A cut above the standard Best Western, this Banner Elk hotel offers a mountain motif and lots of amenities.
Guests enjoy updated rooms, seasonal outdoor heated pool, picnic area with gas grills and a deck, 37” flat screen televisions with HBO, meeting facilities, mountain views and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.
The Best Western Mountain Lodge is the only pet-friendly hotel in the Banner Elk area. A hot breakfast is included each morning and a two-room jacuzzi suite is available.
The hotel offers discount packages that include tickets to Grandfather Mountain or Ensemble Stage theater. Tickets also available for Tweetsie Railroad.
Ask the staff about arranging fly fishing guide service or a fly fishing lesson.
Other lodging options in Banner Elk are available here.
Nestled snugly in the side of a hill, this adorable two-level cottage was custom designed with the guest experience in mind. Hillside Haven provides a place to unwind, yet within walking distance to Banner Elk's Main Street.
Guests enter at the upper level into a blended living room/kitchen. A 14-foot vaulted wood ceiling gives the space an open feeling as natural light comes in through multiple windows.
The fully stocked kitchen is easy to navigate. Adjacent to the kitchen is the bathroom with a roomy shower and ceiling skylight.
The bedroom, which is down the spiral staircase on the lower level, features a king bed, 49-inch smart TV and a washer and dryer.
Hillside Haven allows pets for an additional fee.
High Country UTV Tours provide guided utility terrain vehicle excursions in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The company built a thrilling off-road course about 15 miles from Banner Elk in Roan Mountain, Tennessee. Guests drive miles of challenging mountain terrain, cross bridges, ride through creeks and climb to the summit of a mountain.
At the summit, enjoy 360-degree views where guides take photos provided to guests at no additional cost.
Choose from two- or four-seat side-by-sides for this exhilarating adventure. High Country UTV Tours are open to families and guests of all abilities and skill levels. No prior UTV riding experience is necessary.
Reservations are required.
Lost Province Brewing Co. is located in downtown Boone in a historic building that once served as an automobile showroom and later as the offices of a local newspaper. Owners Lynne and Andy Mason have an interesting story. She is a long-time member of Boone Town Council, while Andy left a career as a forensic scientist to become the head brewer, aka Dr. Beer.
The brewery's name is derived from the moniker given to the NC High Country region in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The area around Boone, West Jefferson and Banner Elk was known as the Lost Province because of its geographical isolation from the rest of the state of North Carolina.
Lost Province typically has about 10-12 beers on tap with seasonal rotations. The Lost Province American IPA is a staple, along with two New England IPAs. German style pilsners and American and Mexican style lagers are also quite popular, as are experimental batches using such ingredients as honey and raspberry.
In addition to beer, Lost Province offers a menu of savory wood-fired fare made in a large copper oven. Live music is a regular feature.
Bearfoot Lodge is a mountain-contemporary, two-bedroom condo in The Lodges at Elkmont community. This unit offers cozy, one-level living with mountain charm and sleeps up to six.
Sleeping quarters include a king room, queen room and two bathrooms, as well as a pullout sofa.
An open floor plan offers a kitchen with custom cabinets, granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. An adjacent dining room accommodates six guests and two at the bar, plus four more at the outdoor dining table. The centerpiece of the great room is a stone, gas-log fireplace with a flat-screen television.
Off the main living area is a covered patio with outdoor dining and rocking chairs to enjoy mountain views. The nearby common green space offers mountain views and rippling sounds from the creek below.
The town of Banner Elk is less than two miles away with downtown shops and great restaurants. It's approximately seven or so miles to both Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain ski resorts. Banner Elk Winery is a comfortable 400-yard walk along the creek.
Must be at least 25 years of age to rent this unit.
Louisiana Purchase (LP) on Main offers fine dining in an upscale, yet casual atmosphere on Main Street in Banner Elk. Since 1984, the restaurant has been one of the most popular in the NC High Country.
The menu features both traditional selections and seasonal offerings. Among the favorites are BBQ shrimp, bison meatloaf with smoked cheddar mac n' cheese, tartare black angus beef, crab cakes, Scottish salmon and fried oysters.
The extensive wine list has received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for several years running.
Reservations preferred.
This woodland-themed upstairs condo minutes from downtown Banner Elk provides two bedrooms and one bathroom for a cozy mountain getaway. Located approximately 10 minutes from Sugar and Beech ski resorts, the condo is a great spot for skiers. It's also an easy walk to shops, galleries and restaurants in downtown Banner Elk.
Wooden furnishings and accents give the condo a cabin-like feel. The fully equipped kitchen makes meal prep easy. Gather in the living room around the rock fireplace or outdoors around the fire pit on nice evenings. The covered balcony seems to be perched in the treetops and offers a dining table and porch swing. The unit has a stackable washer and dryer. This property is pet friendly for an additional fee.
Location is approximate. Exact address provided upon booking.
Edge of the World became one of the nation’s first snowboard shops when it started carrying boards in 1986, the same year snowboards were first allowed on the slopes at Beech Mountain.
Boarding is first and foremost at this family-owned shop in the middle of North Carolina’s ski town. The store stocks a large selection of the industry’s best brands (new and used), as well as high caliber snowboard rentals, apparel and outerwear. Hit the slopes in style with a new snowboard, or board rental, and all the necessary winter gear and accessories.
Snowboard maintenance and repair services are handled in the back shop by an on-site technician who can wax, sharpen, tune and repair any snowboard in need.
Open year-round, the shop also stocks sunglasses, ballcaps, T-shirts and backpacks.
Check out Edge of the World’s outfitter service for guided whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing and rappelling trips in the summer months.
Nguyens Asian Grill is a hidden gem on the Banner Elk restaurant scene -- an Asian fusion eatery with an extensive menu.
Patrons have a wide selection of appetizers, salads, entrées and rolled sushi rice combinations. Japanese, Vietnamese and Chinese flavors are plentiful.
The restaurant is also a great option for vegetarian meals in Banner Elk.
Kids menu, too.
From early June until October, ski slopes become downhill mountain biking trails at Beech Mountain Resort.
The Beech Mountain Bike Park provides chairlift service to the top of the 5,506 peak, allowing riders to choose from a variety of trails back down to the resort village.
There are 10 trails in total, ranging from easy to intermediate to advanced to expert only. Click here to view the trail map.
Riders may bring their own bike or rent one in the resort village, but all riders must purchase chairlift passes to ride to the top. One-time use and all-day passes are available.
Mountain biking lessons are also available. Hours are days of operation can vary, but are typically 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
Food and drink can be purchased at Beech Mountain Brewing Company in the resort village.
Maynard Rocks IV in the Elk Creek development is a two-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home. The property overlooks Banner Creek and is central to downtown Banner Elk. It is convenient to skiing at both Beech and Sugar mountain resorts, as well as outdoor exploration at Grandfather Mountain.
The 2018 construction is a two-story, cedar-sided mountain home with lots of natural light and upscale furnishings. The double-story, covered side porch has upstairs and ground-floor access. The outdoor dining area has a gas grill, bistro lights, dining table, live-edge wooden bar and heater for chilly nights. Down by the creek is a fire pit with Adirondack chairs.
Two upstairs king suites have luxury bathrooms attached. The first suite has a cozy reading area with seating for two. A murphy bed downstairs easily accommodates children or additional guests. An open-concept living room connects with the impressive kitchen area, complete with granite countertops, a gas range, generous island space for food prep, and a built-in island sink.
Appalachian State University’s world-class visual arts center occupies a unique location in the heart of downtown Boone, yet within the physical boundaries of the campus. This makes it easily accessible by visitors and students alike.
The Turchin Center is the largest of its kind in Western North Carolina. Its exhibitions focus on a blend of new and historically-important artwork and feature the work of nationally and internationally renowned artists, as well as many of the region’s finest artists.
However, the center is not devoted solely to the viewing of art. It has multi-faceted programs to give it a dynamic, living, breathing presence in the Appalachian community. The goal is to create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the power and excitement of the visual arts.
The center’s urban location places it at the crossroads between campus and community. The building is designed to visually and physically make the arts more accessible to the community, and to serve as a gateway to the greater campus beyond the center.
A pedestrian gateway features several areas for public sculpture, including the Kay Borkowski Sculpture Garden. Visitors are able to walk through the gardens and access nearby Valborg Theatre, the Belk Library and Information Commons, and the University Bookstore.
Admission is free. For more information, call 828-262-3017 or visit https://tcva.org/
Perched on top of a hill and surrounded by mountain views, this picturesque three-bedroom, three-bathroom home is the ideal mountain retreat for families or a group of couples traveling together.
One standout feature is a view of Beech Mountain from all main living areas. A fully equipped kitchen allows for easy meal preparation, and the open floor plan marries the kitchen with the living room and dining area. Enjoy outdoor meals on the deck with sweeping views, and retreat to the fire pit in the evenings.
The master suite has a king bed, and two additional bedrooms have queen beds. The master bedroom boasts a grand bathroom suite with dual sinks and an open shower, an oversized walk-in closet, and a private deck with rocking chairs.
In the additional upstairs space, there is a twin bed and a trundle bed. In the living room, the leather sectional sofa is ideal for relaxing by the stone-encased gas fireplace and playing one of many games. A washer and dryer are provided, and the garage has an electric vehicle charging station.
Elk Mountain Riding Co. provides Western-style horseback excursions with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
A variety of rides and tours are available for beginners and experienced riders. Excursions are by reservation only, with options including community rides, private rides, half-day tours and an overnight camp & ride excursion that includes camping atop Elk Mountain.
Individualized riding lessons are offered as well.
Elk Mountain Riding places a priority on caring for its stable of horses, and all horses are chosen for their temperament, health and ability to provide a good experience for guests.
Trail dogs are also part of the experience, providing companionship and assistance during your ride.
No prior riding experience is needed. The minimum age to ride is eight years old, and there's a 225-pound weight limit per rider.
Superb fine dining experience open seasonally (May-October).
Artisanal features contemporary American cuisine in the upscale rustic elegance of a converted barn. The menu stands out with an innovative and progressive farm-to-table approach. The cuisine rotates in accordance with the season.
Artisanal has been named a Top 100 restaurant in the United States by OpenTable.com and has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
Primo is an upscale dining room and bar located inside Sorrento's Italian Bistro in The Village of Banner Elk.
Reservations are required for this elevated dining experience. Guests can choose from Sorrento's traditional Italian menu, or opt for the Chop of the Day and other specials available only at Primo.
The Sorrento's menu is shaped by the owners' family roots along the southern shores of Italy, where Italian culinary traditions are influenced by the region’s abundant seafood.
For an Italian feast like no other in the North Carolina mountains, reservations can be made here.
Lose yourself in a labyrinth of color at Mountaineer Garden Center thanks to a broad selection of annuals, hanging baskets, house plants, perennials, trees and shrubs.
In spring and summer, geraniums, hydrangeas, impatiens and ferns line the greenhouses. Fall brings rows and rows of pumpkins, gourds and winter squash, plus bales of straw and cornstalks to complete the autumn experience. During the holidays, poinsettias cover greenhouse tables and the smell of evergreen fills the air as wreaths are hand tied using locally grown Fraser fir tips.
The store also stocks pottery, outdoor furniture and garden decor and supplies. A full-service florist creates bouquets and arrangements from fresh-cut flowers that are available for pick up or delivery.
Nestled in the village shops in the heart of town, Sorrento’s is an upscale bistro known for its authentic Italian cuisine. The chefs use family recipes dating back to the family’s roots in Sicily.
Menu includes salads, pastas, veal, chicken, seafood pizzas and gourmet sauces. Also open for lunch and Sunday brunch. Contemporary artwork inside and a large patio garden with fire pit open seasonally.
Thursday evenings, mid-June thru mid-August
Concerts in the Park, sponsored by the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce, are a popular summer activity. Each Thursday, well-known local and regional bands perform live shows at the Tate-Evans Town Park Amphitheater.
The fun dance music — from Southern rock to oldies, '70s, '80s, soul, country and funk — is appropriate for all ages.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a blanket to enjoy the music under the evening stars.
Food, beer and wine vendors set up on site. Small picnic coolers are allowed, and beverages should be in plastic cups.
Pets are not allowed in the amphitheater seating area. However, pets and owners often enjoy the music while sitting or picnicking in the adjacent park.
On show nights, the parking lot opens at 6 p.m. and music begins at 6:30 p.m.
2025 Concert Schedule
June 26 > Adam Church Band
July 3 > The Rewind: A Tribute to the 80s
July 10 > 70's Kids
July 17 > Funkupation
July 24 > The Johnson Brothers
Aug. 7 > The Collective
Aug. 14 > The Extraordinaires
For additional info about the concerts, click here.
*Please Note: Due to Hurricane Helene damage, only portions of the greenway are currently open -- the portions within Tate-Evans Park and the immediate downtown area, and users must stay on the trail in Tate-Evans Park. South of downtown, the greenway is closed around the Mill Pond and Banner House Museum
Banner Elk has approximately 1.1 miles of greenway trails. The trails begin at Tate-Evans Park in downtown Banner Elk, which features a trail that loops a third of a mile around the grounds.
The park also has two playground areas, wading pools, a volleyball court, picnic tables, a covered picnic shelter and an amphitheater. Special events and concerts occur in the park throughout the year.
The greenway trails head in two directions from the park. The lower portion goes southward and loops around just outside the park or continues along Shawneehaw Creek and the eastern edge of Lees-McRae College.
The greenway creates a convenient, safe and scenic pedestrian connector between the college and the shops and restaurants downtown. Just past the Mill Pond, a footbridge leads across Elk River. Also along the trail is the Banner House Museum, the restored 19th-century home of one of Banner Elk’s original settlers.
The upper portion of the greenway follows Shawneehaw Creek north from Tate-Evans Park and runs parallel with Main Street until ending at Dogwood Road. Kettell Beerworks is located near the greenway’s northern end point. Whether you’re strolling downtown for a pint or getting in your daily exercise, the greenway trail is a valuable resource.
Beech Mountain Resort, minutes from Banner Elk, is the highest ski area in the Eastern U.S., with a peak elevation of 5,506 feet.
The resort has 17 trails — including two expansive terrain parks — on 95 skiable acres serviced by eight lifts. Three state-of-the-art Doppelmayr quad lifts installed in the past few years reduce waiting time by getting skiers and boarders to the slopes faster.
Recent investments in hi-tech snow-making equipment greatly increases snow coverage on all the slopes, as well as the snow-tubing lanes to extend the tubing season and allow for advanced booking for tubing.
The average annual snowfall on Beech Mountain is around 84 inches.
Open Terrain & 5506’ Skybar
Beech Mountain has some of the widest slopes in the High Country of North Carolina, including the West Bowl slope on the backside of the mountain. West Bowl, formerly known as Oz Run, is popular because it is one of the few west-facing ski runs in the U.S.
At the peak is the 5,506 Skybar, named for the mountain’s signature elevation. The glass roundhouse is the perfect place to warm up between runs, or grab a beverage and bite to eat to cap a full day of skiing.
The Skybar has heated restrooms and a large observation deck with Adirondack chair overlooking the slopes.
Family-Friendly Skiing
The resort’s ski school offers group and individual lessons for young and old, beginner or advanced. Snowboarding instruction is provided by an on-site Burton Learn-to-Ride Center. There are two beginner slopes, the Play Yard and the Carolina-Caribbean, both served by a carpet conveyor lift.
A pair of mom-approved services available at Beech Mountain Resort are an on-site nursery and an apparel rental shop. No need to pack ski pants, ski bibs or jackets.
Tubing & More in Alpine Village
A unique aspect of Beech Mountain Resort is the alpine village at the base of the slopes. The village is home to snow tubing, a two-story ski lodge, ski rental shops, a craft brewery, a coffee shop, outdoor fire pits, a snack bar and a souvenir store.
Curving walkways, twinkling lights and picnic tables encourage gathering with friends while enjoying a pint of beer or cup of coffee.
Enjoy Terrain Parks, Night Skiing
Two terrain parks, Meadows and Powder Bowl, are located on their own slope with a fast handle-pull tow to allow snowboarders to practice and perfect freestyle skills without dodging skier traffic.
The terrain park crew pulls from a library of more than 50 features to keep the setup fresh.
Hi-tech LED lighting illuminates several slopes for night skiing. Flex tickets allow visitors to begin their ski or snowboard sessions as early or late as they choose. Commit to as few as four hours or go all out with a 12-hour ticket.
The typical ski season at Beech Mountain runs from Thanksgiving weekend to the middle of March. For more info, visit BeechMountainResort.com.
Experience luxury lifestyle inside and out at this well-appointed three-level vacation home.
Maynard V at Elk Creek offers the ultimate vacation getaway, blending modern design and thoughtful amenities for those who appreciate the finer things.
Guests are greeted on the main level by a large living room featuring a water vapor fireplace, upscale furnishings and mountain views. The high-end kitchen is a chef's delight, boasting Zline appliances, two dishwashers, two coffee machines, spacious porcelain island, bar seating for five, and dining table for seven.
The primary king suite is on the main level, featuring tiled shower, luxurious tub, porcelain vanity, walk-in closet and luxury linens.
The upper level has two bedrooms sharing a hallway bath. The king bedroom is impressively furnished, and the bunk room has queen beds on opposite ends of the room, with one twin bunk bed above each queen.
A second king suite is located on the lower level, complete with a comfortable sectional sofa and large screen TV.
The luxury of the main level extends outdoors to a covered and screened deck with furniture for relaxing and dining for eight, all framed by sweeping mountain views.
An additional convenience for guests is garage access.
Sky Valley is a treetop zip-line adventure. Located between Boone and Blowing Rock, the property covers more than 140 acres of old-grown forest. The course includes 10 zip lines, as well as a swinging bridge over a 35-foot waterfall and a cliff jump.
The journey starts with an ATV ride through the river and up the mountain. “Ground School” is an informational session before the zip-line tour where rangers explain the equipment, give zipping instructions and allow participants to train on practice lines. Two rangers accompany each tour group.
The first three zips are warm-ups. Then comes Big Mama, a 1,600-foot zip line that’s 300 feet above the ground. That single zip takes about 40 seconds, and riders reach speeds of more than 30 miles per hour. The scenery is the star for the entire tour. Riders zip over and through trees while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Sky Valley is appropriate for beginners and experienced zip-liners. The tours are great outings for families, groups of friends or company retreats. Kids must be 10 years old to participate, and riders must weigh between 70 and 250 pounds. Those younger than 18 must have the signature of a parent or guardian. The tour takes about two-and-a-half to three hours to complete.
A photographer accompanies each tour to capture memorable moments. Closed-toe shoes are required. Tours run rain or shine, so rain jackets are recommended. It’s chillier in the High Country than at lower elevations, so participants should dress in layers.
Sky Valley often partners with other area attractions, such as breweries and river outfitters, so keep an eye out for packages. Advance reservations are encouraged.
June 19-22, 2025
Boonerang is a multi-day music and arts festival held the third weekend of June in downtown Boone. This free festival showcases Boone-connected musicians and artists who boomerang back home to perform on multiple concert stages.
Primary concert venues are street stages on South Depot and North Depot street, a lawn stage at the Jones House and a side stage at Espresso News. Other highlights are local food and craft beer, a vendor market and a kids zone.
Happenings surrounding Boonerang include a dance lot, international fest, silent discos and performances at the Appalachian Theatre.
Hidden Gem is a spacious craftsman cottage home on a secluded lot, yet walking distance to downtown Banner Elk. This upscale home features an open floor plan with hardwood floors and vaulted ceilings.
Luxury amenities include: hot tub, fire pit, indoor & outdoor fireplaces, granite counters, custom cabinetry and cozy leather furniture. Three bedrooms, three baths and a loft. Sleeps eight, including large master suite with king bed.
This luxurious six-bedroom, five-bath vacation home in The Farms of Banner Elk has high-end amenities, sweeping mountain views and space for as many as 14 guests. Although the home feels worlds away, downtown Banner Elk is a five-minute drive.
Enter the great room and admire the mountain view through the wall of windows. Sugar Mountain ski resort is visible in the distance.
The chef's kitchen has granite countertops throughout, two sinks and a horseshoe bar. A large laundry room doubles as a butler's pantry with additional cabinetry, counter space, a sink and refrigerator/freezer.
The house's west wing has a king suite with smart TV, gas fireplace, deck access and private bath. The east wing has a king bed with smart TV and a private door to a full bath.
The upper level features a spacious gaming loft with a pool table, wet bar and large seating area with windows overlooking the mountains. The bedroom suite has a queen bed plus a daybed.
On the lower level, you'll find three bedrooms and a nook with built-in twin bunk beds. The west king suite has a shower, double jetted tub and double granite vanities. The east suite has another king bed with smart TV and a bedroom with a queen and two twin beds. These bedrooms share a bathroom.
A second great room offers deck access, plus Foosball and air hockey tables.
On the main level decks, enjoy beautiful valley views from the hot tub, and a double-sided wood-burning fireplace. A gas grill is also available for outdoor meal prep.
BJ's Resort Wear is one of those pleasant little discoveries in ladies' shopping: a high-end boutique with unique fashion finds. Owner Sally Breslauer opened the shop in 1978 and customers have relied on her keen eye for fashion ever since.
The shop is known for quality garments and personal attention. Breslauer regularly travels to New York to purchase the finest in ready-to-wear ladies’ attire including Bogner, Basler and Belford brands, along with jewelry accessories.
BJ’s hosts regular trunk shows from June through September.
Book a Blue Ridge Mountain getaway at this four-bedroom, 3.5-bath cabin tucked into the treetops near downtown Banner Elk.
The three-level cottage is perched on a mountain edge with views from the decks, backyard fire pit and indoors. Amenities include two fully equipped kitchens, two living areas, a furnished deck and patio, and an outdoor dining area.
The main level’s vaulted ceilings, skylights, gas fireplace and wood accents create a cozy vibe. Another full living area, dining area and kitchen are located on the lower level.
Three bedrooms have king beds, and the fourth has twin-over-full bunk beds. Two bathrooms have walk-in showers, while the third full bathroom has a tub-shower combination.
The hot tub is a popular space to unwind in the evenings after a day on one of the two nearby ski slopes, Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain. A shuffleboard table allows for friendly indoor competition. The cabin includes a washer and dryer.
Downtown Banner Elk — with its shops, galleries, restaurants, tasting rooms, and annual events — lies within an easy walk.
Visitors must be at least 25 years old to book.
*Temporarily closed due to Hurricane Helene
Just a short drive from Banner Elk is one of the best waterfalls in the NC mountains. Elk River Falls, also known as Big Falls, features large volumes of water dropping 50 feet over a rock cliff into a picturesque oval pool.
The hike to the waterfall is on an easy-to-follow trail, but there are many rocks and roots along the way. It is about a third of a mile to get to the bottom of the waterfall (0.6 miles roundtrip).
The falls can be viewed from an area near the top of the falls (never venture too close at this vantage point) or it can be viewed by hiking down the trail to a large rock beside a pool at the bottom of the falls.
Visitors are warned not to swim in the pool because the large volume of water creates an undertow current that pulls everything to the bottom of the pool.
[Related content: For more outdoor adventure in Banner Elk, click here][Did you know? Banner Elk is home to NC's only alpine coaster: Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster]
Hickory Ridge Living History Museum is located on the grounds of Horn in the West, the nation's oldest Revolutionary War drama. The museum was created in 1980 to foster a better understanding of the life of the settlers in the Horn in the West outdoor drama.
Staffed with interpreters in period clothing, the 18th century homestead gives visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of early mountain settlers. The museum also provides insight into the self sufficiency of our forefathers by showing the routines and skills they possessed such as hearthside cooking, weaving, making candles, spinning and blacksmithing.
The museum strives to recreate the atmosphere of a small mountain community around the time of the Revolutionary War when furnishings were sparse but the family was diverse with its religion, humor, and self sufficiency, creating a warm atmosphere.
For visitor information, call 828-264-2120 or go to: www.HickoryRidgeMuseum.com
Tee it up for a round of golf on your choice of 400 courses -- including Pebble Beach -- at The Turn Indoor Golf in Banner Elk.The Turn has three bays utilizing the top-of-the-line Trackman Golf simulator. Each bay allows you to play 18 holes by yourself or with up to three friends.In addition to providing a round on a famous golf course, the simulator tracks each golfer's clubhouse speed, launch angle, distance, spin rate and more.If you're not up for an 18-hole round, dial up the driving range to work on your swing -- rain or shine, daylight or darkness.
A full-service indoor bar awaits, along with an outside lounge overlooking the Elk River.
The Turn is open to the public seven days a week. No membership required and walk-ins are welcome.
The best in locally-made art can be found at the Banner Elk (BE) Artists Gallery.
Formed by a group of local artists, the BE Artists Gallery features fine arts and crafts for sale to the public. All items are hand-made objects of beauty and utility created by artisans living within a 50-mile radius of Banner Elk.
The gallery was so successful in its first year that its size was doubled to provide display space for more artists.
Displays vary throughout the year and include such mediums as: fabric art, fine furniture, glass works, graphic arts, jewelry, metal works, paintings, photography, pottery and wood turnings.
From mid-April through December, hours of operation are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other times, it is by appointment only by calling 828-898-6767.
Westglow Resort & Spa was founded on the idea of relaxation. Originally constructed in 1917, the estate was the summer retreat of artist and writer Elliott Daingerfield. In 1978, Glynda Valentine, a fitness and wellness pioneer, purchased the property for her private residence.
Now on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as one of 36 Relais & Châteaux properties in the country, Westglow is a world-class resort. Its location in Blowing Rock encourages guests to escape daily stresses and refresh the mind, body and spirit.
The Westglow Spa experience conforms to personal interests. For guests seeking exercise and activity, facilities include an indoor heated pool, cardiovascular room, weight room and tennis courts. Participate in cycle class, yoga, Tai Chi or a guided hike. Workshops and seminars teach techniques to manage stress and make healthy decisions.
For those looking to unwind and rejuvenate, the spa has a variety of treatments. Renew your skin with a facial and the help of a skin-care specialist. Choose from calming, resurfacing, anti-aging and hydrating options. An extensive massage menu offers deep tissue, aromatherapy, hot stones, essential oils and treatments especially for prenatal guests and couples. The signature Soul of the Rose treatment involves a loofah warming body wrap to exfoliate and cleanse the skin and a full-body massage.
Other techniques include Vichy rain therapy and acupuncture. The full-service salon pampers guests with hair styling, manicures, pedicures and waxing. Many treatments are available a la carte or as part of a day spa package. Westglow has a three-to-one ratio of staff members to guests and prides itself on customer service. Spa guests enjoy the dry sauna, multiple lounges and patios, a poolside cafe and a retail boutique.
More information is available at 800-562-0807 or www.westglowresortandspa.com.
You don't want to miss your chance to stay at this adorable cabin in the trees. Gather around the large, rock fireplace in the great room or on the relaxing, secluded deck. Enjoy the well-stocked kitchen, or take advantage of the gas grill outdoors.
The two-bedroom two-bathroom cabin sleeps six with a sofa bed. Cozy woodlands decor sets the scene for your Blue Ridge Mountain adventures.
The shops and restaurants of downtown Banner Elk are only half a mile away. The greenway walking trail, which leads to a park and downtown attractions, runs right through the neighborhood.
This ground-floor, corner condo in the Lodges at Elkmont features two king suites, an open great room, and kitchen and dining area in a floor plan designed for comfort and convenience.
Amenities include a stacked-stone, gas fireplace in the great room; large walk-in pantry; and spacious laundry room with full-size washer and dryer.
Outside, enjoy the spacious wraparound porch with patio furniture, long-range mountain views and easy walking distance to the community fire pit and picnic area. The Lodges at Elkmont are located around the corner from Banner Elk Winery and five minutes from downtown Banner Elk.
A seven-night minimum is required for all reservations in this condo. Pets not allowed.
Elk’s Roost is a beautiful craftsman-style home located in The Farm at Banner Elk. This four-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom vacation rental sleeps 12 people and also welcomes pets.
The name Elk’s Roost was chosen because of the home’s proximity to downtown Banner Elk (a three-minute drive) and the tree-house feeling the home's location and design provide.
The well-decorated home ties in mountain themes throughout with bark accents, rhododendron railings, granite countertops and detailed millwork.
Sip a cup of coffee or cocktail on one of the expansive decks while enjoying long-range mountain views including Grandfather and Sugar mountains. The covered patio off the dining room extends the home's open floor plan to the outdoors with a grill and additional seating.
This home is ideal for multiple families in need of extra space with two master suites and kitchens.
It also works well for groups that include senior members; there is a master suite on the main level with only two small steps to enter.
Always the first weekend in DecemberDec. 5-7, 2025
Create lasting memories during a special weekend filled with traditional holiday activities. A Small Town Christmas in Banner Elk begins Friday evening with the lighting of the town tree and a Christmas variety show performed by Ensemble Stage at the Historic Banner Elk School.
Saturday's events begin early in the morning and stretch well into the evening. Festivities include: a 5K run, Breakfast with Santa, storytelling, ornament making, cookie decorating, and an evening Christmas parade followed by mini-train rides through luminaries, visits with Santa and activities for kids.
Shopping is available, too, and all activities are within easy walking distance in this one-stoplight resort town in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Sunday is a great time for visiting one of the many choose & cut tree farms in the surrounding countryside. Lodging packages, which include a choose & cut Christmas tree, are available. Sunday also features an encore performance of the Ensemble Stage holiday variety show and Christmas-themed tours at Apple Hill Alpaca Farm.
For expanded info and a schedule of events, click here
Banner Elk Winery is situated close to downtown in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains. Founded in 2006, it was the first commercial winery in Avery and Watauga counties.
Banner Elk Winery is known for award-winning wines from grapes grown on property and sourced from other local vineyards. The Marechal Foch is made from the French-American hybrid grape of the same name. It produces a red wine with intense flavors and color.
Banner Elk Red, a winemaker’s choice blend of Marechal Foch, Sangiovese and Merlot, has won a gold medal at the International Eastern Wine Competition in Sonoma, California, and was named the best red hybrid at the North Carolina State Fair.
Banner Elk Winery also produces a blueberry wine that pays tribute to the property’s history as a former blueberry farm.
Overall, the vineyard produces nine wines on an annual basis: four reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Marechal Foch, Banner Elk Red, High Country Rosé), three whites (Banner Elk White, Seyval Blanc, Vino Francesco Chianti White) and two dessert wines.
Private tastings for parties of 10 or more are available with advance notice of at least a week. There is also a luxury villa on property that can accommodate corporate meetings and retreats, weddings and private functions.
The winery is open daily on a year-round basis from noon to 6 p.m.
More information is available at 828-898-9090 or www.bannerelkwinery.com.
