Located only 13 miles from Hemlock Hill Cabin, Boone, NC is a vibrant mountain town with an active spirit, offering a perfect mix of natural splendor, outdoor adventure and community. At 3,333 feet elevation, Boone is the highest county seat in the eastern US and home to Appalachian State University. The town is named after Daniel Boone, the famous frontiersman who frequented this pass by Howards Knob. This is an outdoor lover’s paradise, surrounded by landscapes that change with the seasons. Rachel grew up in Boone and still enjoys visiting her mother’s porch taking in views of her hometown and Grandfather Mountain in the distance.
Boone is the hub to the smaller communities in the High Country, including Blowing Rock, Valle Crucis, Banner Elk and Linville.
At the heart of Downtown Boone, King Street is a lively, walkable area filled with unique shops, local galleries, restaurants, and craft breweries.
Here are some of our favorites:
Just 8-miles from the original Mast Store in Valle Crucis, the Boone location opened in 1988 and is still one of the most popular locations today. At this outfitters and general store, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time with creaky wooden floors and an original staircase dating back to the 1920s. Don’t forget to check out the Candy Barrel for the sweet tooth.
Common Good
A beautiful, brightly light store where you’ll find unique local art and handmade goods, including home decor, baby items, and clothing, plus an espresso bar.
Footsloggers: Serving the High Country since 1971, Footsloggers Outdoor and Travel Outfitters is the best resource for outdoor and travel gear. Check out their climbing wall.
Appalachian State Apparel shops: Appalachian State University (App State) has a few places along King Street where you can pick up university gear, clothing, and various supplies.
Boone, NC, has a vibrant and diverse food scene that caters to a variety of tastes, from casual bites to more upscale dining experiences.
A great place to enjoy North Carolina cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in a casual, upscale space right on King Street.
Highlighting diverse flavors with wholesome and fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers. They’re proud to only use styrofoam-free, plastic-free and biodegradable products for all of our take out dishes.
Craft beer pairs with wood-fired pizzas & seasonal fare in a hip space offering frequent live music.
Upscale-casual New American eatery was designed to be a place where friends and family could come to have fun. Stick around because they have a bar that morphs into a late-night DJ club scene on weekends
Fresh fruits, farm-raised eggs, local produce, organic coffee, made to order juice, all come together for your dining pleasure. You won’t find a lot of pretense or fuss about our food, but what you’ll taste is simply delicious, especially for breakfast.
The best sunset cocktails are found at The Horton roof deck with vistas of the town and the surrounding ridgelines.
Downtown Boone has a lively event calendar throughout the year.
The Appalachian State Mountaineers have built a strong football program, known for their passionate fanbase, memorable games, and successful seasons. Kid Brewer stadium, also known as The Rock, is the homefield and walking distance to downtown Boone.
Started in 2022, this multi-day, free music and arts festival in downtown Boone has become incredibly popular between locals and visitors alike. The festival includes numerous concert stages, local food and beer, artisan market, children activities, silent discos, and afterparties. This year’s event is on June 19-21, 2026
In the heart of King Street this restored independent, non-profit theatre featuring live performances, movies, and other events.
Located on Appalachian State University’s campus, this performing arts center features year-round, including an annual series of performances called ‘An Appalachian Summer’. This event features showcasing an eclectic mix of music, dance, theatre, visual arts and film programming.
Beyond its downtown charm, the town of Boone has some must-visit locations include:
This scenic and family-friendly trail offers an easy and relaxing way to explore Boone’s natural beauty. The well-maintained pathway winds along the South Fork of the New River, providing a peaceful environment for walking, biking, and even birdwatching. Perfect for a morning stroll or an afternoon picnic, the Boone Greenway Trail is an excellent option for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without strenuous hiking.
Howard Knob Park: Rising high above Downtown Boone, Howard Knob Park offers one of the most stunning panoramic views in the High Country. A short, but steep, drive up the mountain leads to a small park where visitors can soak in the breathtaking sights of Boone and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s an ideal spot for photography, a quiet escape, or simply admiring the vast landscape of Western North Carolina.
A peaceful retreat in the heart of Boone, the Daniel Boone Native Gardens showcase a beautiful collection of native Appalachian plant species. Visitors can wander through winding pathways, admire seasonal floral displays, and learn about the region’s rich botanical diversity. These gardens provide a lovely escape from the busy downtown. They are perfect for gardening enthusiasts and those looking for a quiet place to unwind.
Boone offers countless ways to connect with nature. You can hike, bike, or simply enjoy the crisp mountain air.
Downtown Boone is known for its lively college town atmosphere, King Street shops and restaurants, Appalachian State University, and easy access to outdoor adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains. At 3,333 feet elevation it is the highest county seat in the eastern United States and serves as the hub of the High Country, connecting visitors to Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Valle Crucis, and beyond.
Boone is about 13 miles from Hemlock Hill Cabin in Blowing Rock — roughly a 20 minute drive. The two towns complement each other perfectly for a High Country visit. Blowing Rock offers a quieter, more intimate small town experience while Boone brings the energy of a college town with a wider variety of restaurants, breweries, and events.
Yes! King Street and the surrounding downtown area are very walkable. Most of the shops, restaurants, and attractions mentioned on this page are within easy walking distance of each other. The Boone Greenway Trail also offers a scenic walking and biking path along the South Fork of the New River for those who want to explore beyond downtown.
Appalachian State Mountaineers football runs from September through November. Home games at Kidd Brewer Stadium (also known as The Rock) are within walking distance of downtown Boone and draw passionate crowds. Game day weekends are one of the most exciting times to visit Boone, though we recommend booking Hemlock Hill Cabin well in advance as dates fill up quickly.
Boonerang is a free, multi-day music and arts festival held annually in downtown Boone, typically in June. Started in 2022 it has quickly become one of the most popular events in the High Country, featuring multiple concert stages, local food and craft beer, an artisan market, children’s activities, and afterparties. It is free to attend and draws visitors from across the region.
Boone is a year-round destination. Summer brings mild temperatures in the mid-70s and a full calendar of events. Fall is spectacular for foliage and App State football. Winter is quieter but charming, with ski resorts nearby and holiday events downtown. Spring is beautiful and less crowded — a great time to explore without peak season prices or crowds.
After an exciting day exploring Boone, return to the comfort of Hemlock Hill Cabin, a luxury retreat nestled in Blowing Rock. Offering spacious accommodations, modern amenities, and a peaceful setting, it’s the perfect place to unwind, recharge, and plan your next adventure.
Boone is one of those towns that rewards a slow, unhurried visit – the kind where you stumble into a great restaurant, catch a live show you didn’t plan for, and end up staying longer than you meant to. After a full day on King Street, Hemlock Hill Cabin is just 13 miles away and waiting with a hot tub, fire pit, and enough space for the whole family to spread out and decompress.
Check availability and book directly at Hemlock Hill Cabin for the best available rate and no platform fees. Summer and fall dates fill quickly — especially during App State football weekends and the Boonerang Festival
