Things To Do
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Located less than an hour from Purlear, NC, Blowing Rock is a beautiful, 136 year old mountain town full of family owned stores and restaurants, beautiful hiking trails, and an amazing rustic-mountain vibe. Despite damages caused by Hurricane Helene in September of 2024, Blowing Rock is repairing and rebuilding, and is once again open for business and major routes are safe to travel! Featuring activities such as biking, a spa, hiking, horse back riding, historical sites and museums, fishing, and a beautiful downtown area for shopping and eating.
Original Mast General Store
Located 45 minutes away from Purlear, NC, and 15 minutes from Boone, the Original General Mast Store was established in 1883. Today, it offers friendly service and a broad selection of goods, including locally produced food, hundreds of old-fashioned candies, kitchen supplies, housewares, souvenirs, and children's toys and games. The Mast Store also features fashion collections as well as outdoor-themed apparel, gear, footwear, and an extensive Knife Shop. Mast General Store is pet, family, and explorer-friendly with a knowledgeable staff that prides itself on hospitality. Owners John and Faye Cooper purchased the Original Mast General Store in 1979, revived the business, and reopened it in 1980 following a brief closure. The destination is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and maintains much of it's original 19th century charm and features.
Tweetsie Railroad
The Boone Area's premier family fun park features a Western-themed ride on an authentic steam train-actually the Boone Area's first high-tech link to the outside world from the late 1800s to 1940 (Engine #12 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places). Now the shrill-whistled train nicknamed "Tweetsie" by early residents crosses a trestle, circles a mountain, and encounters robbers and Indians on the way back to a diverse assortment of rides and entertaining options. Great events include a Thomas the Tank Engine visit, October's Ghost Train, and Tweetsie Christmas. Open spring to fall.
Hawknest Zipline
Hawksnest is open year-round and located in Seven Devils, a short 15-minute drive from Boone. Hawknest offers 2 fill tour options, stretching over 4 miles worth of ziplining fun, featuring 20 ziplines in total.
Downtown Boone
Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Downtown Boone is full of charm and history. With its picturesque landscapes and vibrant community, Boone has evolved into a cultural hub, attracting locals and visitors alike. Downtown Boone offers a unique blend of heritage and modernity, making it a beloved destination for all who venture here. Contains shops, restaurants, breweries, galleries, and historical charm. Some areas of Boone may still be under construction due to damage from Hurricane Helene, particularly highways and sections of Blue Ridge Parkway.
Explore Boone!
An online guide listing all of the activities and sights to see in Boone, NC. Includes outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, rock climbing, museums, parks, spas, restaurants, breweries, wineries, parks, playgrounds, shopping and more! Some areas in and around Boone may still be closed or rebuilding from damage caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024.