Nov. 28-Dec 30, 2025: On select evenings, Tweetsie Railroad transforms into a winter wonderland
Dec. 1, 2025-Jan. 6, 2026: Sugar Mountain has plenty of activities during the winter months to keep you active and fit!
Dec. 5, 2025: Immerse yourself in the enchanting spirit of the season in Boone!
January 22-25, 2026: This four-day extravaganza promises a delightful blend of winter fun for all ages.
June 12-14, 2026: featuring a variety of jazz artists, from local, regional national and international stars.
June 19-21 2026: Artists with ties to the High Country return this summer.
July 9-12, 2026: Scottish Highland Games come to North Carolina’s High Country
Here are our top events happening in Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk during November.
A lot of people look to the High Country as a place to relax and unwind, and it’s certainly an ideal location for kicking back.
Imagine waking up to crisp mountain air, the scent of pine needles filling your senses.
When you visit Blowing Rock during fall, be sure to take in the views from these locations.
Blowing Rock has been a tourist destination for more than 130 years.
Recognized as an Ultimate Outdoor Adventure Destination in the Southeast
Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award Winner!
Hawksnest has ranked among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor (worldwide).
Located just outside of beautiful Boone, NC, Hawksnest offers 2 full tour options, featuring 20 ziplines in total, with over 4 miles of ziplining fun! Both zipline tours feature 2 mega zips – ziplines over 1500 feet long! Enjoy heights up to 200 feet and speeds over 40 mph. Zipline over the tree tops, through the canopy, and over lakes and creeks, while taking in the spectacular panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.There’s no better way to adventure in the NC Mountains than here with us at Hawksnest!
With over 30 lanes of snow tubing that span from 400-1000 feet long, Hawksnest Tubing is your family’s destination for a unique winter experience. Our four different snow tubing areas provide an array of terrain that satisfies even the most advanced of tubers!
Hawksnest’s snowmaking facilities are able to provide the best possible conditions and fun for the whole family. We offer 100% lighting and snow tubing on all lanes, so the fun can continue into the night. Our snow grooming equipment is state of the art, so we can offer a wide stretch of groomed lanes for tubing fun.
Raft the thrills of the Nolichucky River: This scenic and wild rafting trip provides the highest level of adventure for families in the Southeast. Our Nolichucky trip features more than two dozen rapids as it carves through the steepest, deepest, and most remote river corridor in the surrounding area. Known for its challenging rapids, remote and rugged setting, and constantly shifting water levels, our Nolichucky trip is sure to impress! The outpost and meet-up are located in Erwin, TN.
Los Arcoiris is an authentic Mexican restaurant with a Boone, North Carolina location. We serve freshly prepared Mexican dishes from a large menu that includes Burritos, Chile Rellenos and Chimichangas. Vegetarian and kids plates are also available.
Sky Valley Zip Tours sits on 140 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Blowing Rock, NC.
Since 2012, Sky Valley Zip Tours has been delighting High Country visitors with unforgettable mountain zip line experiences. Easily accessible from Boone and Blowing Rock, but located deep in the woods down a gravel road, we offer a variety of tours to satisfy all ages and levels of thrill-seekers. Each tour begins with an ATV ride and Ground School training with our expert Zip Rangers.
– This 3-hour tour covers 10 zip lines (including the famous Big Mama), over a mile of cable, elevations up to 300 feet, a cliff jump, and 120-foot long swinging bridge.
– Launched in 2018, this 1.5-hour tour starts at dark on Friday and Saturday nights and covers the first half of the Canopy Tour and ends with the cliff jump, all under the light of the moon.
– A separate course, designed specifically for kids ages 4 and up, includes 7 zip lines, a bridge, and 20-foot slide out of the trees.
Reservations are recommended. Call us at 828-264-0002 or book online at www.skyvalleyziptours.com.
Nestled in a prime area, our beautiful mountain lodge is the perfect headquarters for your vacation. Feast your eyes on spectacular views of the tranquil Appalachian Mountains just outside our Boone hotel. We’re a stone’s throw from great hiking, fishing, rafting, skiing and other outdoor activities. We’re also the premier destination for visitors who appreciate great service and amenities. After a day of outdoor adventure, return to La Quinta Inn & Suites and unwind in our heated swimming pool and soothing whirlpool. Escape your everyday worries by relaxing next to your in-room fireplace. Or, soak your weary muscles in your very own whirlpool bathtub. Each morning, we’ll treat you to a free Bright Side Breakfast® featuring delicious hot and cold treats.
Our hotel, located in the heart of beautiful Boone, offers an ideal location close to a plethora of local attractions and activities. We’re within walking distance of Appalachian State University and the downtown area. Winter guests will love our close proximity to popular ski areas, including Sugar Mountain Ski and Appalachian Ski Mountain. We’re also just minutes from Grandfather Mountain, which features the tallest peak in the Blue Ridge range. Additional nearby attractions include the Holmes Convocation Center and the Watanga Medical Center. Our central location puts you close to outdoor beauty, local shops, and great eats.
Amenities:
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Complimentary Hot Breakfast
Indoor Pool
Fitness Center
EV Chargers
High Speed WiFi
Lobby Market with Snacks & Beverages
In-Rooms Microwaves & Mini-Fridges
In-Room Coffee Maker
From the unmatched, far-reaching views along the Blue Ridge Parkway, to the quaint storybook mountain village, Blowing Rock, North Carolina is truly deserving of the title: “Crown of the Blue Ridge.” Here you’ll find popular family attractions including Tweetsie Railroad and The Blowing Rock, a plethora of unique downtown shops and outlets, and outdoor adventure ranging from hiking and biking to spelunking and bouldering. It’s a venue for adventure, but also a place for ultimate relaxation. Endulge in a spa treatment, sample scrumptious vittles at our award-winning restaurants, or enjoy the hospitality at our local inns, bed and breakfasts, resorts, cabins or hotels.
April–October: Open Daily 9:00am–7:00pm, weather permitting
he Blowing Rock is pet friendly, however only dogs controlled on leashes will be allowed on property and they must be friendly with children, cats and other dogs. The owner will be held accountable for any negative issues.
Randy “Doc” McCoy has been collecting rocks since he was a kid. When he served in the Army, he added rocks and gems from all over the world to his collection.
So when it was time to retire from his career as an Emergency Field Surgeon for the Army, he knew what he wanted to do. McCoy went back to school to study geology. He graduated from Appalachian State University with a double major in geology and recreation management.
In 2007, McCoy and his wife Trina started McCoy Minerals—a jewelry retailer, cutting and appraisal store—out of a small 8×10 shed. “In college, my focus was geology in the Appalachian Range, so I wanted to incorporate that educational piece into what we do,” McCoy says. “Now McCoy Minerals is backed by the Watauga Board of Education for our focus on teaching regional geology.”
In 2020, to accommodate the growth the business has experienced, McCoy Minerals moved into a larger building on Main Street in Blowing Rock. “Visiting McCoy Minerals is a family-friendly experience. Young or old, everyone can have fun and learn something new here,” McCoy says.
McCoy Minerals can turn your rocks and rough gemstones into beautiful pieces of jewelry. There, you can watch as they cut and set the gems. Customers can also browse the store’s collection of precut gemstones, jewelry, watches and even fossils.
“We have a lot of rare gems from all over the world that you won’t find in most jewelry stores,” McCoy says. “We also have local gems, like rubies from Macon County.” Throughout the summer, McCoy Minerals offers “Rock Hound” digging trips, where you can take a trip to the nearby mines and learn how the gemstones are formed and how to mine for them.
Over the years, McCoy Minerals has been a well-loved fixture of the High Country due to their quality craftsmanship, educational opportunities and community impact. “We’re heavily involved with the local cancer center, we have connections with schools and colleges, we have a Boy Scout and Girl Scout merit badge. It’s just great to have such strong connections in the community,” McCoy says.
OVER 100,000 different gemstones available for purchase at wholesale prices
Doc has the experience, sincere soul, and knowledge worth tapping into. Honestly, it was happenstance that we stopped and was exactly what We were looking for!
— Judy Jost
Our Business Goal
To educate the general public on the historical geology of the Appalachian Mountains, how they were formed and what can be found here. We promise to give you the best educational experience that your money can buy. We strive to make memories that will last a lifetime. We also promise the best quality work on our lapidary and jewelry making services as well as our repair services.
By Julie Matthews
In the scenic rolling hills of West Jefferson, Old Barn Winery offers a year-round wine tasting experience that is above and beyond. Set on a family farm owned and operated by Greg and Robin Sexton, along with the help of their three sons, the winery has been serving a variety of tasty wines for the last three years and has become a central hub in the community.
“This is a happy and pretty place to be,” says Robin. “The scenery is beautiful and then there’s the welcoming atmosphere and live music—it’s a good way to spend your day!”
While Old Barn Winery opened its doors in 2022, Sexton Farms (SextonFarm.com) has been deeply rooted in the West Jefferson community since 1960. Today the farm continues as a fourth generation Christmas tree farm that also grows pumpkins and, of course, grapes. (For more information about Frosty’s Choose and Cut, visit GoFrostys.com.)
Old Barn Winery features a selection of white, red and sweet wines as well as occasional ciders and meads. Wine is available for purchase by the bottle, glass or flight, which offers a tasting of four wines. There are also several non-alcoholic options. “We have wine for every palate and everybody,” says Robin. “There are sweet options including slushies and sangrias to dry sophisticated wines for wine connoisseurs.” In addition, since the winery’s opening, non-alcoholic options have been offered as well, because the Sextons want all of their guests to have a good time and feel included.
This family- and pet-friendly destination experience offers loads more than libations and Christmas trees. Its incredible outdoor patio offers stunning views of Mount Jefferson, which is especially spectacular when covered by colorful fall foliage. The winery’s spacious barn building has plenty of indoor seating, which is perfect for anytime of the year. Guests are encouraged to bring the entire family, including dogs, which are welcome to join their owners either outdoors or inside.
The winery also features live music on weekends most of the year and during the week the winery hosts a variety of fun activities like family game night, book club, fashion shows as well as classes, from painting to cookie decorating. Old Barn even holds vendor fairs on certain holiday weekends. As food options, guests have the opportunity to purchase tasty foods from local food trucks and the winery sells high-quality snack items from local businesses, including more than 20 kinds of Ashe Co. Cheese and other charcuterie-type foods.
Supporting the community has been important to the Sexton family reaching back to its business’ first generation, where supporting fellow farmers was inherent. Today the family continues this practice by buying supplies from and utilizing the services of other local businesses whenever possible. With this sentiment at its core, it’s no surprise seeing t-shirts at the winery displaying its heartfelt motto “Friends. Family. Farming.”
Wanna Go?
OldBarnWinery.com
2152 Beaver Creek School Road
West Jefferson, NC 28694
336-846-6060
You’ll never experience the same mountain twice: today you might come face-to-face with an owl, another day you may see rare wildflowers in bloom. Just talk to one of our naturalists to understand more about these living treasures and learn where to find them. There’s nowhere else on Earth that you can enjoy such a variety of mountain life in one amazing place.
Situated 15 miles south of Boone and towering nearly 6,000 feet above sea level, Grandfather Mountain is a wonder of natural beauty, diverse wildlife and unbeatable views.
The mountain is most well-known for the Mile High Swinging Bridge: a 228-foot suspension footbridge crossing a chasm 80 feet off the ground. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the High Country—all the way to Charlotte on a clear day.
Grandfather Mountain is home to an amazing variety of wildlife, including those featured in its wildlife habitats, such as black bears, eagles, elk and river otters. These animals, all of which were either injured, orphaned in the wild or born into captivity, are almost all native species to Grandfather Mountain. They are housed in habitats built around their true native environments.
Each day, April though October, visitors to the mountain can join the naturalists and habitat keepers for interactive programs with the animals. These include a short presentation about the animal, some Q&A and an enrichment—an activity done with the animal to stimulate them, such as offering them a favorite treat or a unique scent.
“During an enrichment, you might see the river otters chasing fish around their pond, the bears frolicking with a perfume-scented box, or the cougars playing with rolls of toilet paper like giant housecats,” says Christie Tipton, Grandfather Mountain Animal Habitats Curator.
For visitors looking to get some exercise, Grandfather Mountain has access to more than 12 miles of hiking trails to suit a wide range of hikers—from those looking to take a leisurely stroll through the woods, to those seeking a more rigorous hike up the mountain featuring cables and ladders.
Families seeking kid-friendly adventure can pick up a Junior Naturalist guidebook, then embark on an educational journey to earn their Junior Naturalist badge and certificate.
Visitors to Grandfather Mountain can bring their own lunch to enjoy at one of the 100 picnic sites located at scenic spots around the park, or they can stop in for a hearty lunch at Mildred’s Grill.
Now Open! The Wilson Center for Nature Discovery
The Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, that opened early summer 2022, nearly doubles the size of the original Nature Museum with more than a dozen new state-of-the-art interactive exhibits exploring the natural history, flora, fauna, geology and weather of the mountain. Outside is a botanical garden, and an amphitheater and pavilion open this year. New programming and experiences also coincide with the new Wilson Center.
The nature park will hold synchronous firefly viewing events this year and will host many noted conservationists June-September for the Grandfather Presents speaker series.
Grandfather Mountain is owned and operated by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring conservation of the natural world. Admission and purchases made in the park all go toward preserving the mountain for future generations and supporting the foundation’s mission.
Advance reservations are strongly encouraged. To learn more and book your trip, visit Grandfather.com.
The Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Hotel Collection® property, is a 101-room boutique hotel that captures the heart of the High Country with a warm, welcoming mountain ambiance, enhanced modern design and upscale amenities. We are proud to be a part of Choice Hotels®, offering our guests the convenience of Choice Privileges® Rewards while also having the unique experience of a boutique property that incorporates touches of the High Country including local artwork, custom furniture, fresh made baked goods from Stickboy Bread Company, freshly ground coffee from Hatchet Coffee, discounted tickets to local attractions, and discounts to top restaurants throughout Boone using our custom key cards.
Our mission is to provide a casually elegant yet comfortable getaway, genuine hospitality and personalized service so our guests can relax, unwind and enjoy our charming mountain town.
Located in beautiful Boone, NC, we are situated perfectly in the heart of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. We are conveniently located less than two miles from downtown Boone and Appalachian State University, only a few miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Tweetsie Railroad and near skiing, tubing, ziplining and more.
Although we are located in Banner Elk, North Carolina, we serve locals who come from Blowing Rock, Boone, Newland, and Linville, North Carolina. Stonewalls Restaurant is located in downtown Banner Elk, North Carolina located in the heart of The High Country in western North Carolina.
Stonewalls has been locally owned and operated since 1985 and we pride ourselves on our exceptional service and value. Stonewalls offers the finest cuts of beef found in prime rib, sirloin, rib eye, New York Strip and Filet Mignon. Our chicken & ribs are second to none and we have a great lineup of seafood. Our chefs have been performing for years, and our buyer selects the best cuts available. Our salad bar is a destination for locals and for tourists.
In 1986, Scott Garland attended his senior prom at Stonewalls Restaurant. Fast forward 30 years later, the Avery County native, alongside business partner Tim Heschke, purchased the beloved Banner Elk restaurant, adding their own touches and elevating the cuisine.
Garland and Heschke, graduates of The Culinary Institute of America and New England Culinary Institute, respectively, bought Stonewalls Restaurant from the original owners in August 2016.
With Garland serving as the restaurant’s general manager and Heschke leading the charge as executive chef, the duo has since changed everything besides Stonewalls’ notable name and the building’s exterior. The Stonewalls rebrand included a brand new interior that Garland describes as “restoration hardware meets country lodge.” A contemporary palette of gray adorns the restaurant, accented by natural barnwood, slate stone and hardwood floors.
Stonewalls has always been known as an area-favorite steak house, and that hasn’t changed with Garland and Heschke at the helm. An all-encompassing menu features steak, seafood, pasta and more, as well as weekend specials.
“We try to focus on the best-quality product we can put out as of right now, at a reasonable price point,” Garlands asserts.
While an array of steaks, including Stonewalls’ signature prime rib, have been a menu staple, now they boast a higher quality of beef. Stonewalls even dry ages the USDA prime ribeye steaks in-house.
It’s not just the steaks that got a quality boost. Garland’s favorite dish, Stonewalls’ pork chop, is made with Duroc pork which is a high-quality pork that is unbeatably tender. Find locally caught trout on the menu during the season, and local produce year-round. Even Stonewalls’ dessert, right down to the ice cream, is made in-house.
Scott and Tim look forward to hosting you soon!
Gem mining has been a part of the High Country’s history and heritage for over 200 years. In fact, the nation’s first significant gold rush took place in the mountains of North Carolina. Today, gem mines aren’t just for prospectors. Foggy Mountain Gem Mine provides visitors a hands-on experience and education in gem mining.
Dana Morace opened Foggy Mountain Gem Mine in 1989 with the goal of owning a boutique jewelry store with a gem mine attached. However, that transitioned to a gem mine with a jewelry store attached.
“Initially we weren’t wanting to head down the path that we were on, but we sure have enjoyed the ride,” says Morace’s son, Nik Vames, who has been in ownership of Foggy Mountain since his mother retired in 2015.
“For gem mining to be here, it’s just part of the local heritage,” Vames explains. “Gem mining and mining itself has been done in these mountains since the first settlers came here. It’s something the tourists expect to see when they come here.”
Foggy Mountain, with two locations in Boone, gives guests an opportunity to get their hands dirty with their own gem mining experience. As you sift and rinse the mining ore, keep your eyes peeled for one of the dazzling gems.
Foggy Mountain uses ore mix from some of the best mines in the world. Gem miners can uncover gemstones such as: emeralds, rubies, sapphires, tourmaline, garnet, amethyst and citrine. Once you gather your gems, one of Foggy Mountain’s knowledgeable staff members can teach you about the stones in your bucket.
“Our first thing, and it’s always been this way, is education. When you leave our store, you will know something that you didn’t know when you came in there,” says Vames.
Vames has spent years traveling to gem shows and some of the world’s best gem mines to learn more and seek rare gems for Foggy Mountain’s collection. He recalls a close family friend, affectionately known as “Crazy George,” who was one of the pioneers of faceting gemstones in America.
“The guy was such a wealth of knowledge and he taught me everything in a way that was easy for me to understand.”
Gem mining isn’t the only attraction offered at Foggy Mountain: we also offer custom gemstone cutting and setting, museum quality gemstone and mineral specimens, precious jewelry and gifts! We are handicap accessible and provide assistance to those with special needs.
Vames and Foggy Mountain’s staff strive to pass this same knowledge and enthusiasm for gem mining onto customers and have been successful in doing so for over 30 years.
Second Location at 2422 Hwy 321 South, Boone, NC 28607
