Looking for fun and affordable summer cabin vacation? Look no further than a Banner Elk cabin says one of the world’s largest travel websites. TripAdvisor.com, with more than 375 million unique visitors monthly, named Banner Elk to its list of 15 Affordable Summer Cabin Getaways Across America. Trip Advisor analyzed user ratings for all U.S. towns that have rental properties available on its website. It then calculated the average cost of a one-week stay in July in a two-bedroom cabin rental in those cities and towns. Banner Elk made the top five for having an average weekly cabin rental of $768, while offering “no shortage of challenging hikes and spectacular overlooks.” TripAdvisor further commented on Banner Elk’s convenient location: “This Blue Ridge Mountain getaway is close to major attractions like Grandfather Mountain, Blowing Rock, and the Appalachian Trail.” It also noted, “the wine and beer scene won’t disappoint, either, with Banner Elk Winery, Grandfather Vineyard, and Flat Top Brewing Company offering delicious grapes and suds.” “Trip Advisor is the top website in the U.S. for consumer-rated travel. It’s a big deal when a site of that magnitude recognizes Banner Elk,” says Nancy Owen, representative of the Banner Elk Tourism Development...
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Ensemble Stage has moved its professional theater productions to downtown Banner Elk after seven years in Blowing Rock. The group has established permanent residence at the Historic Banner Elk School and will give performances throughout the year. Its previous location at the Blowing Rock School auditorium limited performances to summer break and other school holidays. “We’ve always wanted to do things year-round,” says Gary Smith, artistic director for Ensemble Stage. “We want people anytime of year to say, ‘Ensemble Stage has something going on in Banner Elk. Let’s go there.’” The Town of Banner Elk partnered with Ensemble Stage to bring the highly-regarded theater troupe to the town-owned historic school. “The town is very excited about them coming to our area,” says Banner Elk Mayor Brenda Lyerly. “They love the facilities, and we’re all in unison in thinking this is going to be wonderful for the entire community.” Ensemble Stage uses the school’s gymnasium for its performance space. The group will continue to make improvements, such as adding a new stage, lighting system and risers with seats. The risers will be removable, allowing the space to be used for other functions. The group opens its Mainstage season June 16....
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Banner Elk is the culinary hot spot of the NC High Country. Whether you’re looking for an upscale meal to mark a special occasion, a hearty sandwich after a day in the great outdoors, or a steak… Read...
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Few places in the North Carolina mountains have the variety of leaf-viewing options that Banner Elk offers. Nestled at 3,740 feet above sea level, the area typically reaches peak color around the… Read...
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Make plans now to attend the annual Mile High Fourth of July celebration, June 30-July 4. The resort towns of Banner Elk and Beech Mountain have joined forces for five days of fun that includes: fireworks, live music, arts, culinary options and Banner Elk’s famous Fourth of July Parade and Party in the Park. The fun begins on Friday, June 30, with music on the patio at Banner Elk Cafe at 6 p.m. Also that day is a Lee-McRae Summer Theatre performance of the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at 7 p.m. in Banner Elk. The centerpieces of this fun-filled weekend are Beech Mountain’s Fireworks and 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog on Saturday (July 1) and Banner Elk’s Fourth of July Parade and Party in the Park on Tuesday (July 4). Saturday’s fireworks & pig pickin’ take place atop Beech Mountain, more than a mile high at 5,506 feet above sea level. Slow roasted barbecue is available beginning at 6 p.m., with a fireworks spectacular at dark. Tuesday’s July 4th lineup in Banner Elk is an all-American celebration to make Uncle Sam proud, starting with the Fourth of July Parade on Main Street at 11:00 a.m....
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North Carolina’s High Country is a welcome escape any time of year, but winter is especially magical. And when it comes to choosing a winter destination in the NC mountains, Banner Elk just might be the ideal spot. Banner Elk, located near Boone, is known for cozy lodging, romantic getaways, family fun and great restaurants. It’s place that has both small town charm and big city amenities. The two largest winter sports venues in the South – Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort – are located within 15 minutes of Banner Elk’s lone stoplight. Both resorts offers skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and snowtubing. There’s even a free youth sledding hill in the town of Beech Mountain. About 30 minutes away are more snow sports options at Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Appalachian Ski Mtn. And for travelers who like the mountains but not the snow, there’s always winter hiking and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge at nearby Grandfather Mountain. When the sun goes down, Banner Elk’s reputation as a culinary hotspot takes center stage. There are more than a dozen popular restaurants within this town of just 1,067 residents. Culinary choices range from contemporary to traditional, with everything...
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