Mark Your Calendar for these 2026 July Events in the High Country
July 4, 2026: Here are some events and activities you can enjoy in North Carolina’s High Country.
Celebrate the Star-Spangled Banner Elk Fourth of July!
Sept. 15-19, 2026: the Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival transforms the scenic High Country into a sprawling, open-air studio, inviting artists and art lovers alike to witness the magic of creation in real-time.
July 9-12, 2026: Scottish Highland Games come to North Carolina’s High Country
Serving Up Mountain Scenery and Culinary Excellence Editorial By Arielle Patterson Adventure and exploration abound in the High Country. Whether you’re flying across the treetops on
Experience everything High Country has to offer through all the seasons Photos by Leslie Restivo Spring Eventually the temperatures warm, the snow clears and the
Connecting High Country Communities Through Nature and Art Editorial By Julie MatthewsImages supplied by Leila Jackson – Blue Ridge Conservancy The Middle Fork Greenway is
Escape the hustle and embrace a relaxed pace in West Jefferson
Experience the FINEST of North Carolina’s High Country from Silver Springs Farm Estates—a picturesque, gated community just one mile from the heart of Banner Elk.
Appalachian State University, also known as App State, is a top-ranking public university located in downtown Boone
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.
Opened in spring 2006, Yonni’s Clubhouse is a new facility for young explorers with interactive exhibits focused on pollinators, climate, weather and ecosystems. Educational concepts highlighted in indoor exhibits come to life outdoors through sensory and pollinator gardens, a nature trail, activities and interpretive signage. The building’s name comes from the cartoon mascot for Grandfather Mountain’s Junior Naturalist Program: Yonni, the Yonahlossee salamander (a species first collected at a site on Grandfather Mountain in 1917).
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.
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.
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.
For over 65 years, Dan’l Boone Inn has been serving Boone and the high country delicious home cooked meals, just like you remember at grandma’s house.
Situated in the heart of downtown Boone is a charming historical building surrounded by lush flower beds and a white picket fence. It was first built as a doctor’s residence in 1923, then served as the first hospital in Boone. It was later converted into a rooming house for students at Appalachian State Teachers College. In 1959, it was lovingly transformed into a family-style restaurant, the Dan’l Boone Inn.
Famous for home-cooked, family-style meals, the Dan’l Boone Inn has been serving up delectable southern food to the High Country for more than 64 years.
“It’s like being at your grandmother’s house back in the day. It’s the whole family gathered around a table, passing food to one another and enjoying a hearty meal together,” says general manager Jeff Shellman.
Shellman has been managing the restaurant for 25 years. While there have been some changes in that time, the family-style meals customers have come to know and love have remained unchanged.
“We’ve tried changing it up a few times and substituting different items, but we’ve found that people have come to love our original menu. They value the quality and familiarity of the dishes we’re well-known for,” Shellman says.
So, what does a family-style meal look like? It begins with salad in the summer or soup in the winter. The main course includes three meats that Dan’l Boone Inn is famous for—fried chicken, country-style steak and country ham—five vegetables, a beverage and biscuits with preserves. A homemade dessert completes the meal.
“Whether you have two people or a party of 10, we make sure you enjoy a family-style meal with the atmosphere our customers have come to love,” Shellman says.
On Saturdays and Sundays, customers can also come enjoy a family-style breakfast, featuring scrambled eggs, country ham, sausage, pancakes, grits, biscuits and gravy, and glazed cinnamon biscuits.
Dan’l Boone Inn is centrally located in downtown Boone, so guests are within a stone’s throw of plenty of attractions, like the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts and, during the summer, the Appalachian Summer Festival.
“Boone is a wonderful community, and it’s very rewarding to be a part of this restaurant that has become a well-loved fixture of the High Country,” Shellman says.
Located in downtown Boone, the Dan’l Boone Inn occupies one of the oldest and most historical buildings in town. The building first served as the residence and office for Dr. R.K. Bingham and family. It also served as Boone’s first hospital. Once the new hospital was built down the street, the home became a rooming house for students at Appalachian State Teachers College. In 1959, the Whitaker family opened the Dan’l Boone Inn as a family style restaurant. For over fifty years, the restaurant has served family style meals, making it the oldest restaurant in Boone.
Dan’l Boone Inn has been featured in numerous national and regional publications including Southern Living, Our State magazine and Blue Ridge Country magazine. Come and see for yourself why generations of residents and visitors alike chose Dan’l Boone Inn.
A Sampling of DAN’L BOONE INNS’ Menu
Breakfast
We serve breakfast Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (June through October) and Saturday and Sunday throughout the year.
Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Country Ham, Sausage, Grits, Pancakes, Stewed Apples, Buttermilk Biscuits, Cinnamon Biscuits, Redeye Gravy, Cream Gravy
Black Cherry Preserves, Orange Juice, Beverage
Lunch/Dinner
Lunch is served daily Memorial Day through December and on Saturday and Sunday throughout the year. Dinner is served daily.
Fried Chicken, Country Style Steak, Country Ham Biscuits, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Green Beans, Stewed Apples,Cut Corn, Cole Slaw, Buttermilk Biscuits, Black Cherry Preserves,Soup or Salad (according to season), Choice of Homemade Dessert, Beverage
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.
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.
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
Originally built as part of the historic Camp Yonahlossee, the cottage underwent significant renovations in the 1950s when it became the summer residence of the Kepharts, the camp founders and directors. In 1987, the Gamekeeper Bar & Restaurant was founded and in 2000, was purchased by chefs Ken Gordon and Wendy Sykes-Gordon.
Ken continues to celebrate the rustic appeal of the historic cottage and has made significant commitments to preserve the historic infrastructure. New patio spaces are nestled into the natural rock formations and abundant foliage that make up the front of the Gk property and plans to provide more covered outdoor dining are forthcoming. The restaurant is situated on scenic Shull’s Mill
Road between Blowing Rock and Boone. It’s tucked away location on a winding back road adds to the feeling that dinner guests have discovered a hidden treasure. Western mountain views peeking out from the leafy summer canopy make the Gamekeeper a popular sunset destination.
For the past nine years Chef de Cuisine Tyler Smith has been working with Ken to bring consistency to their standard fare and to recreate many classic comfort food dishes with a fresh spin. The chef’s love of cooking and the talents of their kitchen crew is evident in every aspect of preparation and presentation. Utilizing a wood-fired grill, nose to-tail preparation, and time-honored traditional methods of preserving, curing, and smoking has helped earn the Gamekeeper the AAA Four-Diamond award each year since 2007.
In 2018 OpenTable diners voted The Gamekeeper one of America’s most romantic restaurants. The awards and accolades are very special, but as Maitre D’, Michael Vinson points out, “appreciative guests — and empty plates — are the standard the Gk crew is working for each night.”
The menu changes seasonally to reflect the freshest local ingredients, satisfying both meat and veggie lovers. Farmers and foragers regularly knock on the kitchen door with freshly-picked produce and the evening’s menu reflects those offerings. The staff at the Gamekeeper believes that fine dining can be fun and welcomes guests to a comfortable, satisfying dining experience.
One of North Carolina’s most unique attractions, Mystery Hill is a unique blend of indoor and outdoor adventure located in Blowing Rock, just outside of Boone. Explore our mysterious Natural Gravitational Anomaly and watch a ball roll upwards and water flow uphill! Have fun with weird science in our hands-on science attraction, the Hall of Mystery, or encase your friends in a giant bubble at Bubblerama. Try your hand at axe or knife throwing at Tomahawk Hill. See who can beat the elusive 8 seconds at the Rodeo Rampage Bull Riding Challenge. Find your treasure at Prospector Hill Gem Mining. Discover Appalachian history at the Dougherty House and Historic Farmyard. Explore the Native American Artifacts Museum, home to the largest private collection of Native American artifacts in the world. Wade in the waters of the New River, which runs alongside Mystery Hill. Remember your amazing day with a souvenir photo from Professor Finnegan’s Old Time Photos. And cap off your adventures by exploring the areas largest selection of Old Time Bottled sodas with over 190 varieties and choose your favorite to Craft Your Own Old Time Mason Jar Float at Front Porch Eats. One ticket lets you experience eight unique attractions.
Final opportunity to own the remaining lots in Silver Springs Farm Estates, a private gated mountain enclave located 1 mile from downtown Banner Elk. Build your own custom dream mountain retreat in the High Country’s fully established non-rental neighborhood with limited access, protected by community standards and architectural integrity, strong long-term value in a proven location. Ideal for luxury primary residence or second home buyers. Relax in the gated lifestyle in the mountains without all of the noise and expense of a huge master community and without sacrificing convenience. Seller financing available for qualified buyers.
Providing a quality of service that is unsurpassed, our commitment to our clients is creating an enjoyable experience for both buyers and sellers through professionalism, attention to detail and real estate knowledge exceeding expectations through the best experience and service. Our dedication to your satisfaction will not be compromised. Allow us to prove our commitment to you! North Carolina’s High Country is an exceptional place to be, not just during the summer and winter months but all four seasons. From popular winter sports on the slopes of Beech and Sugar Mountains to spring, summer and fall hikes on trails off the Blue Ridge Parkway with scenic views and waterfalls to the countless water activities in the region’s rivers, the High Country has something for everybody.
“For years, many visited in the summer months and some to enjoy the winter activities, but now, we are seeing a transition to buyers making the NC mountains their year-round more permanent homes,” says Jackie Smith, REALTOR® and Broker, RE/MAX Executive of Carolinas’ Finest Properties. “There are so many fun activities and beauty to experience throughout the High Country during the year.”
Growing up, Smith spent a lot of time on Beech Mountain, and she has felt connected to the High Country ever since due to its countless activities, welcoming environment and access to other areas as well. “Charlotte is just a couple of hours away and can even be a day trip if desired plus the High Country is easily accessible to other areas in NC and the East Coast,” says Smith.
Silver Springs Farm Estates, a newer construction community in Banner Elk, is a one-of-a-kind real estate opportunity for Buyers interested in making the High Country their primary residence or second home. According to Smith, “It is a private, gated neighborhood with majestic views from every direction and is accessible to all of the wonderful activities in this area.” She describes the style of Silver Springs Farm Estates as “modern mountain” and full of “quaintness.” Buyers can build a NC mountain custom home of their dreams with amazing views of both Grandfather and Beech Mountains.
Silver Springs Farm Estates’ central location is truly remarkable. Located just one mile from the Town of Banner Elk, residents appreciate the proximity to excellent restaurants, golf courses, ziplining, shopping and more! The community is also close to the area’s colleges, Appalachian State University and Lees-McRae College, to even take in a local sporting event plus all of the remarkable outdoor activities that the region’s mountains, parks and waterways provide, including whitewater rafting, fly fishing, hiking, biking, snow skiing, snow tubing and so much more!
Smith appreciates how the High Country is so balanced when it comes to the seasons and its truly being a year-round destination. “The High Country has nice weather where you can actually enjoy the beauty of all four seasons,” says Smith.
For more information on current availability or to build your dream mountain home, please contact Jackie Smith at 704-773-6575 or jackie@cltsfinest.com.
Jackie provides her clients valuable insight and expertise on the South Charlotte luxury real estate market as a licensed broker in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. With an extensive background in leadership and 5-star, white glove customer service, Jackie provides clients with a broad base of experience from serving as a political appointee for a former President of the United States, organizing and implementing meetings both nationally and internationally. Additionally, Jackie’s corporate level management experience with a national multi-location hospital system provides a unique ability to manage a plan for post-closing integration. She is a graduate of Auburn University with degrees in Communications and Psychology.
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.
