Things To Do and Places to Eat
Valle Crucis Community Park
One of our favorite places to take the pups for an easy stroll or to sip coffee on a bench by the Watauga River. ($5 suggested donation per vehicle.)
Boone Fork Trail
Lovely hiking area off the Blue Ridge Parkway; the full loop is ~5 miles and moderate difficulty. Other Parkway hikes to consider: Price Lake Loop, Rough Ridge, Beacon Heights, Moses Cone, or Green Knob.
Mast General Store and Downtown Boone
A classic shopping stop in downtown Boone; the flagship store is west of town in Valle Crucis, and grew to become the regional chain you may recognize around the southeast. The surrounding blocks in downtown Boone have coffee shops, thrift stores, and plenty of spots to grab some Appalachian State gear. Stroll around App State's adjacent campus to visit Dennis' undergrad stomping grounds (and Audrey's graduate ones :) )
Melanie's on Howard
Classic Boone breakfast/brunch spot in a new location on Howard Street.
Lost Province Brewing Co.
Great spot for lunch and dinner, featuring woodfired pizzas and local brews. Not to mention, the site of our first date :)
Booneshine Brewing Co.
Local brewery with a restaurant and "beer garden."
Grandfather Vineyard & Winery
Enjoy a riverside glass of wine- and sometimes live music!