Home to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian State University, and many other attractions, the Town of Boone is filled with many wonderful places to explore. There is something for everyone in your family to do whether it’s taking a scenic hike through the BEAUTIFUL mountain trails or hitting the town for a night out with some of your friends. Here are some of the top places to explore when visiting Boone!
Appalachian State University
While visiting this mountain town take some time to explore Appalachian State University, home of the Mountaineers. Appalachian State was founded in 1899 and the town of Boone has flourished because of the instatement of this university. While walking around you can admire the beautiful architecture of the campus such as Kidd Brewer Stadium (official home stadium of Appalachian State’s Football Team), the Bell Tower, Plemmons Student Union and MORE!!!
Blue Ridge Parkway
You have the opportunity to hike one of the most infamous parkways while visiting Boone! The Blue Ridge Parkway is about a 500 mile long route connecting The Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. There are over 50 hiking trails that you can experience in this parkway and a few of them are located in and around Boone! Some of these trails and lookouts include Elk Mountain Lookout, The Cascades Trail, Flat Rock Loop Trail, and others!!
Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock is probable one of these most popular hiking attractions in North Carolina. This town is located just outside of Boone and is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. When visiting you can explore the infamous blowing rock, skii, hit the shops and more! Blowing Rock is definitely a place to put on your checklist when visiting Boone! There are also many other notable attractions to visit in Blowing Rock such as the Foggy Mountain Gem Mine,
Downtown Boone
Downtown Boone is the heart of Boone itself. Here you can find many local shops and restaurants that you can’t find anywhere else in North Carolina!
F.A.R.M Cafe is the picture perfect food joint. Their menu changes frequently ensuring a quality fresh meal using locally sourced ingredients. They also offer a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options which not only makes their menu even more delicious, but inclusive as well!
Melanies is a perfect breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant that has made it’s home in Downtown Boone for 30 years. Here you will find many egg based dishes, soups, salads, burgers and the southern classic dish of biscuits and gravy!!
This classic italian restaurant is perfect for a night out with friends. Treat yourself to an elegant meal at Casa Rustica with a broad selection of italian cuisine and an in depth wine list!! This restaurant is such a staple you should definitely call to claim your spot ahead of time!
The Shoppes at Farmers has everything…and we mean EVERYTHING. From bird feeders, to jewelry, to baby clothes and home decor, there is really something for everyone in this local shop!
The Lucky Penny is a cute and quaint women’s boutique located in Downtown Boone! Here you will find stylish clothes, shoes, and accessories that you cannot simply pass by without wanting to break the bank!
The Appalachian State Store has had its home in Downtown Boone for over 26 years. They have been providing locals, college students, and visitors with Appalachian State memorabilia and apparel perfect for wearing in support of their local college. Go Mountaineers!!
Local Attractions
Price Lake
Another adventurous part of the parkway includes the beautiful scenery of Price Lake. Here you can fish, kayak, and paddle board with friends and family while admiring the sights this gorgeous lake provides. If you don’t own any of this equipment it is not a problem!! There is an on site rental facility ready to serve you!
Native Gardens
The Daniel Boone Native Gardens is a beautiful 3 acre landscape home to over 200 different species of plants. Starting out for educational purposes to provide students hands-on experience in studying plant biology in a conservation setting, the Daniel Boone Native Gardens has grown to be a staple attraction for visitors of this stunning mountain town.