

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First-Timers' Guide to Boone, NC (5)

Dan'l Boone Inn

We have heard countless stories of folks making a trip to Boone specifically for this southern, family-style diningexperience and there's a good reason. Dan'l Boone Inn resides in one of the town's oldest buildings;builtfirst as a family home, then serving as Boone's first hospital, eventually repurposed to house college students, and finally becoming the landmark restaurant we all know and love in 1959. After a day filled with adventures, sit down to a glass of sweet tea, plates reminiscent of grandma's finest porcelain, and large serving bowls overflowing with crispy fried chicken garnished withevery country-style side you can think of. We guarantee you won't leave hungry.

🧳 Traveler Tip: Don't forget the cash! This historic establishment only accepts cash or checks, but there isan ATM onsite just in case.

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First-Timers' Guide to Boone, NC (6)

Ski Areas

Boone is the preferred place to eat, play, and stay for those who love to spend their days on the slopes at nearby Beech Mountain Resort, Sugar Mountain Resort, and Appalachian Ski Mountain. Due to our high elevation and location in northwest North Carolina, Boone enjoys an average yearly snowfall of around 30 inches. If winter sportsaren't your thing, scenic chair lift rides and mountain bike trails are also available at Beech and Sugar during the summer months.

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First-Timers' Guide to Boone, NC (7)

Boone Greenway

Just minutes from downtown, the Boone Greenway provides a beautiful, fully accessible, and relaxed escape into nature. Surrounded by lush forests andpicturesque mountain peaks, the paved trail follows the sparkling South Fork New River for about 2 miles. Along the customizable trail system, you'll encounter three bridges, a historic site, man-made wetlands, and multiple picnic areas.

🍃 #PreserveTheAwe: We share this naturalspace with a plethora of wildlife, from whitetail deer to salamanders and even river otters. Do your part to keep wildlife wild by observing animals from a distance and keeping food or other garbage out of reach.

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First-Timers' Guide to Boone, NC (2024)

FAQs

What do I need to know before moving to Boone NC? ›

10 Things to Know Before Moving to Boone, NC
  • Tons of places to shop. ...
  • A great educational system. ...
  • A reasonable cost of living. ...
  • Your dog would love it here. ...
  • A strong public transportation system. ...
  • There's occasional traffic. ...
  • A decent job market. ...
  • You'll find things to do.
Jan 25, 2023

Why is Boone NC so expensive? ›

The thriving tourism industry, expansive university, and growing community are just a few reasons this city is more expensive than the surrounding areas. With high demand and little supply of homes, the housing market is very competitive in Boone, and housing is more expensive than in other areas.

How do I spend a day in Boone, NC? ›

In addition to nationally known attractions like Grandfather Mountain, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Tweetsie Railroad, Boone also has a vibrant art, history and cultural scene. Tour the historic frescoes that adorn area churches, visit the historic Jones House, or browse the specialty shops in downtown Boone.

What to wear in Boone, NC? ›

Weather in Boone can change quickly, so we recommend bringing clothing that you can layer as it's typically cooler in the morning and evening hours. Good resources for Boone weather are Ray's Weather Center, The Weather Channel and US Climate Data.

What is the best time of year to go to Boone? ›

Best Time to Visit

“Summer is great because it stays cool in the mountains. In other areas of the state, people are stuck inside due to the heat, but in Boone, I try to soak up every second of sunshine before winter comes,” says Crowe.

Is it safe to drive in Boone right now? ›

Conditions for driving are good.

Is Boone NC a dry town? ›

I marvel at the fact that I can now order a craft cocktail in Boone, a town that was dry from 1949 to 1986.

Is Boone better than Asheville? ›

Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Asheville is more popular for its music, resorts, historical sights, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Boone is known for its skiing, museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty.

What is the most upscale city in North Carolina? ›

Stacker compiled a list of cities with the most expensive homes in North Carolina using data from Zillow.
  • #8. Corolla. ...
  • #7. Highlands. ...
  • #6. Weddington. ...
  • #5. Duck. ...
  • #4. Marvin. Updated May 1, 2024. ...
  • #3. Cashiers. Updated May 1, 2024. ...
  • #2. Bald Head Island. Updated May 1, 2024. ...
  • #1. Wrightsville Beach. Updated May 1, 2024.
May 1, 2024

Where to walk around in Boone, NC? ›

Points of Interest
  • Hebron Falls.
  • Pigpen Knob.
  • Ash Bearpen Knob.
  • Howard Knob.
  • Rocky Knob.

How far apart are Asheville and Boone? ›

Yes, the driving distance between Asheville to Boone is 87 miles. It takes approximately 1h 51m to drive from Asheville to Boone.

Does Boone, North Carolina have a downtown? ›

Take a stroll through downtown Boone's fascinating past, including landmarks from Daniel Boone's time in the area, the site of a quick and deadly Civil War skirmish, and one of the oldest surviving African American communities in Western North Carolina.

How walkable is Boone NC? ›

Boone, NC

With a walk score of 49, Boone is the most walkable city in North Carolina. The region boasts several pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods like Downtown Boone and Perkinsville. These areas contain a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions easily accessible on foot.

Is Boone NC expensive? ›

The total cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities for a single adult in Boone is $39,355 a year — about the same as the annual cost of living for North Carolina of $38,661 and roughly in line with the national figure of $38,433.

Can you open carry in Boone NC? ›

Both the state constitution and the federal constitution protect your right to have firearms. And, for the most part, North Carolina authorizes people to openly carry firearms in public with no permit or license required.

What do I need to know about relocating to North Carolina? ›

15 Things to Know Before Moving to North Carolina
  • Basketball is a big deal. ...
  • So is barbecue. ...
  • The Biltmore Estate is worth a visit. ...
  • North Carolina is a tech hub. ...
  • The Blue Ridge Parkway will blow you away. ...
  • If you like waterfalls you'll like North Carolina. ...
  • Higher education plays a big role in the state's economy.
Aug 20, 2023

Why do people move to Boone, NC? ›

There are several reasons why Boone is one of the best places to live in North Carolina. The cost of living is very affordable. Compared to the rest of the country, Boone's cost of living is less than 1% higher than the national average. In addition to its low costs of living, Boone also ranks highly in diversity.

Is it expensive to live in Boone, NC? ›

The total cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities for a single adult in Boone is $39,355 a year — about the same as the annual cost of living for North Carolina of $38,661 and roughly in line with the national figure of $38,433.

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