Picture a starry night, a roaring fire, and a glass of one of the best beers you’ve ever tasted in hand. No, this isn’t a scene from your favorite movie. This is what you can expect when you come to Boone for a long weekend of fun experiences and exciting adventures!
This town has everything you need to relax and recharge, including some unique breweries that are definitely worth a visit. Combine that with some light outdoor activities, stargazing under a clear Boone sky with no light pollution, and a glass or two of one of Boone’s award-winning brews around a fire, and you have the perfect recipe for a memorable weekend.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay, look no further than the Horton Hotel. This historic hotel is located in the heart of downtown Boone and is within walking distance of all the best shops, restaurants, and breweries. Staying at the Horton Hotel will put you right in the heart of all the action, and they even have a rooftop bar with stunning views of the mountains.
Built by H.W. Horton in the 1920s, their historical building honors the traditions of the small town of Boone while providing a unique boutique experience. The original Horton building was both a Studebaker dealership and a Spainhour’s Department Store, and many of the original features have been preserved.
We highly recommend staying at the Horton Hotel for a weekend of Boone fun!
Day 1: A Shopping Excursion and a Relaxing Night
After you’ve settled into your room at the Horton Hotel, it’s time to start exploring Boone. This town is filled with unique shops and restaurants, so take some time to stroll around and explore. If you get hungry, be sure to stop in one of the many local breweries for a bite to eat and a beer.
Appalachian Mountain Brewery is one of the most popular breweries in Boone, and for good reason. Their award-winning beers and ciders are made using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Sample craft brews such as the Hop Rain Drop, inspired by the Southern Appalachian rain forest, or the Mystic Dragon, an apple-based cider infused with green tea and rhubarb. They also have a large outdoor seating area where you can enjoy a beer and some food while taking in the mountain views.
Appalachian Mountain Brewery
When you’re all brewed out, take a stroll around town and do some shopping. Boone is filled with unique shops selling everything from handcrafted pottery to locally made clothing. You’re sure to find something special to take home with you.
After a long day of exploring, head back to the Horton Hotel for a drink at the rooftop bar. As night falls, the lights of the town come alive, and you’ll get a whole new perspective of Boone from up above.
Day 2: Outdoor Adventures
After a good night’s sleep, it’s time to hit the mountains! There are plenty of trails nearby for hiking and walking, so put on your sneakers and explore. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a drive up to Grandfather Mountain. This iconic mountain is home to miles of hiking trails, stunning views, and a variety of wildlife.
Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain
If you’re not up for a hike, drive to the top of the mountain and enjoy the views from the overlooks. You can also visit the Wildlife Habitat and learn about the animals that live on the mountain. Be sure to stop by the Mile High Swinging Bridge while you’re there!
When you’ve seen all there is to see at Grandfather Mountain, drive back into town and treat yourself to even more scenic views in Howard’s Knob County Park. This park has a short hiking trail, beautiful flowers, and an incredible view of the town below.
After a full day of exploring, go and grab a bite to eat and relax with a beer at one of the local breweries, like Booneshine Brewing Company. They have a restaurant, an outdoor beer garden, and a tasting room where you can try a variety of their beers.
Booneshine Brewing Company
Day 3: A Relaxing Day of Brewing, Shopping, and Taste-Testing
Today is your last day in Boone, so make sure to take advantage of all the town has to offer! Start the day with a visit to one of the many local coffee shops for a caffeine fix. We recommend stopping by Hatchet Coffee Company. They use locally roasted beans and have a variety of delicious drinks to choose from.
After a delicious cup of coffee, it’s time to start exploring the town’s many shopping options. Boone has everything from antique stores to art galleries, so you’re sure to find something special.
Key places to check out include:
- 641 RPM, an independent record shop that has a great selection of vinyl and local music.
- Antiques on Howard, 6000 sq. ft. of Antiques, Collectibles, furniture, vintage clothing, coins, silver, jewelry, Roseville glass, lighting, and much more.
- Anna Bananas, a fine consignment store located in the heart of downtown Boone at the corner of King and Depot.
When you’ve had your fill of shopping, it’s time for some beer tasting! Lost Province Brewing Company is a great place to start. They have a large selection of beers, as well as a wood-fired pizza oven if you’re feeling hungry.
Lost Province Brewing Company
If you want to try something a little different, stop by The Blowing Rock Ale House Restaurant. The Ale House offers cuisine, capturing the same mountain artisan feel as their beer. They also have live music on the weekends, so you can enjoy some tunes while you eat and drink.
Explore Boone
That’s it for our three-day itinerary in Boone! We hope you’ve enjoyed your time here and that you’ll come back to visit soon. For more information on things to do in Boone, be sure to check out Explore Boone’s website.
We’ll see you soon!
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