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Hatchet Coffee Roasters
Start your morning at Hatchet Coffee Roasters, a beloved Boone staple known for its expertly roasted beans and smooth, flavorful brews. Whether you prefer a classic pour-over, a rich espresso, or a creamy latte, this cozy café has just what you need to kickstart your day. If you're hungry, grab one of their popular breakfast items, like the hearty breakfast burrito.
Elk Knob State Park
Craving a quick backcountry stint? Head for Elk Knob State Park, where the year-round backcountry campsites are accessible only after a 2-mile hike into a serene stream valley. Stroll through dense hardwood forests and rhododendron-filled hollows, and make sure to pack a lunch for a picnic on your hike.
Dan’l Boone Inn
Head back into town and dine at Dan’l Boone Inn, a staple of Southern food for more than a half-century. Then watch his story come to life in the outdoor drama "Horn in the West," showing five nights a week during the summer season. Learn how Boone and fellow settlers survived in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the years before the Revolutionary War and helped shape the region’s destiny.
Boone Cabin Rentals
Choose your place to stay based on the type of mountain charm you’re going for. Find plenty of cabin rentals in Boone, from rustic to amenity filled. For a classic High-Country experience, book a stay at Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals or Carolina Cabin Rentals, both offering a wide selection of cozy log cabins and modern mountain homes.
Sky Valley Zip Tours
The next day, head out for some nearby adventure. Since the Blue Ridge Parkway cuts between Blowing Rock and Boone, consider booking a guided horseback ride on the miles of bridle trails along this iconic roadway. Sky Valley Zip Tours is also central to both mountain towns and comes with the added bonus of an ATV ride to and from the course.
Appalachian Mountain Brewery
Craft beer is also a centerpiece of evenings in Boone, led by Appalachian Mountain Brewery and Lost Province Brewing Co. Each pays homage to the High Country, both in name and through commitment to sustainable practices and supporting the mountain community and its causes. AMB also brews ciders, while Lost Province pairs its suds with wood-fired pretzels, pizzas and even wood-fired mac and cheese.
High Gravity Adventures
On your way to Blowing Rock, make a stop at High Gravity Adventures, an aerial adventure park packed with thrilling obstacles and high-flying fun. Test your skills on the ninja ground course, then tackle the two elevated ropes courses, which take two to three hours to complete. For an extra adrenaline rush, take on the 45-foot-high giant swing, where three riders pull their own ripcord for a heart-pounding free fall before soaring through the air.
Bistro Roca
For a cozy lunch, head to Bistro Roca and Antlers Bar, North Carolina’s longest-serving watering hole, where you can savor inventive comfort food like the Habi Mac & Cheese, loaded with bacon and crispy onions, or the angus strip loin with smoked bleu cheese butter. If you’re in the mood for a laid-back brewpub experience, Blowing Rock Brewing Company's Ale House Restaurant offers award-winning craft beer alongside a fresh, locally inspired menu.
Tweetsie Railroad
You can’t miss what’s next to High Gravity Adventures: Tweetsie Railroad, a Wild West-themed amusement park and one of North Carolina’s most beloved attractions. Hop aboard the historic steam-powered locomotive for a ride through the mountains, complete with cowboy shootouts and train robbers. The park also features live entertainment, classic carnival rides, gem mining and a petting zoo.
Pedalin Pig BBQ
Because you worked up an appetite, order dinner with a side of live music at Pedalin Pig BBQ in Blowing Rock, featuring local musicians most nights and barbecue plates that come with two sides.
Julian Price Memorial Park
Explore a High Country gem along the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Julian Price Memorial Park (Milepost 297), featuring 4,200 acres laden with trails with Price Lake as its focal point. You’ll find routes packed in a plethora of Appalachian landscapes like the 2.3-mile Green Knob Trail or the 5.5-mile Boone Fork Trail.
Wahoo’s Adventures
But if you prefer your adventures on the water, make a splash with Wahoo’s Adventures, which offers tubing, canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the New River, and all the equipment you’ll need is available for rent.
Visit Outdoor NC for tips on how to connect with nature and help preserve the natural beauty of our state.
Snapshot Module
Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
Hatchet Coffee Roasters
Stop 2
Elk Knob State Park
Stop 3
Dan’l Boone Inn
Stop 4
Boone Cabin Rentals
Stop 5
Sky Valley Zip Tours
Stop 6
Appalachian Mountain Brewery
Stop 7
High Gravity Adventures
Stop 8
Bistro Roca
Stop 9
Tweetsie Railroad
Stop 10
Pedalin Pig BBQ
Stop 11
Julian Price Memorial Park
Stop 12