North Carolina's College City By The Blue Ridge Mountains Blends Cabin Stays With A Lively Downtown

Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina takes you to some incredible places. Winding your way along this ideal Appalachian getaway takes you to maker's Mecca's like Asheville and timeless mountain towns like Franklin. Tucked away in the northwestern corner of the state near the border with Tennessee sits another North Carolina Blue Ridge gem: Boone. This college city combines cabin stays, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a lively downtown for a one-of-a-kind North Carolina experience.

Named in honor of famous American explorer Daniel Boone, the town was incorporated in 1872, and built its economy around sawmills and timber. Later, Boone gained a reputation as a vacation and education hub. Appalachian State College is widely considered to be one of the best public universities in the country, and has greatly contributed to Boone's local economy. For students and visitors alike, Boone offers something for everyone, from quiet cabin rentals and mountain hikes, to excellent breweries and quirky downtown shops.

While it's rather remote in comparison to other tourism hubs in North Carolina, anyone already committed to driving Blue Ridge Parkway will find Boone an easy place to visit. Roughly equidistant in terms of driving time from Asheville and Charlotte (about 2 hours), Boone is easily accessible from multiple corners of the state. Wherever you're coming from, you'll be heading through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the US.

As part of the Appalachian Mountain range, the Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for their cabins. While once mere necessity, the types of cabins found in the modern Blue Ridge are a mix of charming, rustic getaways, and opulent mountain luxury. When visiting Boone, you have your pick of cabins to choose from. Heritage Hill Cabins, roughly 16 minutes from downtown Boone, offer charming, pet-friendly cabins that have just the right balance of luxury and rusticity. 

Boone has more to offer than just quaint cabins for a quiet weekend getaway. It's also a fantastic hub for outdoor recreation. Elk Knob State Park just south of town offers a mix of easy to strenuous trails through beautiful woodlands. Those looking for a bigger challenge should take on Grandfather Mountain on the Daniel Boone Scout Trail. Climb cliff faces and scatter up steep trails on this iconic North Carolina peak that rises over 5,000 feet and offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Summer anglers will rejoice at the abundant fishing opportunities in the miles of pristine rivers surrounding Boone.

More than just a summer destination, Boone has a lot to offer in the winter too. Appalachian Ski Mountain helped establish Boone as a year-round center for outdoor activity. With gentler terrain for beginners, as well more difficult, free-style trails etched into the mountain, ASM has been welcoming winter sports enthusiasts to Boone since 1962.

When you visit Boone, there will be little doubt as to why it is one of North Carolina's best mountain towns. Apart from the outdoor recreation offered, downtown Boone is a lively place filled with restaurants, shops, brewhouses, and unique experiences. King Street is the place to be if you want history blended with modern amenities. Loaded with historical landmarks like the famous Appalachian Theatre — which hosts concerts, plays, and movies — and the old Mast General Store, and plenty of art galleries and coffee shops, you can easily spend a day walking up and down this historic Boone street.

Even if you're not a student, a visit to Appalachian State University's campus is a must. With rolling green, plenty of quiet spaces to relax or enjoy a picnic, and even its own Nature Preserve, ASU's campus is an excellent spot to explore. And, if you love football, ASU puts on some excellent games during the school year.

If you love to appreciate the arts, Boone has plenty of that to offer as well. The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts in the heart of downtown is the largest in the region and brings together a unique collection of local, regional, and international artists. And lovers of craft alcohol will have their choice of several breweries and wineries that make a trip to this corner of the Blue Ridge Mountains an excellent sample of local flavor and flare.