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mountain towns
Asheville, NC
Banner
Elk, NC
Black
Mountain, NC
Blowing
Rock, NC
Boone, NC
Brevard, NC
Bryson
City, NC
Cashiers, NC
Hendersonville, NC
Highlands, NC
Lake Keowee, SC
Mountain Lakes/
Oconee County, SC
Nantahala, NC
Waynesville, NC
Books About The
Carolinas
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The
High Country has four
seasons
that include snow skiing and
even a
polar bear swim. In the
south, snow
is mostly manmade, leaving the roads
easy to navigate, no matter the season.
These views are something else.
Boone offers simply spectacular vistas
wherever you turn. Any season brings eye
candy for the soul. And there's more.
A brand new wine trail showcases wines
already winning awards. Apparently
grapes flourish as much as people do,
here in the High Country.
Shop til you drop in Blowing
Rock.
More than 100 shops,
galleries and
boutiques feature arts and
crafts, plus
quirky gifts and mountain
memorabilia.
When you get tired there are
more
than two dozen restaurants
offering
sustenance and a break.
Grandfather Mountain's new interactive
exhibit focuses on weather and climate.
Guests use touch screens to view a
presentation on the weather-related
science behind the earth’s climate.
The exhibit also allows visitors
access to the NASA Climate Kids website,
EPA website and ASU climate
quiz.
Who knew learning could be
such fun? |
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Day Trippin’ - 36 Hours in
Boone and Blowing Rock NC
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ummer fades from the Carolinas earliest in the mountains. Hints of the season-to-come arrive in the guise of subtle leaf color changes, cooler evenings and crisp mornings.
Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway and near a multitude of activities, Boone is a great base from which to explore the Parkway, Grandfather Mountain, nearby Blowing Rock and so much more. Plan your getaway today.
There are eight B&Bs in and around Boone. One that repeatedly entices is Lovill House Inn.
www.lovillhouseinn.com.
Endorsed by no less than
the New York Times, Lovill House Inn was built in 1875 by Captain E. F. Lovill, a Civil War hero (in the South of course). Innkeepers Ann and Scott Peecook are friendly hosts who will help you plan where and how to spend your time.
Be sure to ask them about any special festivals, or perhaps events occurring at nearby
Appalachian State University. Check out their
lifelong learning
programs happening
during your visit.
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ess than one mile from fine dining, shops and galleries, the inn offers perfect accommodations that feel rural, despite the proximity to town. There are six spacious rooms available. Our favorite is the Bristol, with its cozy brick fireplace and lovely hardwood floors. You’ll be tempted to relax on the porch, but resist, at least until you’ve had the opportunity to explore a bit.
Here’s what we suggest, although depending upon your time of arrival and the weather, you may want to change your itinerary.
Hands Gallery Co-op on West King Street in downtown Boone was started by a small group of craftspeople in 1975. No cookie-cutter gallery, you’ll find a variety of arts and crafts projects from a number of talented folks who lend their time and expertise to the Gallery. Each of the artist members has a broad range of work
on display. The members operate the gallery, so you're likely to walk in and meet one of them. Feel free to ask questions about their work.
Today, the co-op serves as a role model for arts & crafts co-ops throughout the Southeastern US.
Also on West King Street you’ll find Artwalk, a fun gallery of arts, crafts, jewelry, memorable quotes, and lots of fun stuff from Catstudio, including a North Carolina dish towel to take home as a souvenir. Don’t miss the collection of earrings that range from delicately lovely to whimsically funny.
Cooks and grill-meisters will enjoy a visit to
Savory Thymes, a charming specialty shop with items for the kitchen and beyond. This is truly a cook’s store, and even if that’s not your calling, there are cooks in your life who warrant a thoughtful gift. You’ll find special gourmet and ethnic ingredients that are carefully chosen for the artisan cook.
There are lots more shops, galleries and boutiques with treasures galore. Get a feel for what’s there, and then branch out to explore more small towns and attractions.
If you decide to take a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway, plan a stop at Cone Manor House at Milepost 294. The fabulous views are matched only by the wonderful crafts you’ll find inside. Just a bit further along the Parkway, at Milepost 296.7, Price Lake overlook offers a picture-perfect view of a beautiful lake with Grandfather Mountain in the distance.
On your way to see Grandfather, you’ll pass more parking areas, and go over Lynn Cove Viaduct with its visitors center.
(Go to
www.exploreBoonearea.com for more specifics.)
Exit at Milepost 305.1 for Grandfather Mountain, where you can enjoy the nature trail and wonderful museum, with its new interactive exhibit. (If you’re a weather channel devotee you’ll love this one.) In partnership with NASA, Appalachian State University and the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the exhibit focuses on weather and climate. The area is also known for excellent bird-watching, so bring your binoculars for the flora and fauna.
Grandfather Mountain is globally recognized as a nature preserve famous for 360-degree views, native wildlife and the Mile High Swinging Bridge. For some of us, fabulous as it is, that bridge is simply too … high. More adventurous souls with no fear of heights will take photos from this remarkable bird’s eye view.
There’s a restaurant at Grandfather Mountain, so if hunger makes its presence felt, you can grab a good bite there. Back in Boone, Vidalia Restaurant & Bar is an excellent choice.
There are great vegetarian selections and you may be tempted by the Vidalia onion rings, or white truffle accented fries with shaved parmesan – both with yummy creole sauce. Heaven!
Go back to the inn for a nap if you must, but if lunch has renewed your energy and you’ve got little ones, don’t miss a visit to
Tweetsie Railroad. Children will love taking a ride on this NC mountain institution and experiencing wild west adventure (all in good fun, of course). After the ride, families can stroll down Main Street and see the hoosegow (jail), enjoy the rides at the county fair, and panning for gold at Miner’s mountain.
If you’ve got more time, the Blowing Rock Museum and Banner House Museum are just two of the wonderful places where visitors and locals alike delve deeply into the heritage of area residents. Browse for a couple hours or devote an entire day.
Outdoor recreation is plentiful in the High Country. Of course walking, hiking and climbing trails are everywhere. Canoeing and
kayaking can be enjoyed by all ages. Local outfitters provide individual or family boat rentals (they’ll even bring you back to your car after the fun’s done). The New River is a designated Wild and Scenic River that’s great fun. Plan to stop at New River State park for an hour or an afternoon. Entry level paddle trips are a great way to relax amid spectacular scenery. A low-key tubing trip is cooling and scenic (wear a t-shirt to avoid rubber burns).
Price Lake is another picturesque destination that you might have seen during your ride on the Parkway. Here in the high country, lakes are pristine and absolutely refreshing. For a bit more water adventure, consider Whitewater rafting. Again, the outfitters can set you up for a bit of a challenge and a memory that lasts forever. (Check for age limits before you go.)
Your day is done. You can’t fit in another minute of attractions, so head back to the room, and ask your hosts for their dinner recommendations.
Joy Bistro will need reservations, but it’s a fine option, with mussels, firecracker shrimp, bruschetta and crab cakes (and that’s just for starters). North Carolina
trout is always a great regional choice, but there’s a scallop au poivre that will treat your tastebuds!
After dinner, stroll around town. There’s always something going on!
Back to your comfy accommodations and deep restful sleep.
Day two
Breakfast at Lovill House Inn receives rave reviews and is varied according to what’s fresh. Hope they have the orange cranberry bread when you visit! Another option is the Stick Boy Bread
Company which elicits great comments on Trip Advisor. Their baked goods sound fantastic!
So where to, today? So many choices. If it’s raining, take the fun inside at
Linville Caverns. Children will enjoy the cave and adults will, too. Hint: Take a sweater. The caverns maintain a comfortable, albeit chilly year-round temperature of 52 degrees. If it’s raining, a rain jacket will add to your comfort. Caves drip and this one’s no exception. Visit the gift shop afterward. You’ll want a souvenir.
Another option? Just eight miles down Highway 321 is Blowing Rock, which could provide an entire Day Trippin, 36-hour experience all by itself. Consider this a mere taste of the fun available. Let’s set the stage. Blowing Rock is a village of only three square miles, but within those borders you’ll find about 100 shops, about two dozen restaurants and 20 hotels and inns.
If your visit coincides with September 10 or October 1, plan time to enjoy Art in the Park, a show that was created in 1962 by a handful of area artists and craftspeople to showcase local talent. Now, it’s host to 90 artisans at each of six shows, held summer and fall. Great local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting and more. Do your Christmas shopping here (especially for yourself).
If you miss those dates, you’ll still find great arts, crafts, collectibles, gourmet items and mountain memorabilia, all within walking distance. On Thursdays, Blowing Rock Farmers Market is open from 4-7pm. Check out local produce and other delicious-ness at its location on Wallingford Street.
Until October 28, enjoy live music at the
Inn at Ragged Gardens, every Friday, from 5:30-8pm. The inn is highly rated on Trip Advisor if you decide to walk to your room after the entertainment. The restaurant is a super choice for lunch or dinner. Try the roast duckling.
Until September 29, Crestwood Resort and Spa offers live music from 7-9pm on Thursdays. Another fine accommodations option, this boutique resort and spa also has a restaurant, The Table. You may want to consider their Best Dish 2011 menu with smoked trout and Krispy Kreme bread pudding among other delectable offerings.
Hayes Performing Arts Center, features live entertainment into the Fall. Check em out. You’ll find top-drawer entertainers in a state-of-the-art venue.
Hmmmm. If you haven’t yet made overnight reservations, it’s time. Consider the Gideon Ridge Inn
Gideon Ridge Inn, a mountain inn which garners over-the-top praise. If you’re a morning person, ask for the Sunrise Room with its private porch and stellar views. What a way to greet the day!
As for additional restaurants, The Crippen Country Inn and Restaurant is a perennial favorite. They’ve been mentioned in national publications and have consistently excellent food. The pecan encrusted grouper is wonderful and the croissant bread pudding delish. Lunch or dinner, you’ll be happy. (Ask if they have homemade fig ice cream. Maybe you’ll get lucky.)
Let’s see. We’ve suggested three different inns and three restaurants worth your consideration. And, we haven’t yet scratched the surface. Perhaps it’s time for you to take over. Visit these websites for even more suggestions for lodging, dining, shopping, recreation and attractions. After your visit, tell us what you enjoyed most. We’ll add it to our ever-growing list.
Discover more:
Boone, NC
Blowing Rock, NC
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Katherine O. Pettit has worked as a writer, magazine editor, printer and
public relations consultant. The Columbia resident has published
more than 250 articles in magazines and newspapers. Her writing
explores a variety of subjects including travel, lifestyles, business
and management.
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