Boone and Blowing Rock are two small towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is so much to see and do here, especially in the fall. Here are 20 of the best things to do when you visit.
1. Stay in a Cozy Cabin
The best way to visit is to rent a cabin on Airbnb. You can find luxury cabins with mountain views, small cozy cabins, and even glamping domes. Hotels like the Horton Hotel in downtown Boone and Chetola Resort near Blowing Rock are also great choices.
2. Hike Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain has trails for all skill levels. You pay an entrance fee to drive to the top. The star attraction is the Mile High Swinging Bridge. On a clear day the views are breathtaking. You can take an elevator up or hike the trails around the mountain.
3. Visit the Original Mast General Store
Built in 1883 in Valle Crucis, this store still looks and feels like it did over 100 years ago. They still sell coffee for 5 cents and over 500 kinds of classic candy. There is even a working post office inside with the original wooden mail boxes.
4. Go Apple Picking
Head to the Orchard at Altapass in Spruce Pine NC. Pick fresh apples and enjoy the views. Apple Hill Farm has animal tours and a farm store too.
5. Try Local Wine Tasting
North Carolina has lots of great wineries. Try Banner Elk Winery or Grandfather Vineyard for a relaxing afternoon. Many have live music and fall events.
6. Explore Blue Ridge Overlooks
The Blue Ridge Parkway has stunning mountain views with no traffic lights. Some easy overlooks you can reach without hiking: Grandfather Mountain Overlook, Linn Cove Viaduct View, Thunder Hill Overlook, Yadkin Valley Overlook, Moses Cone Overlook, and Tompkins Knob Overlook.
7. Visit Mystery Hill
Is it a real gravity vortex or an optical illusion? You will have to decide for yourself. This attraction is fun for all ages. The video of the gravity vortex got 24 million views online.
8. Hike Elk Knob State Park
Only 11 miles north of Boone. Hike to the summit for wide views of the high country. There are also camping spots in the beech forest.
9. Explore Linville Caverns
Discovered in 1822, these underground caves have amazing rock formations called stalactites and stalagmites. Take a guided tour. Tickets are $13 for adults, $11 for kids ages 5 to 12, and free for kids under 5.
10. Check Out Todd Mercantile
Built in 1910 in Todd NC, this general store still has the original oak floors, chestnut walls, and pressed tin ceiling. Worth a stop if you are in the area.
11. Hike Waterfall Trails
Some great falls near Boone: Crab Orchard Falls, Otter Falls, Linville Falls, Hebron Falls, Elk River Falls, and Cascade Falls.
12. Ride the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
In Banner Elk, about 24 minutes from Boone. You ride a mountain coaster and control your own speed with a handbrake. Top speed is 27 miles per hour. Great for families.
13. Visit Flat Top Manor
Built in the 1890s. Only 17 minutes from Boone on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Explore the grounds, which include a 10,000 tree apple orchard, hiking trails, and beautiful lakes.
14. See a Show at the Appalachian Theatre
Built in 1938 and fully restored in 2019 in downtown Boone. Watch movies, live acts, and film screenings. They showed Harry Potter in the fall and it was so fun.
15. Go Ziplining
Three great spots near Boone: Hawksnest Zipline (one of the largest in the east), Sky Valley Zip Tours (they have a nighttime zipline!), and High Gravity Adventures next to Tweetsie Railroad.
16. Explore Roan Mountain
These mountains feel like an alpine meadow. Rhododendrons bloom here and the views are wide and open. Great for hiking.
17. Visit the Lakes
Bass Lake is easy to access and great for all abilities. Price Lake is great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. You can rent gear there and fish too. Watauga Lake is a big 6,430 acre lake with 16 miles of mountain shoreline. It is about 45 minutes from Boone but worth the drive.
18. Farm to Fork Dining
Try these local restaurants: Basil's Fresh Pasta and Deli, The Beacon Butcher Bar, Bistro Roca and Antlers Bar (note: operating at a temporary location after a January 2026 fire, call ahead), Cafe Violette, Gamekeeper Restaurant, F.A.R.M. Cafe, Over Yonder, and The Speckled Trout.
19. Coffee and Breakfast Spots
Great picks: Bald Guy Brew (Blowing Rock), Drip Coffee Bar, Espresso News, Hatchet Coffee, Stick Boy Kitchen, Betty's Biscuit, Boone Bagelry, Vicious Biscuit, and Sunrise Grill.
20. See The Blowing Rock
This one is a must see. NC's oldest travel attraction. A rock that overlooks the mountains from 4,000 feet up. Check out the full guide for more details.
That covers 20 great things to do in Boone and Blowing Rock! There are plenty more spots to find once you get there. If you go, tag @magnoliamegan on Instagram!