Featured Image: Visit NC
There is a lot to love about North Carolina’s “High Country.” The region is a four-season outdoor playground, bejeweled with long-range vistas and rich in local history. At the heart of the High Country is Boone, a mountain community with a laid-back vibe and a vibrant downtown. Nearby Blowing Rock is a charming little town that could double as the backdrop of a Hallmark movie.
In late September 2024, Hurricane Helene tore through the High Country, bringing historic rainfall, widespread flooding, and devastating landslides. Roads were washed away, thousands were without power and water, and small communities surrounding Boone and Blowing Rock were left in ruins. High Country families, businesses, and nonprofits came together in an inspiring demonstration of community spirit, working together to distribute water, food, clothing, hygiene supplies, and other essentials to those hardest hit by the storm.
Now, months after Helene, downtown Boone and Blowing Rock are open to visitors, and roads have been cleared and repaired in many places. But those outlying communities are still rebuilding, and the Hurricane left its mark on the region’s beloved trails and rivers. Local businesses that lost income when the region closed to visitors are working hard to keep their doors open.
If you plan a trip to the High Country, we hope you are inspired by the resilient spirit, warm hospitality, and unique culture of this mountain region. Here are our tips for where to eat, stay, and play–and some can’t-miss local favorites to check out.
Where to Eat
Fuel up at Betty’s Biscuits on King Street in downtown Boone. Betty’s offers a taste of down-home cooking with ingredients sourced from local farms, apiaries, and coffee roasters. Stop in at Drip Coffee Bar—just a couple doors down—for something hot or iced. Don’t miss the statue of local legend Doc Watson on your way in!
If you find yourself in Blowing Rock when lunchtime rolls around, stop in at The Moon to enjoy Thai or Japanese favorites in a cozy atmosphere. In Boone, The Local serves up southern-inspired dishes with a unique twist (order the pulled pork and smoked gouda nachos and thank us later).
For dinner, Beacon Butcher Bar is the spot. Cozy up next to the massive stone fireplace and ask your server for a recommendation from the rotating seasonal menu. Beacon features a weekly lineup of High Country musicians; check out their events calendar for details.
If you’d like a nightcap, stop into The Horton Lounge to enjoy a handcrafted cocktail in the moody indoor bar or upstairs on Horton’s rooftop, which offers 360-degree views of downtown Boone and Appalachian State University. Craving something sweet? Venture Chocolate and Wine Co. offers house-made desserts, artisan chocolate, and a full wine bar with an on-staff sommelier.
Where to Stay
Rhode’s Motor Lodge combines the nostalgia of a vintage motor inn with the comfort of a mountain lodge. Book one of their well-appointed rooms, and enjoy a central location in the heart of the High Country.
Downtown Boone’s Horton Hotel offers boutique suites with all the luxurious extras and walkability to local shopping, art galleries, and venues. Traveling with a canine companion? The Horton offers pet-friendly accommodations.
Need a home base in Blowing Rock? The Embers Hotel, located on Main Street and surrounded by local dining and shopping, offers a luxury stay inspired by the Blue Ridge Mountains.
What to Do
Known for its outdoor recreation, the High Country offers ways to play during all four seasons. In the warmer months, take advantage of the area’s accessible trail systems and spectacular views. Enjoy stunning vistas along the short-but-sweet Rough Ridge trail, or make the 3-mile trek around the Price Lake Loop Trail. Price Lake Boat Rentals offers canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddle board rentals by the hour.
Fall in the High Country is truly magical, as autumn foliage blankets the mountains in shades of crimson, gold, and amber. Take a drive* along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway with a seasonal coffee and a curated playlist, or crunch through the leaves during a walk around Bass Lake. During the winter months, hit the slopes at one of the area’s ski resorts—we recommend Sugar Mountain—or bundle up and take a turn around the ice skating rink.
Step back in time with a trip to the Old Mast Store. Established in 1883, the Mast Store is still a functioning general store, post office, and hub of the Valle Crucis community. Visit the historical Appalachian Theatre on King Street to catch a show and learn about the early days of cinema in Boone with a guided tour. For art enthusiasts, the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum is a must-see. If you’re in town on the first Friday of the month, Boone’s First Friday Art Crawl is an evening of various exhibits, live music, and wine tastings at galleries and shops in the downtown area.
Enjoy a shopping day in downtown Boone or Blowing Rock, and you’ll return home with unique gifts and one-of-a-kind handmade goods all while supporting local businesses. The High Country is home to talented artists, makers, and craftspeople–here are a few of our favorites.
How to Give
As you enjoy everything the High Country has to offer, be aware that many people in the region are still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Helene. There are several local organizations that are doing good to help the most vulnerable members of the community. If you feel inclined to make a gift in support of these efforts, here are some non-profits we recommend.
Wine to Water has supplied nearly 300,000 gallons of water and distributed more than 3,000 water filters—as well as other essential supplies-–to families throughout Western North Carolina.
Stateline Resource Station is providing vital resources, supplies, and recovery funding to rural communities that were hardest hit by the storm.
The Hospitality House offers a safe haven for individuals experiencing homelessness-–a population that has drastically increased since Hurricane Helene.
*As you’re navigating the High Country, be sure to check out drivenc.gov and the National Park Service website to avoid roads that are closed for weather or storm damage.
Looking for more from around the region? Click here.
