North Carolina's High Country region is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning mountain views, outdoor recreation opportunities, and charming small towns. I recently had the pleasure of visiting this area and wanted to share my experience with you in this high country travel guide.
I began my trip in Boone, a bustling college town located in the heart of the High Country. Boone is home to Appalachian State University and offers a vibrant downtown area with plenty of restaurants, breweries, and shops. I particularly enjoyed visiting the Mast General Store, which is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. This historic store offers everything from clothing to candy and has been in operation since 1883.
From Boone, I headed to the nearby town of Blowing Rock, which is known for its stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I stopped at the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, which features a beautifully restored mansion and over 25 miles of hiking trails. The park is also home to Bass Lake, which offers canoeing and fishing opportunities.
Next, I drove along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, which winds through the mountains and offers breathtaking views at every turn. I stopped at the Linn Cove Viaduct, a unique engineering marvel that hugs the side of Grandfather Mountain. This is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the area.
Continuing along the Parkway, I arrived at the small town of Little Switzerland. This charming town is known for its arts and crafts scene and offers several shops and galleries to explore. I particularly enjoyed visiting the Emerald Village Gem Mines, where I was able to dig for gems and learn about the history of the area's mining industry.
My final stop was in the town of Banner Elk, which is located in a picturesque valley between two mountain ranges. Banner Elk offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and skiing. I visited the Beech Mountian Resort, which offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the summer.
Overall, my trip to North Carolina's High Country was a wonderful experience. The area offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and small-town charm, and there are plenty of activities to keep visitors busy. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing getaway, I highly recommend a visit to this beautiful region.
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