Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Boone is a lively college town, home to Appalachian State University (ASU). Blowing
Rock and Banner Elk are quaint tourist centers near the winter ski areas.
Sights & Activities
Hwy 321 from Blowing Rock to Boone is studded with
gem-panning mines
and other
tourist traps. In Boone, check out the shops on King St and keep an eye out for the
bronze
statue
of local bluegrass legend Doc Watson. He's strumming his guitar on the
corner of King and Depot Sts.
Tweetsie Railroad
AMUSEMENT PARK
( 877-893-3874;
www.tweetsie.com
; 300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln; adult/child $37/23; 9am-6pm
daily Jun-Aug, Fri-Sun mid-Apr-May, Sep & Oct; )
A much-loved Wild West-themed amuse-
ment park. The highlight is a 1917 coal-fired steam train that chugs past marauding Indi-
ans and heroic cowboys.
Grandfather Mountain
HIKING
( 828-733-4337;
www.grandfather.com
; Blue Ridge Pkwy Mile 305; adult/child 4-12yr $18/8;
8am-7pm Jun-Aug)
Tiptoe across a vertigo-inducing mile-high suspension bridge then lose
the crowds on one of 11 hiking trails, the most difficult of which include steep hands-
and-knees scrambles. In 2008 the family that owns the mountain sold the backcountry to
the following year.
River and Earth Adventures
OUTDOORS
( 828-963-5491;
www.raftcavehike.com
;
1655 Hwy 105; half-/full-day rafting from $60/100; )
Offers everything from family-friendly caving trips to rafting Class V rapids at Watauga
Gorge. Eco-conscious guides even pack organic lunches. Canoe and kayak rentals.
Sleeping & Eating
Chain motels abound in Boone. You'll find private campgrounds and B&Bs scattered
throughout the hills.
Mast Farm Inn
B&B$$$
( 828-963-5857;
www.themastfarminn.com
;
2543 Broadstone Rd, Vale Crucis; r/cottages incl
breakfast from $209/349; )
In the beautiful hamlet of Valle Crucis, this restored
farmhouse defines rustic chic with worn hardwood floors, claw-foot tubs and handmade
