The Blue Ridge Mountains span through North Carolina in many different points, but the area known as the High Country is a favorite destination for all times of the year.
Winter months call for skiing at the slopes of Beech Mountain or Sugar Mountain while the summer allows for drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway with the top down.
Merlefest is a popular bluegrass music festival held every spring in honor of Merle Watson and the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games celebrate Scottish heritage in July.
The High Country is made up of dozens of towns, including Boone, Blowing Rock, Valle Crucis, Wilkesboro, Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, and Linville. Choose one to base yourself from and to explore the area.
What to Do in the High Country
Tweetsie Railroad– Open seasonally, Tweetsie is a park featuring a ropes course, rides, live shows, animal habitats and, of course, the railroad. The former line opened as a tourist attraction in the 1950s. Also, come by for their seasonal events like the Ghost Train. 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock
Grandfather Mountain– You’ll see the familiar outline of the mountain from town, but make a visit to the park. Not only was it a filming location for Forrest Gump, but it offers hiking trails and a nature preserve with black bears and other animals. 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville
Hickory Ridge Living History Museum– To better understand what life was like here during the 1700s, visit this outdoor museum. You’ll find cabins and period actors in costumes doing crafts and showcasing their talents. It’s also here that you’ll find Horn in the West, an outdoor drama about Daniel Boone and the fight for independence. 591 Horn in the West Drive, Boone
Linville Caverns– These private limestone caves were discovered in the 1800s and have fish swimming in an underground stream. It’s been a popular tourist attraction since 1937. Their hours change seasonally, so check before you go. Tours last 35 minutes. 19929 US 221 North, Marion
Call Family Distillers– Run by a family of moonshiners and distillers, this legal distillery is open for tastings of their moonshine and fruit brandy. They also have a collection of historic cars that were used to outrun “the law.” 1611 Industrial Drive, Wilkesboro
Copper Barrel Distillery– Another Wilkesboro distillery crafts moonshine using the best ingredients. The facility is open to visitors for tastings and tours. 508 Main Street, North Wilkesboro
Wilkesboro Heritage Museum– This small town museum in the former courthouse has exhibits on the region including Appalachian music, crafts, and military history. 100 East Main Street, Wilkesboro
The Land of Oz– This quirky attraction inspired by The Wizard of Oz has welcomed visitors seasonally since 1970. Go on tours with costumed characters. 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain
Wineries- This region is a part of the High Country Wine Trail, which includes wineries between the North Carolina and Tennessee borders. Grandfather Vineyard & Winery offers tastings, bottle sales, and events on weekends. Banner Elk Winery has sprawling grounds with tastings and bottle sales as well as an adjoining villa. Linville Falls Winery is another choice.
Breweries- Like Asheville further west, the High Country has plenty of breweries selling beer and cider. Appalachian Mountain Brewery, BooneShine, and Lost Province are in Boone. Beech Mountain Brewery is in Beech Mountain and Kettell Beerworks is in Banner Elk.
Ski resorts- If you’re visiting during ski season, visit Beech Mountain Resort, Sugar Mountain Resort or Appalachian Ski Mountain‘s slopes. Hiking trails are also plentiful, like the Cascades Trail, and tubing and rafting are offered seasonally.
Shopping- Downtown Blowing Rock is known for its shopping but they also have outlet malls. Boone also has a number of boutiques and shops. Be sure to stop by the original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, originally the town’s main grocery and essentials store. It’s still a functioning post office!
Where to Eat in the High Country
Black Cat Burrito– Since 2000, Black Cat has been a college student favorite for its offbeat styles of burritos, like Thai and Greek, and cheap margaritas. Tacos and salads are other options and the eatery also has live music. 127 South Depot Street, Boone, (828) 263-9511
Come Back Shack– Located on the way into town with all the chains, Come Back Shack is known for their burgers. Everything is made fresh, including milkshakes and fries. Choose one of the signature burgers or build your own. 1521 Blowing Rock Road, Boone, (828) 264-2797
Boone Bagelry– Start your day with at the area’s only bagel spot. Established in 1988, they have 15 different styles, including gluten-free. Top them with cream cheese or make a breakfast sandwich out of it. 516 West King Street, Boone, (828) 262-5585
Coyote Kitchen– Caribbean meets Southwestern at this strip mall eatery. Their bowls are the most popular, but they also serve burgers, sandwiches, salads, and tacos. Meats are all natural and the menu includes items for those with dietary restrictions. 200 Southgate Drive, Boone, (828) 265-4041
Dan’l Boone Inn– Another popular spot is the family-style restaurant named after the frontiersman. Arrive early for weekend breakfast, which includes country ham and biscuits and gravy. They’re also open for lunch and dinner when they’re known for fried chicken. 130 Hardin Street, Boone, (828) 264-8657
Our Daily Bread– The beloved bakery and restaurant in downtown Boone has offered hearty soups, salads, and sandwiches since 1984. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available as well as their delicious desserts. 627 West King Street, Boone, (828) 264-0173
Boone Saloon– The college student’s favorite bar turns into the best brunch spot on Sunday mornings, or what they call “dunch” (drunk lunch). Indulge in mimosas and Bloody Marys with eggs benedict, huevos rancheros and french toast. It’s also a popular spot to watch sporting events. 489 West King Street, Boone, (828) 264-1811
Fred’s 
Boone Saloon
Lost Province Brewing Co.– This brewery is also a restaurant, located downtown in Boone. They serve lunch and dinner, including pizzas, salads, and beer created in-house. They have weekly trivia, live music, and other events. 130 North Depot Street, Boone, (828) 265-3506
Hatchet Coffee Roasters– Boone’s favorite coffee roaster has a minimalist space with coffee and tea drinks as well as pastries. It neighbors a climbing gym and is popular with outdoors lovers. 150A Den Mac Drive, Boone, (828) 278-7505
Woodlands Barbeque Restaurant– This cozy barbecue joint specializes in North Carolina style and almost always has a wait. The menu includes beef, pork, chicken and ribs, as well as Mexican cuisine. 8304 Valley Blvd. (Hwy 321 Bypass), Blowing Rock, (828) 295-3651
Famous Louise’s Rock House Restaurant– Originally built as Linville Falls Tavern, Louise’s is made of pieces of stone and sits on three counties. The menu features homestyle cooking and seafood, as well as pies. 23175 Rockhouse Lane, Linville Falls, (828) 765-2702
Over Yonder– The folks behind Mast Farm Inn opened this restaurant and full bar in the rolling Appalachian hills. Favorites include North Carolina trout, shrimp and grits, and meatloaf. They also have a full bar. 3608 North Carolina Highway 194, Historic Valle Crucis, Sugar Grove, (828) 963-6301
Brick Oven Pizzeria– The family-run restaurant dates back to 1988 and is now owned by two brothers. They have freshly made pizzas, desserts, and craft beer as well as an onsite mini-golf course and frequent events like movies and live music. 402 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, (828) 387-4209
Fred’s Backside Deli– The 40-year old general store has an onsite restaurant serving the fresh-made biscuits and Boar’s Head meats and cheeses. They’re open 365 days per year. 501 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, (828) 387-4838
Where to Stay in the High Country
Green Park Inn Hotel– Located in Blowing Rock, Green Park Inn is a historic hotel atop the mountain that has hosted celebrities like presidents Cooler and Hoover, Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Mitchell, and Annie Oakley. Read our review here. 9239 Valley Boulevard, Blowing Rock
Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock– The upscale resort has multiple types of accommodation including lodge rooms and cabins. They have a restaurant, spa, and sporting grounds. 185 Chetola Lake Drive, Blowing Rock
The Mast Farm Inn– The award-winning bed and breakfast offers romantic mountain lodging. Guests enjoy free WiFi and daily breakfast. 2543 Broadstone Road, Valle Crucis
BlueGreen Vacations Blue Ridge Village– The Ascend resort is only three miles from the slopes of Sugar Mountain. Rooms have sofa beds, kitchens, and laundry facilities while the resort has a pool and playground. 3781 Tynecastle Highway, Banner Elk
The Horton Hotel– Downtown Boone’s only boutique hotel is right on King Street and has a rooftop lounge. There are 15 uniquely furnished guest rooms with king and queen beds. The former general store space dates back to the 1920s. 611 West King Street, Boone
Pinnacle Inn Resort– The mountaintop community has condominiums for rent. The property also has trail access, an indoor pool and hot tub, playground, tennis courts, and a mini-golf course. 301 Pinnacle Inn Road, Beech Mountain
Cabins- If you’re staying for a week or traveling with a group, look into rentals through websites like Airbnb, FlipKey, and HomeAway. There are campgrounds at Grandfather Mountain and Linville Falls.
Camping- There is a KOA in Boone as well as Linville Falls Campground, RV Park, and Cabins in Linville.
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Oh my goodness! I absolutely needed this list! The guy I’m dating is moving to North Carolina next month, and I was trying to find some places for us to visit to explore his new state! I’ll definitely have to take these into consideration!