In Boone Mountain, Banner Elk Mountain, and Beech Mountain
Skiing down Beech Mountain. Photo by Sam Dean, courtesy of VisitNC.com.
Home to lush valleys, snow-capped peaks, and scenic vistas, North Carolina’s High Country is a picture-perfect backdrop for an idyllic winter escape. Nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts flock to the region from all over to experience the rustic charm of winter destinations like Boone Mountain, Banner Elk Mountain, and Beech Mountain.
After a long day of hitting the slopes or indulging in spa treatments, there’s truly nothing better than sipping a cup of hot cocoa by the fire in a cozy cabin or upscale resort. The combination of comfort, luxury, and natural beauty in the High Country is unparalleled, offering a tranquil haven for travelers seeking respite from the hustle of everyday life.
Boone Mountain: Where Comfort Meets Luxury
Nestled in the heart of North Carolina’s High Country, Boone Mountain is a quintessential travel destination with all the charm and beauty you could hope for. As the leaves fall and snow descends, Boone transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland. Strolling through the historic streets, gazing up at the majestic peaks of the distant Appalachian Mountains, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Boone. “What it lacks in size, Boone makes up for with lots and lots of character,” says Ashley Rice of Ashley on the Move.
Visitors in search of a luxurious stay are in good hands here. The historic Horton Hotel, Downtown Boone’s only boutique property, features 15 unique guest rooms decorated with custom wood slab furniture inspired by the town’s surroundings, and a rooftop lounge with mesmerizing mountain views. Nearby, the award-winning Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock boasts 42 lakefront rooms and condos, a restorative spa, on-site sporting activities, and an upscale comfort restaurant.
Boone’s dining scene offers casual hotspots like Booneshine Brewing Company and The Local, date night favorites such as Vidalia and CoBo Sushi Bistro, and comforting breakfast joints including Stick Boy Kitchen and Dan’l Boone Inn. Between bites, guests can zoom through the forest on the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, skate under the stars at Appalachian Ski Mountain’s outdoor ice rink, take private ski lessons at Sugar Mountain Resort, and celebrate the season at the Boone Holiday Parade.
Core memories created skiing on Appalachian Ski Mountain. Photo by Sam Dean, courtesy of Visitnc.com.
Banner Elk Mountain: An Unexpected Culinary Haven
With its impressive selection of independent restaurants and international flavors, Banner Elk Mountain is an unassuming foodie paradise in High Country. Whether it’s fine dining or intimate pub vibes you’re after, you can find it all amid the scenic beauty of this quaint mountain town. Banner Elk seamlessly marries its breathtaking landscapes with a rich tapestry of gastronomic delights that reflect the region’s commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Chef’s Table, the newest venture for award-winning chef Nicole Palazzo, features a rotating menu of farm-to-table bites in a semi-upscale environment. Must-try dishes include the blackened chicken tacos, North Carolina rainbow trout, and roasted beet salad. Other top contenders in the local dining scene include Artisanal, Stonewalls Restaurant, and Blind Elk Tap Room. One thing they all have in common? Banner Elk’s restaurants and pubs carefully curate the cozy atmosphere that visitors travel here for.
Although Banner Elk’s dining scene is certainly enough of a draw to attract food and drink enthusiasts, it’s the wineries that people can’t stop talking about. Set in a valley just outside of the downtown area, Banner Elk Winery produces nine wines on the property — including its award-winning Banner Elk Red — and is open year-round for tastings with weekend tours available from May through October.
At the family-owned Grandfather Vineyard and Winery, it’s hard to say which comes out on top: the delectable wines or the jaw-dropping views of Grandfather Mountain and the Watauga River. Derek Assaf, who called the spot “a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike” in his review, claims it’s a tie.
Grandfather Vineyard & Winery’s 2018 Blend No. 3. Photo courtesy of Grandfather Vineyard & Winery. Grandfathervineyard.com.
Beech Mountain: An Adventure Lover’s Wonderland
An underrated treasure in North Carolina’s High Country, Beech Mountain stands tall at an elevation of over 5,500 feet. Although Beech Mountain offers myriad opportunities for outdoor adventure in any season, the area is best known for its stellar winter activities. During the wintertime, Beech Mountain is transformed by impeccably groomed slopes that cater to all skill levels and an après-ski scene that rivals that of the country’s top winter travel destinations.
From skiing and snowboarding to sledding and snowshoeing, Beech Mountain offers all the frosty season fun travelers crave. Before your last run, a quick stop at 5506 Skybar — the highest-elevation bar on the East Coast — is essential. After an exhilarating day of winter sports, a charming alpine village waits with open arms at the base of the slopes with restaurants, gift shops, live music, and the aptly named Beech Mountain Brewing Company. Between its thrilling recreational offerings and breathtaking scenery, Beech Mountain beckons travelers with a passion for the great outdoors. Shelby of Pretty in the Pines remarked that she felt like she was in Switzerland and that Beech Mountain was the perfect blend of “cozy and adventurous.”
When the sun sets, the après-ski scene comes alive, transforming Beech Mountain into a vibrant social hub. Lively bars and cozy lounges nestled amid the high-altitude landscape serve as ideal spots to unwind and share stories of the day’s adventures. Treat yourself to striking views of the slopes from The Alpen Restaurant, indulge in handcrafted pizza at the family-run Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria, feast on southern comfort food at Holy Smokes BBQ, or grab a brew at the relaxed Mile High Tavern.
Overlooking the mountains at the Beech Mountain Brewing tap room. Photo by Sam Dean, courtesy of Visitnc.com.
Finding Luxury in the Details
Although Boone Mountain, Banner Elk Mountain, and Beech Mountain are celebrated for their differences, they each exude an understated luxury that weaves seamlessly through their show-stopping landscapes. From boutique resorts to upscale lodges, the accommodations in the High Country region prioritize both elegance and comfort. Popular properties stay on top with cozy amenities like fireplaces and spa treatments, catering to guests looking to sit comfortably in the lap of luxury.
Each of these destinations provides the perfect equilibrium between adventure and relaxation. Anyone who appreciates the finer aspects of mountain living is sure to be entranced by the gourmet dining scene, plethora of outdoor activities, and well-appointed accommodations. High Country is a place where the thrill of winter sports pairs effortlessly with the serene ambiance of a sunset glow over the mountains.
An unsung hero in the world of winter travel, North Carolina’s High Country boasts everything travelers look for in an understated luxury winter getaway. Once you’ve experienced the magic of High Country during this time of year, you’re bound to come back for more. Whether it’s the tranquility of Boone, the culinary delights of Banner Elk, or the adventurous spirit of Beech Mountain that pulls you in, there’s something for everyone to savor in this inimitable winter destination.