Romantic Mountain Getaway in NC

When it’s time for a romantic mountain weekend, Banner Elk is a top pick with cozy lodging, great food & wineries.

North Carolina Romantic Mountain Getaways

Embrace your romance era in the heart of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The resort town of Banner Elk is a perfect getaway, blending small-town charm with upscale experiences.

The town’s culinary scene rivals something you would find in a much larger city. Three award-winning wineries are perfect for relaxing with that special someone, and a great selection of vacation rentals allows you to choose the ideal love nest.

At more than 3,700 feet above sea level, Banner Elk is delightful in the spring and summer, awash in autumn color each fall and a haven for snow lovers seeking a perfect ski getaway in winter.

Banner Elk restaurants great food

Performing and Cultural Arts

Immerse yourselves in the arts in Banner Elk. Lees-McRae Summer Theatre brings big-stage musicals to life, and Music at Forum showcases top-notch national touring acts replicating the all-time greats in the music world.

Ensemble Stage serves up professional theater year-round in an intimate 99-seat venue in the heart of town. Special theater packages are available that include lodging and two tickets to a show.

Several museums are nearby, along with artist galleries and studios. Click here to learn more.

Things to do in Banner Elk near Boone

Vacation Rentals are a Banner Elk Specialty

With just a few clicks, reserve the vacation rental of your dreams. Our selection ranges from cozy cabins to luxury vacation homes, from upscale condos and townhomes to rustic bed-and-breakfast inns.

Amenities include hot tubs, decks with mountain views, outdoor fire pits, indoor gas fireplaces, gourmet kitchens and more.

Guests enjoy sweeping views from the NC mountains vacation rental

Unwind Among the Vines

Stroll through gorgeous vineyards while sipping the latest vintages at three popular wineries in the Banner Elk area. Winemakers at Banner Elk Winery, Grandfather Vineyard & Winery and Linville Falls craft wines of distinction from European vinifera grapes.

Each winery offers indoor and outdoor tastings, live music and other events in picturesque settings framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Romantic interior of Banner Elk Winery

Outdoor Exploring Always on Tap

Every visit to the North Carolina High Country comes with opportunities for outdoor adventure. Hiking, paddle boarding, whitewater rafting, mountain biking and skiing are popular activities.

Couples can also choose from horseback rides, UTV adventures, fly-fishing excursions, zip-lining and exhilarating rides on Banner Elk’s Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster.

Woman enjoys riding Alpine Coaster in the North Carolina mountains

Shop & Stroll in Downtown Banner Elk

Grab your sweetie and go shopping, strolling and exploring in downtown Banner Elk.

Banner Elk’s village atmosphere is pedestrian-friendly with delightful shops, boutques and galleries around every corner.

Stop in the ice cream shop, play a few games at the retro arcade or sip a craft brew and watch the people walk by at Blind Elk Tap Room.

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.

Map showing restaurants shops and things to do in Banner Elk, North Carolina