The Boone center is around the area of Appalachian State University and 1 mile northwest of Watauga Hospital Wellness Center.
Consider visiting Boone during the autumn months. The Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding landscapes come alive with beautiful colors, from brightest crimson to purest gold. You'll love driving through the countryside to view the fall colors and to catch glimpses of local wildlife. Plus, the winter chill has yet to set in, so although you might need a sweater in the evenings, the sunshine should keep you warm during the day.
Spring is also an excellent time to visit Boone, though you might see more showers between March and May. Bring a raincoat and choose alternatives to outdoor adventures just in case the forecast turns ugly. Crowds tend to build toward the end of May, which might make tourist activities less enjoyable. Additionally, hotel prices will start to climb, so if you plan to visit then, consider booking your rooms early.
Summer is the most popular time to visit Boone, thanks to the warm weather and abundant outdoor attractions. However, you'll pay the highest hotel rates during this time, and you'll face crowds. Plus, the heat can get unbearable, especially near the end of July and the beginning of August, so avoid these times if you're not tolerant of heat and humidity.
In winter, you'll have the opposite problem: great hotel rates and no crowds, but very few opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. If you choose to visit over the winter, pack plenty of warm clothing and prepare for snow and ice.
The chain hotels, such as the Super 8, Fairfield Inn, and Holiday Inn Express, are your best options if you want to score discounts. For instance, Holiday Inn franchises often run seasonal promotions to attract visitors. You might get free premium services, a discounted rate, or some other perk. These establishments also offer discounts for certain groups of people, such as senior citizens, AAA members, and military service members. The La Quinta Inn & Suites Boone is also a FEMA-approved hotel for government workers.
Maybe you're looking for a hint of luxury, but you don't want to blow your whole vacation budget on lodging. Try the Holiday Inn Express Boone, which features reasonable prices without skimping on amenities. The rooms are larger than you might expect from a chain hotel location, and the contemporary decor will help you relax from the moment you arrive. On-site amenities include a business center, fitness center, newsstand, and seasonal outdoor pool.
Alternatively, book your room at the La Quinta Inn & Suites Boone. It's a lodge-style property with a rustic exterior and gorgeous lighting. Relax by the fire in the hotel lobby or take a dip in the pool. Every room comes with a microwave, refrigerator, coffeemaker, and free Wi-Fi. Plus, you can book rooms with fireplaces or whirlpool bathtubs to amp up the luxury. Choose from comfortable queen or king beds, each of which comes with a pillowtop mattress and comfortable linens. You'll have a flat-screen television in your room as well as a telephone.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is hands-down the most popular way to experience the Blue Ridge Mountains. It runs right next to Boone, so feel free to hop on the highway and drive as far as your gas tank will permit. You'll see beautiful scenery as well as local wildlife, so don't forget to bring your camera or binoculars. There are several places where you can pull over to stop and admire the view or take pictures.
Trails also abound in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but pay attention to trail markings and choose the ones that best suit your skill level. For hikers who have limited experience, muscle density, or lung capacity, stick with the easiest hikes, such as the Crabtree Falls or Craggy Gardens trails.
Of course, you can also explore the parkway and the mountains in other ways, such as by biking. If you're not sure where to start, or if you're interested in learning where to find shops and restaurants, stop by the visitor's center to get brochures and ask for guidance.
An adventure in Boone will leave you rested, relaxed, and ready to return to your daily life. After you've experienced this authentic Southern city, you'll want to plan next year's visit well in advance. Just select one of the hotels recommended above and make your reservations so you don't miss out.
Below are reviews of the city of Boone, NC from an actual visitor's perspective.
Boone and sourounding towns easy to get around in and several antique shops we enjoyed browsing through. Got good recommendations from locals
Beautiful city
We liked Boone's restaurant options featuring fresh and local food from local farms. When we travel, we specifically look for restaurants that feature Fresh and Local.
Beautiful place!
Lots of sidewalks so we could walk everywhere, lots of great hiking choices and good restaurants.
People are friendly and willing to answer questions.
Concerts at App State summer at Schaffer Center and CheapJoes art supply for art lessons.
I love that it is a college town & lots of interesting shops with lots of bohemian type of clothes & items.
We enjoyed the shops. The parade was fun. People were very pleasant. Great place for families to visit.
Great staff
Great restaurants!
Well I choose to live here year round!
Great weather and shops. I learned how to ski at Sugar Mountain and it brings back great memories ❤️
Love the mountains and shopping!
Great Main Street with lots of activities and beautiful scenery abounds.
Love Boone area!
Love Boone!
Beautiful scenery.
The people were all very friendly.
So many outdoor activities! We went gem mining at Foggy Mountain Gems! Very fun! We also went to shops on the parkway. We had dinner at Peddlers Steakhouse. Food was amazing, love the fact that they offer unlimited salads with your meal customized the way you want them. Amazing Bloody Mary's! Love the scenery and all the opportunities to go, hiking, snow tubing, gym, mining, museums, skiing, etc.
Boone is a beautiful area full of the App State atmosphere as well as wonderful places to eat!
It's a great town. We retired here because the city is safe.
The respect the people give and very friendly and helpful and Nice
I live in Boone and it is beautiful. The mountains, the skiing, the Fall, Octoberfest, everything! It is stunning here.
The city of Boone seems like a fun place with interesting shops.
Nice shopping!
Good restaurants!
Nice city.
Boone is a very laid back college town. Plenty of restaurants and things to do in the area.
Hiking!
Mast Store downtown provided great shopping experience!
History and beautiful scenery!
Bike Rally!
Boone is a nice mountain town.
All the stores! Lots to do!
Loved the weather and there was plenty to do (Mast General Store, etc.)!
Such a quaint city with really interesting shops and gorgeous landscapes. We did not have a lot of time to explore but we did need a man's undershirt and easily found a store to accommodate that need.
Booneshine Brewery just one mile from hotel in industrial park away from town. Plenty of parking, good beer, good food. Appalachian Brewing downtown. Plenty of free parking at establishment.
Boone was great. Dog friendly and folks were super nice.
The Daniel Boone Inn Restaurant was wonderful.
Boone seemed like a nice town. We spent most of our time at Banner Elk.
Nice scenery. Went to Grandfather Mountain and drove the Parkway.
Boone is lovely, surrounded by mountains, cute shops and restaurants!
Nice campus.
Food (restaurants) was great, hospitality, weather.
Boone offers nice shopping, great restaurants and bars. Our grandsons live in Boone and we were there to see their band, Deep Pockets, perform at the TAPP Room.
The people, the food and beautiful nature!
The fall colors, amazing.
I graduated from ASU. Love everything about Boone and the surrounding areas!
I graduated from ASU. Love everything about Boone and the surrounding areas!
I am an alumni of ASU so I love everything about Boone.
Wonderful hiking trails and easy Blue Ridge Parkway access. We hiked at Price Lake, Moses Cone Grounds and the beautiful greenway. Also visited original Mast General Store in Valle Crusis and Blowing Rocks shops and restaurants.
Everyone was really nice
Scenery, climate, great food and shopping!
Very nice city, people are very kind, sweet,
Great food!!
Location was incredible!!
It's a beautiful town and enjoyed our dinner experience at Makados Japanese restaurant.
Friendly, friendly, friendly; with lots of good fun eating places. Lots of beautiful nature nearby.
Especially all the hiking and beautiful sites
We loved the town of Blowing Rock for the quaint shops and restaurants. Wish we had time to visit Boone.
We found some good restaurants and enjoyed seeing the campus. We also attended "The Horn in the West" which was great.