BJ's Resort Wear is one of those pleasant little discoveries in ladies' shopping: a high-end boutique with unique fashion finds. Owner Sally Breslauer opened the shop in 1978 and customers have relied on her keen eye for fashion ever since.
The shop is known for quality garments and personal attention. Breslauer regularly travels to New York to purchase the finest in ready-to-wear ladies’ attire including Bogner, Basler and Belford brands, along with jewelry accessories.
BJ’s hosts regular trunk shows from June through September.
Always the third weekend in October
Oct. 18-19, 2025
Since 1978, this quirky, world-famous woolly worm racing festival has been used to predict the upcoming winter weather for the North Carolina High Country.
According to legend, the 13 bands on the woolly worm (woolly bear caterpillar) represent the 13 weeks of winter. Brown bands indicate a mild week, black bands indicate a cold, snowy week. Since every woolly worm has different colors, the Woolly Worm festival holds races to determine which worm is used to make the forecast.
Saturday's winning worm receives $1,000 and the honor of predicting the upcoming winter. Races continue on Sunday, with that day's winner receiving $500.
[Related content: Year-round things to do in Banner Elk]
The Woolly Worm Festival also includes about 175 craft vendors, food, live entertainment, and games. This two-day family event annually draws more than 20,000 attendees and takes place during the traditional peak weekend for autumn leaf viewing in Banner Elk and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
For lodging options that are either within walking distance or a short drive of the festival, visit our lodging page by clicking here.
In addition to checking out our lodging page and local attractions page, you can learn more about the festivities by visiting the festival website.
In downtown Banner Elk, enjoy a rotating selection of beers on tap from more than a dozen craft breweries.
Blind Elk Tap Room is an indoor/outdoor tasting room specializing in craft beer on draft, as well as wine by the glass and prosecco on tap. The two-story space with an open-air bar out front provides plenty of room for gathering around the taps and enjoying a beverage or two with friends and family.
In addition to 15 rotating beers on tap, a fridge features 70-80 labels of hard-to-find beers, hard ciders, and hard seltzers. A snack menu offers a variety of pretzels, cheeses, crackers and nuts that pair well with a pint of beer.
Throughout the summer, the Blind Elk frequently hosts block parties on Thursday and Friday nights. Featuring food trucks and outdoor music, the events are a great way to celebrate the warm season in the High Country.
This critically-acclaimed summer arts festival/series, presented by Appalachian State University, features a diverse mix of music, dance, theatre, visual arts and film. It is regularly recognized as one of the "Top Twenty Events in the Southeast" by the Southeast Tourism Society.
An Appalachian Summer Festival began in 1984 as a chamber music festival and has evolved over the years into one of the largest regional multi-arts festivals in the country. Its mission is to present accomplished and respected performing and visual artists who are regionally, nationally and internationally recognized, while also providing opportunities for emerging artists.
Events take place each July on and around the university campus. Past performers include: the North Carolina Symphony, Miami City Ballet, Louisville Orchestra, Willie Nelson, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Arlo Guthrie, the Beach Boys, Chicago, Maya Angelou, The Manhattan Transfer and Dierks Bentley. Annual attendance is more than 26,000 people.
For a schedule of events or ticket info, call 828-262-4046 or visit www.appsummer.org
For an "axe-citing" adventure during your visit to the NC High Country, head to Hero's Axe House.
Hero's features six lanes of axe throwing fun. Every lane has digital, state-of-the-art projected targets that offer a variety of games with digital scoring. Games include tic-tac-toe, black jack 21, duck hunter, standard targets and more.
Owned by first responders, Hero's Axe House is designed with safety in mind. Each throwing lane is built with no-bounce borders and end-grain targets, which are safer, and all participants must wear closed-toe shoes. Hero's sells non-alcoholic beverages only.
A standard session is 75 minutes. That includes 15 minutes of instruction and one hour of axe throwing.
Individuals, couples and groups are welcome, and reservations are strongly recommended.
Laurel Cottage offers the tranquility of mountain air in a natural setting just a few minutes from downtown Banner Elk and 15 minutes from skiing at Beech and Sugar mountains.
The cottage is nestled among the trees. The one-story home features a front deck with space for dining or taking in the sunset from a rocking chair. Relax in the private hot tub or gather around the fire pit.
Inside, a renovated kitchen opens into the main living/dining area. The kitchen is fully equipped with the essentials, and towels and linens are provided.
The three-bedroom two-bathroom cottage sleeps six. A propane fireplace in the living room heats the entire home. Electric space heaters are placed in each bedroom.
Pets are allowed. Private parking for three vehicles is available on site. All-wheel drive required in the winter due to the steep driveway.
Experience a one-of-a-kind mountain retreat that sleeps up to 14 people. Originally built as a girls' camp in the 1920s, this six-bedroom, five-bathroom property accommodates entire families or groups of friends, including pets.
The interior of the three-story home is rivaled only by the expansive outdoor amenities, indulging a large yard, a stream with a bridge, a fishing pond, tennis courts, and a covered picnic area with grill and wood-burning fireplace. The home's extensive rock work, wooden shakes and manicured landscaping make you feel as if you're at a mountain resort. Beech Haven is located at the base of Beech Mountain; downtown Banner Elk is five minutes away.
The kitchen offers a large selection of cooking utensils and dinnerware, as well as a butcher-block bar and stainless-steel appliances. Beyond the kitchen is a dining area featuring a long dining table with room for 12 people. The dining area leads to a spacious living room with a wall of windows looking out to the Blue Ridge Mountains and a rock-encased gas fireplace.
There are two bedroom suites on the main level, each with a queen bed and attached full bathroom. The top floor comprises the master bedroom suite, which features a king bed and a private bathroom with a shower.
Another large gathering space is located on the lower level, with a sectional sofa, large TV, poker table, and laundry area with two sets of washers and dryers. An adjoining room has a pool table, shuffleboard table, arcade table and ping-pong table. Three additional bedrooms are located on this level, one with a queen bed, one with two twin beds, and one with two sets of built-in twin bunk beds. These three bedrooms share two bathrooms; each has two side-by-side showers in a modern nod to the house’s beginnings as a girls’ camp.
Pets require an additional fee. Location is approximate. Exact address provided upon booking.
Spoil those four-legged family members with a visit to My Best Friend's Barkery, a locally-owned pet-supply store that also provides do-it-yourself wash stations for your pets.
A store specialty is a wide selection of made-in-house treats for dogs and cats, complemented by a large selection of healthy, eco-conscious foods. The Barkery carries a full line of accessories, such as collars, chew toys and bowls, along with cute outfits for canines and felines.
A recent expansion added rooms with self-wash stations. This simplifies the pet-washing experience by providing everything you need -- towels, soap, etc. -- in a state-of-the-art setting. A clean pet is a happy pet!
Lost Province Brewing Co. is located in downtown Boone in a historic building that once served as an automobile showroom and later as the offices of a local newspaper. Owners Lynne and Andy Mason have an interesting story. She is a long-time member of Boone Town Council, while Andy left a career as a forensic scientist to become the head brewer, aka Dr. Beer.
The brewery's name is derived from the moniker given to the NC High Country region in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The area around Boone, West Jefferson and Banner Elk was known as the Lost Province because of its geographical isolation from the rest of the state of North Carolina.
Lost Province typically has about 10-12 beers on tap with seasonal rotations. The Lost Province American IPA is a staple, along with two New England IPAs. German style pilsners and American and Mexican style lagers are also quite popular, as are experimental batches using such ingredients as honey and raspberry.
In addition to beer, Lost Province offers a menu of savory wood-fired fare made in a large copper oven. Live music is a regular feature.
July 30, 2025
On Animal Enrichment Day, guests learn how Grandfather Mountain cares for the nature park’s furry and feathered residents. An enrichment is a special treat, new toy or even an unfamiliar scent given to the animals to break up their routines and help keep them active and intellectually stimulated.
The day serves as a fun and educational way to highlight animal enrichment and its importance in caring for Grandfather Mountain's native inhabitants. Watch enrichment demonstrations, talk directly with keepers and participate in family-oriented games and crafts.
The schedule typically includes activities such as: behind-the-scenes tours, animal olympics, animal knowledge contests, a creepy critter corner, enrichment tables, animal encounters, and an animal enrichment parade.
Grandfather Mountain Animal Enrichment Day activities are included with park admission and take place at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and adjacent wildlife habitats.
Banner Elk Mountain Cabins lets you choose from a selection of cozy, upscale vacation cabins that sleep from four to eight people.
Each cabin is meticulously cleaned and cared for by local management. Amenities include multi-person hot tubs, secluded locations, cathedral ceilings, lofts, fireplaces, full kitchens, satellite TV and air-conditioning.
Some cabins are walking distance to town, others are a short drive.
Banner Elk Mountain Cabins also offers Grandfather Mountain lodging packages. These packages have a two-night two-night minimum and include two adult tickets to Grandfather Mountain. Additional tickets may be added for a fee.
Ask about the packages when contacting Banner Elk Mountain Cabins at the links above or by calling 828-387-1209.
June 19-22, 2025
Boonerang is a multi-day music and arts festival held the third weekend of June in downtown Boone. This free festival showcases Boone-connected musicians and artists who boomerang back home to perform on multiple concert stages.
Primary concert venues are street stages on South Depot and North Depot street, a lawn stage at the Jones House and a side stage at Espresso News. Other highlights are local food and craft beer, a vendor market and a kids zone.
Happenings surrounding Boonerang include a dance lot, international fest, silent discos and performances at the Appalachian Theatre.
Book a Blue Ridge Mountain getaway at this four-bedroom, 3.5-bath cabin tucked into the treetops near downtown Banner Elk.
The three-level cottage is perched on a mountain edge with views from the decks, backyard fire pit and indoors. Amenities include two fully equipped kitchens, two living areas, a furnished deck and patio, and an outdoor dining area.
The main level’s vaulted ceilings, skylights, gas fireplace and wood accents create a cozy vibe. Another full living area, dining area and kitchen are located on the lower level.
Three bedrooms have king beds, and the fourth has twin-over-full bunk beds. Two bathrooms have walk-in showers, while the third full bathroom has a tub-shower combination.
The hot tub is a popular space to unwind in the evenings after a day on one of the two nearby ski slopes, Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain. A shuffleboard table allows for friendly indoor competition. The cabin includes a washer and dryer.
Downtown Banner Elk — with its shops, galleries, restaurants, tasting rooms, and annual events — lies within an easy walk.
Visitors must be at least 25 years old to book.
Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals is one of the High Country’s leading vacation rental companies. The company's mission is to be a respite for thousands of guests each year from their hectic lives. We truly care about all guests because we know that most endure stressful lives back home, and they cherish the times that they can escape to a restful haven in these North Carolina mountains. We want to help them find the perfect vacation getaway.
The Banner Elk rentals blend small town relaxation with the amenities of a larger city. In the winter, visitors to Banner Elk are just 10 minutes from the two largest ski resorts in the South: Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain.
From romantic two-bedroom cabins to sprawling estates fit for multiple families to gather together, Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals has a collection of properties to suit groups of various sizes. Common rental amenities include well-stocked kitchens, great rooms with fireplaces, game rooms, hot tubs and, of course, sweeping mountain views.
Sky Valley is a treetop zip-line adventure. Located between Boone and Blowing Rock, the property covers more than 140 acres of old-grown forest. The course includes 10 zip lines, as well as a swinging bridge over a 35-foot waterfall and a cliff jump.
The journey starts with an ATV ride through the river and up the mountain. “Ground School” is an informational session before the zip-line tour where rangers explain the equipment, give zipping instructions and allow participants to train on practice lines. Two rangers accompany each tour group.
The first three zips are warm-ups. Then comes Big Mama, a 1,600-foot zip line that’s 300 feet above the ground. That single zip takes about 40 seconds, and riders reach speeds of more than 30 miles per hour. The scenery is the star for the entire tour. Riders zip over and through trees while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Sky Valley is appropriate for beginners and experienced zip-liners. The tours are great outings for families, groups of friends or company retreats. Kids must be 10 years old to participate, and riders must weigh between 70 and 250 pounds. Those younger than 18 must have the signature of a parent or guardian. The tour takes about two-and-a-half to three hours to complete.
A photographer accompanies each tour to capture memorable moments. Closed-toe shoes are required. Tours run rain or shine, so rain jackets are recommended. It’s chillier in the High Country than at lower elevations, so participants should dress in layers.
Sky Valley often partners with other area attractions, such as breweries and river outfitters, so keep an eye out for packages. Advance reservations are encouraged.
Bella's is a friendly, cozy cafe serving made-from-scratch breakfasts, along with Angus beef burgers and grilled sandwiches for lunch, six days a week in the heart of Banner Elk.
Breakfast at Bella's includes egg platters, biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos, steak and eggs, avocado toast, signature omelettes and a quiche of the day. The breakfast menu also features Belgian waffles, pancake stacks and a cinnamon swirl French toast.
Some noted items on lunch menu include: 8-ounce Angus beef burgers, club sandwiches, tuna melts, Reuben sandwiches, Nathan's foot-long hot dogs and tater tots.
Dine-in or takeout available.
Trains are the stars of this Wild West theme park. Located between Boone and Blowing Rock, Tweetsie Railroad has entertained families with old-fashioned fun since 1957.
The park operates two vintage steam locomotives: No. 12 “Tweetsie” and No. 190 the “Yukon Queen.” As you ride the rails, keep an eye out for train-robbing bandits. Then, head to the Tweetsie Palace Saloon to watch Diamond Lil’s renowned can-can dancers, or tap your toes along with the country cloggers in the Pavilion Theater.
The Ferris wheel, Tilt-A-Whirl and carousel at the park’s Country Fair area allow kids to make memories and parents to relive childhood days.
Afterward, hop on the chairlift and enjoy the scenery on your ride up to Miner’s Mountain. The miniature Mouse Mine Train is a favorite for younger children. While on the mountaintop, you can pan for gold and explore the deer park habitat with 90 animals, including pygmy goats, turtles, miniature horses, llamas, emus, fallow deer, goats and potbellied pigs.
Back down the mountain, Tweetsie offers a variety of food from hot dogs, pizza and burgers to Tweetsie’s famous fudge made right before your eyes. Throughout the year, Tweetsie holds special events, such as the Ghost Train Halloween Festival in the fall and Railroad Heritage Weekend in late summer. No trip to Tweetsie is complete without a stop by the gift shop for a souvenir coonskin cap or cowboy hat.
Park is open from early May through October.
April 19, 2025
Head to the Corner Park on Main, directly across from the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce, for photos and selfies with the Easter Bunny.
Edgar the Easter Bunny will pose for pictures at a special Easter-themed selfie station from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Bring your own camera or cell phone to capture Easter memories. Families, pets and children of all ages are invited to get their pictures made, and a chamber volunteer will be available to take the pictures, if desired.
Edgar will also give Easter candy to the kiddos.
Check the Banner Elk Chamber Facebook page and Chamber website homepage for updates on this event.
Foscoe Fishing Co. provides expert outfitting and fly fishing guide service for everybody from first-timers to experienced anglers. It is the only Orvis endorsed fly fishing outfitter and guide service in North Carolina’s High Country
Foscoe Fishing operates a full-service fly shop in the community of Foscoe, located between Banner Elk and Boone. Their experienced and knowledgeable guides take guests to some of the best spots for fly fishing on the Watauga, Linville, Toe, Elk and New rivers, as well as many other trout-filled streams in the area.
The shop stays open year-round, and also offers float trips in nearby Tennessee on the famous Watauga and South Holston Rivers. These waters offer excellent opportunities for catching brown, brook, and rainbow trout. In addition, that area boasts great smallmouth fishing as well.
This ground-floor, corner condo in the Lodges at Elkmont features two king suites, an open great room, and kitchen and dining area in a floor plan designed for comfort and convenience.
Amenities include a stacked-stone, gas fireplace in the great room; large walk-in pantry; and spacious laundry room with full-size washer and dryer.
Outside, enjoy the spacious wraparound porch with patio furniture, long-range mountain views and easy walking distance to the community fire pit and picnic area. The Lodges at Elkmont are located around the corner from Banner Elk Winery and five minutes from downtown Banner Elk.
A seven-night minimum is required for all reservations in this condo. Pets not allowed.
On the snow or in the air, a thrilling winter experience awaits at Hawksnest Resort.
Hawksnest is home to the East Coast’s largest snow tubing park for those who wish to play in the snow, and a special Snowbird Zipline Tour for those who want to fly through the air.
On the ground, the Hawksnest snow tubing park has four interconnected areas consisting of more than 30 tubing lanes. The lanes are 400 to 1,000 feet in length with two moving carpet lifts that continuously take tubers back to the top for more fun. The tubing park has 100% snowmaking and lighting on all lanes, providing the best possible conditions for the whole family.
Hawksnest is open seven days a week throughout winter (weather permitting) with sessions lasting one hour and 45 minutes. There are four daily sessions Monday through Thursday, five sessions on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays, and three sessions each Sunday. Tubing is open to anyone age three and older.
[Related content: Top 4 snow tubing spots in NC mountains]
Hawksnest also offers an opportunity for zip lining high above the tubing lanes. Each winter the resort operates a Snowbird Tour that traverses four cables above the snow. The four cables are part of the larger Hawk Tour, which is comprised of 11 cables in warmer months.
The Snowbird Tour takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete and participants must be five years or older.
Also, don't forget to enjoy the coffee bar, Carolina barbecue and tasty pizza before, during and after your tubing and zipping sessions.
Looking for a condo with plenty of space in the heart of it all? This three-bedroom, three-bathroom townhome delivers.
Relax on the private balcony with a cup of coffee or glass of wine. Or gather around the large dining table for dinner or game night. Spread out around the gas fireplace in the living room. The home is steps from downtown Banner Elk's shops, galleries and restaurants, as well as the campus of Lees-McRae College.
Ideal for families or a group of friends, the unit's three bedrooms are outfitted with a king, queen and two queens. The master bedroom has its own bathroom with a whirlpool tub, and the other two bedrooms share a full bathroom.
Address is approximate. Exact address available after booking.
Horn in the West is the nation's oldest Revolutionary War drama. It brings to life famous frontiersman Daniel Boone and the hardy mountain settlers in their struggle to preserve their freedom during the turbulent years of the War for Independence. The drama highlights those settlers who came to the Blue Ridge Mountains seeking freedom and escape from British tyranny.
As playwright Kermit Hunter wrote in the original script “The gaze of man is westward, as if he could glimpse somewhere beyond, the golden reaches of eternity. As though he could hear, blowing in the distant sunset, a Horn of Freedom!”
A big part of the production is the outdoor amphitheatre, built in 1952 in just three months. The 2,500-seat Daniel Boone Theatre has been described as the best outdoor theatre in the East, carved from 35 acres of rugged mountain terrain, including a tree-covered ravine.
The season typically runs from early June through mid August. Cast and crew of Horn in the West are all professionals, hired through a series of combined auditions throughout the Southeast.
For tickets or more information, call 828-264-2120 or www.HornInTheWest.com
Founded in 1979, the FORUM summer series brings stimulating cultural programs to Banner Elk. The series is a joint effort of Lees-McRae College and community residents.
There are eight programs each year ranging in variety. They include: speakers, vocalists, big band music, chamber ensembles, pianists, dance and drama.
The selection process for performers is unique. Programs are selected as a result of personal contact between area residents and national talent agents. Recommendations are made to the program selection committee, which makes the final selections. Each year the committee considers more than 50 candidates, reviews performers, and reduces the number of candidates to 16. These are presented to a board, which eight programs for the year.
All performances are held in the evenings at in the Broyhill Theatre of Hayes Auditorium.
For tickets, a schedule of events or more information, call 828-898-8748 or click here.
Stonewalls, a cornerstone of the Banner Elk food scene, is the perfect blend of traditional and modern.
Stonewalls has served steaks and seafood since 1985, and has expanded the menu after a major renovation by owners Scott Garland and chef Tim Heschke. The updated restaurant features a chef-driven menu that blends new entrees and long-standing favorites, like the prime rib house specialty. The salad bar was retained by popular demand.
“We created an environment where our guests can depend on the classics but have the option to venture out with our specials and nightly feature,” says Garland. “Our nightly specials are where Tim really shines and gets to be creative.”
The wine and craft cocktail list is extensive, with offerings from across the globe. Atmosphere is upscale casual.
Take home a reminder of your visit to Banner Elk with a handcrafted, custom-built wood piece from Rustik by Underwood.
Rustik specializes in one-of-a-kind wooden creations designed to highlight the natural beauty of the wood. Options include tables, chairs, frames, candle holders, signs, desks, chandeliers and sculptures.
Not just a home furnishings store, Rustik is a gallery of artistic works. Be sure to check out the "petting zoo," a collection of animal sculptures carved with amazing detail.
Bearfoot Lodge is a mountain-contemporary, two-bedroom condo in The Lodges at Elkmont community. This unit offers cozy, one-level living with mountain charm and sleeps up to six.
Sleeping quarters include a king room, queen room and two bathrooms, as well as a pullout sofa.
An open floor plan offers a kitchen with custom cabinets, granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. An adjacent dining room accommodates six guests and two at the bar, plus four more at the outdoor dining table. The centerpiece of the great room is a stone, gas-log fireplace with a flat-screen television.
Off the main living area is a covered patio with outdoor dining and rocking chairs to enjoy mountain views. The nearby common green space offers mountain views and rippling sounds from the creek below.
The town of Banner Elk is less than two miles away with downtown shops and great restaurants. It's approximately seven or so miles to both Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain ski resorts. Banner Elk Winery is a comfortable 400-yard walk along the creek.
Must be at least 25 years of age to rent this unit.
Elk’s Roost is a beautiful craftsman-style home located in The Farm at Banner Elk. This four-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom vacation rental sleeps 12 people and also welcomes pets.
The name Elk’s Roost was chosen because of the home’s proximity to downtown Banner Elk (a three-minute drive) and the tree-house feeling the home's location and design provide.
The well-decorated home ties in mountain themes throughout with bark accents, rhododendron railings, granite countertops and detailed millwork.
Sip a cup of coffee or cocktail on one of the expansive decks while enjoying long-range mountain views including Grandfather and Sugar mountains. The covered patio off the dining room extends the home's open floor plan to the outdoors with a grill and additional seating.
This home is ideal for multiple families in need of extra space with two master suites and kitchens.
It also works well for groups that include senior members; there is a master suite on the main level with only two small steps to enter.
Humans aren't the only ones who enjoy being pampering by a spa visit. Banner Elk's locally owned pet spa, Furvana, makes sure your dog looks and feels clean and refreshed.
Located at the foot of Sugar Mountain, Furvana makes it convenient to drop off and pick up pets while you’re out and about exploring. The shop offers baths, haircuts, nail trims, and general grooming and styling. And don't worry if you dog has skin issues, Furvana uses specialty products that best suit each pet.
After a blow dry, they’ll even add a bow or two to complete your dog’s sassy look!
Advanced tickets required for tours
One of the best kept secrets in the North Carolina High Country is the Apple Hill Farm, located just outside Banner Elk.
Apple Hill is a working alpaca and llama farm, with a popular gift store, that offers tours year-round to visitors.
The tours are guided, educational walking tours that generally last about 45 to 60 minutes. On each tour, visitors learn about the variety of animals and hear their stories as well. Most animals are very friendly, but they are in their fields and may choose not to interact with guests depending on their mood.
Walk-ins are welcome at the farm store, but visitors who wish to see the animals must purchase tour tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here. Tour availability and store hours vary by season, so call or check the website before heading to the farm.
The farm covers several acres near the top of a ridge, with bucolic farm land and panoramic views. Visitors get a chance to see and interact with a variety of animals, including alpacas, llamas, angora goats, horses, donkeys, ponies, pigs and chickens.
Meanwhile, an impressive collection of day lilies dot the landscape. And, don’t forget the apple trees!
Fiber from the angora goats is made into mohair and sold in the farm store. Also sold in the store is alpaca yarn made individually from each alpaca, so visitors can pick out yarn from their favorite alpacas with names like Billy, Meadowlark and Mojo.
Apple Hill Farm hosts regular events, such as alpaca shearing day and a Christmas celebration.
For more information, call 828-963-1662 or click here.
Kettell Beerworks creates high-quality craft beer on Main Street East in Banner Elk.
The brewery typically has 10-12 styles of beer available in the taproom. There are four year-round flagship offerings: Rollcast Kolsch, Top Coast IPA, Profile American Pale Ale and Big Falls Nutty Brown Ale. Those four are complemented by a rotating variety of seasonal beers and experimental small batches.
Kettell beers are named after local landmarks and activities. For example, the Profile American Pale Ale is named for the Profile Trail at Grandfather Mountain, while the Rollcast Kolsch derives its name from the roll-casting technique of fly fishing. The Top Coast IPA refers to the NC High Country itself, where clean and pure mountain spring water is a key for high-quality beers.
Kettell also has a variety of nonalcoholic soft drink options and simple snacks for munching. Meanwhile, patrons are welcome to bring their own food. Kettell is a family-friendly brewery offering such activities as: arcade games, board games, darts, corn hole and occasional live music.
The brewery distributes its flagship beers to restaurants and pubs around Banner Elk, as well as other establishments in the High Country region.
More information is available at 828-898-8677 or https://kettellbeerworks.com/.
The Ski Shack is open seasonally, seven days a week, providing ski and snowboard equipment rentals for the slopes in Banner Elk.
The Ski Shack rents skis, poles, snowboards, bindings, boots, bibs, helmets and ski jackets. Items for sale include gloves, goggles, masks, ski pants, helmets, ski caps and poles.
Equipment rental reservations can be made in advance. Convenient location near Sugar Mountain Resort.
July 4, 2025 @ 11:00 a.m.
The Star-Spangled Banner Elk Fourth of July celebration includes one of the most popular (and fun!) Fourth of July parades in North Carolina, followed by the annual Party in the Park and Duck Race.
The day begins at 11 a.m. with a procession that makes Uncle Sam proud, featuring star-spangled vehicles, people and animals parading down Main Street surrounded by huge crowds.
It is open to all and attracts everything from classic vehicles to drum and bugle corps, to an array of furry friends -- not to mention regular appearances by alpacas from nearby Apple Hill Farm. Most participants follow the time-honored tradition of tossing candy to spectators.
The Main Street parade starts at Lees-McRae College and ends in Tate-Evans Town Park, where the Party in the Park and Duck Race begin at approximately 12 noon.
The Party in the Park includes food vendors, old-fashioned games and inflatables. Try your luck in the famed duck race, with hundreds of rubber ducks floating toward the finish line. Proceeds from the Duck Race go to the local Kiwanis Club.
Elevate your July Fourth experience in the resort town of Banner Elk in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Appalachian State University’s world-class visual arts center occupies a unique location in the heart of downtown Boone, yet within the physical boundaries of the campus. This makes it easily accessible by visitors and students alike.
The Turchin Center is the largest of its kind in Western North Carolina. Its exhibitions focus on a blend of new and historically-important artwork and feature the work of nationally and internationally renowned artists, as well as many of the region’s finest artists.
However, the center is not devoted solely to the viewing of art. It has multi-faceted programs to give it a dynamic, living, breathing presence in the Appalachian community. The goal is to create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the power and excitement of the visual arts.
The center’s urban location places it at the crossroads between campus and community. The building is designed to visually and physically make the arts more accessible to the community, and to serve as a gateway to the greater campus beyond the center.
A pedestrian gateway features several areas for public sculpture, including the Kay Borkowski Sculpture Garden. Visitors are able to walk through the gardens and access nearby Valborg Theatre, the Belk Library and Information Commons, and the University Bookstore.
Admission is free. For more information, call 828-262-3017 or visit https://tcva.org/
Banner Elk Winery is situated close to downtown in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains. Founded in 2006, it was the first commercial winery in Avery and Watauga counties.
Banner Elk Winery is known for award-winning wines from grapes grown on property and sourced from other local vineyards. The Marechal Foch is made from the French-American hybrid grape of the same name. It produces a red wine with intense flavors and color.
Banner Elk Red, a winemaker’s choice blend of Marechal Foch, Sangiovese and Merlot, has won a gold medal at the International Eastern Wine Competition in Sonoma, California, and was named the best red hybrid at the North Carolina State Fair.
Banner Elk Winery also produces a blueberry wine that pays tribute to the property’s history as a former blueberry farm.
Overall, the vineyard produces nine wines on an annual basis: four reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Marechal Foch, Banner Elk Red, High Country Rosé), three whites (Banner Elk White, Seyval Blanc, Vino Francesco Chianti White) and two dessert wines.
Private tastings for parties of 10 or more are available with advance notice of at least a week. There is also a luxury villa on property that can accommodate corporate meetings and retreats, weddings and private functions.
The winery is open daily on a year-round basis from noon to 6 p.m.
More information is available at 828-898-9090 or www.bannerelkwinery.com.
Turn shopping into an adventure at this store at Apple Hill Farm. It is located upstairs in the barn at the farm, just outside Banner Elk in the Mattney community.
The store stocks a variety of products and yarns, many of which are made from alpaca fiber harvested from animals on site.
The working, mountaintop alpaca farm is open for tours (learn more here), and a visit to the store makes a great ending. Say hi to Al Paca, the store mascot, and pick out a shawl, cap, T-shirt, pair of socks or stuffed animal to take home.
Uncle Lee's Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar fuses authentic Thai flavors and fresh sushi at the corner of Main Street West and Beech Mountain Parkway.
Open for both lunch and dinner, Uncle Lee's has an extensive menu offering Thai dishes, Asian soups, sashimi, nigiri, rice bowls, maki rolls, salads and the Uncle Lee's Roll, which includes salmon, avocado and crab stick topped with tuna, ikura, green onions and spicy mayo.
Desserts are mango delight, Thai doughnuts with vanilla custard, and creme brulee.
This luxurious six-bedroom, five-bath vacation home in The Farms of Banner Elk has high-end amenities, sweeping mountain views and space for as many as 14 guests. Although the home feels worlds away, downtown Banner Elk is a five-minute drive.
Enter the great room and admire the mountain view through the wall of windows. Sugar Mountain ski resort is visible in the distance.
The chef's kitchen has granite countertops throughout, two sinks and a horseshoe bar. A large laundry room doubles as a butler's pantry with additional cabinetry, counter space, a sink and refrigerator/freezer.
The house's west wing has a king suite with smart TV, gas fireplace, deck access and private bath. The east wing has a king bed with smart TV and a private door to a full bath.
The upper level features a spacious gaming loft with a pool table, wet bar and large seating area with windows overlooking the mountains. The bedroom suite has a queen bed plus a daybed.
On the lower level, you'll find three bedrooms and a nook with built-in twin bunk beds. The west king suite has a shower, double jetted tub and double granite vanities. The east suite has another king bed with smart TV and a bedroom with a queen and two twin beds. These bedrooms share a bathroom.
A second great room offers deck access, plus Foosball and air hockey tables.
On the main level decks, enjoy beautiful valley views from the hot tub, and a double-sided wood-burning fireplace. A gas grill is also available for outdoor meal prep.
