Erin's Guidebook
Hiking
This trail is accessible right from our neighborhood! Stretching 1175 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks, the Mountains to Sea Trail is a highly sought-after trail, and it’s just a few-minutes walk from the house. Check out the video on your tablet that will tell you exactly how to find the trailhead!
Mountains to Sea Trail
Beacon Heights TrailThis trail is accessible right from our neighborhood! Stretching 1175 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks, the Mountains to Sea Trail is a highly sought-after trail, and it’s just a few-minutes walk from the house. Check out the video on your tablet that will tell you exactly how to find the trailhead!
This is an easy hike, and the views are stunning. If you’ve searched for “Boone” and seen photos of people sitting on an overhang rock with a mountain backdrop, this is that hike. It’s got all the Blue Ridge Mountain views you can dream of.
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Rough Ridge Lookout - Grandfather Mountain, NC.
3218 Blue Ridge PkwyThis is an easy hike, and the views are stunning. If you’ve searched for “Boone” and seen photos of people sitting on an overhang rock with a mountain backdrop, this is that hike. It’s got all the Blue Ridge Mountain views you can dream of.
Ravens Rocks Overlook is walking distance from The Wanderer. It’s about a 15-minute hike on the Mountains to Sea Trail, which you can access directly from our neighborhood. Or if you’re feeling more like a drive on the Parkway, it’s only a 6-minute drive from the house.
Raven Rocks Overlook
Blue Ridge ParkwayRavens Rocks Overlook is walking distance from The Wanderer. It’s about a 15-minute hike on the Mountains to Sea Trail, which you can access directly from our neighborhood. Or if you’re feeling more like a drive on the Parkway, it’s only a 6-minute drive from the house.
Thunder Hill is one of of Boone’s most scenic overlooks, and it’s only a 5 minute drive from The Wanderer. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset, pack a picnic, have a photoshoot, or just stroll on the winding trail and enjoy the views.
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Thunder Hill Overlook
Thunder Hill is one of of Boone’s most scenic overlooks, and it’s only a 5 minute drive from The Wanderer. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset, pack a picnic, have a photoshoot, or just stroll on the winding trail and enjoy the views.
This is another quick and easy hike with some of the best views the Parkway has to offer. It’s another great picnic spot, and even a good night-hike if you’re feeling adventurous. The stars are gorgeous on a clear night.
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Beacon Heights Overlook Trail
Beacon Heights TrailThis is another quick and easy hike with some of the best views the Parkway has to offer. It’s another great picnic spot, and even a good night-hike if you’re feeling adventurous. The stars are gorgeous on a clear night.
If you’re looking for a winding trail through tunnels of rhododendron, this is the hike for you. This trail is a 5 mile loop, but you can easily hike just a section of it.
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Boone Fork Trail
Boone Fork TrailIf you’re looking for a winding trail through tunnels of rhododendron, this is the hike for you. This trail is a 5 mile loop, but you can easily hike just a section of it.
Price Lake has so much to offer, including kayaking and hiking. There’s an trail around the lake you can access right from the parking lot.
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Price Lake
Price Lake has so much to offer, including kayaking and hiking. There’s an trail around the lake you can access right from the parking lot.
Grandfather Mountain boasts a mile-high swinging bridge with panoramic views, hiking, wildlife habitats, and a place to grab a bite at the top of the mountain. Fun fact: a running scene from “Forrest Gump” was shot here.
Admission for adults is $20
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Grandfather Mountain
2050 Blowing Rock HwyGrandfather Mountain boasts a mile-high swinging bridge with panoramic views, hiking, wildlife habitats, and a place to grab a bite at the top of the mountain. Fun fact: a running scene from “Forrest Gump” was shot here.
Admission for adults is $20
Though technically Roan Mountain is right over the Tennessee border, it’s only an hour away. Roan has the most gorgeous 360 mountain views, and you can even hike part of the Appalachian Trail. This spot is perfect for an afternoon or day trip.
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Státní park Roan Mountain
527 TN-143Though technically Roan Mountain is right over the Tennessee border, it’s only an hour away. Roan has the most gorgeous 360 mountain views, and you can even hike part of the Appalachian Trail. This spot is perfect for an afternoon or day trip.
Have you ever wanted to hike with wild ponies? Just over the Virginia border, Grayson Highlands State Park is only 50 minutes away and is the home to hundreds of highland ponies. The scenic drive is part of the experience, winding through tiny mountain towns and old country stores. You can catch the Appalachian Trail from the park, too.
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Státní park Grayson Highlands
829 Grayson Highland LaneHave you ever wanted to hike with wild ponies? Just over the Virginia border, Grayson Highlands State Park is only 50 minutes away and is the home to hundreds of highland ponies. The scenic drive is part of the experience, winding through tiny mountain towns and old country stores. You can catch the Appalachian Trail from the park, too.
Breakfast & Lunch
This is a Boone favorite, so if you want a table for breakfast, you’ve got to get there early. But don’t worry, it’s 100% worth the wait. Best breakfast in the High Country!
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Melanie's
664 W King StThis is a Boone favorite, so if you want a table for breakfast, you’ve got to get there early. But don’t worry, it’s 100% worth the wait. Best breakfast in the High Country!
Stick Boy is known for their fresh-baked bread, bagels, and baked goods (they have a separate bakery location too), but they also perfected their sandwiches and breakfasts. It’s perfect for a cozy breakfast or a lunch on-the-go.
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Stick Boy Kitchen
211 Boone Heights DrStick Boy is known for their fresh-baked bread, bagels, and baked goods (they have a separate bakery location too), but they also perfected their sandwiches and breakfasts. It’s perfect for a cozy breakfast or a lunch on-the-go.
Our Daily Bread is the spot for soups and sandwiches. It’s right on King Street in downtown Boone, so if you’re already strolling or shopping, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite.
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Our Daily Bread
627 W King StOur Daily Bread is the spot for soups and sandwiches. It’s right on King Street in downtown Boone, so if you’re already strolling or shopping, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite.
Wildwood is brand new to Boone, but it’s already a local favorite. They have many drinks, snacks, sandwiches, and local goods to choose from, as well as a hot bar that changes daily. Take your food to-go, or eat in their sunny dining space.
Wildwood Community Market
182 Howard StreetWildwood is brand new to Boone, but it’s already a local favorite. They have many drinks, snacks, sandwiches, and local goods to choose from, as well as a hot bar that changes daily. Take your food to-go, or eat in their sunny dining space.
Blowing Rock Market
990 Main StDinner
Vidalia delivers a cozy atmosphere, and is a great place for dinner or a glass of wine. It’s downtown Boone on King street, so it’s central to other shopping and dining.
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Vidalia
831 W King StVidalia delivers a cozy atmosphere, and is a great place for dinner or a glass of wine. It’s downtown Boone on King street, so it’s central to other shopping and dining.
Wildcraft has a delicious and adventurous menu, featuring flavors from all around the globe. It also has the best downtown patio for summer or fall afternoons.
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Wild Craft Eatery
506 W King StWildcraft has a delicious and adventurous menu, featuring flavors from all around the globe. It also has the best downtown patio for summer or fall afternoons.
Bistro Roca’s menu is one of the best in the High Country (in our humble opinion). It’s our go-to spot for date nights, because we can never get enough of their food. The dining room is warm and inviting, perfect for a fall or winter evening.
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Bistro Roca
143 Wonderland TrailBistro Roca’s menu is one of the best in the High Country (in our humble opinion). It’s our go-to spot for date nights, because we can never get enough of their food. The dining room is warm and inviting, perfect for a fall or winter evening.
If you’re a sushi connoisseur, you’re in luck, because Moon is only a few minutes down the road. If you’re not a sushi person, not to worry—they offer lots of other Asian cuisine options.
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Moon Thai Sushi Restaurant
7179 Valley BlvdIf you’re a sushi connoisseur, you’re in luck, because Moon is only a few minutes down the road. If you’re not a sushi person, not to worry—they offer lots of other Asian cuisine options.
The Local’s truffle fries are to-die-for. This is a great spot for a casual dinner. Their patio offers mountain-town vibes, and is walkable to lots of other downtown spots.
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The Local
179 Howard StThe Local’s truffle fries are to-die-for. This is a great spot for a casual dinner. Their patio offers mountain-town vibes, and is walkable to lots of other downtown spots.
This is your go-to spot for a great burger and cocktail. The crowd favorite is the Cardinal burger (you can even make it a double or triple).
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The Cardinal
1711 NC-105This is your go-to spot for a great burger and cocktail. The crowd favorite is the Cardinal burger (you can even make it a double or triple).
COBO serves some of the best sushi in the high country in a stylish environment.
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CoBo Sushi Bistro & Bar
161 Howard StCOBO serves some of the best sushi in the high country in a stylish environment.
Southwest & Caribbean soul food menu in bright, cheery digs graced with local art.
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Coyote Kitchen
200 Southgate DrSouthwest & Caribbean soul food menu in bright, cheery digs graced with local art.
Breweries
You can’t go wrong at Booneshine Brewery. Their food is incredible, brews are perfection, and the atmosphere is relaxing and fun. Play cornhole, hang out in the beer garden, or grab a table for dinner.
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Booneshine Brewing Company
465 Industrial Park DrYou can’t go wrong at Booneshine Brewery. Their food is incredible, brews are perfection, and the atmosphere is relaxing and fun. Play cornhole, hang out in the beer garden, or grab a table for dinner.
Appalachian Mountain Brewery is another favorite right in downtown Boone. Enjoy great beer and fresh wood-fired pizza. They have lots of live music and trivia nights, so there’s bound to be something happening on any given night.
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The Appalachian Mountain Brewery
163 Boone Creek DrAppalachian Mountain Brewery is another favorite right in downtown Boone. Enjoy great beer and fresh wood-fired pizza. They have lots of live music and trivia nights, so there’s bound to be something happening on any given night.
Only a 7-minute drive from The Wanderer, this brewery is in the heart of charming Blowing Rock. Enjoy delicious food & drink, sit on the patio, and stroll downtown after dinner.
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Blowing Rock Brewing Company
152 Sunset DrOnly a 7-minute drive from The Wanderer, this brewery is in the heart of charming Blowing Rock. Enjoy delicious food & drink, sit on the patio, and stroll downtown after dinner.
Coffee Shops
Espresso News is a popular downtown gem. Their coffee is delicious, and there are lots of tucked-away places to sit if you’re looking for a place to read or work.
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Espresso News
267 Howard StEspresso News is a popular downtown gem. Their coffee is delicious, and there are lots of tucked-away places to sit if you’re looking for a place to read or work.
Local Lion is beloved by all Boonies, and is famous for their homemade doughnuts.
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Local Lion
791 Blowing Rock RdLocal Lion is beloved by all Boonies, and is famous for their homemade doughnuts.
Blue Deer originally started as a roadside ice cream sandwich stand, and it’s grown into a downtown coffee joint. You can grab an ice cream & cookie sandwich if you’ve got a sweet tooth. There’s lots of good seating upstairs where you can enjoy your coffee.
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blue deer on king
352 W King StBlue Deer originally started as a roadside ice cream sandwich stand, and it’s grown into a downtown coffee joint. You can grab an ice cream & cookie sandwich if you’ve got a sweet tooth. There’s lots of good seating upstairs where you can enjoy your coffee.
Just 5 minutes from The Wanderer, Bald Guy Brew is a cozy coffee spot in downtown Blowing Rock.
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Bald Guy Brew Blowing Rock
1116-2 Main StJust 5 minutes from The Wanderer, Bald Guy Brew is a cozy coffee spot in downtown Blowing Rock.
You might have spotted this cute camper-turned-coffee shop on your drive between Boone and Blowing Rock. Birdies is parked right by the Middle Fork Greenway entrance, so you can take your coffee & treats on the trail. Or, you can enjoy them from a riverside picnic table next to the camper.
Birdies Coffee & Treats | Blowing Rock
3737 U.S. 321You might have spotted this cute camper-turned-coffee shop on your drive between Boone and Blowing Rock. Birdies is parked right by the Middle Fork Greenway entrance, so you can take your coffee & treats on the trail. Or, you can enjoy them from a riverside picnic table next to the camper.
Camp is a Blowing Rock favorite, and only 5 minutes from The Wanderer. You can get your coffee fix, try a pastry, or get some work done upstairs.
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Camp Coffee Roasters
921 Main StCamp is a Blowing Rock favorite, and only 5 minutes from The Wanderer. You can get your coffee fix, try a pastry, or get some work done upstairs.
Drinks
The Horton’s rooftop view is a must-see any time of year. You can grab a drink in the lobby and take the elevator to the roof. Or, order right from the rooftop as you soak in the views. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, they also offer charcuterie boards. If you’re visiting when it’s cold outside—not to worry. There are several rooftop fire pits to gather around, and blankets to wrap up in.
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The Horton Hotel
611 W King StThe Horton’s rooftop view is a must-see any time of year. You can grab a drink in the lobby and take the elevator to the roof. Or, order right from the rooftop as you soak in the views. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, they also offer charcuterie boards. If you’re visiting when it’s cold outside—not to worry. There are several rooftop fire pits to gather around, and blankets to wrap up in.
If you’re looking for a spot to relax outside and enjoy a glass of wine, you have to check out Grandfather Winery. With seating alongside the river, as well as a large patio at the foot of the mountain, there are plenty of scenic places to unwind. You can even walk through the vineyards on the side of the mountain for a great view.
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Grandfather Vineyard & Winery
225 Vineyard LaneIf you’re looking for a spot to relax outside and enjoy a glass of wine, you have to check out Grandfather Winery. With seating alongside the river, as well as a large patio at the foot of the mountain, there are plenty of scenic places to unwind. You can even walk through the vineyards on the side of the mountain for a great view.
This is a great place to relax or do a tasting, especially in the chillier fall or winter months. Banner Elk Winery has an inviting seating area with a fireplace, and on weekends there’s usually live music.
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Banner Elk Winery & Villa
60 Deer RunThis is a great place to relax or do a tasting, especially in the chillier fall or winter months. Banner Elk Winery has an inviting seating area with a fireplace, and on weekends there’s usually live music.
The Inn at Crestwood is tucked away in the woods with a great view of the mountains. The inn’s storybook setting is a great place to enjoy a drink in the summer, or a hot cup of tea in the winter.
The Inn at Crestwood
3236 Shulls Mill RdThe Inn at Crestwood is tucked away in the woods with a great view of the mountains. The inn’s storybook setting is a great place to enjoy a drink in the summer, or a hot cup of tea in the winter.
Venture Chocolate & Wine is one of Boone’s newest hotspots. By day, their coffee and home-made chocolate draws in the crowds. By night, the wine bar is buzzing, and it’s best place to enjoy a glass of wine downtown.
Venture Chocolate and Wine Co.
605 West King StreetVenture Chocolate & Wine is one of Boone’s newest hotspots. By day, their coffee and home-made chocolate draws in the crowds. By night, the wine bar is buzzing, and it’s best place to enjoy a glass of wine downtown.
Outdoor Adventures
The Greenway Trail is a beloved local meeting spot for everything under the sun—frisbee, after-work walks, slacklining, hanging in Eno hammocks, dog-walking, yoga, & pickup soccer games. The trail runs right through the center of town, but you still get those mountain views. A local favorite: grab bagel sandwiches from Stickboy Kitchen and eat by the stream.
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Greenway Trail
607 Deerfield RdThe Greenway Trail is a beloved local meeting spot for everything under the sun—frisbee, after-work walks, slacklining, hanging in Eno hammocks, dog-walking, yoga, & pickup soccer games. The trail runs right through the center of town, but you still get those mountain views. A local favorite: grab bagel sandwiches from Stickboy Kitchen and eat by the stream.
Upper Creek Falls is the best natural swimming hole in the area. It’s a quick hike to the falls, and you can spend an afternoon swimming and sunning on the rocks.
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Upper Creek Falls
6118 Wind Song LnUpper Creek Falls is the best natural swimming hole in the area. It’s a quick hike to the falls, and you can spend an afternoon swimming and sunning on the rocks.
Yep—it’s exactly what it sounds like: a roller coaster through the mountains. Check it out.
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Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
3265 Tynecastle HwyYep—it’s exactly what it sounds like: a roller coaster through the mountains. Check it out.
An easy 5-minute drive from downtown Boone, Howard’s Knob is the perfect picnic or sunset-watching spot. Grab some provisions from Wildwood Community Market and enjoy the views.
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Howards Knob County Park
604 Howards Knob RdAn easy 5-minute drive from downtown Boone, Howard’s Knob is the perfect picnic or sunset-watching spot. Grab some provisions from Wildwood Community Market and enjoy the views.
Bass Lake is a perfect stroll with beautiful views, or a great place to get in a jog. It’s about 7 minutes from The Wanderer.
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Bass Lake Trail
1 Bass Lake DrBass Lake is a perfect stroll with beautiful views, or a great place to get in a jog. It’s about 7 minutes from The Wanderer.
Moses Cone is perfect for a leisurely Saturday stroll with a coffee in hand. Visit the historic manor & gift shop, wander the trails, and take in the scenery.
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Moses Cone Manor
Moses Cone is perfect for a leisurely Saturday stroll with a coffee in hand. Visit the historic manor & gift shop, wander the trails, and take in the scenery.
Mustard Seed Market is about a minute away from The Wanderer. A great spot for flowers, plants, or artisan goods.
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Mustard Seed
5589 US-321Mustard Seed Market is about a minute away from The Wanderer. A great spot for flowers, plants, or artisan goods.