Katie & James
Things To Do
Grandfather Mountain
You can drive to the top of Grandfather Mountain and walk across the mile high swinging bridge. Enjoy sweeping views of the Blue Ridge. The Mountain includes a wildlife zoo that features bears, otters and mountain lions. Entry to Grandfather Mountain is $20/person.
Appalachian Mountain Brewery
Appalachian Mountain Brewery is located in Boone and offers an array of independent craft beer.
The Original Mast General Store
Take a step back in time and explore the original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis. Play checkers by the wood stove -or- sip a Cheerwine on the back porch. Great place to buy a souvenir and experience old North Carolina.
Roan Mountain
Type "Carvers Gap" into your GPS and climb thousands of feet in your car to the top of the NC/TN state line. Park your car at Carvers Gap and hike South on the Appalachian Trail for a mile to enjoy amazing views of the Roan Highlands and surrounding meadows. This short hike up to Round Bald is one of our favorite hikes in NC.
Woolly Worm Festival
You're in luck! The third weekend in October is home to the Woolly Worm Festival. Since 1978, the residents of Banner Elk have celebrated the coming of the snow season with a Woolly Worm Festival. They set aside the third weekend in October to determine which one worm will have the honor of predicting the severity of the coming winter; and they make that worm earn the honor by winning heat after heat of hard-fought races – up a three-foot length of string.
Downtown Boone
Stroll, shop and eat your way through Boone. King Street is the main drag - so park your car and explore on your own!
Rough Ridge Hike
Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway and park at "Rough Ridge Parking Area." A short half mile hike will bring you to an amazing overlook of Grandfather mountain and the surrounding mountains.
Grandfather Vineyard
Wine, cheese and a mountain stream. Need we say more?