Find yourself surrounded by birdcalls and wildflowers as you welcome the season with a walk in the woods — through old-growth forests, along mountain summits, and past clear, cold creeks.
boone
In Search of Fall Color in the Blue Ridge Mountains
An Appalachian State University professor explores the mountains to find the telltale shades of autumn. Then he shares on social media the best places to find the most color in nature.
Our State Knows Best: Leaf Peeping
We talked to three biologists about how and when to plan a trip to see peak fall color in North Carolina, their favorite hikes and overlooks, and why our mountains are one of the best places in the country to see stunning autumn leaves.
Hidden Gems and Local Secrets: Welcome to the High Country
Just off the beaten path, you’ll find mountain scenery, shops, adventures, and restaurants worthy of being the main attraction.
5 on the Flat-Top: Country Retreat Family Billiards
Locals gather at this unlikely Watauga County establishment to shoot pool — and to eat first-class chargrilled burgers known far and wide.
Our State’s 5 Greatest Debates of 2021
Who came out on top? Discover the match-ups that North Carolinians were most excited to cast their vote in this year.
5 Cool Mountain Towns to Explore this Summer
When you’re longing to escape the humidity, head to these charming High Country towns off the Blue Ridge Parkway for unforgettable adventures.
Celebrate a Blue Ridge Summer in Boone
Go on an adventure, see stunning mountain views, listen to live music, and dine outdoors this summer.
Angel of an Epidemic
In the late-1980s, a Boone nurse opened the doors of her western North Carolina home to AIDS patients and HIV-positive men, giving them space to cry, shoulders to lean on, and fellowship with other sufferers at a time when fear kept some people from even lending a hand.