Photo Friday: Boone, North Carolina

My body can’t seem to keep up with the seasons, as I left moderate climes in Georgia to visit my sister in the mountains of North Carolina before heading down to Florida, where it was still in the 80s. But it really felt like fall there so I broke out my sweaters and boots for a weekend getaway.

She went there for undergrad but came back years later to work towards a Masters in Appalachian Studies. This trip, taken a few weeks ago, was the first time I’d been back since we moved her in over the summer.

While my parents stayed at the Green Park Inn Hotel in Blowing Rock, a Historic Hotel of America, I crashed on Sammi’s couch in downtown Boone. The weekend was rainy, but we made the best of it by visiting the outlets (where I picked up some a sweater and shoes from J.Crew Factory) and the boutiques of downtown Blowing Rock. Basing yourself in Boone allows you to check out the surrounding area known as the High Country.

Other than stuffing ourselves at every local restaurant, we also went to a winery in Grandfather Mountain and two breweries in Boone that weren’t there on my last real visit four years ago. The little college town was becoming more like a small scale Asheville in that way.

On our last day in town, we visited the park where they stage Horn In the West every summer. They had tents set up with food and arts vendors as well as a local musician picking the banjo and demonstrations of axe throwing and primitive homemaking skills.

After heading back down the mountain and having brunch in town, we trekked to Valle Crucis to see the original Mast General Store, now a regional chain that still serves as a general store and post office in this community. While it no longer sells items like dry goods, you can still get your Lodge iron skillet here, as well as hiking boots and vintage style confections.

Where We Went

Boone Bagelry– Surprisingly good bagels so far from a city. Turn yours into a breakfast sandwich with egg and sausage.

The Appalachian Mountain Brewery– Fairly new to the scene, this brewery was crowded on a Saturday afternoon. They also make cider.

Coyote Kitchen– Southwestern influences at one of the top restaurants in town.

Lost Province Brewing Co.– This new brewery is the only one downtown and also serves food, including wood-fired pizza.

Boone Saloon– It’s a bar by night but has one of the best brunches, or “dunches,” in town. The eggs benedict are well worth the calories.

Grandfather Vineyard & Winery– The climate of the mountains is surprisingly conducive to wine making so you won’t be disappointed by the selections here. Tastings are only $10.

Woodlands Barbeque Restaurant & Catering Service– The shack may not look like much, but inside you’ll see diners packed to the rafters, all trying to get some of the delicious ‘cue.

Where I Also Recommend

Black Cat Burrito– Their funky burritos aren’t traditional, but that’s what makes them great. Grab a chicken wing burrito and wash it down with a regional craft beer (or a cheap PBR).

Come Back Shack– The burger joint that is surrounded by chains is always busy and for good reason.

Have you ever visited Boone or the North Carolina High Country?