Boone, North Carolina, is located in the northwestern part of North Carolina, nestled in the picturesque Appalachian Mountains. Home to Appalachian State University, the city explodes with all the conveniences of a college town, but sprinkled within its landscape are historical treasures and nature’s beauty.

Perfect for a quick getaway, if you’ve only got 24-hours on the ground, don’t miss these destinations.

Where It All Began | Mast General Store

The original Mast General Store is located in Valle Crucis, North Carolina. It was established in 1883 by Henry Taylor, and initially, it served as a general store providing goods to the local community. Over time, the store became a hub for the area, offering everything from clothing and hardware to farm supplies and household items.

Its historic charm and traditional feel never gets old. The building itself has retained much of its original character, with wooden floors, old-fashioned displays (barrel after barrel of candies), and a welcoming atmosphere that reminds of yesterday.

Today, the Mast General Store has expanded to several locations—Asheville, Boone, Waynesville, Hendersonville, Winston-Salem, NC; Knoxville, TN; Roanoke, VA; Columbia and Greenville, SC—but the original store in Valle Crucis remains a beloved landmark and a popular destination for visitors looking to experience a taste of old-time Americana.

What a View | Grandfather Mountain

When visiting Grandfather Mountain, there are several must-see places that showcase the natural beauty and unique features of this iconic destination. Consider visiting during the winter months to avoid the crowds. It is spectacular.

Purchase tickets in advance online. The month of April offers Dollar Days for people living in specific locations in North Carolina. AAA, senior and military discounts are available.

Mile High Swinging Bridge | This is perhaps the most famous attraction. The Mile High Swinging Bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It spans a chasm at an elevation of 5,280 feet (hence the "mile high" name) and provides an exhilarating experience for visitors.

Grandfather Trail | For hiking enthusiasts, the Grandfather Trail is a must. It's a challenging and rewarding trail that takes you to the summit of Grandfather Mountain. Along the way, you'll encounter rugged terrain, stunning vistas, and unique rock formations like the "Chimney" and the "Grandfather Profile."

Grandfather Mountain State Park | Explore the various trails and overlooks within the park. It offers opportunities for hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Don't miss the Profile Trail, which leads to Calloway Peak, the highest point on Grandfather Mountain.

The Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum | It’s an excellent introduction to the area's ecology, geology, and cultural history. Interactive exhibits, displays of native flora and fauna, and informative guides offer a deeper understanding of the natural wonders. There are also exhibits and educational information that provides insights into the habitats and culture.

Scenic Overlooks | Take advantage of the numerous scenic overlooks along the drive. Each overlook provides unique perspectives and photo opportunities of the surrounding landscapes, including rugged peaks, lush forests, and winding rivers. Take time and recreate the scene from “Forrest Gump” along the “Forrest Gump Curve.”

Lay Your Head | Rhodes Motor Lodge

Once Greene’s Court, it was built in 1958 by Thomas Grant Greene and his wife, Ruth. When Thomas passed away, Ruth and her son, Harris, ran the hotel and built the back addition in the early 1970s. Sold years later, the hotel’s structure fell into disrepair.

Today, the 54-room (all facing the Southern sky of the Blue Ridge Mountains) motel is taking reservations from travelers seeking a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel experience in the North Carolina mountains.

Transformed by Loden Hospitality, it’s a modern-meets-rustic revival of the motel on the hill. It’s restaurant Canteen offers modern casual fare and is the ideal evening destination for locals and travelers to enjoy a craft cocktail around the indoor-firepit.

Located in Boone, its central location is ideal for exploration. 54 rooms. Booking available online.

WHEN YOU GO

The communities of Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina, are jam-packed with adventures, shopping and history. Twenty-four hours is never enough, but when you find yourself back for a longer stint, make sure you visit these venues.

Blue Ridge Parkway | Location within two miles of the Grandfather Mountain, this section of the BRP is home to the iconic image of the parkway, the Linville Viaduct. The Linville Gorge is the deepest gorge east of the Grand Canyon. When visiting in the winter months, check the website for road closures. Million drive the parkway each year, the epitome of slow travel. Get help planning your trip here.

Sugar Mountain Resort | Take to the slopes during the winter season at Sugar Mountain Resort.

Tweetsie Railroad | A family theme park, hop aboard the rails and experience the wild west. The park is open from April through December. Visit the website for events.