Quick Summary: Boone is a charming historical town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. The home of Appalachian State University, it has a lively student-town spirit while also retaining the ruggedness associated with its past, which is closely linked to the legendary explorer Daniel Boone. The surrounding area offers some of the country's best outdoor adventures, with fast, clear rivers perfect for rafting or kayaking.


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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Daniel Boone Native Gardens ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Daniel Boone Native Gardens | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Courtesy of Esin Deniz - Fotolia.com

2. Foggy Mountain Gem Mine ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Foggy Mountain Gem Mine | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Foggy Mountain Gem Mine

3. Hickory Ridge Living History Museum

Category: Activities
Hickory Ridge Living History Museum | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Courtesy of Ritu Jethani - Fotolia.com

4. Appalachian Ski Mountain

Category: Activities
Appalachian Ski Mountain | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Courtesy of Microgen - Fotolia.com

5. Turtle Island Preserve

Category: Activities
Turtle Island Preserve | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Courtesy of MG - Fotolia.com

6. The Art of Living Retreat Center

Category: Attractions
The Art of Living Retreat Center | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Courtesy of LumineImages - Fotolia.com

7. Howard's Knob

Howard's Knob | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Courtesy of Holly Michele- Fotolia.com

8. Watauga County Farmer's Market

Category: Shopping
Watauga County Farmer's Market | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Courtesy of Leslie - Fotolia.com

9. Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

Category: Activities
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Courtesy of Jill Lang - Fotolia.com

10. North Carolina Daniel Boone Heritage Trail

Category: Activities
North Carolina Daniel Boone Heritage Trail | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Courtesy of blew_f - Fotolia.com

11. Booneshine Brewing Company

Category: Food & Drink
Booneshine Brewing Company | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Booneshine Brewing Company

12. River and Earth Adventures

Tours
River and Earth Adventures | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Courtesy of Krzysztof Wiktor - Fotolia.com

13. Rock Dimensions

Rock Dimensions | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Courtesy of Armin Staudt - Fotolia.com

14. The Cascades Trail

Category: Activities
The Cascades Trail | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Courtesy of Alexey Rotanov - Fotolia.com

15. The Greenway Trail

Category: Activities
The Greenway Trail | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Courtesy of madajar - Fotolia.com

16. Turchin Center

Category: Attractions
Turchin Center | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Turchin Center

17. High Mountain Expeditions

Tours
High Mountain Expeditions | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Courtesy of Alexey Achepovsky - Fotolia.com

18. Tweetsie Railroad

Category: Kids & Family
Tweetsie Railroad | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Courtesy of Sinuswelle - Fotolia.com

19. Coyote Kitchen

Category: Food & Drink
Coyote Kitchen | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Coyote Kitchen

20. Melanie’s Food Fantasy

Melanie’s Food Fantasy | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Melanie’s Food Fantasy

21. Elk Creek Outfitters

Tours
Elk Creek Outfitters | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Courtesy of tab62 - Fotolia.com

22. Horn in the West

Horn in the West | Things to Do in Boone, North Carolina
© Courtesy of maximbg - Fotolia.com

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