Points North | December 2007

[Boone, N.C.]

[ Written By Ginny Kearns Deal ]

Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina is a four-season paradise known as the High Country, the heart of which is Boone, N.C. Named for the famed early explorer and pioneer Daniel Boone, who at one time lived in the area, the town is now home to numerous ski shops, hotels, restaurants and Appalachian State University. Boone sits in a scenic valley beneath Howard’s Knob, and is but a short drive from world-class ski resorts. Both the Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway skip along the mountain ridges ringing the city — perfect for biking, hiking and camping.

With spectacular mountain scenery and year-round sports, Boone is an outdoor paradise. In fact, travel writers from across the country named Boone as one of North America’s premier four-season destinations. The city has undergone a major explosion in the last few years with the increased enrollment and visibility of Appalachian State, but it still retains some of its mountain charm. Combine this world-class university with the town’s art galleries, shops and restaurants, and it’s no wonder Boone is booming.

With average December temperatures hovering between 42 and 25 degrees, Boone is often blanketed in snowfall and is a winter paradise. And just up the way is the sleepy town of Banner Elk, home to the area’s famed Wooly Worm Festival. The thickness of the coat of the local wooly worms is used to predict the expected winter snowfall. Good news! Word has it this year that local woolly worms have put on an extra-thick coat in anticipation of a heavy winter. If the family wants to see snow, there’s probably not a better place to put you in a holiday mood than Boone.

During the winter holidays, skiers take over most of the hotel rooms in Boone. Word of
advice: If you are planning on coming to the High Country and staying in Boone, make your reservations early!

Located off Highway 221 between Blowing Rock and Boone is the Inn at Yonahlossee. The resort has condos and cabins for rent as well as a beautiful inn. Located at an elevation of 4,000 feet, the resort is named for the Cherokee word for Trail of the Bear. This winter Yonahlossee is offering a Christmas tree package for families. The package includes a two-night stay in the inn, deluxe breakfast both mornings, and a beautiful fresh cut Fraser fir Christmas tree. Rooms at the resort start at $189. www.yonahlossee.com, 800-962-1986

For a romantic step back in time, try the Lovill House Inn, located on 11 lush acres in an 1875-era home. With six rooms, a wide front porch and sumptuous breakfast served family style, guests feel like they are visiting family. Rooms start from $135 to $195 for a double. The inn makes a wonderful adult retreat for that special holiday getaway. The Lovill House Inn is located on Old Bristol Road, just off West King Street in Boone. www.lovillhouseinn.com, 800-849-9466

The Chetola Mountain Resort and Bob Timberlake Inn is just south of Boone in the village of Blowing Rock. With 42 rooms, this resort style hotel features a spa, condos, bar, restaurant and 87 acres of mountain splendor. Check out the Bob Timberlake Inn, which features his signature furnishings. Accommodations start from $171. www.chetola.com, 800-243-8652

When temperatures dip, the High Country plays host to the best skiing in the Southeast. In addition to ski resorts, Boone has numerous hiking trails. Brand-name outlet stores are located in a large shopping center in Blowing Rock just off Highway 321. Grandfather Mountain, located south of Banner Elk, has a museum and some incredible views, but check the weather and call ahead before going.

Appalachian Ski Mountain is south of Boone off Highway 321 in Blowing Rock and features five lifts and multiple terrains for the beginner and advanced skier. App Ski Mountain has now doubled its snowmaking capacity, thus enabling the facility to open sooner and maintain groomed conditions. Snowboarders will love the App Terrain Park, featuring lifts and jumps from 5 to 50 feet. App Ski Mountain has also a skating park. Adult lift tickets for December are priced from $48. www.appskimtn.com

Ski Beech is the highest ski resort in eastern North America. With 15 slopes and 10 lifts, the facility offers truly spectacular scenery and an Alpine village with multiple resort-style condos slope side. Located in the town of Beech Mountain, Ski Beech is but a short drive from Boone. Adult lift tickets start at $52. Families can enjoy skiing, skating and sledding in a winter wonderland. www.skibeech.com

Sugar Mountain is across the valley from Ski Beech in Banner Elk and hosts more than 20 trails and slopes for novice and advanced skiers. Sugar also has 700 feet of tubing runs and lifts, located on the Sugar Mountain Golf course. What a terrific way to spend a cold holiday afternoon with the kids! Sugar Mountain also has its own skating rink. Lift tickets start at $62 for adults. www.skisugar.com

Cut your own Christmas tree! The Washington Post referred to Boone as Santa’s branch office, since the area produces some of the nation’s most beautiful Christmas trees, particularly Fraser firs. The High Country is the biggest producer of Fraser firs on the East Coast. What a perfect way to celebrate the season by taking the family on a trip and bringing home a tree, wreath or fresh-cut garland. There are more than 19 Boone area trees farms. Many farms offer hayrides, warm cider and even overnight accommodations — a truly memorable winter holiday for the family. You can even make reservations! Check out the Boone Chamber of Commerce’s Web site and map with tree farm locations. www.chooseandcutfestival.com

Blowing Rock Performing Arts Center. Take the kids to see the musical “The Christmas Bus.” The work originally was debuted by the Blowing Rock Stage Company and is now presented as a heart-warming musical. Join
Miss Frump and the kids of the Peaceful Valley Orphanage on a wild ride appearing through Dec. 16. www.blowingrockstage.com

The Mast General Store in Downtown Boone is a step back in time. The store sells outdoor gear, hiking boots and clothes, but also offers candy by the pound. Bring the kids in and explore the holiday decorations, grab some hot chocolate and, for a buck or two, get a bag of old-fashioned candy. www.mastgeneralstore.com

With nearly 15,000 ravenous Appalachian State students in town, Boone can feed a hungry crowd. One spot that any App State student will mention is the Dan’l Boone Inn. Located on Hardin Street, the restaurant is just off campus. Come famished and expect a heap of Southern food served up family style. This is a must stop for any first-time Boone visitor! www.danlbooneinn.com, 828-264-8657

Melanie’s is in the heart of the downtown district and serves up organic offerings. Students rave about the huge breakfasts. Come early and expect a wait. The coffee is delicious! www.melaniesfoodfantasy.com, 828-263-0300

Woodland’s BBQ, located south of town in Blowing Rock, is a local favorite. Pulled pork and beef are on the mouth-watering menu. The restaurant is family-friendly and perfect for dinner after a long day of skiing. Check out the live music on the weekends. www.woodlandsbbq.com, 828-295-3651

If the weather is clear and not particularly cold, wander over to Canyon’s in Blowing Rock. The view of Grandfather Mountain off the back porch alone is worth the price of admission. Canyon’s serves Southwestern-style food with a good wine list and often live music inside. This is a popular spot with locals. www.canyonsbr.com, 828-295-7661

Boone is a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Atlanta by car. Take I-85 North to Gastonia, N.C, just over the South Carolina/North Carolina line. Take Highway 321 North through Hickory. This is a good stop for a lunch break. Check out all the furniture outlets, which line Hwy 321. Highway 321 continues through Blowing Rock and becomes 221, which takes you into Boone. For more information, visit www.visitboonenc.com.