BOONE, NC

NATURE

Hebron Rock Colony. You catch the trail at Julian Price Park, then follow it along the river until you reach the rock colony, which are huge boulders stacked up to the sky! You can climb and jump these giant rocks all the way to the top. It’s like a cross between rock climbing and hiking. It is a great workout for the mind and body, as you really have to plan your jump from one boulder to the next. Once you get to the top, the view is incredible, and there are many watering holes to cool off in along your way there and back! - April in Boone

SHOP

Common Goods in Boone, NC. It’s a beautiful store with a variety of treasures made from local artists, many of whom went to App State. It’s a great spot to find unique gifts. - April in Boone

Junk Drunk in Crossnore, N.C.— Local vintage repurposed furniture pieces with shockingly low prices. - April in Boone

RESTAURANTS

Game Keeper in Boone, NC - Not only is the food spectacular, the ambience is wonderfully welcoming. It’s tucked back into a mountain off of a beautiful windy road. As you pull up the drive, you are welcomed by sparkling string lights and a friendly Valet. I adore their cozy, yet kitchy, bar, where bellying up with a dirty martini makes you feel like you’re at home…if your home were a dark, warm, fifties style lounge! They specialize in game meats and it’s always fun to try something new that you can’t get everywhere. Elk anyone?! - April in Boone

Artisanal in Banner Elk, NC - What a find! Artisanal reminds me of an upscale restaurant you would find in Napa Valley, only it’s off the beaten path in the mountains of NC! They had me at hello, when I opened the front door to enter and saw the door handle, which is a beautifully crafted iron horse made from a local blacksmith. They’ve thought of every detail. The minimal, yet soft, rustic warm decor inside is lovely, but on a nice day I prefer to sit out back on their serene porch and listen to the mountain stream that runs through the property. The food is upscale modern American, and their flavors are smart and thoughtful, you can’t go wrong with any of their dishes. Definitely not something you would think you would find in a rural mountain town, but such a nice surprise.  - April in Boone

RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS

Cobo Sushi in Boone, NC- I will never not be amazed and impressed by how much my kids love sushi. I never touched it as a kid, but it’s one of my favorite things to eat as an adult. My children definitely have more elevated palates then I ever did growing up (patting myself on the back). - April in Boone

CAFES AND BARS

SERVICES

MISCELLANY