One Day in Boone

If you aren't visiting a student of Appalachian State University (Michigan Who?) or checking out one of the many ski slopes in the area, you probably wouldn't stumble across the sleepy town of Boone. Known for being a former haven for mountaineers and moonshiners, Boone is now a great college town as well as a stopping point for hiking adventures. There is definitely a hippie vibe to the place, so be prepared for New Age bookstores and vegetarian restaurants.

So many burritos, so little time. Black Cat has established itself as one of the best restaurants in town for fresh Mexican fare. But since this is Boone, the Black Cat crew puts a twist on your typical burrito, offering items like Don't Be A Jerk (jerk chicken), Thai Me Up (Thai curry sauce) or the Chicken Wing (Texas Pete hot sauce a... More >
So many burritos, so little time. Black Cat has established itself as one of the best restaurants in town for fresh Mexican fare. But since this is Boone, the Black Cat crew puts a twist on your typical burrito, offering items like Don't Be A Jerk (jerk chicken), Thai Me Up (Thai curry sauce) or the Chicken Wing (Texas Pete hot sauce and celery). Wash it down with a $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon and some of their homemade tortilla chips.
Although there is a Mast General Store location in downtown Boone, you should drive a few minutes out of town to Valle Crucis to see the original, which was built in 1882. There you will find outdoor gear, like tents and backpacks, as well as a candy kitchen and vintage signs, like the ones pictured above. Grab a basket and fill it up ... More >
Although there is a Mast General Store location in downtown Boone, you should drive a few minutes out of town to Valle Crucis to see the original, which was built in 1882. There you will find outdoor gear, like tents and backpacks, as well as a candy kitchen and vintage signs, like the ones pictured above. Grab a basket and fill it up with licorice, candy corn, or whatever else your sweet tooth desires.
It is placed between downtown Boone and the ski resorts, so you can access both.
Grandfather Mountain is a state park in nearby Linville named for the mountain, which looks like the face of an old man if you tilt your head sideways. One of the most popular features of the park is the Swinging Bridge, which is not for those afraid of heights. The park's Highland Games are also a popular yearly attraction, bringing i... More >
Grandfather Mountain is a state park in nearby Linville named for the mountain, which looks like the face of an old man if you tilt your head sideways. One of the most popular features of the park is the Swinging Bridge, which is not for those afraid of heights. The park's Highland Games are also a popular yearly attraction, bringing in Scots and Scottish enthusiasts alike for a weekend of tartan-clad fun.
When the cold Boone weather becomes too much for you, stop by King Street's Espresso News Mosaic Books for a cup of coffee and a browse in the bookstore. You will see many people plugged into their laptop, since the cafe offers free wireless internet.
Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you should spend it on the family style breakfast buffet at Dan'l Boone Inn. It's more food than you could ever consume, but you're welcome to try. Nine dollars for adults gets you all the scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, grits and biscuits and gravy you can scarf down. Be sure to b... More >
Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you should spend it on the family style breakfast buffet at Dan'l Boone Inn. It's more food than you could ever consume, but you're welcome to try. Nine dollars for adults gets you all the scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, grits and biscuits and gravy you can scarf down. Be sure to bring cash because they don't take credit or debit cards.
The park's Highland Games are also a popular yearly attraction, bringing in Scots and Scottish enthusiasts alike for a weekend of tartan-clad fun.
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Located on the main drag outside of town, the Holiday Inn Express is a cheap and easy accommodation option for staying in Boone. It is placed between downtown Boone and the ski resorts, so you can access both. Take advantage of the complimentary breakfast bar before spending a day on the slopes.  More
Located on the main drag outside of town, the Holiday Inn Express is a cheap and easy accommodation option for staying in Boone. It is placed between downtown Boone and the ski resorts, so you can access both. Take advantage of the complimentary breakfast bar before spending a day on the slopes.
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About the Author

Caroline Eubanks
Caroline Eubanks
Caroline Eubanks is a freelance writer and travel blogger living in Atlanta, GA. She is Southern by birth, but a traveler by fate. She enjoys drinking Cokes for breakfast, shamelessly flashing press passes and adding pins to her travel map. Follow her on Twitter (@cairinthecity).

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