Things To Do
Beech Mountain puts you at the center of one of the most scenic and activity-rich corners of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you're here to ski, hike, sip wine, or simply explore charming mountain towns, here's our personal guide to the best the area has to offer.
SKIING & WINTER FUN
Beech Mountain Resort https://www.beechmountainresort.com The highest ski area in eastern America at 5,506 feet — just minutes from the front door. Seventeen trails, a terrain park, snow tubing, night skiing, and the iconic 5506 Skybar at the summit.
Sugar Mountain Resort https://skisugar.com North Carolina's largest ski resort with 125 acres of terrain, 20 trails, and the only double black diamond slope in the state. Also offers snow tubing, ice skating, and scenic summer lift rides. About 15 minutes away.
WINERIES
Grandfather Vineyard & Winery https://www.grandfathervineyard.com A stunning winery along the Watauga River with a picture-perfect view of Grandfather Mountain. Tastings of dry and sweet wines, Adirondack chairs by the river, and frequent live music and food trucks. One of our favorites.
Banner Elk Winery & Villa http://www.bannerelkwinery.com The High Country's original winery and a perennial award-winner. Laid-back atmosphere, family and pet friendly, open year-round. Their Banner Elk Red and blueberry wine are local favorites. About 14 minutes away.
Linville Falls Winery https://www.linvillefallswinery.com A beautiful 40-acre farm and Tuscan-style tasting room right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Riesling is their flagship. Live music on summer weekends and you can bring a picnic. About 30 minutes away.
DINING
Stonewalls Restaurant https://www.stonewallsrestaurant.com Banner Elk's premier steakhouse since 1985. Dry-aged prime rib, locally caught trout, and a legendary salad bar. Upscale casual — no dress code required. Our top pick for a special night out.
The Gamekeeper Restaurant https://gamekeeper-nc.com Fine dining between Boone and Blowing Rock featuring game meats like elk, bison, venison, and duck alongside locally sourced vegetables. Exceptional wine list. Make a reservation.
Dan'l Boone Inn http://www.danlbooneinn.com A Boone institution for over 50 years serving Southern family-style dinners. Come hungry — plates just keep coming. Cash or check only. One of the most beloved restaurants in all of North Carolina.
Sorrento's Italian Bistro https://bannerelkvillage.com/sorrentos-italian-bistro/ Great Italian food and a full bar right in Banner Elk. A local go-to for pasta, pizza, and a relaxed evening out.
Banner Elk Café & Tavern http://www.bannerelkcafe.com A Banner Elk staple with a varied menu, great pizza, and a welcoming atmosphere. Good for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
The Pedalin' Pig https://thepedalinpig.com Our favorite BBQ spot in the High Country. The original Banner Elk location has a pond, waterwheel, and resident ducks on the patio — great for families.
Town Tavern https://towntavernbe.com/ A fun, laid-back local spot in the heart of Banner Elk. Good food, cold drinks, and a welcoming mountain vibe.
Whistle Pig Pub https://beechmtn.com/visit/whistle-pig-pub/ A cozy mountain pub right on Beech Mountain with a good selection of beers — perfect for après-ski or a relaxed evening close to home.
Holy Smokes BBQ https://whitewolflodge.org/holy-smokes-bbq/ Serious BBQ in the High Country. Great smoked meats and a casual, welcoming mountain atmosphere.
Mountain Grounds Coffee Shop https://mountaingroundsnc.com/ Your go-to spot for coffee on the mountain. A cozy café perfect for starting the day before hitting the slopes or trails.
Blind Elk Tap Room https://www.blindelktaproom.com A great little craft beer bar in downtown Banner Elk with a rotating selection from local and regional breweries. Live music some nights.
5506 Skybar — Beech Mountain Resort https://www.beechmountainresort.com A glass roundhouse perched at the summit of Beech Mountain with sweeping long-range views. Perfect for drinks after skiing or a summer lift ride. Live music Saturday afternoons in summer.
SHOPPING & LOCAL STOPS
Fred's General Mercantile https://fredsgeneral.com America's highest-elevation general store at 5,049 feet, right here on Beech Mountain. Open 365 days a year with groceries, ski gear, gifts, and a deli. A must-stop for every guest.
Mast General Store https://www.mastgeneralstore.com An iconic piece of High Country history established in 1883 in Valle Crucis. On the National Register of Historic Places. A nickel cup of coffee and checkers by the potbelly stove are traditions worth keeping.
The Village of Banner Elk https://bannerelkvillage.com/ Shops, galleries, and eateries in the heart of Banner Elk — great for browsing, local gifts, and exploring the town center.
Downtown Blowing Rock https://www.blowingrockvillage.com A charming main street lined with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. A perfect afternoon outing about 35 minutes away.
ATTRACTIONS & FAMILY FUN
Tweetsie Railroad https://tweetsie.com The High Country's original family theme park featuring a 3-mile ride on a historic steam locomotive, live Wild West shows, a zoo, gem mining, and classic rides. Near Blowing Rock, about 35 minutes away. Kids love it.
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster https://www.wildernessrunalpinecoaster.com NC's first alpine coaster at the base of Sugar Mountain — speeds up to 27 mph through mountain scenery. Open year-round, a blast for all ages.
Appalachian State University — Boone https://www.appstate.edu About 30 minutes away. Great college-town energy with excellent dining, live events, and a vibrant downtown worth exploring any season.
HIKING & OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Grandfather Mountain https://grandfather.com One of the most iconic peaks in the Blue Ridge with the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, wildlife habitats, and a nature museum. A UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve. About 25 minutes away.
Grandfather Mountain State Park https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/grandfather-mountain-state-park Free access to 13 miles of rugged trails with ladders and cables to Calloway Peak at 5,946 feet. Permit required at the trailhead. Stunning for experienced hikers.
Linville Gorge Wilderness Area https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48982 Known as the Grand Canyon of the East — 10,975 acres of remote wilderness carved by the Linville River. Dramatic rock formations and incredible views. About 30 minutes away.
Blue Ridge Parkway & Julian Price Park https://www.nps.gov/blri/index.htm One of America's most beautiful scenic roads running right through the High Country. Stop at Julian Price Park for lakeside picnics and easy walks. The Linn Cove Viaduct is a must-see.
Otter Falls Trail — Seven Devils https://www.sevendevils.net/nature-trails A moderate 1.2-mile hike ending at a beautiful waterfall with an observation deck. Color-marked trails make it family-friendly and easy to navigate.
Glen Burney Falls Trail — Blowing Rock https://www.blowingrock.com/glen-burney-trail A classic trail dropping into a scenic gorge from the streets of Blowing Rock, passing two waterfalls. A gem tucked right in town.
Emerald Outback Trail Park — Beech Mountain https://beechmtn.com/visit/emerald-outback/ A multi-use trail system at nearly 5,400 feet right on Beech Mountain. Perfect for a quick hike or bike ride without ever leaving the mountain.
Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park — Boone https://www.rockyknobbike.com 185 acres of custom-built trails near Boone ranging from beginner to expert. One of the best mountain biking systems in the region.
FLY FISHING & GUIDED TRIPS
High Country Guide Service https://www.highcountryguideservice.com A professional fly fishing and hiking outfitter offering guided trips for all experience levels on the area's pristine mountain streams.
Elk Creek Outfitters http://www.ecoflyfishing.com Based on Highway 105 in Boone, Elk Creek offers guided fly fishing and spin fishing trips on the best mountain streams in the High Country. Great for first-timers and experienced anglers alike.