Take The High Road to Boone, N.C.

A travel journal to Boone by Christian

Take the famous Blue Ridge Parkway to its highest elevation in all of northwestern North Carolina. To the folks in this part of the country, this land is known as "The High Country" and my destination is Boone, North Carolina.

  • 7 reviews
Boone is a small college town. The Appalachian University is its biggest attraction next to winter skiing. To some a college town may be a distraction, but I would beg to differ. I believe the students provide the unique and small town charm that the community is starving for. The students consume the 'old' town square which provides galleries, rare gift shops, coffee shops, antique shops, a small boutique for proms a brewery and more. Surrounding the small town of Boone is the natural beauty and wonders that only the man above can provide.

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Flintlock CampgroundBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Flintlock Family Campground"

This family owned campground is one of the most charming and relaxing I've seen and is perfectly nestled off a major highway. A refreshing river divides this campground in half. The general store is lined with climbing roses, provides a fireplace and plenty of rocking chairs to capture the moment. You will find Ms. Ursula May's garden is tucked in a unique flower 'bed'. The rental cabins all have a unique charm of their own. They are each painted in different colors, have their own plants and decor inside. Across from the cabins is an open field providing plenty of recreation for all who seek pure family fun. If camping is your style, this is the place to be.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Christian on July 20, 2000

Flintlock Campground
171 Flintlock CMPGRND Dr Boone, North Carolina 28607
(828) 963-5325

Koa CampgroundBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Boone KOA Campground"

This campground was located off of a secluded country road. Its location was once a cow pasture which is part of the campground's charm. Believe me, the grass was greener here than most places. There is a pool to cool off and a few goats for the kids to feed. My family and I chose to stay one evening to camp somewhere less secluded.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by Christian on July 20, 2000

Koa Campground
123 Harmony Mountain LN Boone, North Carolina 28607
(828) 264-7250

This large Swiss Style Lodge catches one's eye with its large water wheel outside and numerous Mallard Ducks splashing around. The lodge offers a warm feeling which is probably appreciated during the winter season. There is a large indoor/outdoor pool located on site and a warm jacuzzi waiting for a guest to jump in. In the morning, visit the Waterwheel Restaurant down front for breakfast. In the evening, stop at the sports lounge for a night cap.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by Christian on July 20, 2000

High Country Inn
1785 Hwy 105 Boone, North Carolina 28607
(828) 264-1000

The Blowing RockBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

My husband and I had to stop and check out Blowing Rock for ourselves. We heard about this beautiful rock looking over a valley and the legend of a beautiful Squaw maiden and her brave Cherokee lover. According to the legend the brave Cherokee was torn between his love for the maiden and his duty in the Cherokee tribe. Due to this conflict, he took a leap off of Blowing Rock, plunging to his death. The grief stricken maiden prayed for her lover to return. One day a gust of wind brought her lover back into her arms and since that day, Blowing Rock receives its persistent wind from the valley below. It doesn't matter if you believe in legends or not. This mystical, natural rock and its mystery is enough to attract patrons from all over. There is a garden, an observation deck, gift shop and a cafe' located on the premises. You will also have the opportunity to stand in the exact spot of the legendary leap off Blowing Rock.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Christian on July 20, 2000

The Blowing Rock
US 321 Boone, North Carolina

Everyone should go tubing at least once in their life... Of course Appalachian Adventures provides more than just tubing, they offer kayaking, canoeing and biking. But if you crave an adventure on a river, tubing is a great place to start. We found our adventure 12 miles outside of Boone in a very small town known as Todd. Appalachian Adventures operates out of an old train depot that dates back to 1888. This one street town with its large river, offers plenty of peace and tranquility. My family and I chose the 2 1/2 hour tubing adventure. This was the first time in a long time that my behind was planted in one place. On our trip we enjoyed the scenery, the sound of the chirping birds and even the cows who joined us for a swim. The log cabins built along the river and mountain side only makes a person envious of the owner's lifestyle. What peace and beauty they must enjoy. Exactly 2 1/2 hours later, our driver picked us up along the river side and brought us back to reality.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Christian on July 20, 2000

Appalachian Adventures
4041 Todd Railrod Grade Road Boone, North Carolina 28684
(336) 877-8800

Grandfather Mountain is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway and is distinctively noticed from afar. The mountain was named after its appearance, that the mountain looks like a man's face with a distinctive pointy chin. Grandfather Mountain is 5,964 feet above sea level and is dedicated as 1 of 324 biosphere reserves in the world. This mountain is privately owned and is comprised of over 4,000 acres and home to rare species including the American Bald Eagle.

After swallowing all of this mountain's impressive facts, its greatest quest is waiting above the clouds for one to conquer. The 1 mile high swinging bridge is patiently waiting for someone like myself to dare cross. It took me over 30 minutes to convince myself to be brave enough to conquer this adventure. Once across the bridge I realized that the greatest quest was now in front of me. Without any fences for protection, I was now standing on the highest peak in all of the Blue Ridge Mountains with sharp ledges near my feet. Quickly I snapped a few photos and the trip back across the bridge seemed less frightening than before.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Christian on July 20, 2000

Grandfather Mountain
2050 Blowing Rock Highway Boone, North Carolina
(828) 733-2013

About the Writer

Christian
Christian
West Palm Beach, Florida

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