Allyson & Jonathan
Things To Do
Grandfather Mountain Nature Park & Swinging Bridge
We HIGHLY ENCOURAGE YOU to get reserve tickets ASAP. They limit the number of cars that can drive to the top and fall is their busiest season!
Grandfather Vineyard & Winery
We've enjoyed going here together and/or with friends! A great place to hangout, listen to live music, and even bring a book if you just want to sip wine and read by the river.
The Wooly Worm Festival
If you are from out of town this festival has probably piqued your interest just by the name! Check out their website and consider going Sunday after the wedding but NOTE traffic will be crazy and we've heard that if you want to actually get a parking spot you should try to arrive before 8am!
Tweetsie Railroad
Jon went here once as a kid when his family vacationed to Boone. It's a great place to go with family if you have little kids!
Valle County Fair
If you are looking for something to do the morning of the wedding consider driving over to the Valle County Fair but NOTE there will be a lot of traffic to get there and you would likely want to budget 2.5 hours to get from the fair to the venue.
Some of Our Favorite Local Hikes
Calloway Peak via the Profile Trail (which also connects via a ridge-line trail to Grandfather Mountain Swinging Bridge) Total mileage = 7.4 miles or 11ish out and back depending on if you just go up to Calloway Peak or go over to Grandfather. Very strenuous. (recommended for more experience hikers) Boone Fork Trail (5 mile loop off the Parkway) Flat Top Fire Tower Trail (5 mile out and back hike off the Parkway) Rough Ridge Hiking Trail (steep 1 mile up and back down off the Parkway w/views just .3 miles in! Linville Falls (2 miles out and back hike off the Parkway) *The photo at the top of the page is of the lower smaller falls you'll see first on your hike. Grassy Ridge Bald Trail via Carver's Gap (out and back with views just .5 miles in) * It's a bit of a drive to get to the trailhead parking lot but so worth it for 365 degree views There are so many more hikes in the area as well!
Favorite Local Restaurants & Breweries
Stickboy Kitchen in Boone- Jon's former employer & the caterer for Appetizers and Desserts at the Wedding! Melanie's Food Fantasy in Boone- Jon and Allyson both used to work here! Booneshine in Boone- great beer and food w/large outdoor picnic table area and nice views! Appalachian Mountain Brewing (AMB)- where Jon and Allyson had their first date! Little Wing Ice Cream in Boone- best ice cream anywhere! (*And you can find Allyson's art in the gift shop) Over Yonder in Valle Crucis- Jon and Allyson's favorite date night restaurant!