Things To Do
in Boone
Boone is a charming town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. Known for its picturesque scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities, Boone attracts visitors seeking nature and adventure. The town is home to Appalachian State University, giving it a vibrant college town atmosphere.
Boone's historic downtown area features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café. Explore the scenic trails at the Blue Ridge Parkway for stunning views.
Visit the Appalachian State University campus and check out its art galleries. Enjoy lunch at a popular local spot and then go for a leisurely hike.
Dine at a cozy restaurant in Boone and savor regional specialties. Catch a live music performance in downtown Boone.
Visit Grandfather Mountain and experience the mile-high swinging bridge. Hike one of the park's trails for breathtaking views.
Relax and have a picnic lunch while enjoying nature. Explore the wildlife habitats at Grandfather Mountain and learn about the area's fauna.
Return to Boone and enjoy dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant. Stroll through the town and enjoy its charming atmosphere.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic natural beauty with access to outdoor activities like hiking and skiing.
- Rich cultural scene with a vibrant community and local events.
- Strong sense of community with friendly residents.
- Relatively low cost of living compared to larger cities.
- Access to Appalachian State University, contributing to a youthful atmosphere.
- Limited job opportunities in certain industries.
- Public transportation options may be lacking.
- Potential for harsh winter weather, which may not be ideal for everyone.
- Higher education institutions can lead to a transient population.
- Limited entertainment and nightlife options compared to larger urban areas.
Best Activities in Boone
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore numerous trails offering stunning views, diverse wildlife, and the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Enjoy scenic bike rides along the Blue Ridge Parkway, with panoramic views and access to various overlooks.
Experience an exhilarating zipline tour through the treetops, providing thrilling views of the surrounding area.
Spend a night under the stars at this picturesque campground with access to hiking trails and fishing spots.
Try your luck at fishing in the Watauga River, known for its trout population and beautiful surroundings.
Enjoy winter sports at one of the local ski resorts, offering slopes for all skill levels during the snow season.
Join a river rafting tour on the New River for an exciting adventure amidst beautiful scenery.
Explore beautiful gardens that highlight native plants of the region, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Places to Visit in Boone
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains.
Scenic estate with beautifully landscaped grounds and picturesque views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Hiking trail offering stunning views of the Linn Cove Viaduct and Grandfather Mountain.
Food in Boone
Boone Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Southern breakfast dish featuring fluffy biscuits smothered in savory sausage gravy. A must-try at Melanie's Food Fantasy.
Must-Try!
Freshly caught trout, often sourced from local streams, and prepared with simple yet delicious seasoning. Find it at Gamekeeper Restaurant & Bar for an elevated dining experience.
A sweet and smooth spread made from slow-cooked apples, sugar, and spices. Sample this Appalachian specialty at the historic Dan'l Boone Inn Restaurant.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Opens every Saturday from May to November, offering farm-fresh produce, local honey, artisanal cheeses, and ready-to-eat treats like kettle corn and homemade ice cream.
A popular food truck serving Italian-inspired street food such as wood-fired pizza, calzones, and gelato. Look for it at various locations around town.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Boone is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's important to show respect for the environment by following local guidelines for conservation, such as staying on trails and practicing Leave No Trace principles.
Boone values a strong sense of community. Residents appreciate when visitors engage with local events, support local businesses, and participate in community activities. Showing interest in local culture and history can foster positive interactions.
In Boone, as in much of the Southern United States, politeness is highly valued. Simple gestures like saying 'please' and 'thank you,' greeting people with a smile, and making eye contact can go a long way in building rapport with locals.
Safety
Tipping in Boone
Ensure a smooth experience
In Boone, United States, tipping practices typically align with broader American customs. It is common to tip service workers such as restaurant staff, bartenders, and taxi drivers. The standard tip in restaurants is usually between 15% to 20% of the total bill before taxes. For good service, tips may exceed 20%. In bars, tipping typically ranges from $1 to $2 per drink. For food delivery, tipping is also encouraged, with guidelines suggesting 10% to 20% of the order total. Tipping is seen as a way to show appreciation for good service.
Payment practices in Boone generally accept a variety of methods, including cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment platforms. Most businesses accept major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Some local establishments may also accept contactless payments through mobile wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. It's always advisable to check in advance if a specific payment method is acceptable, especially in smaller businesses. Additionally, customers are often required to pay upfront for takeout orders, while tips can be added to credit card payments in restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to see the blooming flowers and enjoy mild temperatures
Great for outdoor activities, enjoy hiking, fishing, and festivals
Experience beautiful foliage and cool, crisp weather
Perfect for skiing and snow activities, as Boone receives snowfall
Boone at Night
Hiking in Boone
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A well-known hiking destination featuring a challenging trail with breathtaking views, wildlife, and impressive cliffside vistas.
Offers numerous trails with stunning panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, perfect for all skill levels.
Provides scenic hiking on various trails, including the easy-to-moderate Price Lake Trail, surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes.
Features rugged terrain with numerous hiking trails and breathtaking views, ideal for experienced hikers looking for adventure.
Home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, with trails that offer lush forested paths and stunning mountain views.
Aiports
How to reach Boone by plane.
Located approximately 90 miles south of Boone, NC, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving as a major hub for American Airlines.
About 100 miles west of Boone, McGhee Tyson Airport serves the Knoxville area and offers flights on several major airlines.
Located about 110 miles southeast of Boone, this airport serves the Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point areas and features various domestic and international flights.
Roughly 100 miles southwest of Boone, this airport serves the Asheville area and provides commercial air service for several airlines.
Located approximately 130 miles west of Boone, it serves the Huntington, West Virginia area and offers flights primarily to major hubs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Boone, predominantly comprising people of European ancestry.
A significant percentage of the population, contributing to the cultural diversity of Boone.
An increasingly growing demographic group in Boone, reflecting broader national trends.
Includes individuals of Asian descent, contributing to the multicultural landscape of the community.
Represents individuals who identify with multiple racial backgrounds, reflecting a diverse population.
A smaller demographic group with historical roots in the region.
Includes various other racial and ethnic identities not specifically classified in the above categories.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular fall sport at the high school and collegiate level, with strong community support and traditions.
Widely played and watched at both the high school and college levels, with local teams drawing significant fan engagement.
Gaining popularity among youth and adults, offering recreational leagues and school teams in the area.
Traditionally popular, especially during the summer months, with community leagues and youth programs.
Popular due to Boone's proximity to the Appalachian Mountains, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and athletes.
Engaged by both recreational players and competitive teams, with facilities available for training and matches.
Supported by a variety of local events, including races and marathons, appealing to individuals and fitness groups.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Boone.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Boone offer creative vegetarian and vegan dishes. Look out for plant-based twists on Southern classics and globally influenced cuisine.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can enjoy a range of gluten-free options at cafes and restaurants across Boone. Be sure to inquire about specific dietary needs when dining out.