18 Best Things to Do in Boone & Blowing Rock, NC: Eat, Shop & Explore
I grew up just north of Charlotte, NC, but after moving away, 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 N.C.
There are so many amazing finds – outdoor adventure, food, shopping, and more. Plus, both areas are conveniently located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, making an easy (and scenic!) connection to neighboring areas.
Leave a comment below if you visit any of these spots!
Planning a Trip to Boone & Blowing Rock, NC
If you’re looking for a gorgeous escape to the North Carolina mountains, Boone and Blowing Rock, NC are the perfect spot for a day trip, weekend getaway, or weeks-long adventure. These neighboring towns each have cute downtowns to explore, a variety of places to eat, and loads of outdoor activities.
Where are Boone and Blowing Rock, NC?
Boone and Blowing Rock are mountain towns located in Western North Carolina. You can drive from one downtown to the next in less than 20 minutes!
How many days do you need in Boone and Blowing Rock, NC?
There are so many things to do in Boone and Blowing Rock, NC! You can make a day of it for some quick mountain air or go for a full week.
- 1 Day: Grab breakfast in downtown Boone, peruse the shops, then head to Blowing Rock for a bite to eat and more casual exploring.
- 2 Days: Dedicate one day per town, hitting up the stores before hiking one of the many trails.
- 3+ Days: Spend one of your days on a longer outdoor adventure, drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, or even head out to Grandfather Mountain.
- 1 Week: Take your time exploring the area, make some day drives out to surrounding towns like Banner Elk, and enjoy the mountain vibes.
When is the Best Time to Visit the NC Mountains?
Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or a cozy scenic getaway, there are so many beautiful times of year to visit Boone and Blowing Rock, NC.
- Summer: Warm weather perfect for long sunny days, outdoor adventures, and walking around
- Fall: Gorgeous autumn foliage, great time for scenic mountain drives
- Winter: Holiday fun with snowy weather perfect for skiing, Christmas tree hunting, and cozy vibes
- Spring: Fragrant blooms and warmer weather for exploring and hiking
How to Get in and Around Blowing Rock and Boone, NC?
You’ll need a car to get around these cute North Carolina mountain towns. Most attractions are an easy driving distance from one to the next with plenty of parking.
Parking in downtown Blowing Rock, NC is free. There is both street parking along Main Street as well as a few parking garages behind.
The majority of parking in downtown Boone, NC is paid (via a meter), except on Sundays. You’ll find a mix of parking spots on Main Street as well as garages and paid lots on neighboring streets.
Where to Stay in Blowing Rock and Boone, NC?
If you’re looking for a Hallmark mountain town vibe, stay closer to Blowing Rock. For that local college town appeal, Boone is going to be more your lane.
Since these towns are so close to each other, it’ll be easy enough to get from one to the other, so don’t sweat your location too much. There are also many nearby towns where you might find affordable lodging that will put you within driving distance of things to do in Boone and Blowing Rock, NC!
What to Pack for a NC Mountain Getaway?
Don’t discount mountain chill, no matter the season! When visiting the North Carolina mountains, I like to pack for all options (even if I end up spending most of my time curled up with a good book).
Best Things to Do in Boone & Blowing Rock, NC
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.
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!
Birdies Coffee & Treats – The cutest coffee camper featuring a range of drinks. We grabbed some sweets from Stick Boy and sat along the river while we enjoyed our drinks.
The Mustard Seed Market – Quite possibly my dream plant store. A massive array of plants indoors and around the various greenhouses, plus loads of relevant books, gardening essentials, and knick-knacks in a very aesthetically designed space.
Antiques Main – Right around the bend from The Mustard Seed, a booth-style antique shop with lots to peruse, but in a way that’s easy to tackle within 1-2 hours.
The Blowing Rock – Gorgeous views with an easy walk around. In the spring you’ll find countless blooms and butterflies. There is an entrance fee, FYI, but if you’ve never been, I’d say it was worth it.
HIKING TIP!
Keep an eye on the weather leading up to your hike. The trail for Glen Burney Falls 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!).
Things to Do in Boone, NC
Between these two NC mountain towns, Boone has some of my favorite eats and plenty more that I have yet 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 these pimento cheese biscuits!
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.
Wildwood Community Market – They claim the “best sandwiches in Boone,” and they’d be right. An easy spot for lunch. My favorite is the grilled chicken & pimento cheese sandwich!
Mint Indian Cuisine – Honestly, a stand-out indian spot just outside of downtown with so many delicious options to choose from. Love the chicken coconut entree with a side of naan.
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.
Outdoor Things to Do Near Boone & Blowing Rock, NC
While you could easily spend a day walking around the shops in Boone and Blowing Rock, there are so many outdoor activities and sights you simply can’t miss in and around the area.
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)!
Boone Greenway Trail – If you’re looking for an easy walk (with some hiking offshoots), this trail has some paved and some gravel/dirt paths. There’s also a beautiful creek and lots of wildlife to spot!
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: 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.
After you grab a tea at Birdie’s, walk the Middle Fork Greenway. Great for a little woodland walk with your pup. It’ll eventually connect Boone to Blowing Rock!
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. Bonus: the short drive up from Boone is gorgeous, too!
Pack a picnic and spend the day kayaking on Price Lake. A small and serene spot without motorized boats. Find affordable boat rentals here!
FAQs About Visiting Boone & Blowing Rock, NC
How far apart are Boone and Blowing Rock?
The towns neighbor one another, but if you’re looking to drive from one downtown area to the next, they’re roughly 20 minutes apart.
Is Boone or Blowing Rock better to visit?
If you’re looking for a charming, artsy town vibe, head to Blowing Rock, NC. For a college town feel with good eats, head to Boone, NC.
How many days do you need in Boone and Blowing Rock?
While you could spend a lot of time in either Boone or Blowing Rock, NC, a long weekend will do just fine to see the sights and squeeze in a small outdoor activity.
What is Boone, NC known for?
Boone is a town in Western North Carolina that’s home to Appalachian State University. It houses a vibrant downtown plus loads of outdoor activities for mountain enthusiasts.
What is Blowing Rock, NC known for?
Blowing Rock, NC is a well-to-do town located off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the mountains of North Carolina. It’s known for its Hallmark-esque downtown, lots of great shops, and plenty of outdoor activities nearby.
What is the best time of year to visit Boone and Blowing Rock?
When to visit Boone and Blowing Rock, NC is highly dependent on what you’re looking to do. If you want to explore the sights with sunny, warmer weather, head up in the spring and summer. For scenic views of the changing leaves, plan a visit for fall. If you’re looking for a snowy escape, winter is the perfect time for you!
Is Boone and Blowing Rock a good weekend trip?
Visiting Boone or Blowing Rock, North Carolina makes for the perfect weekend trip. In addition to great shopping and eats, you’ll find an array of bed-and-breakfasts, ways to get outside, plus spots to treat yourself.
What are the best free things to do in Boone and Blowing Rock?
If you love to window shop, simply strolling the downtowns of both Blowing Rock and Boone, NC can keep you entertained for hours. You can also drive the famous Blue Ridge Parkway for gorgeous mountain views. Plus, most hikes and walks are free to explore.
What are the best things to do in Boone and Blowing Rock for families?
There are many easy trails to get on and off for families in both Boone and Blowing Rock. Downtown Blowing Rock also has a great playground that’s likely to keep the kiddos entertained for hours. You’ll also find Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock for a fun day in the Wild West.
Do you need a car to get around Boone and Blowing Rock?
Yes, a car is necessary to visit Boone and Blowing Rock, NC! The two towns, as well as other nearby spots, are quick drives, so don’t worry that you’ll be spending all your time getting from one place to the next.
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.
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