Doc and Merle Watson Mural in Downtown Boone NC

50+ Great Things to Do in Downtown Boone NC & Nearby

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Downtown Boone NC

When it comes to towns in Western North Carolina, Boone is one of the best around. This vibrant college town, home to Appalachian State University, can be found just a couple hours northeast of Asheville.

The community is charged with fun activities, interesting shops, a fascinating history, and a stunning landscape. If you are looking to visit the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains without the hubbub of Asheville, Boone is a marvelous option.

Previously known as Councill’s Store, the town was renamed in the 1850s after famous American explorer Daniel Boone, who had previously lived nearby and frequented the area during hunting trips.

Today, Boone is still a favored mountain town amongst locals and travelers. Whether you are looking to explore more about Boone’s history or simply see what sort of delights are tucked away in the North Carolina mountains, Boone is an excellent place to visit.

Things to Do in Downtown Boone NC

There is so much to explore in downtown Boone, so we put together a list of everything you don’t want to miss, including museums, shops, restaurants, and more. 

1. Turchin Center for the Visual Arts

Address: 423 W King St, Boone, NC 28608

Turchin Center for the Visual Arts is an exciting visual arts museum with interactive and explorative exhibits. This is the largest visual arts center in Western North Carolina and features both local artists and those from around the world. Admission is always free. 

Turchin Center for the Visual Arts in Downtown Boone NC

2. Mast General Store

Address: 630 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

If you are a local or a frequent visitor to North Carolina, then I’m sure you’ve heard of the famous Mast General Stores. They are a series of general stores located throughout Western North Carolina with a long history starting in the early 1900s. The Boone Mast General Store is located just eight miles from the original store located in Valle Crucis.

You can find just about anything in the Mast General Store, including local homemade goods, clothing, outdoor gear, candy, canned goods, souvenirs, and name-brand items. 

Old Fashioned Candy at the Mast General Store

3. Rock Dimensions

Address: 131B Depot St, Boone, NC 28607

Rock climbers and those interested in rock climbing will love this company! Rock Dimensions has been facilitating and guiding safe climbing trips and classes since 1998.

Rock Dimensions in Downtown Boone NC

They also have a 40-foot climbing tower available for anyone looking to practice climbing and learn the ropes before heading out to real rock. Rock Dimensions storefront has everything you need to get started, including climbing gear, clothing, and more. 

Climbing Wall in Downtown Boone NC

4. Jones House Cultural Center

Address: 604 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

The Jones House is a historical home built in 1908. The old house has been transformed into an amazing cultural and history center and a great community space. The house holds musical jam sessions, music lessons, concerts, parades, art exhibits, street fairs, and more.

Jones House

5. Mysterium Escape Adventure

Address: 737 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

Mysterium is Boone’s number one interactive escape room. There are four different themed rooms with different ranges of puzzle difficulty to challenge guests and create life-long memories. 

Mysterium Escape Adventures in Downtown Boone NC

6. Horton Hotel Rooftop Lounge

Address: 611 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

The Horton Hotel in downtown Boone is a beautiful hotel that is quite famous for its stunning rooftop lounge. The rooftop lounge is a spacious but intimate and cozy area that offers 360-degree views of Howard’s Knob, downtown Boone, and beyond. Guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails and small share plates in this romantic setting.

The Horton Hotel in Downtown Boone NC

7. High Country Souvenirs

Address: 707 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

A great store to get locally made goods, Boone-related souvenirs, trinkets, and more.

High Country Souvenirs in Downtown Boone NC

8. Mural in the Boone Post Office

Address: 614 Howard St, Boone, NC 28608

The New Deal Art movement was a large historical art movement that took place in the 1940s as a way to preserve and memorialize history. A post office was chosen in each state, and people from each state submitted designs to be painted and displayed. 

The mural in the Boone Post Office shows a beautiful picture of “Daniel Boone on a Hunting Trip,” painted by Alan Tompkins. This mural is a great source of pride for the town.

9. Lost Province Brewing Company

Address: 130 N Depot St, Boone, NC 28607

Lost Province is a cool local spot with great craft beer, wood-fired pizzas, and live music. The atmosphere is cool and casual and has lots of space to enjoy company and beer.

Lost Province 2 Beers

10. SouthEnd Brewing Co.

Address: 747 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

SouthEnd Brewing Co. in downtown Boone is the newest location for the company and is complete with all their best craft beers, a full liquor bar, and a restaurant. They have a large, dog-friendly outdoor patio and a two-story outdoor deck. This family-friendly spot is known for live music and other events during the summer. 

SouthEnd Brewing Co Beer

Read More: 4 Incredible Breweries in Boone NC

11. Arborcrest Gardens

Address: 174 Evergreen Ln, Boone, NC 28607

Considered a “hidden gem” in the High Country, the Arborcrest Gardens is a 26-acre botanical garden with a beautiful display of seasonal plants, flowers, trees, and themed garden areas. Visits to the gardens must be scheduled ahead of time online due to a high volume of visitors. 

12. Junaluska City Park

Address: 135 Bear Trail, Boone, NC 28607

Junaluska City Park is one of the best neighborhood parks in the town. The wooded park has wonderful picnic areas, a playground, walking trails, basketball courts, and a large multi-use open field. This is a dog-friendly park.

Junaluska Neighborhood Park

13. Valborg Theatre

Address: Appalachian State University, 480 Howard St, Boone, NC 28608

Valborg Theatre is a performance arts theater at App State. The Valborg has 334 seats and hosts a variety of shows such as ballets, operas, orchestras, live music, and other performance arts.

14. Boone’s Winter Farmers’ Market

Address: 252 Poplar Grove Rd, Boone, NC 28607

To keep a steady flow of fresh produce, local goods, fresh dairy, and meats available to the public, the Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture fund the Boone Winter Farmers’ Market.

The indoor market has dozens of vendors with seasonally fresh produce, handmade items, meats, cheeses, and lots more. You can visit the winter market every Saturday from 10 am – 1 pm, December through March.

Read More: Things to Do in Boone NC in the Winter

15. Appalachian Theater of the High Country

Address: 559 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

The Appalachian Theater of the High Country is a well-known theater in downtown Boone that is located in a 1930s art-deco building. The theater has recently gone through millions of dollars of renovations to better provide top-notch entertainment to everyone.

The historical building is the host to several live performances like live music, movie nights, dances, and more.

Appalachian Theater of the High Country

16. Boone Jaycee Park

Address: 728 Horn in the W Dr, Boone, NC 28607

Boone Jaycee Park is a dog-friendly kid park with a large grassy playground area. It is often quiet and not very busy.

17. Doc Watson “Man of the People” Statue

Address: 642 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

Doc Watson is a famous and legendary American folk and bluegrass artist who was born in and spent much of his life in western North Carolina. The memorial statue depicts Watson and his guitar sitting at a park bench in downtown Boone. 

Doc Watson Statue with a guitar on a bench in Downtown Boone NC

18. Daniel Boone Native Gardens

Address: 651 Horn in the W Dr, Boone, NC 28607

The Daniel Boone Native Gardens is a must-see while you are in the area. The three-acre garden contains over 200 varieties of native flowers, plants, trees, and shrubs. Admission is free, with a five-dollar suggested donation to keep the gardens looking beautiful.  

Daniel Boone Native Gardens Cabin

19. Hickory Ridge History Museum

Address: 591 Horn in the W Dr, Boone, NC 28607

The Hickory Ridge History Museum is a living history museum that gives visitors a chance to see what life was like during 18th-century frontier life. Anyone who visits gets to see traditional crafts, music, art, and other real demonstrations. 

Hickory Ridge Homestead

20. Jimmy Smith Park

Address: 884 Rivers St, Boone, NC 28607

No downtown Boone list would be complete without at least a brief mention of the “renowned” Jimmy Smith Park. With all due respect to its namesake, an individual whose contributions to the community were worthy of recognition, Jimmy Smith Park is known more for its three rocks, three benches, and…breadcrumbs? Let’s just say the YouTube video is worth watching before your visit; just Google it.

21. Shopping in Downtown Boone, NC | King Street

While you are in downtown Boone, you must explore the unique shops that line the streets. Here are some of our favorites! 

👜 Anna Bananas – Anna Bananas is a fun consignment and fine second-hand store with a great selection of brand names at great prices.

Anna Banana's in Downtown Boone NC

👜 Boone Bellas – A boutique store specializing in casual women’s clothing and jewelry. 

👜 Boone’s Fly Shop – A fly fishing store with Orvis brand gear, clothing, and information on guides, locations, and permits. 

👜 Dancing Moon Earthway Bookstore – A funky little downtown bookstore with great selections and amazing owners. 

👜 Footsloggers Outfitters – The ultimate outdoor gear and clothing store that has been serving the High Country since 1971. Footsloggers is also a great source of information on everything outdoor activity related to the area. 

Footsloggers Outfitters in Downtown Boone NC

👜 Highway Robbery – A lovely women’s boutique store with great prices.

👜 Lucky Penny – A clothing boutique store with a nice selection of locally made clothing, gifts, and accessories. 

👜 Mountain Running Company – A retail store specializing in all things running. They carry road and trail name-brand shoes, clothing, and accessories. 

Mountain Running Company in Downtown Boone NC

👜 The Happy Place and Boone Rock-N-Roll Emporium – A hippy, quirky store with fun gifts, clothing, accessories, crystals, and more.

👜 Watsonatta Western World – A high-quality boot store with great service and Western-inspired clothing and accessories. 

Watsonatta Western World in Downtown Boone NC

Art & Downtown Boone. NC

🎨 Common Good Co

Address: 685 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

Common Good Co is a cute art and interior design store in downtown Boone. The store features local handmade goods, art, and furniture. The second floor has been transformed into a beautiful fine arts gallery with all pieces of art by local, award-winning artists. 

Common Good Co in Downtown Boone NC

🎨 Doe Ridge Pottery

Address: 585 W King St # D, Boone, NC 28607

Doe Ridge Pottery is the premier pottery studio and gallery featuring potters from around the region. Spearheaded by Bob Meier in 1988, the studio is also home to 17 other spectacular potters and artists. 

🎨 Hands Gallery

Address: 543 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

Hands Gallery is a fun artists co-op style gallery with a range of different talents and mediums. The gallery features everything from paintings and pottery to photographs, jewelry, handmade clothes, and more. This is a great place to stop in and get a gift. 

Hands Gallery in Downtown Boone NC

🎨 Nth° Gallery & Studio

Address: 683 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

Nth Gallery & Studio is a non-profit artist-run studio and gallery space. The space is small but great for renting out or viewing great local art. 

Restaurants in Downtown Boone, NC

🍽️ Black Cat Burrito

Address: 127 Depot St, Boone, NC 28607

Black Cat Burrito is a local favorite burrito joint that has been open for over 15 years. Black Cat Burrito has arguably the best burritos in town and other Mexican-inspired dishes and appetizers. They have a fantastic beer selection and full bar, and they are a great place to catch live music. 

Black Cat Burrito in Downtown Boone NC

🍽️ Blue Deer on King 

Address: 352 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

Blue Deer Cookies is famous for having mouthwatering ice cream cookie sandwiches, freshly made cookies, and delicious coffee.

Blue Deer Cookie Sandwich with pumpkin pie ice cream and snickerdoodle cookie

They started in a small trailer/food truck, and this is their first expansion project, now with a full coffee bar.

Blue Deer on King in Downtown Boone NC

🍽️ Boone Saloon

Address: 489 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

The Boone Saloon is the perfect example of a small-town bar and music venue. You’ll find many locals frequenting the Boone Saloon for the great drinks, yummy food, arcade games, pool tables, and live music.

Boone Saloon in Downtown Boone NC

🍽️ Carolina Pizza Co

Address: 454 W King St., Suite B, Boone, NC 28607

Carolina Pizza Co. is a great pizza joint serving hand-tossed pizzas with a unique variety of toppings and flavors. They use high-quality local ingredients to make some of the best pizzas in town.

🍽️ CoBo Sushi Bistro & Bar

Address: 161 Howard St, Boone, NC 28607

CoBo Sushi is a hip, casual, elegant sushi bar and bistro with state-of-the-art Japanese sushi and amazing handcrafted cocktails. They also have a variety of delicious main meals, salads, and desserts. Reservations are highly recommended on the weekends.

🍽️ Dan’l Boone Inn

Address: 130 Hardin St, Boone, NC 28607

The Dan’l Boone Inn has been a Boone staple for over 50 years. Everything about the Dan’l Boone Inn is the quintessential small-town Southern mountain experience that’ll make you feel right at home with warm Southern meals. This family-style restaurant is located in one of Boone’s oldest buildings. Reservations are recommended. 

Dan'l Boone Inn Restaurant

🍽️ Espresso News

Address: 267 Howard St, Boone, NC 28607

Espresso News is the perfect small-town coffee shop that brews its own fresh beans and makes daily pastries, smoothies, and espresso drinks.

🍽️ F.A.R.M Café

Address: 617 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

F.A.R.M. Cafe is an innovative pay-what-you-can restaurant with spectacular homey vibes and delicious farm-fresh meals. F.A.R.M. supplies a daily menu with locally sourced ingredients for those to come and enjoy. 

🍽️ Macado’s Restaurant

Address: 539 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

Macado’s is a famous restaurant that first opened in 1978 in Roanoke, Virginia. At Macado’s, guests can enjoy hearty sandwiches while enjoying the huge display of nostalgic decor, cartoon imagery, and pop-culture art. 

🍽️ Melanie’s Food Fantasy

Address: 664 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

Melanie’s Food Fantasy is a casual family restaurant with farm-to-fork meals. They have decent prices and a lovely country-style atmosphere. 

Melanie's Cafe in Downtown Boone NC

🍽️ Mellow Mushroom

Address: 805 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

Mellow Mushroom is a super fun, eclectic pizza restaurant with tons of art on the walls and a great atmosphere. They serve amazing hand-tossed pizzas and calzones, in addition to a fantastic selection of craft beer.

Mellow Mushroom in Downtown Boone NC

🍽️ Proper Restaurant

Address: 142 Water St, Boone, NC 28607

Proper is a bistro-style restaurant that pays homage to classic Southern-style meals and ideals. Located in one of Boone’s old jailhouses, guests can get some of the tastiest, genuine Southern meals and enjoy the outside garden.

🍽️ Red Onion Cafe

Address: 227 Hardin St, Boone, NC 28607

The Red Onion Cafe is a quaint American-style cafe with mouthwatering steaks, seafood, gourmet twists on classic pub fares, craft beers, and specialty cocktails. Red Onion Cafe has a wonderful kids’ menu and an airy outdoor patio.

🍽️ Rivers Street Ale House

Address: 957 Rivers St, Boone, NC 28607

Rivers Street Ale House is a classic American sports bar with a large selection of drinks, trivia nights, live music, and karaoke. 

🍽️ Sabeing Boone

Address: 454 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

Sabeing Boone serves authentic Thai and Vietnamese dishes. They have large portions, great prices, and a cozy, family-style environment. 

Sabeing Restaurant in Downtown Boone NC

🍽️ Talia Espresso

Address: 444 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

Talia Espresso is a European-style coffee house serving all your favorite espresso drinks, freshly made pastries, and smoothies. 

Talia Espresso Menu

🍽️ The Cardinal Public House

Address: 1711 NC-105, Boone, NC 28607

The Cardinal Public House is a short walk from downtown Boone, but if you are looking for some to-die-for burgers and fried chicken, this is worth the visit. Located in a rustic, lodge-style building, you can’t beat the vast selection of burger meats, vegan options, and sides.

🍽️ The Local

Address: 179 Howard St, Boone, NC 28607

The Local is a unique upscale restaurant with flavorful meals, specialty cocktails, and Sunday brunch. The Local is transformed into a late-night club with live DJs every weekend.

🍽️ Venture Chocolate and Wine Co

Address: 605 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

For all things sweet and elegant, Venture Chocolate is a wonderful treat. Enjoy house-made chocolates, bonbons, and a variety of desserts with Italian-style wines and espresso.

🍽️ Vidalia Restaurant

Address: 831 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

Vidalia is an intimate, elegant restaurant with modern takes on Southern classics and American fare. They also have a lovely selection of wines made locally and from around the world.

Vidalia Restaurant and Wine Bar in Downtown Boone NC

🍽️ Wild Craft Eatery

Address: 506 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

Wild Craft Eatery is a fun, community-style cafe with foods from around the world made with fresh, local ingredients. 

Wild Craft Eatery in Downtown Boone NC

🍽️ Wildwood Community Market

Address: 182 Howard St, Boone, NC 28607

Wildwood Community Market is a whole foods market that also has a small cafe with organic sandwiches and small bites.

Wildwood Community Market

Things to Do Near Downtown Boone, NC

✅ Watch a Football Game at Kidd Brewer Stadium | App State

Address: 270 Stadium Dr, Boone, NC 28607

Kidd Brewer Stadium is Boone’s premier, multi-use stadium with 30,000 seats and is the home stadium for the Appalachian State Mountaineers football team. Catch a thrilling football game from September through November.

✅ The Greenway Trail & Clawson-Burnley Park

Address: 355 M.L.K. Jr. St, Boone, NC 28607

The Greenway Trail is a 3.5-mile long trail that follows the course of the New River, starting at Casey Lane. Along the trail, visitors will be able to see the ruins of the historic New South Fork River Hydroelectric Power Plant.

Clawson-Burnley Park can be found about a half mile into the trail. The lovely park has over 30 acres of natural wetlands, walking trails, picnic areas, and quiet areas.

Boone Sign in Downtown Boone NC

✅ Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park

Address: 285 Mountain Bike Wy, Boone, NC 28607

Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park is a 185-acre bike park with five main trails and difficulty levels. The park also has a playground, a pump station, and a picnic pavilion. Dogs are welcome on leash, and helmets are required for bikers.

✅ Whitewater Rafting with High Mountain Expeditions

Address: 4391 Castle Ford Rd, Boone, NC 28607

High Mountain Expeditions is an outdoor adventure center that offers gear and guided trips in and around the stunning wilderness of Watauga County. This area is quite popular for having supreme whitewater rafting that can cater to all skill levels. 

Through High Mountain Expeditions, folks can choose their skill levels and trips that start at half-day trips and go to two-day full adventure trips. Depending on what river you are rafting on, the minimum age to join a whitewater rafting is nine. 

✅ Tweetsie Railroad 

Address: 300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605

The Tweetsie Railroad is a Wild West theme park. The park includes activities like a three-mile train ride pulled by two of the historic locomotives, rides, fair food, live shows, a deer park, and other kid-friendly activities. Visit during Halloween and Christmas for thrilling event nights and immersive train rides. 

Tweetsie Railroad

✅ Appalachian Ski Mountain 

Address: 940 Ski Mountain Rd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605

The Appalachian Ski Mountain is one of three ski mountains located in Watauga County. It is one of the smaller mountains, but it is well-known for having one of the best and oldest ski schools in North Carolina. The Appalachian Ski Mountain is very family-friendly and a great place to visit with smaller kids and beginner skiers. 

Top of Appalachian Ski Mountain during summer

✅ Boone Christmas Tree Farms

If you are visiting Boone during the holiday season, taking a trip to the many Christmas tree farms in the area is a great activity to do with the family. There are dozens of Christmas tree farms in the hills around Boone that offer amazing trees, Christmas activities, treats, and more.

✅ Mystery Hill

Address: 129 Mystery Hill Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605

Want to experience one of Earth’s greatest natural mysteries? Mystery Hill is a famous gravitational anomaly that has no real explanation. The hill also has other optical illusions and immersive experiences in its three museums on-site. 

Mystery Hill

✅ Explore Downtown Blowing Rock

If you are looking for the perfect little day trip outside of Boone, head on over to downtown Blowing Rock, just 15 minutes South of Boone. Blowing Rock is another quaint and well-loved mountain town with even more history, charming shops, restaurants, and some great parks and hikes. 

Footloggers Outfitters

✅ Visit The Blowing Rock

Address: 432 The Rock Rd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605

The town Blowing Rock got its name from the famous anomaly “Blowing Rock,” a 4,000-foot cliff that hangs in a way that the gorge forms a flume that sweeps wind upwards rather than down and away from the rock.

It is the oldest travel attraction in North Carolina and truly something you’ll never see anywhere else. The trail to see the rock is just a half mile long, and pets are allowed on a leash.  

The Blowing Rock

✅ Take a Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most famous attractions in North Carolina and draws in thousands of visitors each year. The parkway is a 469-mile stretch that starts in Waynesboro, VA, and ends in Cherokee, NC, and would take roughly 13 hours to drive straight through. 

The Blue Ridge Parkway is famous for having some of the most spectacular sights, panoramic views, trails, and more along the way. 

Here are many must-see stops off the parkway that are all right near Boone. 

The Cascades Trail | Cascade Falls | Milepost 272.5

Elk Mountain Overlook | Milepost 274.3

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park | Milepost 294 

Julian Price Memorial Park | Milepost 297

Grandview Overlook | Milepost 281

Raven Rock Overlook | Milepost 289.5

Yadkin Valley Overlook | Milepost 290

Thunder Hill Overlook | Milepost 290.4

Gamekeep Restaurant | Milepost 294.6

Rough Ridge Trail | Milepost 302.8

Linn Cove Viaduct along the Blue Ridge Parkway

✅ Grandfather Mountain Nature Park & Swinging Bridge

Address: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646

Grandfather Mountain is one of the country’s oldest mountain peaks and is the tallest peak on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The beautiful and ancient mountain is home to rich biodiversity, wildlife, hiking trails, spectacular views, and more. Within the nature park, guests can find hands-on exhibits, shops, guided trips, and other natural delights.

One of the top highlights at Grandfather Mountain is the Mile High Swinging Bridge, one of the country’s most spectacular suspension bridges. The 228-foot-long bridge swings over 5,000 feet in the air, offering jaw-dropping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and beyond. This must-do experience is truly incredible.

Grandfather Mountain Mile-High Swinging Brige near Little Switzerland NC

✅ Elk Knob State Park

Address: 5564 Meat Camp Rd, Todd, NC 28684

Elk Knob State Park is one of North Carolina’s newest state parks that takes up over 4,000 acres of Watauga County. Located in Todd, Elk Knob is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Boone. The park was established to preserve the mountain, Elk Knob, and the headwaters of the North Fork River. Visitors can enjoy excellent day hikes within the park, panoramic hilltop views, and camping. 

Annual Events Boone, NC

✅ Boone’s Easter Eggstravaganza

The Boone Easter Eggstravaganza takes place at the Watauga Recreation Center each year and is a great family event. The event has food, music, crafts, face painting, and story time. Kids ages 0-12 are invited to join in the large egg hunt.

✅ Watauga County Farmers Market (April through November, Saturdays 8 am – 12 pm)

Every year, April through November, is the famous Watauga County Farmers Market that has been going on since 1974. Vendors from all around Western North Carolina come together every Saturday to share their local produce, farm-fresh meats, dairy, handmade goods, crafts, and more. 

Watauga County Farmers' Market

✅ Horn in the West 

The Horn in the West is a theater production that takes place at the Hickory Ridge History Museum. Local actors bring to life the famous story of Daniel Boone and the other settlers who struggled for their lives during and after the American Revolution. The exact dates for the 2024 shows have yet to be released but shows go on every night, Tuesday through Saturday, at 8 p.m.

Hickory Ridge Living History Museum | Horn in the West

✅ Boonerang (June 14-15, 2024)

Boonerang is a free downtown street festival that celebrates local food, music, and art. Vendors come together to share their locally-made products, jewelry, art, food, music, and so much more. There will also be kids’ activities, food trucks, and games.

Doc and Merle Watson Mural in Downtown Boone NC

✅ Doc Watson Day 

Doc Watson Day happens in August every year to celebrate the great man himself and all his inspiring musical accomplishments. The event takes place at the Jones House, and guests can enjoy lots of live Appalachian music, folk music, and more. Doc Watson Day is a free event.

Doc Watson Statue with a guitar on a bench in Downtown Boone NC

✅ High Country Beer Fest 

The High Country Beer Fest is an adult-only beer party that takes place at the Appalachian State Peacock Hall. Over 40 breweries attend, in addition to delicious food, live music, guest speakers, and all the beer you could desire.

✅ Boone Christmas Parade (December 9, 2023)

There is no lack of holiday cheer at the annual Boone Christmas Parade that flocks downtown Boone every December. The parade has floats, marchers, music, and a chance to see Santa himself. After the parade, everyone is invited to visit the Jones House for hot chocolate and holiday treats.

✅ New Year’s Eve at the Horton Hotel 

Every year, The Horton Hotel hosts a stunning New Year’s Eve Ball Drop from the rooftop. Guests are invited to wine and dine at the rooftop bar to watch the drop or cozy up with chairs and blankets on the lawn outside to witness the spectacular countdown to the next year. 

The Horton Hotel in Downtown Boone NC

Where to Stay in Downtown Boone, NC

📍The Horton HotelThe Horton Hotel is a hip, boutique hotel located in a 1920s red brick building. The rooms are well decorated in modern, loft-style decor and have plenty of space for all guests. Anyone staying at the Horton Hotel has access to the full bar (for excellent housemade cocktails), continental breakfast, and clean linens. The hotel is within walking distance of many Boone attractions, and pets are allowed.

📍Sleep Inn Boone University Area – The Sleep Inn in the Boone University Area is the perfect option for those looking to stay just slightly outside of the downtown but still within minutes of many attractions. Guests can enjoy the continental breakfast, the outdoor swimming pool, and the game room. This is a great option for those looking for a clean, comfortable stay at a reasonable price.

📍Graystone Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection – The beautiful Graystone Lodge can be found in south Boone and is a great option for a family stay or a romantic vacation. Not only is the lodge close to four ski resorts, but it is also close to places like Jimmy Smith Park, Strawberry Hill Arboretum, and the Watauga Recreation Complex. This stunningly comfortable hotel has large family rooms, private bathrooms, an indoor pool, and a beautiful outside patio with fireplaces. The Graystone Lodge is also pet-friendly.

Final Thoughts

If you were looking for your next place to visit, hopefully, Boone is now on your list! This underrated mountain town has a little something for everyone to explore and enjoy and will make for the perfect family trip. Make sure to soak in all of that fresh mountain air!

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