Visiting the North Carolina High Country offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and quaint mountain culture. Here are the Top 10 activities you should consider doing when exploring this region for the first time:
1. **Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway**: Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Parkway offers stunning vistas, especially during fall foliage. Stop at the many overlooks for breathtaking views.
2. **Explore Grandfather Mountain**: Experience the Mile High Swinging Bridge, wildlife habitats, and hiking trails. Grandfather Mountain provides a unique adventure with its beautiful scenery and natural wonders.
3. **Visit Linville Gorge and Falls**: Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Linville Gorge offers hiking trails with spectacular views of the falls and the surrounding wilderness.
4. **Hike at Roan Mountain**: Famous for its Rhododendron Gardens, which bloom in June, Roan Mountain offers trails of varying difficulty with panoramic views.
5. **Tour the Historic Mast General Store/Annex**: Located in the heart of Valle Crucis, Mast General Store offers a trip back in time along with unique items and old-fashioned candy.
6. **Ski or Snowboard**: If visiting in winter, don’t miss out on the skiing or snowboarding at Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain and Appalachian Ski Mountain. All the resorts offer slopes for all skill levels. Also try snow tubing...tons of fun for kids and adults.
7. **Tour a Local Vineyard or Brewery**: The High Country boasts several vineyards and craft breweries. Enjoy tastings and tours to experience the local flavors. Make a stop at Banner Elk Winery (blueberry wine) and Grandfather Vineyard & Winery.
8. **Attend a Festival**: Woolly Worm Festival (Oct) in Banner Elk, Valle Crucis Fair (Oct) in Valle Crucis, Appalachian Summer Festival (June) in Boone, Grandfather Games (July) in Linville, Blowing Rock Horse Show (July) in Blowing Rock, are just a few local events for a taste of High Country culture.
9. **Explore Downtown Boone**: With its local shops, restaurants, and vibrant art scene, Boone offers a charming small-town atmosphere. Don’t miss the Jones House Cultural and Community Center for local history and music, Appalachian Theatre, Lost Province, Vidalia’s, Horton Hotel and Venture Chocolate.
10. **Relax at Blowing Rock**: Named for its legendary rock formation, Blowing Rock is a quaint town with beautiful parks, unique boutiques, and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hike Glen Burney Falls Trail, Bass Lake Trail (super easy), Moses H. Cone. Memorial Park and Boone Fork Trail (my favorite).
Each of these activities offers a way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich culture of the North Carolina High Country, making for an unforgettable visit.