Looking for a place to shop, dine and unwind in the North Carolina mountains? The resort town of Banner Elk checks all those boxes.
Banner Elk’s village-like atmosphere is pedestrian-friendly with delightful shopping and dining experiences around every corner.
And most importantly, Banner Elk has rebounded extremely well from the untimely and unwanted visit by Hurricane Helene. Primary roads, lodging properties, restaurants and attractions are open, as is most everything else.
“We want to reassure visitors that the Banner Elk they know and love is still here, so please come see us.
“This town did a remarkable job bouncing back from the storm last fall. We still hear from people who are surprised when we tell them most of our restaurants, attractions, shops and accommodations are open, and have been for quite some time. And the primary roads are fine. There are no problems getting here.”
Brenda Lyerly, Banner Elk Mayor
While spending time in this walkabout small town, unique gifts and the latest fashions will catch your eye in shops like Banner Elk Trading Co., BJ’s Resort Wear, Footsloggers and Reilly’s Shop. Pamper your pooch with an extensive selection of pet accessories and healthy treats at My Best Friend’s Barkery.
Find one-of-a-kind items from local artists at BE Artists Gallery and Clark Gallery, while the well-known paintings of Kent Paulette can be enjoyed (and purchased!) at Kettell Beerworks, Banner Elk Winery and several restaurants that double as galleries for Paulette’s art.
CLICK MAP TO ENLARGE
A great resource to guide you along the way is the Shop, Dine & Unwind map of Banner Elk. It can be easily accessed by clicking the image in this post, or by downloading a PDF here.
You’ll find all businesses in the downtown area on the map, as well as restaurants, the Banner Elk Book Exchange and the Perry House Bed & Breakfast. There’s an ice cream shop and video arcade, too.
Shopping options just outside downtown include Country Bumpkin Candles & Boutique, Banner Elk Soap & Candle Co., Art Cellar Gallery and Rustik by Underwood, which creates artistic home furnishings from wood.
The map also highlights fun things to do in the area, such as Apple Hill Alpaca Farm, Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster and Wilderness Run Adventure Course.
Walk the Banner Elk Mile
For those looking to get in a few steps and see more of the town, the map includes the new “Banner Elk Mile” walking loop. This one-mile scenic route passes by iconic businesses and historic landmarks.
A suggested starting point is the popular elk statue on the edge of the green in front of the Historic Banner Elk School (with plenty of free parking at the school, which serves as the town’s cultural arts center).
From there, the loop follows the brick sidewalk along Culver Road beside Tate-Evans Park and over to Park Avenue. Turn left on Main Street to pass by tempting shops and restaurants.
The loop continues westward on Main Street until a left turn reveals a scenic stroll through the campus of Lees-McRae College. Eye-catchers along this stretch include the beautiful stone Historic Commons buildings, which were completely renovated in 2024.
The final stretch of the Banner Elk Mile follows Old Hotel Road down a slight hill to return to the Historic Banner Elk School and complete the loop.
For a list of upcoming events in the Banner Elk area, please visit our expanded online calendar.