The High Country of Western North Carolina and the charming towns of Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and Valle Crucis are popular vacation destinations and unique places to visit while in the region. With the Blue Ridge Parkway snaking through the area, the High Country is popular all year round, for North Carolina summer getaways or North Carolina ski vacations. What makes the High Country so special? There are several reasons that many fall in love with the area.

For starters, the High Country is part of the vacation mountain region of North Carolina. Complete with several attractions and plenty of places to visit, the High Country has something for everyone to enjoy. Places like Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Valle Crucis, Beech Mountain, Spruce Pine, and Sugar Mountain have a lot of flair and each place is wonderful for its own individual reasons. The region’s climate and weather make it the perfect place to enjoy many outdoor activities like golfing, hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, trout fishing, horseback riding, and snow skiing.

Boone is home to Appalachian State University, the two-time NCAA champions for 2005 and 2006. Appalachian State University brings a lot of culture to the area, with Farthing Auditorium hosting the Appalachian Summer Festival show series each summer. Boone also has a walkable downtown area, complete with art, antique and specialty shops. Blowing Rock is the home of Tweetsie Railroad, a popular family attraction and the Blowing Rock, for which the area was named. Banner Elk is home to Grandfather Mountain, the wonderful NC ski areas, and is very close to Linville Caverns and Linville Falls.

In addition to all there is to do in the High Country mountain region, there are also additional sites that are just a short drive away. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway is the historic apple orchard and mountain music. About a thirty minute drive away you can find the town of West Jefferson, which is a place full of Appalachian heritage, local craft shops, and a historical downtown region. A bit further away in Abingdon, Virginia, visitors can see the many historical places in the area and visit the Barter Theatre. About an hour an a half away is the larger metro area of Asheville. Asheville, NC is home to the Biltmore Estate, and several other fun attractions.

While in the Spruce Pine area, visit the gallery of the Penland School of Crafts, a center for education in craft making and a convening place that hosts several workshops in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy a peaceful day fly fishing or trout fishing in one of the many mountain streams. For more information, check out Appalachian Angler or Orvis Outfitters, local shops that can provide a great wealth of information on fishing in the area.

More and more people are finding out what makes the North Carolina mountains so special. With cozy, unique towns and friendly people, you will never run out of things to do in this region.

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