18 Best Things to Do in Boone & Blowing Rock, NC: Eat, Shop & Explore
I grew up just north of Charlotte, NC. But after having moved away, when I have the time, I’m spending some time reacquainting (and sometimes fully introducing) myself with the state. Now this is an area I’m very familiar with, so I put together this list of the best things to do in Boone and Blowing Rock, NC, just for you.
Growing up, I visited Blowing Rock, North Carolina, countless times with my family. Occasionally, we ventured over to Boone, but my mom always loved the quaint small-town charm and mountain vibe of Blowing Rock most. I’m gonna be honest, I was not that into it… up until revisiting for the first time a few years ago, that is.
Now, I’ve spent the past year exploring all around the areas of Blowing Rock and Boone, and I can confidently say, it’s one of my favorites in NC (and packed full with lots of amazing finds – outdoor adventure, food, shopping, and more). It’s also conveniently located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, making an easy (and scenic!) connection to neighboring areas.
Leave a comment below if you visit any of these spots!
BEST THINGS TO DO IN BLOWING ROCK, NC
If you’re looking for a charming mountain town, look no further than Blowing Rock, NC. This is by far my favorite area to take a casual stroll through. Plus, it has something to offer in every season – though spring and fall are my favorites.
My favorite places to explore…
High Country Candles – Unique hand-poured candles and some pottery. They used to do live demonstrations showing how the candles are carved but stopped during Covid. You can still watch on their YouTube!
The Mountain Thread Company – Small fabric store with loads of fun prints. You can even get bundles of small swatches if you aren’t ready for a bigger cut.
Neaco – Great shop to find gifts. Everything from puzzles and cookbooks to funky socks and home decor!
FireLight Book & Candle – Handcrafted candles inside a great small bookshop with a variety of options. Oh, and some goods from local artisans!
Barks & Co – Small pet shop perfect for finding a treat for your furry friend. Bring them in and have their polaroid taken for the wall!
At Home in Blowing Rock – Home decor shop inspired by natural mountain aesthetics. Always find something to love in here!
Bolick and Traditions Pottery – Pottery finds for everyday use (I love the sculpted face jugs!)
Glen Burney Falls Trail – Trailhead right outside downtown Blowing Rock. See all the pretty foliage and scenic waterfall views. Note that I’ve never done the entire trail, as it does get a bit too steep and slippery for me, but even if you go partway in, it makes for a gorgeous hike!
HIKING TIP!
Keep an eye on the weather leading up to your hike. The trail for Glen Burney Fails is well shaded and can be slippery and/or muddy if there has been a recent storm. It will still be pretty, but flagging for those less steady on their feet (or with bad knees like me!).
EXPLORING DOWNTOWN BOONE, NC
While the zip codes themselves cover a wider range, the downtowns of Blowing Rock, NC, and Boone, NC, are approximately 20 minutes apart. An easy drive for a weekend visit! Between the two, Boone has some of my favorite eats – plenty more that I have yet to check out!
Spots you have to check out…
Stick Boy Bread Company – The only disappointment I have is that I didn’t know about this place sooner. From breads and pastries to pies and coffee! Everything is made fresh daily (we love!). Personally, big fan of the cinnamon roll (with the drizzle of icing on top. Yes, they have a few cinnamon roll varieties!)
Betty’s Biscuits – As a self-proclaimed biscuit girl, this is my spot!! So many good eats, though a simple biscuit with their homemade jam is always a win. If you too love a biscuit, you have to try my pimento cheese biscuits! So easy and simply perfect.
Common Good Co – Local art, unique knick-knacks, books, and even a little coffee shop at the back. Gallery upstairs, as well as their design firm! I mean, their slogan is “Make more. Want less. And do good for the common good of everybody.” SAY LESS.
Off the Rack – If you like GOOD vintage clothing, this is the shop
Front Porch Antique Market – Outside of downtown, but they have a booth set up style with a wide selection of goodies to find.
Is Boone or Blowing Rock better to visit? The answer strongly depends on your interests, but if you’re short on time, I’d recommend Blowing Rock, NC. The shops are great, there’s a playground in the center of town if you’re traveling with kiddos, and it fully embraces that Hallmark mountain town vibe.
SCENIC SPOTS TO EXPLORE AROUND BOONE & BLOWING ROCK
While it’s easy to be charmed by these two mountain towns, there is so much nearby to see (some of which I think make up the best views in North Carolina). The beauty of which lies in the elevation (among other things). You’ll notice your ears pop as you twist and turn along the roads, giving you some of the prettiest views of those Blue Ridge Mountains.
Places I’ll keep coming back to…
For the best views, take the route from downtown Boone, through Valle Crucis, and up to the top of Beech Mountain (and thank me later)!
Plan a visit to Grandfather Mountain and walk the swinging bridge. It’s actually a very stable bridge, so if you have someone fearful of it (like my mom), I’m confident they’ll make it across (she did!). Note that there are two parks for Grandfather Mountain! The park with the bridge costs to enter (and you need to reserve your entry time), while the one without is free to access.
Pick your own flowers, gorgeous pumpkins, and then get lost in the corn maze at Harvest Farm in Valle Crucis. I swear this is the most curated, artistically beautiful pumpkin farm I’ve ever visited.
You know I have a sweet tooth, so I’m always on the hunt for a bakery. Stop by Todd Mercantile (in Todd, NC) for a great chocolate chip cookie and walk around. Bonus: the short drive up from Boone is gorgeous, too!
Best time of year to visit Boone and Blowing Rock? You can explore these towns year-round, but my personal favorites are spring and fall. Seeing the flowers bloom or the change of leaves always makes for a beautiful visit.
If you’re looking for the perfect mountain getaway in North Carolina, Boone and Blowing Rock, NC, are ready and waiting. I can’t wait for you to explore all the beauty, good eats, cool shops, and adventures Western NC has in store! Check out my full video here.
Ready to explore more of North Carolina?
All these travel plans have you craving something sweet?
Pies, cakes, cookies, or make them single-serve. Find your next favorite bake here!
