Weekend in North Carolina Mountains
Pro tip: The weather in the mountains can change dramatically on any given day. Be sure to check the weather forecast ahead of time to pack accordingly. If you are traveling during the winter months, ensure your vehicle is prepared to drive through the snow.
Day 1: Boone, NC
My family always start in Boone on the way up from Charlotte. Boone is a college town, home to Appalachian State and has lots of great shopping and dining options.
Your first stop is lunch at the Local.
If you aren’t traveling with a pet, Black Cat Burrito is another great option for lunch.
After lunch, be sure to walk around downtown Boone to check out the local shops and places to drink. Benchmark Provisions is right around the corner from The Local and has a great selection of craft beer and wine to choose from.
The Lost Providence Brewing Co. is a great brewery option located in downtown Boone.
If you are up for a drive outside of downtown, Appalachian Mountain Brewery is my favorite brewery in Boone.
Typically around late afternoon, we head up to our vacation rental house in Banner Elk. We always book through Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals, they have wonderful options for vacation rental properties.
Typically, we cook dinner at the rental house on the first night. If you are interested in a great dinner location in Boone, check out The Gamekeeper.
Another wonderful dinner option located in downtown Boone is Vidalia.
Day 2: Banner Elk
Day 2 is all about Banner Elk. We typically cook breakfast at the rental house and head to the Espresso Bar in downtown Banner Elk for a great cup of coffee.
Downtown Banner Elk has lots of shops and restaurants to explore. For lunch, you have to check out the Banner Elk Cafe & Tavern.
After lunch at Banner Elk Cafe & Tavern, head over to the Blind Elk Tap Room for great craft beer.
After the Blind Elk, we make the short drive to the Banner Elk Winery.
If you are up for an adventure, Eagles Nest Winery has amazing wine and atmosphere.
If we don't cook dinner at the vacation house, LP on Main is an excellent dinner option in downtown Banner Elk.
Day 3: Blowing Rock
Day 3 we are usually heading home to Charlotte. We love to stop through Blowing Rock on our way home. Camp Coffee Roasters is a great coffee shop in downtown Blowing Rock.
Downtown Blowing Rock is amazing and has tons of options for shopping and restaurants. Don't miss lunch at the Speckled Trout.
After lunch, we like to explore downtown Blowing Rock. The Blowing Rock Brewery has great beer and lunch options.
Shortly after lunch we usually head home to Charlotte. If we decide to stay longer for dinner, Timberlake's is an excellent option.
Blowing Rock usually concludes our mountain trip. This is a wonderful vacation option for the whole family including the dog. I hope this itinerary is helpful in planning your next trip to the NC mountains.
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