Romantic Mountain Getaway in NC

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.

Explore culinary delights

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.

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.

Arrange the perfect stay

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.

Craft breweries, too!

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.

Choose from 20 adventures

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.

Pick your favorite stores

10 Top Family Attractions in NC Mountains

The North Carolina mountains are full of iconic family attractions. Parents choose from unique experiences like Grandfather Mountain, Tweetsie Railroad and The Blowing Rock, or lean into thrilling adventures at Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster and Hawksnest Zipline.

The town of Banner Elk is centrally located to so many kid-friendly attractions that we decided to compile a top-10 list of family activities in the NC mountains.

Staying in Banner Elk during your next mountain getaway puts your family in the middle of this great selection of popular North Carolina activities:

1. Grandfather Mountain

One of the state’s oldest and most beloved attractions, Grandfather Mountain offers hiking, animal watching, a top-notch interactive nature center and mountaintop walks across the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. This UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve is like an eco-centric Disney park in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Get outdoors at various spots up and down the mountain, eat lunch at the cafeteria-style grill, satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade fudge and shop for souvenirs at the Top Shop. Kids really love the animal habitats at Grandfather Mountain where they can see bears, otters, elk, cougars and eagles.

2. Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster

North Carolina’s first, and only, alpine coaster takes families on downhill thrill rides on a Banner Elk mountainside. Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster offers a rush, as each run includes three circular loops, a series of waves and twists and can reach speeds up to 27 miles per hour. Wilderness Run is modeled after coasters in Europe and built by Germany’s top alpine coaster company. The 3,160-foot run begins with a cable-pulled ascent of 770 feet. At that point, the alpine coaster differs from a roller coaster as the remainder of the ride is gravity-fed, with riders in control of braking handles. The six-acre attraction includes a clubhouse, observation deck, gift shop, coffee shop and adventure ropes course.

3. Tweetsie Railroad

Looking for the perfect mix of adventure, classic family fun, and cool mountain air? Tweetsie Railroad is just the place. North Carolina’s first theme park features a three-mile adventure trip on an historic steam locomotive. It’s a true Wild West experience that includes shows, amusement rides, the Deer Park Zoo and special themed trains at Halloween and Christmas. Hop on board a timeless tradition at Tweetsie Railroad.

4. The Blowing Rock

The Blowing Rock opened as North Carolina’s first tourist attraction in 1933. The rock juts out from a large granite cliff overhanging the Johns River Gorge. It sits at 3,600 feet in elevation and nearly 3,000 feet above the gorge. From this perch, visitors get one of the state’s best panoramic views. The horizon is filled with such notable peaks as: Grandfather Mountain, Hawksbill, Table Rock, and the highest mountain east of the Mississippi, Mount Mitchell. The rock derives its name from an unusual prevailing wind that blows upward from the gorge. Take in scenic views from a special observation tower, visit the gift shop and grab a bite at the snack bar. There’s also a nature trail looping across the property.

5. Hawksnest Zipline

Twenty zip lines. Four mega zips. Four miles of cable. Two swinging bridges. The numbers add up to one big family adventure at Hawksnest Zipline. Located at a lofty mountain perch in Seven Devils between Banner Elk and Boone, Hawksnest offers zip line fun 12 months a year, even in the snow. Zipping enthusiasts age five and up enjoy the exhilaration of gliding over valleys with expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as threading through forest canopy.

6. Beech Mountain Resort

Summertime has become family fun time at the Beech Mountain ski resort. Enjoy scenic chairlift rides to the top of the mountain where a snack bar/observation deck offers grand views. Instead of riding the chairlift back down, families who enjoy disc golf can play their way down the mountain via an 18-hole course. Downhill mountain biking is another popular summer activity on the ski slopes. And, a family-friendly summer music series brings critically acclaimed bands to an outdoor stage at the base of the slopes. Concerts are free for kids five and younger. Check out all the summer activities at Beech Mountain Resort.

7. Sugar Mountain Resort

Several activities take place each summer at this well-known ski resort. The Summit Express six-passenger chairlift takes hikers and mountain bikers from the base of Sugar Mountain to the peak where they can access a number of trails. Meanwhile, the Easy Street chairlift carries beginner-level mountain bikers to an area with less challenging downhill trails. A summit crawl takes place Independence Day weekend for those who would rather ascend the mountain by foot, and there is a food truck festival on Memorial Day weekend. Check out all the summer activities at Sugar Mountain Resort.

8. Apple Hill Alpaca Farm

Apple Hill is a working alpaca and llama farm, with a popular farm store, that offers tours year-round. Tours are guided, educational walking tours that generally last about 45 to 60 minutes. Visitors learn about the variety of animals and hear their stories as well. Apple Hill Farm covers several acres near the top of a ridge with panoramic views. Visitors get a chance to see and interact with a variety of animals, including alpacas, llamas, angora goats, horses, donkeys, ponies, pigs and chickens. Tours must be booked in advance.

9. Edge of the World Outfitters

This Banner Elk outfitter specializes in whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing and rappelling. The family-run business encourages getting outdoors as a family unit. White-water rafting trips are popular as groups board buses in Banner Elk and head to the Watauga River for trips that last about three-and-a-half to four hours, including lunch. Rock climbing and rappelling are available for all skill levels. Children must be 12 years old or at least 100 pounds. In winter, Edge of the World operates a snowboard shop that was one of the first in the nation when it opened in 1986.

10. High Mountain Expeditions

Enjoy the rivers of Western North Carolina with whitewater rafting, tubing, canoeing and kayaking expeditions from High Mountain Expeditions. Families are welcome, with activities for children as young as three.The outfitter hosts trips on several NC mountain rivers, including the Nolichucky River, Watauga River, New River and Wilson Creek. Caving is another option. Guides lead treks into a mystical underworld of extraordinary cave formations, while crawling through small openings, walking through underground rivers and climbing over boulders.

When considering your next trip to the North Carolina mountains, these are 10 of the best attractions for your family. Plenty of lodging options are available in and around Banner Elk, a top-rated resort town with a nice selection of restaurants and shopping.

Come see why Banner Elk is the place to BE.

Art on the Greene is Four Times Each Summer

Art on the Greene transforms the grounds of the Historic Banner Elk School into an art gallery multiple times each summer. These popular shows take place Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July weekend, the first weekend in August and Labor Day weekend.

In 2025, the scheduled dates are: May 24-25, July 5-6, Aug. 2-3 and Aug. 30-31.

Each show highlights works from local and regional artists, and allows shoppers to add to their art collections while supporting historic preservation at the same time.

Booth rental proceeds are donated to the Town of Banner Elk for ongoing efforts to transform the historic school into a center for visual and performing arts.

“I hope attendees find our town to be a place they want to return and tell other people about,” says Nancy Owen, show director. “I also hope they leave with something tangible, that they find a new piece of artwork and build a relationship with an artist that enriches their life.”

The number of artists exhibiting at each show range from 40 to 60. They represent a variety of media, such as metal, glass, ceramics, wood, watercolor, acrylics and oil.

“The focus is on embracing our Appalachian heritage and really highlighting things in the hand-crafted Appalachian tradition,” Owen says.

Great Shops & Restaurants are Nearby

As a resort town perched at 3,701 feet in elevation in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Banner Elk is an ideal location for summertime art shows. High temperatures average in the upper 70s, with lots of sunny days.

“We have a rich heritage that makes us special, and I think people feel that when they’re here,” Owen says. “Banner Elk is also a very friendly town in a beautiful location. We have wonderful restaurants and so many things to do outdoors, which make this place a destination.”

While attending the shows, folks are invited to check out the Historic Banner Elk School. The 1939 rock building was built as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project during the Great Depression.

Nowadays, the school is home to Ensemble Stage professional theater, the B.E. Artists Gallery, the Banner Elk Book Exchange and a yoga studio.

Art on the Greene has no admission fee. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Within short walking distance of the show grounds are a number of restaurants, boutiques and galleries.

Banner Elk is also home to an array of great lodging choices for those looking to stay overnight.

Star Spangled Banner Elk Fourth of July Celebration

Celebrate America’s independence and escape the heat during the Star Spangled Banner Elk Fourth of July in the cool Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

This annual event takes place Friday, July 4, in 2025. It begins at 11 a.m. with an all-American parade along Banner Elk’s Main Street. The parade features cars, trucks, people and animals adorned in red, white and blue to honor America’s birthday. It’s one of the most popular Fourth of July parades in North Carolina.

The hour-long parade starts at the Lees-McRae College campus library and heads east along Main Street. It winds up in Tate-Evans Park, where the Party in the Park begins at noon. Banner Elk’s Party in the Park features old-fashioned kids’ games like three-legged races, sack races and egg tosses. A corn hole tournament is also on the schedule.

An emcee/DJ narrates the festivities and plays lively tunes. Food trucks serve up tasty delights, with vendors selling classics like ice cream, cotton candy, kettle corn and Italian ice.

The famous Kiwanis Duck Races begin at 12:30 p.m. Participants who purchase a “ticket” for one of the rubber ducks in the races receive a small keepsake duck. Entry fee is $5 per duck, and the keepsakes come in many different colors and designs.

Every keepsake duck carries a number matching a duck in one of the five races. The first race is at 12:30 p.m. and the four subsequent races take place about 20 minutes after the preceding race.

The winner of each of the five races receives $100 and MUST be present to claim their prize. Likewise for the second place winner in each race, who receives $50.

If winners are not present, the prizes go to the top two duck holders who are present.

Ducks are on sale in the park during the event and from kids walking up and down the parade route. In the days preceding the race, ducks are available at random pop-up tents throughout town.

“All ages enjoy the duck races because there is not a skill level involved and everyone has a chance to win,” says Ann Wolf, president of the Banner Elk Kiwanis Club, which organizes the Party in the Park. “And the spirit of the 4th of July is there with old-timey games, food trucks and more — making it a day for families to spend together having fun.”

Festivities conclude at 3 p.m. and folks are encouraged to walk about Banner Elk, visiting shops, galleries and restaurants.

There is much to see and do in this resort town at 3,700 feet elevation in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Art lovers can visit Banner Elk’s Art on the Greene show Saturday and Sunday (July 6-7) on the lawn of the Historic Banner Elk School. For more info on Art on the Greene, check out this story.

Fireworks shows typically take place the evening of July 4th or thereabouts at Sugar Mountain Resort and Beech Mountain Resort.

Make plans now to attend the Star Spangled Banner Elk Fourth, a celebration that makes Uncle Sam proud!

Summer Visitors Enjoy Great Broadway-Style Shows

Since 1985, summer visitors to Banner Elk have enjoyed top-quality, Broadway-style shows on the campus of Lees-McRae College in the heart of this resort town in the North Carolina mountains.

From those beginnings in the 1980s, Lees-McRae Summer Theatre has entertained more than a quarter million patrons.

Lees-McRae Summer Theatre charms audiences with a unique blend of professional, educational and community theater. The company includes aspiring performers and technicians working alongside award-winning industry professionals, mixed with a dash of local actors.

[Scroll down to see this year’s shows]

These talented folks descend on Banner Elk each summer to work with founder and artistic director Dr. Janet Barton Speer. It was Speer who, at the behest of the college, started the program in 1985 after successfully directing at regional theatres.

Each year, the theatre discovers and showcases local talents, both children and adults. Some locals have worked on dozens of shows, and many children return every year to take more challenging roles.

Once shows are selected and rights secured, a creative team is formed for each production. This includes music directors, choreographers and designers.

All shows take place at the well-appointed Broyhill Theatre inside Hayes Auditorium on the Lees-McRae College campus at 191 Main Street West in Banner Elk. Parking is free, with many restaurants within walking distance.

Funding for Lees-McRae Summer Theatre comes from ticket sales, grants and donations by individuals and businesses.

Lees-McRae Summer Theatre 2025

Lees-McRae Summer Theatre returns to the stage for its 40th season with a trio of great musicals. Details are below.

Nunsense:
A Musical Comedy

(June 1–4, 2025)

In this zany, wholesome, hilarious musical revue, the Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters. In dire need of funds for the burials, they put on a variety show to raise the money.

Featuring fantastic music, dancing and a few surprises, this hit has been an international phenomenon for 40 years.

Fittingly, this incarnation of the show is presented inside a church. No reservations needed. Admission is free, with donations benefiting Lees-McRae Summer Theatre.

Nunsense shows take place June 1 @ 2 p.m., June 3 @ 7 p.m. and June 4 @ 7 p.m. All shows are at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church, 420 College Drive SW, Banner Elk, NC. Additional details available here.

The Cottage

(June 22-28, 2025)

A hit on Broadway, this is Lees-McRae Summer Theatre’s first non-musical play in a decade.

When two cheating lovers secretly meet at their favorite countryside English cottage in 1923 for their yearly tryst, they expect nothing but bliss. Then, the doorbell starts ringing.

As their spouses arrive, a hilarious web of secrets unravels in this zany and ridiculous (and potentially murderous) PG-13 comedy. This Carol-Burnett-meets-Downton-Abbey comedy is perfect for a date night or girls’ night out, but is not suitable for children.

The Cottage is directed by Gabe Vanover. Shows take place June 22 @ 2 p.m., June 24 @ 7 p.m., June 25 @ 2 p.m., June 26 @ 7 p.m., June 27 @ 7 p.m. and June 28 @ 2 p.m. 

1940! — A Musical

(July 18-24, 2025)

Details to come.

Ticket Information

Performances of The Cottage and 1940! take place in the Broyhill Theatre inside Hayes Auditorium on the Lees-McRae College campus. Adult and student tickets are available. More information about purchasing tickets is available here or by calling 828.898.8709.

Spilling the Beans on the Best Coffee in Banner Elk

Does Coffee Mean a Latte to You?

For those on a mission to find the best coffee in and around Banner Elk (including Sugar Mountain & Beech Mountain), your cup will runneth over at these mug-nificent cafés.

Scroll down to learn more about Banner Elk’s coffee scene and pick the perfect blend of locations expresso-ly for your tastes.

The Lodge Expresso Bar & Eatery

Located in Banner Elk Café with its own side entrance, The Lodge Expresso Bar & Eatery is the longest standing coffee shop in Banner Elk.

Owned by a ski family, The Lodge is well-known for hot chocolate served in large mugs with copious amounts of whipped cream. Skiers love to wake up and smell the coffee at The Lodge before hitting the slopes.

However, the menu is more than just cocoa. Choose from coffees, lattes, cappuccinos, expressos, frappes and smoothies. Fresh baked treats fill the bakery case morning, noon and night.

The Lodge also serves a menu of deli sandwiches and tasty pizzas (dine-in or to-go).

Livin’ La Vida Mocha at BE Scooped

For coffee lovers with a sweet tooth, BE Scooped offers the ideal blend. The shop serves fresh roasted coffees, cappuccinos, lattes and more, along with a menu of tasty ice cream treats.

Ice cream aficionados choose from regular and waffle cones, milkshakes, malts, affagatos and other sweet treats. BE Scooped even carries peanut butter-bananna-yogurt ice cream for dogs.

If you’ve never bean to BE Scooped, better latte than never. It could be the start of a brew-tiful relationship.

Don't Worry, Be Frappe at Fred & Larry's

Founded by two brothers in 2012, Fred & Larry’s Coffee has bean a popular spot ever since.

This brew-tifully decorated shop uses locally roasted, non-GMO, high-quality coffee beans. Many varieties of coffees, espressos, lattes, frappes and smoothies are available. Herbal teas, too.

Be sure to check out the large selection of bagels, pastries and muffins.

The shop brews up a schedule of live music in the warmer months.

Expresso Yourself at Mountain Grounds

Located at the base of Grandfather Mountain in the Tynecastle area of Banner Elk, Mountain Grounds Coffee & Tea Co. will mocha your tastes buds stand up and take notice.

Mountain Grounds serves freshly brewed coffees and specialty teas to satisfy every palate. The menu has many food items, such as breakfast burritos, bagels, pimento cheese croissants, turkey clubs and gluten-free options. Locally sourced pastries, too.

Online ordering is available, and the café hosts community percent days, when 10% of sales go to local non-profits.

Theater Packages Provide a Romantic Escape

Looking for a romantic getaway? Book a Banner Elk theater package and escape to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Banner Elk accommodations team up with Ensemble Stage to offer theater packages that start at just $120 on weekdays and $180 on weekends. Each package includes one or two nights lodging for two, a pair of tickets to an Ensemble Stage performance, discount dining coupons for Banner Elk Café & Lodge, and breakfast at your lodging the next morning.

The packages are centered around Ensemble Stage, professional theater that performs year-round in an intimate setting in the renovated auditorium of the Historic Banner Elk School. Shows range from comedies to dramas to murder mysteries to a widely popular Christmas season variety show.

Lodging options for the packages are Best Western Mountain Lodge, Little Main Street Inn & Suites and Perry House Bed & Breakfast.

The Perry House is walking distance to the theater and restaurants. Little Main Street Inn is 0.5 miles from the theater and the Best Western is just 1.3 miles from the theater.

Booking a package involves two easy steps. First, go to the theater package page to pick the date of the show you wish to attend. Then, contact your choice from the lodging options and request a Banner Elk Theater Package.

Once the package is booked, your accommodation will set aside two show tickets to be presented to you at check-in. Your hosts prefer at least a week’s advance notice, but will make every effort to accommodate shorter lead times.

Complete package info is available here.

Banner Elk’s World Famous Woolly Worm Festival

Every autumn during the third weekend of October, the Blue Ridge Mountain town of Banner Elk becomes the woolly worm racing capital. That’s when this resort town welcomes visitors from near and far for the world famous Woolly Worm Festival.

The festival features two days of racing woolly worms, aka woollybear caterpillars, with crowds cheering on their favorites amid the backdrop of autumn’s leaf-changing splendor. The dates for 2025 are set for Oct. 18-19.

Races are held throughout the day Saturday and Sunday at Historic Banner Elk School in the heart of downtown. The overall winner of Saturday’s races earns a $1,000 grand prize and the honor of predicting the winter weather for North Carolina’s High Country.

While Sunday’s races don’t involve forecasting privileges, participants still vie for prestige, along with a $500 prize.

“It’s really an all-American small town at its best,” says Mary Jo Brubaker, former Woolly Worm Festival festival chairperson. “As a society, we go to such extremes to entertain people these days, but the down-home simplicity of this festival is wonderfully refreshing.”

The quirky weather-forecasting tradition comes from mountain lore that says the 13 segments of a woollybear caterpillar represent the 13 weeks of winter. Black bands mean cold, snowy weeks, while brown bands indicate warmer conditions. However, each woolly worm sports a different color pattern, so the festival was started in 1978 to determine which worm provides the official forecast.

All attendees are welcome to race a woolly worm. They may bring their own or purchase one from the local PTO. Races take place in heats of 25 contestants. Each worm inches its way up a string as its owner coaxes and cheers. The first to the finish line advances to the next round.

“We have families that have come year after year, and they wear family team T-shirts, like they’re a NASCAR racing team,” Brubaker says. “It’s so much fun to watch people racing the worms, and everyone’s laughing and cheering.”

In addition to races, the festival includes food, craft vendors and live entertainment.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Those interested in racing a worm must register and are encouraged to do so by 1 p.m. each day. Daily admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and younger.

Lodging options are available here and be sure to check out Banner Elk’s award-winning culinary scene.

For details festival information, go to www.WoollyWorm.com or call 828-898-5605.

Banner Elk Weather Cam – Live

Banner Elk Weather Cam, a web cam hosted by AshevilleWX.com, shows current weather conditions in this popular resort town in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

The web cam is perched a few hundred feet above Banner Elk, looking out at town with Grandfather Mountain in the distance.

Click play button to activate the live feed:

Looking to get away? Check out our complete directory of lodging and accommodations in Banner Elk.

Ski season tip: Grab big savings + more slope time with midweek visits

What Are The Best Ski Towns in America?

The list of the 10 Best Ski Towns in North America for winter 2023-24 has been released, and Banner Elk is named a top ski town for the second straight year.

USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice awards ranked Banner Elk at No. 6 this year, following a No. 5 ranking the previous year. Of the 10 ski towns chosen, Banner Elk was once again the only town in the South, and one of only three on the East Coast.

A panel of industry experts nominated 20 towns for the honor, with the Top 10 determined after a month of voting at 10Best.com. The Town of Banner Elk earned recognition by the experts and voters because of “excellent mountain terrain ideal for skiing.” The praise continued: “Besides hitting the slopes, you can take a ride down the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, go wine tasting at Banner Elk Winery, indulge in great food, or go snow tubing.”

Here’s the full list of 10 best ski towns in the United States and North America:

1. Red River, New Mexico
2. Banff, Alberta
3. Bend, Oregon
4. North Conway, New Hampshire
5. Stowe, Vermont
6. Banner Elk, North Carolina
7. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
8. Truckee, California
9. Whistler, British Columbia
10. Taos, New Mexico

To see the previous year’s list of winners, go to this page on the 10Best.com website.

Back-to-Back Honors for Banner Elk as a Top Ski Town

Banner Elk again made the list following an extensive public vote conducted at 10Best.com. Voting received promotion across USA TODAY Travel Media Group’s digital and mobile products, as well as via social media.

“Skiers and snowboarders have come here for more than 50 years because of all the fun we offer on and off the slopes, and it’s an honor to again be named one of the best ski towns in North America,” said Nancy Owen, director of the Banner Elk Tourism Authority. “We are proud to be located between Sugar Mountain Resort and Beech Mountain Resort, two great ski resorts that continuously upgrade and improve their facilities across the board.”

The 10Best award also recognized Banner Elk for offering visitors two different ski resorts to choose from.

10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased, and experiential travel content of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world. The core of the site’s uniqueness is its team of local travel experts: a well-traveled and well-educated group who are not only experts in their fields, but discriminating in their tastes.

All contest voting is conducted digitally.

Insider tip: Get big savings + more slope time with midweek visits to Banner Elk

Four Best Places for Snow Tubing in NC Mountains

There’s no tubing like snow tubing, and the Banner Elk area is home to four of the best places to snow tube in the North Carolina mountains.

Snow tubing ranks among the easiest — and most fun — winter sports because it requires little preparation, equipment or skill. Just hop on a tube and whoosh your way down the hill.

Visitors to Banner Elk have a quartet of options. Within a few minutes of downtown enjoy snow tubing parks at Sugar Mountain Resort and Beech Mountain Resort. About 25 minutes from town is Hawksnest Snow Tubing at the former Hawksnest ski resort. And, 30 minutes from Banner Elk is Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing.

All of these tubing parks provide 100% snowmaking to help with snow conditions when Mother Nature takes a break, and they are considered the cream of the crop for snow tubing in North Carolina. But as far as which one is the best depends on what you’re looking for.

The Top Four

Hawksnest Snow Tubing is the biggest. It converted from a ski resort to snow tubing in 2008, giving it plenty of space. There are more than 30 runs in four sections, all connected by conveyor carpet lifts. The runs range in length from 400 to 1,000 feet.

Hawksnest also offers a winter zipline tour that soars above the tubing lanes. Because its elevation is not as high as Sugar Mountain or Beech Mountain, it occasionally encounters slightly warmer temperatures that create challenges in snowmaking.

The snow tubing park at Beech Mountain Resort is the newest. This state-of-the-art facility opened in winter of 2016 in the Alpine Village at the base of the ski slopes. It was updated in 2023.

Beech Mountain’s eight snowtubing runs are extra-long and punctuated by small moguls known as rollers. They are lighted and surrounded by high-tech snow guns and a sound system.

A Magic Carpet conveyor whisks tubers quickly back to the top.

Customers can buy tickets right there in the Beech Mountain ski village and enjoy other activities in the village, including ice skating and shopping, when finished with snow tubing.

Sugar Mountain Resort operates the closest snow tubing park to Banner Elk. Sugar Mountain is known for strong snow-making capabilities on the ski slopes and that goes the same for its snow tubing runs.

Six runs are served by a conveyor carpet lift and Sugar probably stays open the most days each winter. The tubing park at Sugar Mountain sits adjacent to the skating rink. Both are easy to access because they have their own parking lot before you get further up the mountain to the ski resort.

Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing is a smaller operation that has been in business since 2004. It features five lanes and a conveyor carpet lift. Photographers take pictures as you tube and the photos are available for purchase on the spot, or later online.

Jonas Ridge also offers a small, cozy lodge with a fireplace and an observation deck.

[Related content: more winter fun is available at Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster]

Snow Tubing Tips

Although snow tubing is easy and no lessons are needed, there are a few things you can do to maximize your adventure:

• First, wear warm socks and waterproof or water-resistant winter boots. Otherwise, your shoes will get soggy, wet and/or ruined, and your feet will be cold the entire time.
• Second, wear a winter jacket that is either waterproof or water-resistant for all those same reasons. You will be on ground level and encountering snow and slush.
• Third, pay attention to your pants. If you don’t have waterproof/water-resistant pants, make sure to wear thermal underwear or some other layer underneath your pants (jeans are okay, but they are 100% cotton and absorb a lot of water).
• Fourth, wear a ski cap (or beanie, tobaggon, whatever you call it) and an old pair of sunglasses. Your head and face will encounter wind as you whoosh down the tubing runs!

Finally, when the day of fun is done, head to your choice of lodging in Banner Elk and then check out the amazing culinary scene. Better yet, stay a couple nights and visit all four tubing parks in one trip!

Grandfather Mtn is Big Part of Winter Fun in Banner Elk

An invigorating winter getaway awaits in the mile-high elevations surrounding Banner Elk. This town in the North Carolina mountains offers the chance to get outdoors with hiking and exploring at Grandfather Mountain, as well as snowtubing at nearby ski resorts.

One of the biggest winter attractions in the area is Grandfather Mountain — known for its distinctive profile and Mile High Swinging Bridge. The mountain, a popular attraction since the 1950s, is open daily in winter, weather permitting.

Grandfather’s 12 miles of trails include easy and advanced routes. For a low-impact adventure, talk a walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge or embark on an easy hike through forests and meadows. Those wishing to take it up a notch can do so on backcountry trails featuring challenging and rocky terrain. Winter hikes afford long-range views not visible when leaves are on the trees.

“Hiking in the winter can be pretty magical on the mountain,” says Sarah Lowery with Grandfather Mountain. “This time of year brings many clear days with deep-blue skies that allow you to see for miles. It’s a quieter season that offers those special moments where you feel like you have more of the park – and the trail – to yourself.”

At 5,946 feet in elevation, Grandfather Mountain experiences beautiful snowfalls. And when there’s no snow, rime ice often forms on spruce fir trees, giving the appearance of a fresh dusting of the white stuff.

Snow brings out the animals’ personalities in Grandfather’s wildlife habitat. Cougars Logan and Trinity frolic in the fluffy flakes. Resident elk, Merle and Watson, look particularly regal against a backdrop of snow, and the mountain’s three otters steal the show.

“The otters are especially fun to watch after a snowfall,” Lowery says. “They absolutely love it and can often be seen playing and sliding around. It really seems to invigorate them.”

For birders, there are 40-50 bird species that call Grandfather home year-round and can be spotted during winter. The mountain’s unique ecology and high-elevation forests allow guests to witness species of birds not found elsewhere in the Southeast. The best place for bird watching in winter is by the feeders on the deck of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. This can be done outdoors or by heading inside to watch from the warmth of Mildred’s Grill.

On particularly cold and blustery days, the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery brings the outdoor world inside and is the perfect place to warm up. Nearly double the size of the original museum, the center offers 10,000 square feet of education space, including state-of-the-art museum exhibits, three classrooms and an ADA-accessible theater.

Featured exhibits include a 3D interactive map of the mountain, flora and fauna walls with field-guide touch screens, a fun (for all ages) hands-on demonstration of wind speeds and other exhibits focusing on the mountain’s natural history and geology.

After your Grandfather Mountain visit, if you want to enjoy winter sliding just like the otters, try snow tubing. Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain resorts offer multiple tubing runs with advanced snowmaking and grooming to keep the chutes slick. Twenty-five minutes away, Hawksnest Snow Tubing has more than 30 runs and a zipline experience above the tubing runs. Click here to read all about snow tubing in Banner Elk.

When the sun goes down, enjoy Banner Elk’s top-notch culinary scene at one of more than a dozen independent restaurants. Standouts include authentic Italian dishes made from family recipes, a classic steakhouse with a famous salad bar and a cozy lodge with some of the best trout in the mountains.

Banner Elk offers lodging packages that include tickets to Grandfather Mountain. For a complete list of Banner Elk lodging choices, click here.

Winter is Better Here

When it comes to choosing a winter destination in the NC mountains, Banner Elk just might be the ideal spot.

Banner Elk, located near Boone, is known for cozy lodging, romantic getaways, family fun and great restaurants. It’s place that has small town charm and easy access to skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating and a year-round alpine coaster.

The two largest winter sports venues in the South – Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort – are located within 10 minutes of Banner Elk’s lone stoplight. Both resorts offers skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing. Sugar Mountain also has ice skating, and there’s a free youth sledding hill in the town of Beech Mountain.

A different type downhill winter fun occurs at Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster. North Carolina’s first and only alpine coaster provides a downhill thrill ride, twisting and turning at speeds up to 27 miles per hour. This popular attraction is open 12 months a year, even in snowy conditions.

About 30 minutes away are more snow sports options at Hawksnest Snow Tubing & Ziplining and Appalachian Ski Mtn. And for travelers who like the mountains but not the snow, there’s always winter hiking and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge at nearby Grandfather Mountain.

[Related content: Top 4 snow tubing spots in NC mountains]

When the sun goes down, Banner Elk’s reputation as a culinary hot spot takes center stage. There are more than a dozen popular restaurants within this town of just 1,067 residents. Culinary choices range from contemporary to traditional, with everything from white tablecloth fine dining to tasty Southern comfort food. Ethnic cuisine runs the gamut from Italian to Cajun to Mexican to Vietnamese.

For a romantic day of exploring, visit the local wineries. Banner Elk Winery has several award-winning dry wines, and is also known for its unusual ice wine. At Grandfather Vineyard and Winery, every bottle comes with a view of its namesake mountain. As you sip a glass by the tasting room fireplace, it’s easy to see why winter is better here.

There are two craft breweries in and around Banner Elk. Kettell Beerworks is located on Main Street East and always features a winter brew. Just up the mountain from Banner Elk is Beech Mountain Brewing Co., nestled in the alpine village at the base of the Beech Mountain ski slopes.

Sometimes, the best thing about a winter getaway is spending quality time in your lodging of choice, and Banner Elk has a banner selection. Cozy cabins. Upscale condos. Friendly bed-and-breakfast inns. Comfortable hotels. Spacious vacation homes.

Insider tip: Get big savings + more slope time with midweek visits

Many of Banner Elk’s lodging options feature a mountain motif and most have a fireplace for making warm memories on cold winter nights in the NC mountains.

Did you know Banner Elk is North Carolina’s top ski town? Click here to learn more about ski vacations in Banner Elk or call us at 828-898-5398.

Take a Holiday Shopping Stroll This Season

There’s no better time to enjoy Banner Elk’s walkabout downtown than during Thanksgiving week and the Christmas holiday season.

The central business district, which flanks the town’s lone stoplight, offers up many delightful shopping and dining experiences.

One-of-a-kind gifts wait to be discovered in shops like Banner Elk Trading Co. and Reilly’s Shop. The latest women’s fashions and accessories are found at BJ’s Resort Wear and Hardin Fine Jewelry.

Browse displays filled with the creative work of local artisans and crafters at BE Artists Gallery, Clark Gallery and It’s All About the Art. Or, just outside of the downtown area, find artistically crafted home furnishing items made from wood at Rustik by Underwoood.

The well-known paintings of Kent Paulette can even be found and purchased at a local brewery (Kettell Beerworks), local winery (Banner Elk Winery) or in the dining rooms of several restaurants that serve as art galleries for Paulette’s work.

CLICK MAP TO ENLARGE

A handy, dandy Holiday Stroll map of downtown Banner Elk is now available at no charge. Either click the image in this post, or download a PDF here.

You’ll find all downtown area businesses 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.

The 2024 holiday shopping season takes on added importance for Banner Elk businesses because every downtown shop, store and restaurant received damage by Hurricane Helene and all were closed for at least six weeks after the storm. Some are still trying to reopen.

Banner Elk Named a Best Ski Town in North America

Banner Elk has been named a Best Ski Town in North America for 2022, as determined by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice awards.

Banner Elk finished fifth in the ranking of 10 best ski towns. The awards contest began with nominations of 20 ski towns across North America by a panel of industry experts.

Top 10 winners emerged four weeks later following an extensive public vote conducted at 10Best.com. Voting received promotion across USA TODAY Travel Media Group’s digital and mobile products, as well as via social media.

Of the 10 best ski towns chosen, Banner Elk was the only one in the South, and one of only three on the East Coast. The Town of Banner Elk earned recognition by the experts and voters because of “excellent mountain terrain ideal for skiing, and several local attractions and events that invite visitors into the community.”

The 10Best award also recognized Banner Elk for providing visitors two different ski resorts to choose from, along with downhill thrills at the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster.

USA TODAY’s 10Best also highlighted Banner Elk Winery, the town’s excellent culinary scene, and nearby attractions like Hawksnest Zipline & Snowtubing Park.

“Skiers and snowboarders have come here for more than 50 years because of all the fun we offer on and off the slopes, and it’s quite an honor to be named one of the best ski towns in North America,” said Nancy Owen, director of the Banner Elk Tourism Authority. “We are proud to be located between Sugar Mountain Resort and Beech Mountain Resort, two great ski resorts that continuously upgrade and improve their facilities across the board.”

Banner Elk is a Top Ski Town in North America

Here is where Banner Elk, North Carolina, ranks among best ski towns in the United States and North America:

1. Mammoth Lakes, California
2. Banff, Alberta
3. North Conway, New Hampshire
4. Stowe, Vermont
5. Banner Elk, North Carolina
6. Park City, Utah
7. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
8. Tellluride, Colorado
9. Aspen, Colorado
10. Ketchum, Idaho

10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased, and experiential travel content of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world. The core of the site’s uniqueness is its team of local travel experts: a well-traveled and well-educated group who are not only experts in their fields, but discriminating in their tastes.

All contest voting is digital. The 10Best Readers’ Choice Award list for Best Ski Town in North America is accessible on the 10Best.com website.

A Small Town Christmas Weekend in Banner Elk

Soak up a season of holiday cheer with “A Small Town Christmas in Banner Elk” the first full weekend in December.

Escape the rush and enjoy an authentic small town holiday Dec. 6-8, 2024, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Festivities start Friday and run through Sunday. Most events take place within walking distance in the downtown area of Banner Elk, and the 2024 schedule is listed at the bottom of this page.

For out-of-town visitors, weekend lodging packages are available that include a choose & cut Christmas tree from Elk River Evergreens.

Get in the mood for the weekend on Friday evening with caroling, hot chocolate and the lighting of the official town tree in the Corner On Main Park at 6:30 p.m.

After the tree lighting, Ensemble Stage presents “A Banner Elk Christmas” at 7 p.m. just a short walk away at the Historic Banner Elk School. The holiday musical variety show is one of the most popular shows each year by the local professional theater group. It’s a fast-paced tribute to the television holiday musical revues of yesteryear, with all or parts of more than two dozen songs and lots of choreography. All tightly wrapped in one hour and 10 minutes of holiday joy.

Saturday’s schedule begins early with the annual Breakfast with Santa from 8:30-10 a.m. at Lees-McRae College, and storytime with Santa at 10:30 a.m. at the Banner Elk Fire Station. The YMCA’s Reindeer Run 5K, which typically takes place Saturday morning, has been switched to a virtual event in 2024.

During the afternoon Saturday, events include “Christmas at Apple Hill Alpaca Farm” (tickets required), a Christmas market and kids making ornaments in the Historic Banner Elk School, and a 3 p.m. Community Carol Sing at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church.

More Saturday afternoon events are listed below, and on the Banner Elk Chamber’s A Small Town Christmas webpage.

Saturday’s festivities continue with a 6 p.m. Christmas Parade on Main Street, followed by mini-train rides through luminary lights on the green in front of Historic Banner Elk School. In addition to the train rides, there will be visits with Santa, music, holiday lights and more.

Visitors can put a bow on their holiday experience Sunday with a visit to one of many Christmas tree farms in the area, or they can opt for a 2 p.m. performance of “A Banner Elk Christmas” musical revue at Historic Banner Elk School.

“The whole town gets involved with A Small Town Christmas,” says Nancy Owen, Banner Elk’s tourism director. “We love seeing families and couples get away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy a simpler celebration in a small town. And what better way to end the weekend than visiting a tree farm and driving home with a hand-picked tree on top of the car?”

Also available all three days are Christmas-themed walking tours of Apple Hill Alpaca Farm. Tours take place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day. Cost is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors, $12 for children ages 4-10 and $3 for children 3 and under.

An added bonus all weekend — Santa’s Mailbox accepts letters to Santa at the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce. Children may write letters at the Chamber during business hours; see www.bannerelk.org for hours.

Great Lodging Options Available

Because it is a resort town, Banner Elk has many accommodations that allow families and couples to find the idea lodging option for this special weekend. Seek out your perfect accommodations by clicking here. Or, check our special Choose & Cut Christmas tree lodging packages by clicking here.

Schedule of Events for 2024*

Friday, Dec. 6
10:00 a.m. – Christmas at Apple Hill Alpaca Farm (through 4:00 p.m.; tour purchase required)
6:30 p.m. – Christmas Tree Lighting & Caroling at Corner on Main Park
7:00 p.m. – A Banner Elk Christmas musical variety show at Historic Banner Elk School

Saturday, Dec. 7
8:30 a.m. – Breakfast with Santa at Lees-McRae College Welcome Center (through 10:00 a.m.)
10:00 a.m. – Christmas at Apple Hill Alpaca Farm (through 4:00 p.m.; tour purchase required)
10:30 a.m. – Story time with Santa at Banner Elk Fire & Rescue
11:00 a.m. – Candy bag pickup at Reilly’s Shop (through 3:00 p.m.)
11:00 a.m. – Holiday market at BE Artists Gallery in Historic Banner Elk School (through 4:00 p.m.)
11:00 a.m. – Kids crafts at The Book Exchange in Historic Banner Elk School (until 1:00 p.m.)
11:00 a.m. – Christmas ornament making in Common Ground (until 1:00 p.m.)
11:00 a.m. – Wood ornaments for kids & hot cider for all at It’s All About the Art Gallery (until 2:00 p.m.)
11:30 a.m. – Open playtime for kids 6 and under and parents at Banner Elk Body Shop yoga studio in Historic BE School (through 2:00 p.m.)
12:00 p.m. – Paw art at My Best Friend’s Barkery (until 1:00 p.m.)
1:00 p.m. – Christmas craft making for kids hosted by Blind Elk Taproom in the loft area (until 3:00 p.m.)
2:00 p.m. – Ornament making at Bayou Smokehouse (until 3:00 p.m.)
3:00 p.m. – Community Carol Sing at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church. Everyone invited to a small-town sing-a-long of Christmas carols
3:00 p.m. – Christmas cookie decorating for kids at Banner Elk Cafe (until 4:00 p.m.)
6:00 p.m. – Christmas Parade on Main Street
6:15 p.m. – Photos with Santa in front of Historic Banner Elk School entrance
6:15 p.m. – Luminary-lighted train rides, Christmas lights, caroling, hot chocolate, bonfire, and more on the green of Historic Banner Elk School
All day – Letters to Santa at the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce.

Sunday, Dec. 8
 All Day – Choose & Cut Christmas Trees at Avery County tree farms (get a free tree with a Choose & Cut lodging package)
10:00 a.m. – Christmas at Apple Hill Alpaca Farm (through 4:00 p.m.; tour purchase required)
 2:00 p.m. – A Banner Elk Christmas musical variety show at Historic Banner Elk School

*Schedule subject to change. Check here for the latest updates or call the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce at 828-898-8395.

Banner Elk Choose & Cut Christmas Tree Packages

Create a new tradition this holiday season with the Banner Elk Choose & Cut Christmas Tree Packages.

These packages take advantage of Banner Elk’s location in the NC High Country. The High Country is considered the Christmas Tree Capital for its abundance of tree farms growing high-quality Fraser fir trees. And, it is common for one of the farms in our region to provide the White House Christmas tree in Washington, D.C.

Package prices start at $160 weekdays and $199 weekends (plus tax), depending on which lodging option you select. These choose & cut packages include: one night’s lodging at your choice of accommodations, breakfast, 10% off dining at Banner Elk Cafe, and a voucher for a 7-foot tall choose & cut Christmas tree at Elk River Evergreens.

Elk River Evergreens is a perennial favorite in the NC mountains with two large tree farms featuring lots of on-site activities and a great variety of trees. Guests are treated to complimentary popcorn, hot chocolate and hot cider as part of the experience.

The packages are available Nov. 16-Dec. 8, 2024. Booking them is easy. Just contact you choice of lodging options below to ask for the choose & cut package and book your stay. Upon check-in, you will receive a voucher good for one 7-foot Christmas tree at Elk River Evergreens. You will also receive a coupon for 10% off dining at Banner Elk Cafe, a popular restaurant in Banner Elk with a wide-ranging menu.

Lodging Options

Banner Elk Choose & Cut Christmas Tree Packages are available at the lodging partners below. Please contact them directly and mention the Banner Elk Choose & Cut Christmas Tree Packages:

> Banner Elk Mountain Cabins – Click here or call 828-387-1209
> Best Western Mountain Lodge – Click here or call 828-898-4571
> Cornerstone Cabins & Lodge – Click here or call 828-260-3673
> Perry House Bed & Breakfast – Click here or call 828-898-3535

The packages are also available during Banner Elk’s A Small Town Christmas weekend, a great family-friendly experience the first weekend in December.

Banner Elk is a Top 15 Summer Cabin Destination

Looking for fun and affordable summer cabin vacation? Look no further than a Banner Elk cabin says one of the world’s largest travel websites.

TripAdvisor.com, with more than 375 million unique visitors monthly, named Banner Elk to its list of 15 Affordable Summer Cabin Getaways Across America. Trip Advisor analyzed user ratings for all U.S. towns that have rental properties available on its website. It then calculated the average cost of a one-week stay in July in a two-bedroom cabin rental in those cities and towns.

Banner Elk made the top five for having an average weekly cabin rental of $768, while offering “no shortage of challenging hikes and spectacular overlooks.”

TripAdvisor further commented on Banner Elk’s convenient location: “This Blue Ridge Mountain getaway is close to major attractions like Grandfather Mountain, Blowing Rock, and the Appalachian Trail.” It also noted, “the wine and beer scene won’t disappoint, either, with Banner Elk Winery, Grandfather Vineyard, and Flat Top Brewing Company offering delicious grapes and suds.”

“Trip Advisor is the top website in the U.S. for consumer-rated travel. It’s a big deal when a site of that magnitude recognizes Banner Elk,” says Nancy Owen, representative of the Banner Elk Tourism Development Authority. “This exposes Banner Elk to millions of people throughout North America and paints us in a very positive light. It also lets people know that, even though we have very nice accommodations, we are also reasonably priced.”

For more info on Banner Elk lodging options, go to the lodging section of this website. To read the full TripAdvisor article, click here.

Banner Elk Lodging Nationally Recognized for Quality, Value

A major travel website says travelers seeking a desirable winter destination and affordable lodging rates can find both with Banner Elk lodging.

TripAdvisor.com, which has more than 375 million unique visitors monthly, has recognized Banner Elk as a Top 10 Affordable Winter Hidden Gem in the United States.

Trip Advisor analyzed user ratings for all U.S. towns that have rental properties available on its website. It then calculated the average cost of a week’s stay in a two-bedroom vacation rental in those cities and towns.

The end result? Banner Elk made the list thanks to a user rating of 4.8 stars on a 5-star scale and its affordable, yet upscale, lodging options.

“There’s nothing cozier than a family cabin rental in the woods, where nights are spent around the fireplace drinking hot cocoa and enjoying each other’s company,” says Trip Advisor in its ranking. “Banner Elk offers this in spades. Depending which winter month you visit, you may catch temperatures warm enough for hiking and outdoor recreation, or it could dip low enough for fresh powder on the slopes.”

Skiing and snowboarding at Beech Mountain North Carolina

Banner Elk has long been known throughout the Southeast as North Carolina’s Ski Town for its close proximity to two of the largest ski resorts in the region – Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort. Both are less than 15 minutes from the town’s lone stoplight.

And, the list places Banner Elk in very good company. Among the other hidden gems are: Redmond, Ore.; Cody, Wyoming; Fort Pierce, Fla.; and Garden City Beach, S.C. Of the 10 places ranked, only Chelan, Wash., had a better user rating than Banner Elk.

“Trip Advisor is the top website in the U.S. for consumer-rated travel. It’s a big deal when a site of that magnitude recognizes Banner Elk,” says Nancy Owen, representative of the Banner Elk Tourism Development Authority. “This exposes Banner Elk to millions of people throughout North America and paints us in a very positive light. It also lets people know that, even though we have very nice accommodations, we are also reasonably priced.”

For more info on Banner Elk lodging options, go to the lodging section of this website.

Or, click here for the 15 BEST Things to Do in Banner Elk year round.

Grandfather Mtn After Dark: Creatures of the Night & Bonfire Delight

Visitors are familiar with Grandfather Mountain’s resident animals, including black bears, bald eagles, cougars, river otters and elk. But what do they do after dark?

Find out each fall at Grandfather Mountain’s annual Creatures of the Night & Bonfire Delight. This nighttime event featuring fun and spooky stories told by firelight, along with rare after-dark tours.

Creatures of the Night is an opportunity to see the world that is Grandfather Mountain after the sun goes down. The mountain comes alive with inhabitants not seen in daylight. To experience this in complete darkness, with no outside lights, is awe-inspiring.

The event starts at dusk and is BYOS (Bring Your Own S’mores), but the park provides marshmallow roasting sticks, cider, hot chocolate and seating. From there, join Grandfather staff members on a nocturnal trek to the top of the mountain (via shuttle) and the environmental wildlife habitats.

“It’s a whole different way to experience the animals,” said Jenny Condron, habitat keeper at Grandfather Mountain. “When you see them in the daytime, it’s all just a visual experience. But at night, you hear their unique noises and rustling around way before you actually see them, and it can be quite exciting and eerie.”

An “Owl Prowl” takes participants on a search for the mountain’s feathered denizens of the night, during which guides attempt to communicate with the birds through recorded owl calls.

“On a previous Owl Prowl, the barred owls were very, very responsive, talking back a lot,” chief habitats curator Christie Tipton said. “By the time we take the last tour, it’s pitch black, and you can’t see anything. Although the owls can see you.”

In fact, the event casts Grandfather Mountain in a whole new light — or lack thereof.

Planning to Attend?

This is a ticketed event and participants must be at least eight years old to attend. Space is limited and registration is required by visiting: https://grandfather.com/creatures-night/

Guests are encouraged to dress warmly and bring blankets, flashlights and S’mores ingredients to enjoy around the fire. For more info, call 828-733-2013, or visit www.Grandfather.com.

North Carolina COVID-Safe Skiing: Ski Well, Be Well

For the second straight year, the North Carolina Ski Areas Association (NCSAA) is participating in the national Ski Well, Be Well initiative to promote COVID-safe skiing during the winter of 2021-22.

All six NC ski resorts have implemented operational best practices. In the Banner Elk area, this includes Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort.

Sugar Mountain vice president Kim Jochl and Beech Mountain general manager Ryan Costin are members of the board of directors of the NC Ski Areas Association and are leading the effort to keep North Carolina’s ski slopes and snowboarding areas as safe as possible for the winter of 2021-22.

Both resorts have increased contact-less online options for buying lift tickets and renting ski and snowboard equipment. Both have also enlarged and modified their equipment rental facilities to allow for more distancing.

Foundational Covid protocols of the Ski Well, Be Well initiative in North Carolina are as follows:

Outdoor Ski Protocols

Factoring in the success of last ski season with the availability of vaccines and current state of the pandemic, outdoor operations this ski season will look much like they did prior to the pandemic:

• Chairlifts will most likely be loaded to capacity
• Unrelated parties will be able to ride the lifts together
• Masks will most likely be optional outside
• Expect standard organization of lift lines, with no “ghost lanes”
• Please wear a mask if you are high-risk or feel uncomfortable without one

Indoor Ski Protocols

This season, indoor operations will vary depending on the ski area:

• Ski areas will follow all state and local public health regulations
• In some cases, ski areas may have stronger indoor protocols in place
• Please follow all signage and requirements at the ski areas
• Protocols are subject to change throughout the season

MASKS

• Ski areas may ask guests to wear masks indoors
• Masks may be required for children who are too young to be vaccinated
• If you wear a mask, be sure it is two layers and fits over your nose and mouth

PRO TIPS

• KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. Staying informed & being flexible are key: Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort
• Keep a mask in your pocket – you will always be prepared if you need one
• Throw a mask in your kid’s pocket, too
• If you wear a mask, be sure it is two layers and fits over your nose and mouth
• Carry proof of vaccination in case a business, event or venue requires it

In general, the North Carolina Ski Areas Association believes skiing and snowboarding are uniquely positioned for safety during a pandemic. This is because resorts encompass dozens of acres of outdoor space, the majority of time is spent outdoors and cruising down the slopes, face coverings and helmets are standard gear for skiers and snowboarders, and general etiquette calls for allowing ample space between yourself and fellow skiers and boarders.

Do Your Part for a Successful Ski Experience

• Know before you go. Make sure to do research so you know what to expect when you arrive. Ski areas will keep their websites and other communications channels updated with info about parking, reservations, lessons, available amenities and mask requirements.
• Stay home if you are or could be sick — even if it is a powder day. It stinks to miss a day of skiing, but it’s worse to miss an entire season. Assess your health before going to the mountain. We all need to be healthy to keep skiing and riding.
• Ski or ride mid-week. Weekends and holidays are generally the busiest times. Try skiing mid-week for a more distanced experience with fewer people.
• Be flexible. Local and state public health regulations can change rapidly, and ski areas will comply with those regulations.
• Consider a mask and physical distancing. We can all take responsibility to help protect ourselves and others every ski season. Bringing a mask and social distancing whenever you can are two ways to ensure a safer experience. Don’t forget hand sanitizer, too.

North Carolina’s Ski Town of Banner Elk invites you to ski or snowboard all day at Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain, then enjoy lodging, restaurants and nightlife in Banner Elk. To learn more about the top ski town in North Carolina, click here.

Grandfather Mountain is Open; Here are Guidelines for Visits

Following a two-month closure last year due to COVID-19, Grandfather Mountain, which is 15 minutes from Banner Elk, reopened on May 22, 2020, with all ticket sales taking place online and reduced occupancy on a daily basis.

This continues to be the policy in 2021. Guests will still be able to enjoy Grandfather Mountain’s many wonders, including the Mile High Swinging Bridge, wildlife habitats and hiking trails. However, the park will operate under a limited capacity to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.

Rather than purchasing tickets at the park’s entrance gate, visitors must purchase tickets online for a set date and time of entry. This measure limits the number of guests in the park at one time, in accordance with NC’s social gathering guidelines. As such, tickets will not be sold or available at the gate, thus visitors must book online in advance.

Another way to ensure entrance is through Banner Elk’s Grandfather Mountain lodging packages. Your lodging host secures a reservation for admittance at a specific date/time.

“The safety of our guests and staff comes first and foremost,” said Jesse Pope, president and executive director of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the nonprofit that owns and operates the famed nature preserve.

Park officials have enacted operational measures to discourage crowding and encourage social distancing. Main buildings, such as the Nature Museum and Fudge Shop, are operating under reduced capacity, while enhanced health and safety measures are in place.

The Top Shop welcomes a limited number of guests at a time, while the park’s on-site restaurant, Mildred’s Grill, operates with limited capacity and tables spaced six feet apart. Mildred’s Grill continues to offer takeout service, allowing guests to dine in their vehicles or at one of the park’s 100-plus picnic sites.

High-traffic pedestrian areas, such as the Mile High Swinging Bridge and wildlife habitats, operate under a one-way directional system to ensure that guests do not come within six feet of each other — the minimum safe distance recommended by the CDC and other health officials.

The number of guests allowed to visit such areas at one time is limited, based on state social gathering recommendations, while a time limit ensures that others can participate in turn. However, guests are welcome revisit such areas during the same trip.

Time limits are not enforced for the park’s less crowded, lower-traffic areas.

The park has enhanced its already stringent cleaning procedures and placed additional sanitization stations in key areas, while boosting staff presence to direct traffic flow and encourage safe social distancing.

Guests who hold season passes through Grandfather’s Bridge Club annual membership program continue to receive free admission, although reservations must still be placed online. Current Bridge Club members whose passes were purchased prior to the closure will have their subscriptions extended by the length of the closure.

Please note that dates and guidelines are subject to change, based on current conditions and federal, state and local regulations. As such, those planning a trip are encouraged to visit www.grandfather.com for updates.

To learn more about Banner Elk’s Grandfather Mountain lodging packages, in which your host arranges park admission for you, click here.