It is completely up to whatever suits your weekend schedule best. For larger groups that might be traveling together, we recommend airbnbs as you will be able to find an abundance of very affordable options.
Ubers in West Jefferson, Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other local towns are by reservation only and are unreliable. They can cancel on you the same day if there's no drivers out there. Additionally, the spotty service out towards The Barn on New River makes Ubering difficult. It can be a risk, so we don't recommend it; but it's up to guests if they'd like to gamble.
The venue will have plenty of parking for guests that are planning to drive. Please note that these are back-country, mountain roads and they will be very dark at night. Check out the written directions (posted here soon) to the venue as your GPS will want to take you down multiple gravel roads. The only gravel road you will need to take is the gravel entrance into The Barn on New River. For guests that are staying at Airbnbs, please remember you will have to either assign a designated driver and drive/park at the venue. or plan to book a private car or drive to one of the hotels to be picked up by the provided transportation. If you'd like to take the provided transportation, please make sure you are responding YES to the shuttle on your RSVP.
Anyone is more than welcome to stay in Boone instead of West Jefferson. Boone is about 20-40 minutes away from West Jefferson, depending on what end of Boone you are staying at. There will be lots of other hotels and Airbnbs/Vrbos in Boone; in addition to a bunch more hiking, restaurants, bars, and shopping. It is completely what fits your schedule best. Just please note there is no event transportation to or from Boone. Guests must plan to drive to and from the event or book a private car.