Hungry for a savory pie?
High Country Pie Company is Banner Elk's go-to spot for fresh-baked New Zealand-style meat pies. These tasty creations feature buttery, flaky crusts filled with meats and farm-fresh ingredients.
In addition to meat pies, High Country Pie Co. offers soups, salads and sweet treats.
Customers can order items to go, or eat in the cafe or on the adjoining patio.
A spacious three-bedroom, three-bath condo that sleeps up to eight. Unit is professionally decorated with high-end furnishings and lots of creature comforts.
Amenities include two master suites, walk-in closets, whirlpool tub, HD televisions, custom cabinets, granite counters, fireplace and game room in the loft. Long range view from the back deck. Includes a video library and DVD players in each room.
[Related content: Additional rental options available here]
Owned and operated by Lees-McRae College, Wildcat Lake is a premier attraction in Banner Elk. The 13-acre lake includes a white sand beach, designated swimming area and fishing dock.
Many people say Wildcat Lake reminds them of an old-fashioned swimming hole, and it draws thousands of visitors each summer.
The most popular activities at Wildcat Lake are swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and paddling. Lifeguards are on duty during summer hours.
People may bring their own canoes, kayaks and paddle boards, or rent them on site. Motorized boats or vessels of any kind are prohibited.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission stocks the lake with bluegill, largemouth bass, and three varieties of trout. Fishing is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk, and North Carolina state fishing licenses are required for those wishing to fish.
An adjacent park (Tufts Memorial Park) has a playground and picnic areas. Four pavilions with tables are available to rent for $50 a day. Alcoholic beverages and pets are prohibited.
The park is open seven days a week, weather permitting. The lake is open for swimming from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with professional lifeguards provided by the Williams YMCA of Avery County on duty.
Reservations for use of the pavilions are necessary and can be made by emailing: wildcatlake@lmc.edu
For hours and more info about Wildcat Lake, click here[Related content: For other outdoor fun in Banner Elk, click here]
Beech Mountain Resort, minutes from Banner Elk, is the highest ski area in the Eastern U.S., with a peak elevation of 5,506 feet.
The resort has 17 trails — including two expansive terrain parks — on 95 skiable acres serviced by eight lifts. Three state-of-the-art Doppelmayr quad lifts installed in the past few years reduce waiting time by getting skiers and boarders to the slopes faster.
Recent investments in hi-tech snow-making equipment greatly increases snow coverage on all the slopes, as well as the snow-tubing lanes to extend the tubing season and allow for advanced booking for tubing.
The average annual snowfall on Beech Mountain is around 84 inches.
Open Terrain & 5506’ Skybar
Beech Mountain has some of the widest slopes in the High Country of North Carolina, including the West Bowl slope on the backside of the mountain. West Bowl, formerly known as Oz Run, is popular because it is one of the few west-facing ski runs in the U.S.
At the peak is the 5,506 Skybar, named for the mountain’s signature elevation. The glass roundhouse is the perfect place to warm up between runs, or grab a beverage and bite to eat to cap a full day of skiing.
The Skybar has heated restrooms and a large observation deck with Adirondack chair overlooking the slopes.
Family-Friendly Skiing
The resort’s ski school offers group and individual lessons for young and old, beginner or advanced. Snowboarding instruction is provided by an on-site Burton Learn-to-Ride Center. There are two beginner slopes, the Play Yard and the Carolina-Caribbean, both served by a carpet conveyor lift.
A pair of mom-approved services available at Beech Mountain Resort are an on-site nursery and an apparel rental shop. No need to pack ski pants, ski bibs or jackets.
Tubing & More in Alpine Village
A unique aspect of Beech Mountain Resort is the alpine village at the base of the slopes. The village is home to snow tubing, a two-story ski lodge, ski rental shops, a craft brewery, a coffee shop, outdoor fire pits, a snack bar and a souvenir store.
Curving walkways, twinkling lights and picnic tables encourage gathering with friends while enjoying a pint of beer or cup of coffee.
Enjoy Terrain Parks, Night Skiing
Two terrain parks, Meadows and Powder Bowl, are located on their own slope with a fast handle-pull tow to allow snowboarders to practice and perfect freestyle skills without dodging skier traffic.
The terrain park crew pulls from a library of more than 50 features to keep the setup fresh.
Hi-tech LED lighting illuminates several slopes for night skiing. Flex tickets allow visitors to begin their ski or snowboard sessions as early or late as they choose. Commit to as few as four hours or go all out with a 12-hour ticket.
The typical ski season at Beech Mountain runs from Thanksgiving weekend to the middle of March. For more info, visit BeechMountainResort.com.
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.
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.
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.
Take a piece of the mountains home with you when you purchase souvenirs from Banner Elk Soap & Candle Co. With fragrances named after area icons, such as McRae Medows, Grandfather’s Pipe and Elk River Morning, the soaps and candles bring back fun memories of mountain trips. The most popular scent, a Fraser fir aroma called Appalachian Lumberjack, nods to local Christmas tree farms.
The candles and soaps are handmade using local ingredients when possible. The shop also stocks bath bombs and salts, T-shirts, jewelry, and mugs. The store’s building is a destination in itself with a 16-foot working water wheel on one side.
Always the Fourth Sunday in June
June 22, 2025
Singing on Grandfather: Halfway to Heaven is a free gospel music & worship festival that takes place the fourth Sunday in June in McRae Meadows at the base of Grandfather Mountain.
The event maintains the tradition of a century-long event that began in 1924 to cultivate fellowship through gospel music in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Singing on Grandfather begins at 11 a.m. and continues until 4 p.m. It features music from roughly a half dozen bands, along with a gospel message delivered at 1 p.m. by a noted minister or evangelist.
The spirit of the event is much the same as it was at the first Singing in 1924 when Joe Hartley Sr. coordinated a Sunday School picnic on the same grounds. The festival has gained in popularity over the years, drawing such notables as Johnny Cash, Roy Acuff and Bob Hope.
Attendees are encouraged to dress casually and bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnics. Food trucks provide concessions and a prayer tent is available. A goodwill offering is collected to support the musicians, who volunteer their time to perform.
This is an alcohol-free and pet-free event.
Enjoy a spacious vacation rental in Banner Elk with this upscale three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house. The house has a welcoming floor plan with vaulted ceiling, large fireplace, hardwood floors and a covered porch with plenty of room for relaxing or entertaining.
The house sleeps up to eight with two king beds and four twin beds. There is a loft in addition to the three bedrooms. Tennis enthusiasts can take advantage of the shared tennis court on site.
Amenities include Wi-Fi, gas fireplace, washer & dryer, full kitchen and cable TV.
Bayou Banner Elk, aka Bayou Smokehouse & Grill, offers a Texas-Louisiana inspired menu and a fun, laid-back atmosphere.
Popular items run the gamut from Texas-style smoked beef brisket to spicy Cajun shrimp gumbo. Cajun pastas are also available, along crawfish etouffee, red beans and rice, po' boys and 16-ounce house ribeye steaks.
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.
Go prospecting for North Carolina gemstones at Sugar Creek Gem Mine, where customers have come to expect quality service, top-notch mining equipment and a staff of experienced gemologists.
Sugar Creek Gem Mine is open year-round and guarantees the discovery of precious and semi-precious gemstones in every bucket. Buckets of gemstone "rough" range in size from one to seven gallons, allowing multiple options based on the size of your group and how long you want the experience to last.
Before each adventure, the staff provides instruction on how to use the mining equipment and the best methods for mining. The outdoor flume is covered to accommodate gem mining rain or shine.
Afterward, the staff helps you evaluate the gemstones and is available to cut the stones and/or incorporate them into pieces of jewelry.
Walk-ins are welcome. However, to avoid wait times, particularly in summer, the staff recommends calling in advance to reserve a time.
The phone number for reservations is: 828-898-4367.
High Country UTV Tours provide guided utility terrain vehicle excursions in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The company built a thrilling off-road course about 15 miles from Banner Elk in Roan Mountain, Tennessee. Guests drive miles of challenging mountain terrain, cross bridges, ride through creeks and climb to the summit of a mountain.
At the summit, enjoy 360-degree views where guides take photos provided to guests at no additional cost.
Choose from two- or four-seat side-by-sides for this exhilarating adventure. High Country UTV Tours are open to families and guests of all abilities and skill levels. No prior UTV riding experience is necessary.
Reservations are required.
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.
**Notice: Due to damage from Hurricane Helene, the Profile Trail access and trail are closed until further notice
A great hiking option on the outskirts of Banner Elk is the Profile Trail at Grandfather Mountain State Park. This 7.6-mile round trip hike is rated strenuous, climbing some 1,775 feet to the top of Grandfather Mountain’s Calloway Peak, at 5,964 feet in elevation.
The trail begins in rolling terrain and crosses the Watauga River, before increasing in difficulty during the ascent. Much of the hike is under hardwood canopy before breaking into a Canadian fir zone near the crest.
The reward for reaching the summit – 360-degree views of the North Carolina High Country.
Ruth Ann is a master certified groomer who uses all-natural shampoos and has been grooming pets since 1986.
The shop is located in the heart of downtown Banner Elk. Walk in or call 828-260-4454 to make an appointment.
The Lodge at Banner Elk, formerly the Best Western Mountain Lodge, is a 100-room hotel featuring a mountain motif and lots of amenities.
Guests enjoy updated rooms, seasonal outdoor heated pool, picnic area with gas grills and a deck, 37” flat screen televisions with HBO, meeting facilities, mountain views and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.
The Lodge at Banner Elk is the only pet-friendly hotel in the Banner Elk area. A hot breakfast is included each morning and a two-room jacuzzi suite is available.
The hotel offers discount packages that include tickets to Grandfather Mountain or Ensemble Stage theater. Tickets also available for Tweetsie Railroad.
Ask the staff about arranging fly fishing guide service or a fly fishing lesson.
Carolina Cabin Rentals offers several vacation rental homes in the Banner Elk area. Amenities include hot tubs, spectacular views, fireplaces, large flat-screen TVs, game rooms with pool tables and more.
Calendars are kept up to date and the website offers photos, 3D walk-throughs and instant quotes, as well as online booking.
Music at FORUM is a curated series of concerts held each summer at Lees-McRae College. It was founded in 1979 by a group of residents to enhance the cultural arts experience in Banner Elk.
This eight-week series brings acclaimed national entertainment to Hayes Auditorium at Lees-McRae College, highlighted by several tribute artists performing the works of the greatest musicians and singer-songwriters.
A typical season includes music from many genres across different eras. Enjoy the great American songbook, the golden age of rock and roll, classic pop and an annual performance by a symphony orchestra.
Each week features a different act playing two shows, back to back, on a Monday evening at Hayes Auditorium. Each show is ticketed separately.
For tickets, a schedule of events or more information, call 828-898-8748 or click here.
This woodland-themed upstairs condo minutes from downtown Banner Elk provides two bedrooms and one bathroom for a cozy mountain getaway. Located approximately 10 minutes from Sugar and Beech ski resorts, the condo is a great spot for skiers. It's also an easy walk to shops, galleries and restaurants in downtown Banner Elk.
Wooden furnishings and accents give the condo a cabin-like feel. The fully equipped kitchen makes meal prep easy. Gather in the living room around the rock fireplace or outdoors around the fire pit on nice evenings. The covered balcony seems to be perched in the treetops and offers a dining table and porch swing. The unit has a stackable washer and dryer. This property is pet friendly for an additional fee.
Location is approximate. Exact address provided upon booking.
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.
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.
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.
Perched on top of a hill and surrounded by mountain views, this picturesque three-bedroom, three-bathroom home is the ideal mountain retreat for families or a group of couples traveling together.
One standout feature is a view of Beech Mountain from all main living areas. A fully equipped kitchen allows for easy meal preparation, and the open floor plan marries the kitchen with the living room and dining area. Enjoy outdoor meals on the deck with sweeping views, and retreat to the fire pit in the evenings.
The master suite has a king bed, and two additional bedrooms have queen beds. The master bedroom boasts a grand bathroom suite with dual sinks and an open shower, an oversized walk-in closet, and a private deck with rocking chairs.
In the additional upstairs space, there is a twin bed and a trundle bed. In the living room, the leather sectional sofa is ideal for relaxing by the stone-encased gas fireplace and playing one of many games. A washer and dryer are provided, and the garage has an electric vehicle charging station.
Louisiana Purchase (LP) on Main offers fine dining in an upscale, yet casual atmosphere on Main Street in Banner Elk. Since 1984, the restaurant has been one of the most popular in the NC High Country.
The menu features both traditional selections and seasonal offerings. Among the favorites are BBQ shrimp, bison meatloaf with smoked cheddar mac n' cheese, tartare black angus beef, crab cakes, Scottish salmon and fried oysters.
The extensive wine list has received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for several years running.
Reservations preferred.
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.
Hawksnest features four miles of zip-line cables for riders to cruise over trees, lakes and creeks, taking in panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The attraction is located just off of Highway 105 South between Boone and Banner Elk, high atop Seven Devils.
Whether you are a first-time zip-liner or you have several rides under your belt, Hawksnest is a fun place to experience the thrill of a zip line while surrounded by mountain scenery.
The most popular option is the Hawk Tour, which is ideal for beginners. The one-and-a-half-mile tour involves 11 cables; two of them stretch more than 1,500 feet and reach heights of more than 150 feet. Participants hit speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Zipping through the trees gives the feeling of riding through a tunnel. The tour also has two swinging bridges. Children as young as 5 years old can take the Hawk Tour.
The more-advanced Eagle Tour requires good physical condition due to high speeds and long distances. The nine-cable tour covers three miles and reaches speeds up to 50 miles per hour. Two cables are more than 2,000 feet long, and several are more than 200 feet high. If you’re an experienced zip-liner or an adrenaline junky, the Eagle Tour is for you.
Children must be at least 8 years old. Both tours take between one-and-a-half to two hours to complete. After your tour, enjoy the view from the observation deck at the Hawksnest mountaintop lodge.
Reservations are required for tours, and participants should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled start. Hawksnest welcomes company team-building outings and large groups of family or friends.
Grandfather Vineyard and Winery produces a variety of wines in a relaxing setting beside the Watauga River near the base of Grandfather Mountain. In fact, the property has a frame-worthy view of the profile that gives the peak its name.
The business is a family affair. Steve and Sally Tatum — who opened Tatum Galleries furniture in Banner Elk in 1978 — planted their first grapes in 2003. They completed the winery in 2011. Their son Dylan is the winemaker. He graduated from Surry Community College in Dobson with a degree in viticulture and enology. The vineyard grows vitis vinifera grapes, which thrive on the terraced land with warm days and cool nights.
Dry wines include: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rosé, Syrah, Pinot Noir and selected red and white blends.For those who enjoy sweeter wines, the winery uses North Carolina’s native muscadine grapes to produce sweet varieties. When the weather allows, the winery produces ice wine, made from grapes that freeze on the vine.
Grandfather also makes a hard cider that combines heirloom apples and Asian pears. After fermentation, the cider is dry hopped, a process often used in brewing beer.
The tasting room offers sampling flights. Visitors can purchase a glass or a bottle to enjoy inside or out on the patio. Adirondack chairs line the Watauga River that runs alongside the property. The winery doesn’t serve food, but guests are welcome to bring their own. Several spots are ideal for picnics.
Vineyard events include plein air painting, live music and trivia nights. Grandfather also welcomes weddings, parties and corporate events.
More information is available at 828-963-2400 or www.grandfathervineyard.com.
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.
The Spa is the newest addition to the historic Eseeola Lodge. This luxury day spa offers the public a range of pampering treatments befitting its peaceful location on the grounds of the revered Linville lodge.
Indulge your senses in the elegance of cozy therapy suites with luxurious linens, organic essential oils and top of the line products used in signature treatments that nourish the soul.
Services range from massages and body scrubs to facials, manicures and hair and makeup. The spa's popular body treatments enhance the experience with an ideal combination of indulgences, such as dry brushing, sea salt or sugar exfoliation, aromatherapy steam, and hydrating wraps.
A boutique sells everything from high-end hair care and skin care products, to bath and body products, to luxury robes and bed linens to natural aromatherapy oils.
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.
Make memories in the middle of it all at this chic three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhouse. Take an easy stroll to the campus of Lees-McRae College and downtown Banner Elk's top-notch restaurants and shops.
Lilly's Mountain Escape is a corner unit with two wraparound decks that feature a hot tub and a gas grill. The three bedrooms all have king beds.
The master bedroom comes with a spa-like en suite bathroom with jetted tub and gas fireplace, fully surrounded by rockwork.
The other two bedrooms share a bathroom. An upscale kitchen has granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a wine bar area and adjacent laundry room.
Nestled in the village shops in the heart of town, Sorrento’s is an upscale bistro known for its authentic Italian cuisine. The chefs use family recipes dating back to the family’s roots in Sicily.
Menu includes salads, pastas, veal, chicken, seafood pizzas and gourmet sauces. Also open for lunch and Sunday brunch. Contemporary artwork inside and a large patio garden with fire pit open seasonally.
The best in locally-made art can be found at the Banner Elk (BE) Artists Gallery.
Formed by a group of local artists, the BE Artists Gallery features fine arts and crafts for sale to the public. All items are hand-made objects of beauty and utility created by artisans living within a 50-mile radius of Banner Elk.
The gallery was so successful in its first year that its size was doubled to provide display space for more artists.
Displays vary throughout the year and include such mediums as: fabric art, fine furniture, glass works, graphic arts, jewelry, metal works, paintings, photography, pottery and wood turnings.
From mid-April through December, hours of operation are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other times, it is by appointment only by calling 828-898-6767.
Westglow Resort & Spa was founded on the idea of relaxation. Originally constructed in 1917, the estate was the summer retreat of artist and writer Elliott Daingerfield. In 1978, Glynda Valentine, a fitness and wellness pioneer, purchased the property for her private residence.
Now on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as one of 36 Relais & Châteaux properties in the country, Westglow is a world-class resort. Its location in Blowing Rock encourages guests to escape daily stresses and refresh the mind, body and spirit.
The Westglow Spa experience conforms to personal interests. For guests seeking exercise and activity, facilities include an indoor heated pool, cardiovascular room, weight room and tennis courts. Participate in cycle class, yoga, Tai Chi or a guided hike. Workshops and seminars teach techniques to manage stress and make healthy decisions.
For those looking to unwind and rejuvenate, the spa has a variety of treatments. Renew your skin with a facial and the help of a skin-care specialist. Choose from calming, resurfacing, anti-aging and hydrating options. An extensive massage menu offers deep tissue, aromatherapy, hot stones, essential oils and treatments especially for prenatal guests and couples. The signature Soul of the Rose treatment involves a loofah warming body wrap to exfoliate and cleanse the skin and a full-body massage.
Other techniques include Vichy rain therapy and acupuncture. The full-service salon pampers guests with hair styling, manicures, pedicures and waxing. Many treatments are available a la carte or as part of a day spa package. Westglow has a three-to-one ratio of staff members to guests and prides itself on customer service. Spa guests enjoy the dry sauna, multiple lounges and patios, a poolside cafe and a retail boutique.
More information is available at 800-562-0807 or www.westglowresortandspa.com.
Hardin Fine Jewelry eliminates the intimidating stereotype often associated with jewelry stores. Set in a charming cabin-like building with big windows and lots of natural light, Hardin’s salespeople welcome visitors with big smiles and warm hospitality.
The eclectic selection features one-of-a-kind pieces from artisans all over the world. From bold pink, green and blue gemstones to elegant diamonds and pearls, Hardin’s stocks a variety of jewelry to suit any occasion.
This store is a great option for a dazzling gemstone for that special someone, or if you just feel like indulging in a bit of retail therapy.
The Banner Haven Beehive has two rental units on 1.25 acres just minutes from downtown Banner Elk. The cabin sleeps two people, and the apartment accommodates six people. The units can be rented together to sleep a group of eight. The apartment is on the second story of a 1910 mountain house and has its own entrance.
The large backyard has a gazebo and fire pit. Play ball with the kids in the yard, and then gather around the fire pit in the evening and make s'mores. The rental is approximately 10 minutes from Beech Mountain ski resort and 15 minutes from Sugar Mountain ski resort.
Puerto Nuevo is known for its Mexican dishes, seafood entrees and vegetarian selections. All meals are prepared fresh daily with quality ingredients.
Menu selections range from pollo asado to tacos San Felipe to chilaquiles Mexicanos to fresh grilled tilapia. A kids’ menu available as well.
The restaurant says its biggest surprise is that the Guacamole dip tastes fresh, and tastes like avocado!
Enjoy the game or relax with friends in the bar at Puerto Nuevo, which offers a large selection of margaritas and tequilas.
This idyllic ice cream parlor located in the Village Shops in the heart of downtown Banner Elk serves scoops with a smile.
The toughest part is selecting from 20 flavors of ice cream, waffle and cake cones, milkshakes and root beer floats. Once the decision is made, enjoy your treat inside or outdoors on the patio. Pet pals dig the homemade doggy ice cream.
Also, keep an eye out for the mint green BE Scooped truck serving ice cream at concerts and festivals around the High Country.
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.
Climb, swing and dangle in the treetops at Wilderness Run Adventure Course in Banner Elk.
Located beside Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, the adventure course consists of ropes, logs and planks secured to and suspended from giant wooden tripods.
The course features 28 obstacles with three levels of difficulty: easy, intermediate and hard. Activities include scrambling over cargo nets, scaling rock-climbing structures, and traversing swinging bridges and logs. Participants may advance to more difficult obstacles as they navigate the course, or stay on one level. At the highest point, approximately 40 feet above the ground, guests enjoy views from the crow’s nest and can hop in a swing to get the feeling of floating in midair.
A children’s course, recommended for ages 2 to 5, includes netted tubes, bridges and platforms.
Wilderness Run Adventure Course takes an hour and a half and guests must register online for a check-in time. Height and weight restrictions apply. When visitors arrive, they receive a harness and helmet, and the adventure starts with 10-15 minutes of ground school instruction on technique and safety.
If visitors want to book an alpine coaster ride in conjunction with their adventure course session, the adventure course registration should be arranged first.
Wilderness Run Adventure Course is open seven days a week seasonally from April through October.
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom condo is all about the views. The wall of windows in the open common area, including kitchen, dining and living areas, provides views of the mountains and downtown Banner Elk in the distance.
This upstairs unit opens to a wrap-around balcony with space to enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the sunset. Inside, a dining table and bar with stools provide ample space to gather together for a meal.
Abundant natural light and modern furnishings create a welcoming space. Private parking available for two vehicles.
The resort town's shops, restaurants and tasting rooms, as well as the campus of Lees-McRae College, are within easy walking distance.
Location is approximate. Exact location provided upon booking.
