Patricia's Guidebook
Sightseeing
You are located at a private residence here. There are trails for hiking, there’s a labyrinth (on the flat grass plain beside fire pit- somewhat hidden in the grass), and there’s lots of sitting benches to relax and take in the beauty of the mtn top. This retreat center is amazing and is renowned for world-class meditation courses, yoga practice, and a luxury massage spa. There is also a dining hall on site which serves fresh, healthy, vegetarian and vegan options via buffet. (most group program facilities are closed right due to COVID, including the dining hall)
6 habitants recommandent
Art of Living Retreat Center
639 Whispering Hills RdYou are located at a private residence here. There are trails for hiking, there’s a labyrinth (on the flat grass plain beside fire pit- somewhat hidden in the grass), and there’s lots of sitting benches to relax and take in the beauty of the mtn top. This retreat center is amazing and is renowned for world-class meditation courses, yoga practice, and a luxury massage spa. There is also a dining hall on site which serves fresh, healthy, vegetarian and vegan options via buffet. (most group program facilities are closed right due to COVID, including the dining hall)
Howards Knob County Park
604 Howards Knob RdPretty view of Boone.
Hiking/Outdoor Activities
Paved, gravel, and dirt trails.... whether you want an easy, mostly flat stroll on the main paved path or you want to explore one of the hidden forest trails, the Greenway is a nice place for you, family, and pet.
11 habitants recommandent
Greenway Trail
607 Deerfield RdPaved, gravel, and dirt trails.... whether you want an easy, mostly flat stroll on the main paved path or you want to explore one of the hidden forest trails, the Greenway is a nice place for you, family, and pet.
Moses Cone Manor
Moderate to Strenuous hiking - absolutely beautiful area
85 habitants recommandent
Linville Gorge Wilderness
Moderate to Strenuous hiking - absolutely beautiful area
Amazing time whitewater rafting 3-4 class rapids on the Nolichucky! (Note we were warned by someone NOT to do their Watauga whitewater rafting tour- apparently it’s boringly easy and COLD due to dam water.)
29 habitants recommandent
Wahoo's Adventures New River Outpost
3380 Big Hill RdAmazing time whitewater rafting 3-4 class rapids on the Nolichucky! (Note we were warned by someone NOT to do their Watauga whitewater rafting tour- apparently it’s boringly easy and COLD due to dam water.)
Best riding stables I’ve visited. Very laid back, southern hospitality crew (quite a bit of freedom on horses, more than other trail rides I’ve experienced... you can trot or go slow, change ordering in the group- very laid back) takes you through some beautiful country- across a stream, through the woods, across open field- it’s lovely and relaxed. Afterwards we asked to help wash down our horses and were allowed to help. We also were allowed to braid hair and walk through the pasture to pet the babies. (We were the last group- I’m sure earlier groups could not stay after to help like we did because new guests would have been arriving.)
It’s about a 45 minute drive to get to these stables but we will go back. Oh, and the price was only like $25 per person! Fantastic.
8 habitants recommandent
Burnthill Stables
1102 Burnt Hill RdBest riding stables I’ve visited. Very laid back, southern hospitality crew (quite a bit of freedom on horses, more than other trail rides I’ve experienced... you can trot or go slow, change ordering in the group- very laid back) takes you through some beautiful country- across a stream, through the woods, across open field- it’s lovely and relaxed. Afterwards we asked to help wash down our horses and were allowed to help. We also were allowed to braid hair and walk through the pasture to pet the babies. (We were the last group- I’m sure earlier groups could not stay after to help like we did because new guests would have been arriving.)
It’s about a 45 minute drive to get to these stables but we will go back. Oh, and the price was only like $25 per person! Fantastic.
Food scene
This is a local favorite for breakfast or dinner. The food is country style and the food is served as all you can eat, family style.
10 habitants recommandent
King Street @ Dan'l Boone Inn station
This is a local favorite for breakfast or dinner. The food is country style and the food is served as all you can eat, family style.
Yummy bagels and fresh squeezed orange juice make this a must go for me at breakfast.
16 habitants recommandent
Boone Bagelry
516 W King StYummy bagels and fresh squeezed orange juice make this a must go for me at breakfast.
Sticky Buns and Chocolate Cheesecake are to die for here! They have many great pastries, desserts, breads, coffee at this bakery. There is also a kitchen across town which serves sandwiches and is more of a diner location.
92 habitants recommandent
Stick Boy Bread Company
345 Hardin StSticky Buns and Chocolate Cheesecake are to die for here! They have many great pastries, desserts, breads, coffee at this bakery. There is also a kitchen across town which serves sandwiches and is more of a diner location.
The Cardinal
1711 NC-105Best burgers around.
Tasty pizza and beer. No designated parking but very convenient if you are already walking around on King Street.
53 habitants recommandent
Mellow Mushroom
805 W King StTasty pizza and beer. No designated parking but very convenient if you are already walking around on King Street.
Best barbecue around and sometimes live music. (You can buy bottles of their delicious bbq sauce too!)
25 habitants recommandent
Woodlands Barbeque Restaurant & Catering Service
8304 Valley BlvdBest barbecue around and sometimes live music. (You can buy bottles of their delicious bbq sauce too!)
Delicious savory Louisiana Style food. Their chips sampler is a good add-on because they have a variety of salsas for you to enjoy.
115 habitants recommandent
Coyote Kitchen
200 Southgate DrDelicious savory Louisiana Style food. Their chips sampler is a good add-on because they have a variety of salsas for you to enjoy.
Brewerys, Winery’s, Bars
Booneshine Brewing Company
465 Industrial Park DrTop recommendation for a local brewery.
Lost Province Brewing Co.
130 N Depot StIt’s a little of bit of distance but worth it to get a good glass of Riesling.
184 habitants recommandent
Linville Falls Winery
9557 Linville Falls HwyIt’s a little of bit of distance but worth it to get a good glass of Riesling.
Nearby in Avery County (30-45 minutes from Boone)
The mile-high bridge on top of Grandfather Mtn is a must see! There are staff generally at the overlook who will answer questions. They give you a packet at park entry. Be sure to play the CD as you enter the park because it gives you an audio tour as you drive to the top of the mountain.
They also have a small zoo that is included in your entry price which I recommend.
(Some people try to hike over and onto Grandfather via hiking trail in order to enter for free- you can do this, but the hike is INCREDIBLY difficult. I’ve never heard anyone I know who chose the hike say they would do that again.... probably hiking enthusiasts would enjoy but not those who only hoped to save money because it is strenuous.)
716 habitants recommandent
Grandfather Mountain
2050 Blowing Rock HwyThe mile-high bridge on top of Grandfather Mtn is a must see! There are staff generally at the overlook who will answer questions. They give you a packet at park entry. Be sure to play the CD as you enter the park because it gives you an audio tour as you drive to the top of the mountain.
They also have a small zoo that is included in your entry price which I recommend.
(Some people try to hike over and onto Grandfather via hiking trail in order to enter for free- you can do this, but the hike is INCREDIBLY difficult. I’ve never heard anyone I know who chose the hike say they would do that again.... probably hiking enthusiasts would enjoy but not those who only hoped to save money because it is strenuous.)
This was the last link to be added to the Blue Ridge Parkway & it is breathtaking. The Viaduct was added last because the owners of Grandfather Mtn refused to let the road go over Grandfather, so the Viaduct was built around the Mtn. There are small hiking trails nearby at overlooks. I’ve also biked across the Viaduct a couple of times (note the asphalt is rough not smooth for this section of Parkway). You can’t walk across the Viaduct but you can bike or ride motorcycle or car across it.
82 habitants recommandent
Linn Cove Viaduct
3218 Blue Ridge PkwyThis was the last link to be added to the Blue Ridge Parkway & it is breathtaking. The Viaduct was added last because the owners of Grandfather Mtn refused to let the road go over Grandfather, so the Viaduct was built around the Mtn. There are small hiking trails nearby at overlooks. I’ve also biked across the Viaduct a couple of times (note the asphalt is rough not smooth for this section of Parkway). You can’t walk across the Viaduct but you can bike or ride motorcycle or car across it.
Easy trails, beautiful falls. I frequent this easy hike with my mom when I’m local.
436 habitants recommandent
Linville Falls
Easy trails, beautiful falls. I frequent this easy hike with my mom when I’m local.
Linville Caverns, Inc.
19929 U.S. 221Famous Louise's Rock House Restaurant
(I’m sharing this a second time since it is located in Avery County. I have not been here myself but have been told the Riesling is worthwhile.)
184 habitants recommandent
Linville Falls Winery
9557 Linville Falls Hwy(I’m sharing this a second time since it is located in Avery County. I have not been here myself but have been told the Riesling is worthwhile.)
Nice moderate to strenuous hike. You can see the profile of Grandfather Mtn from the trail (I can’t remember which - there are different trails to choose from later into the hike the trail splits.)
25 habitants recommandent
Profile trail head
1 Lakeside DrNice moderate to strenuous hike. You can see the profile of Grandfather Mtn from the trail (I can’t remember which - there are different trails to choose from later into the hike the trail splits.)