Escape. Unwind. Indulge.
Banner Elk
Banner Elk is a popular getaway near Boone in the Blue Ridge Mountains of the North Carolina High Country. It’s a place that blends small town relaxation with the amenities of a larger city.
Enjoy a richness of culture and adventure. Within 15 minutes of the town’s lone stoplight you can experience the great outdoors, fabulous dining, theater and the arts, family attractions like Grandfather Mountain, and the South’s two largest ski resorts: Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain.
Banner Elk’s tourism motto is “Escape. Unwind. Indulge.” This can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Hike easy greenways or tackle challenging trails among the highest peaks east of the Rockies. Go for thrills via a white-water paddling adventure or navigate the topography on a mountain bike. On the lighter side, spend a day visiting the town’s unique shops, boutiques, spas and restaurants.
A thriving food scene awaits. In fact, Banner Elk is known as the culinary hot spot of the NC High Country. Food aficionados indulge in everything from five-star white-linen dining to upscale casual to down-home cooking to tasty delis. An array of wineries and craft breweries lie within a 15-minute radius of downtown.
Famed mountain attractions like Grandfather Mountain, Linville Caverns, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Tweetsie Railroad and The Blowing Rock are just a short drive away.
With so many things to see and do (and eat), Banner Elk provides an ideal getaway for couples, families, adventure seekers and baby boomers. The mix of lodging available in Banner Elk assures something for every taste and budget. Please click here to review the many accommodations available.
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Events
Wineries & Breweries
Outdoor Adventure
The Culinary Hot Spot
Attractions
Museums & The Arts
Skiing
Grandfather Mountain
Latest News
Banner Elk Choose & Cut Christmas Tree Packages
Create a new tradition this holiday season with the Banner Elk Choose & Cut Christmas Tree Packages. These packages take advantage of Banner Elk's location in the NC High Country. The High Country is considered the Christmas Tree Capital for its abundance of tree...
Grandfather Mountain is Open; Here are Guidelines for Visits
Following a two-month closure last year due to COVID-19, Grandfather Mountain, which is 15 minutes from Banner Elk, reopened on May 22, 2020, with all ticket sales taking place online and reduced occupancy on a daily basis. This continues to be the policy in 2021....
North Carolina COVID-Safe Skiing: Ski Well, Be Well
For the second straight year, the North Carolina Ski Areas Association (NCSAA) is participating in the national Ski Well, Be Well initiative to promote COVID-safe skiing during the winter of 2021-22. All six NC ski resorts have implemented operational best practices....
Grandfather Mtn After Dark: Creatures of the Night & Bonfire Delight
Visitors are familiar with Grandfather Mountain’s resident animals, including black bears, bald eagles, cougars, river otters and elk. But what do they do after dark? Find out each fall at Grandfather Mountain’s annual Creatures of the Night & Bonfire Delight....
Banner Elk in North Carolina Mountains is Open to Travelers
Travelers wishing to visit the North Carolina mountains can do so in Banner Elk. We are open to visitors. Located near Boone in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Banner Elk began welcoming tourists back on May 6, 2020. Since May 22, lodging places in Banner Elk have been able...
Statewide Cycle Ride Kicks Off in Banner Elk
Banner Elk has been selected as the starting point for the 2016 “Mountains to Coast Ride,” hosted by Cycle North Carolina. All participants arrive in Banner Elk on Saturday, Oct. 1. The ride begins the next day at Tate-Evans Park in Banner Elk and concludes Saturday,...