Rachel's Guidebook
Traveling with kids
Tweetsie is a great place to visit especially if you have small kids. It is perfect for ages 2-10ish. Older kids will probably not find it as much fun as the younger kids as there aren’t many rides for older kids. Ghost train at Halloween, however, is more older kid appropriate. We have been season pass holders for 10 years now!
242 locals recommend
Tweetsie Railroad
300 Tweetsie Railroad LnTweetsie is a great place to visit especially if you have small kids. It is perfect for ages 2-10ish. Older kids will probably not find it as much fun as the younger kids as there aren’t many rides for older kids. Ghost train at Halloween, however, is more older kid appropriate. We have been season pass holders for 10 years now!
Sightseeing
Elk Knob State Park
5564 Meat Camp RdOne of our favorite places to hike!
Beautiful scenery, hours of hiking available, a nature center and a small animal habitat. I would plan to bring a picnic and spend the day to get the most out of our money because it is a bit expensive to get in. Amazing views of the high country. Make sure to go on a clear day to best appreciate the view though!
716 locals recommend
Grandfather Mountain
2050 Blowing Rock HwyBeautiful scenery, hours of hiking available, a nature center and a small animal habitat. I would plan to bring a picnic and spend the day to get the most out of our money because it is a bit expensive to get in. Amazing views of the high country. Make sure to go on a clear day to best appreciate the view though!
Fun for all ages
Go with the package of 3 because one trip goes by too fast! You can go as fast as it will go or as slow as you want so it is great for all ages.
206 locals recommend
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
3265 Tynecastle HwyGo with the package of 3 because one trip goes by too fast! You can go as fast as it will go or as slow as you want so it is great for all ages.
High Gravity Adventures Zip Line & Aerial Park
215 Tweetsie Railroad LnOne of the local river tubing outfitters that we have used. Everyone loves an easy day of tubing on the river.
64 locals recommend
RiverGirl Fishing Co.
4041 Todd Railroad Grade RdOne of the local river tubing outfitters that we have used. Everyone loves an easy day of tubing on the river.
A local tubing and whitewater outfitter. I think the majority of whitewater they access is at least an hour drive away from Boone.
32 locals recommend
Wahoo's Adventures
3380 US-321A local tubing and whitewater outfitter. I think the majority of whitewater they access is at least an hour drive away from Boone.
Food scene
One of our favorite local restaurants. Upscale sports bar atmosphere with good sandwiches, salads, pizza and drinks. The restaurant was set up to help support our friends non-profit organization Wine to Water so we love supporting it!
16 locals recommend
Ransom
747 W King StOne of our favorite local restaurants. Upscale sports bar atmosphere with good sandwiches, salads, pizza and drinks. The restaurant was set up to help support our friends non-profit organization Wine to Water so we love supporting it!
Mellow Mushroom
805 W King StA family favorite for pizza! Everything in the menu is great!
City advice
Getting around
Plan to Drive or Uber
Boone and the High Country generally require travel by car to get to most places. It is not a very walking friendly place other than being able to park downtown and walk around the downtown and App State campus areas. Appalcart is the bus system but it mostly runs within the town of Boone with a focus on App State student transportation needs. Uber is an option for transportation to and from the house for a reasonable rate.
What to pack
Rain coats and layers are often a good idea!
Regardless of the time of year Boone weather can vary day to day! It can be 60 one day and 30 and snowy the next. Even in the summer our evenings can get cool so I would recommend bring a coat or sweatshirt and pants for cool nights!