Tucked in the Appalachian Mountains in western North Carolina, Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk, three small scenic communities offering breathtaking views and a mild climate, are ideal relocation spots. 

• Boone: While the South is known for famously hot summers, beautiful Boone usually get no warmer than 76 degrees F because of its high elevation (3,333 feet above sea level), making it the perfect summer retreat.  During the winter months, it is noticeably cooler than the surrounding lowland areas. Regular snowfalls create the ideal climate for outdoor adventures and activities. Named for the famous pioneer Daniel Boone, the town is right off the Blue Ridge Parkway and is home to Appalachian State University. Nearly 19,000 residents call it home.

• Blowing Rock: The town is best known for its popular family attractions such as Tweetsie Railroad and The Blowing Rock. But nearby wineries, orchards, museums, and performing arts venues are increasing its popularity. Hiking, biking and and other outdoor adventures are a way of life in this town of about 1,300.

• Banner Elk: Banner Elk, population 1,144, is the smallest of the three, with a lone stoplight and several high-end, gated communities. The picturesque town, which includes Lees-McRae College, hosts the Wooly Worm Festival each October and is close to great dining and the two largest ski resorts in the South.

Healthcare

The Appalachian Regional Healthcare System operates three hospitals in the area: the Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital in Linville, the Watauga Medical Center in Boone and the Foley Center Chestnut Ridge (formerly the Blowing Rock Hospital) in Blowing Rock. Patient-focused care is available for heart disease, cancer, orthopedics, rehabilitation, obstetrics, emergency medicine, women’s health and more.

Traveling To and From

By air: Commercial flights are available from three airports within a 90-mile radius — Tri-Cities Regional Airport in Blountville, Tennessee, Asheville’s Regional Airport and the Charlotte/Douglas International Airport. Piedmont Triad International Airport near Greensboro, NC is also an oft-used airport, depending on flight schedules. 

By car: US 421, US 221, NC 16 and NC 88 serve as major — and scenic — arteries before a mountain climb into the High Country. 

Golf

The area isn’t just about skiing. The Blue Ridge Mountains offer both beautiful course views and challenging elevation changes for golfers. Both public and private courses abound. The Boone Golf Club, Hounds Ear Club and the Willow Creek Golf Club Course are just a few that locals love.

Nearby Linville is home to Grandfather Golf and Country Club’s Championship Course, an Ellis Maples masterpiece ranked by the North Carolina Golf Panel as the second-best course in North Carolina after Pinehurst #2. 

Arts and Entertainment

You’ll find plenty of art galleries, pottery studios, outdoor concerts, theatrical performances and museums that examine the High Country’s mountain history. A few highlights include Boone’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, the largest visual arts facility in western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee and southwestern Virginia, features art from renown international and local artists.

In Blowing Rock, the Music On the Lawn Concert Series is a popular event that brings together community members every Friday night during the summer for live, local music. And in Banner Elk, the performing arts department of Lees-McRae College presents theatrical performances throughout the year.

Shopping

In addition to the usual big box retailers, Boone offers two great shopping districts. Take a stroll down pet-friendly King Street for gift stores, antique shops, art galleries and restaurants. Nearby, Boone Mall offers the traditional shopping mall experience with department stores and national retailers.

Downtown Blowing Rock has become a popular girls’ weekend spot thanks to its assortment of clothing boutiques, jewelry stores and home decor shops. The nearby Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway has nearly 30 stores, including Coach, Chico’s and Aeropostale.

Not to be outdone, little Banner Elk has its own unique assortment of shops along Shawneehaw Avenue, including a cheese and wine store, art gallery, bakery specializing in dog treats and garden center.

Dining

 From gluten-free, vegetarian dishes at Vidalia to exotic elk and bison entrees at The Gamekeeper, the Boone/Blowing Rock/Banner Elk area has whatever your palate desires. Re-imagined Southern classics at Proper, oversized BBQ plates at The Pedalin’ Pig, and giant burgers at The Cardinal to satiate the hungriest hiker are just a few dining options that have earned bragging rights.

Known For…

The Blue Ridge Parkway. Its 469 miles offer scenic views of mountains, blooms and waterfalls. The famous route has popularized many little mountain towns that are now attracting new residents and retirees who appreciate a quiet, slower pace of life in a beautiful mountain setting.