One Of America's Best Mountain Towns Is A Charming Destination In North Carolina

Located about 15 miles from the lively North Carolina college city of Boone in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the small town of Banner Elk oozes authentic southern charm, despite being situated between two major ski resorts. Frequently cited as one of the U.S.' best mountain towns, Banner Elk sits at an elevation of 3,701 feet, with mountains dominating the landscape everywhere you look. An average annual snowfall of around 31 inches brings skiers and snowboarders flocking in winter. In the summer, the same mountains provide tons of opportunities for hiking and biking.

The mountains surrounding Banner Elk are covered with native hardwoods, meaning they're always bursting with color, especially in the fall along the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway. Thanks to the abundance of Christmas Tree farms in the area, Banner Elk has also earned the nickname of Christmas Tree Capital of the U.S. Once home to the Cherokee, who used the valley around Elk River for hunting and fishing, the town was named after the Banner family, the first of whom arrived in 1848. The nearest major city to Banner Elk is Charlotte, around 120 miles away, which has the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The nearest regional airport is Tri-Cities Airport in Tennessee, around 75 minutes away.

With Sugar Mountain to the south and Beech Mountain to the north, Banner Elk sits between two of the best ski resorts in the southeastern U.S. Between them, their slopes cater to skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities. Both are only around 10 minutes out of town, and the great thing about Beech Mountain is that in summer, the slopes turn into mountain bike trails. With ten trails to choose from, you can cruise down the mountainside with the added comfort of having a chair lift to take you back up to the top again.

More than 13 miles of hiking trails wind over the mountainside in Grandfather Mountain State Park, about 20 minutes south of Banner Elk. Many are fairly strenuous, with steep climbs, rocky paths, and in some sections, ladders and cables. Entrance for day use is free. For an easier walk, head up to the popular Mile High Swinging Bridge. You can drive up to the visitor center, take the elevator, and find yourself at the highest suspension footbridge in the country. Open all year round, the bridge is wheelchair friendly, and admission costs from $25. This includes entrance to the wildlife habitats to see black bears, cougars, elk, bald eagles, and river otters.

Located less than 2 miles south of town is Wildcat Lake. Great for families, it has a sandy beach and swimming, plus canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are available to hire right by the shore. The nearby Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster will keep both kids and adults happy as it twists and turns along 3,160 feet, reaching speeds of up to 27mph. And if you happen to be in town on the third weekend in October, get a true taste of Banner Elk charm at the annual Woolly Worm Festival. The highlight of this unique event are caterpillar races with the winner earning the esteemed job of predicting the High Country's winter weather.

Another reason to visit Banner Elk is for its excellent wining and dining. Known as the culinary hotspot of the North Carolina High Country, the town has a range of superb restaurants, pubs, and cafés, serving everything from fine dining to hearty local favorites. LP on Main serves up seasonal food sourced from nearby farms, creating some deliciously original dishes as well as quirky cocktails. The food is as welcoming as the atmosphere at Stonewalls Restaurant, a staple of the community for more than 40 years known for its steaks and seafood. 

Banner Elk is also home to a great selection of local wineries and breweries. Try Banner Elk Winery for their selection of locally produced wines, including a delicious blueberry wine, which you can enjoy in a peaceful valley in one of North Carolina's best mountain towns for majestic views. If craft beer is more up your street, head down to Blind Elk Tap Room, where you'll find a selection of craft beers on tap to enjoy in the open-air bar. There's plenty more beer to enjoy at Oktoberfest on Sugar Mountain, where everyone comes together for music, games, food, and drinks. If that's an incentive to stay for longer, take your pick of accommodation from cozy mountain cabins to luxury villas and resorts.

For more high-elevation vacation destinations, check out our list of the best U.S. mountain towns to visit year round.