Explore Boone

Heads up, explorers! The Blue Ridge Parkway will be under construction in our area starting March 19th, with completion set for Fall 2026. 🚧 The GOOD news is that all popular trails and attractions will still be open and accessible via detour, like: 🥾 Moses Cone Memorial Park 🥾 Grandfather Mountain (attraction) and Grandfather Mountain State Park* 🥾 Price Lake + Campground 🥾 Tanawha Trail (incl. Beacon Heights and Rough Ridge) 🥾 Linn Cove Viaduct Visit the National Park Service link in our bio for the most accurate closures by milepost, updated daily. *The Profile Trail will remain closed.

🌸 A little bit about rhododendrons… These iconic mountain blooms are actually in the blueberry family, but be warned: plant experts list them as toxic to humans, pets, and livestock. Despite this, many Boone area gardeners will tell you that deer are more than happy to take a munch. 🦌🤔 📷: @carolinemillerphoto , @_davidcmckenzie_ , @zachlehman.films Boone, NC | native wildflowers | spring

The next wave of native wildflowers has arrived in the Boone area! 🌸 Warmer, drier weather pushed blooms ahead of schedule this year, but the wide range of elevations in the area means you can still catch fresh blooms across the High Country for weeks to come. 🌿 Swipe through for your latest bloom update, then visit our Wildflower Wandering guide to plan your trip!

The best Boone weekends start with brunch ☕️🥐 Whether you’re craving shrimp & grits downtown, organic café comfort after yoga, or a classic diner breakfast before hitting the Blue Ridge Parkway, our brunch guide has you covered. Check out Boone Brunch 101 at the link in our bio to start your weekend off right!

National Travel & Tourism Week is a reminder of why we do what we do. Travel is the family road trip that becomes a story told for decades. The reunion that could only happen because someone made the journey. At Explore Boone, we exist to make those moments possible, and we couldn’t be prouder of it. Using only visitor occupancy tax dollars, Explore Boone is able to foster growth by funding infrastructure projects like the Boone Greenway Skate Park, Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park, and public recreation access throughout Watauga County. Want to learn more about our projects and how we approach infrastructure investment? 👇 Comment 'Imagine Watauga' and we'll send you a link to our infrastructure action plan! #NTTW26

It’s National Travel & Tourism Week! This year’s theme says it all: Travel Is Essential. Not a luxury. Not an afterthought. Travel powers local economies, connects communities, supports millions of jobs and enriches lives in ways that can’t always be measured on a spreadsheet. That’s why this week, we’ll be sharing some of the ways we give back to our community directly, thanks to our visitors! At Explore Boone, we’re proud to be part of an industry that moves America forward. #NTTW26

We couldn’t wait to celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week… so we’re getting started this weekend! 🎉 We’ve partnered with the Town of Boone for a FREE PARKING takeover in downtown Boone. Here’s what you need to know ⤵️ When? 👉 All day Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 Where? 👉 Free parking is applied to downtown street meters and kiosk lots. Private and permitted parking lots are not included. How will I know? 👉  Flyers indicating free parking will be applied to these meters and kiosks. No flyer? Look for signage that indicates private or permitted parking; it may not be a free, municipal parking space.  Why? 👉 To support our downtown businesses and community! Explore Boone is grateful for every visitor who made this parking takeover possible, and we’re proud to be part of an industry that gives so much back to our incredible community. Happy #NTTW26!

Mountain weather keeping you on your toes? ☔️ Swap your hike for an escape room, a pottery class, or an afternoon wandering Boone’s art spaces. 🎨 Find more rainy day inspo at the link in our bio! (Last slide photo by @_eddylinecreative_ courtesy of @zrcskate )

Still a little early, but you can already see where this is headed… 🌸 📷: @honeybadgerimages Boone, NC | spring | wildflowers | blue ridge mountains | azalea bloom

✨ Save this Boone, North Carolina itinerary for your bucket list Boone is one of those mountain towns that gives you a little bit of everything in one trip. Between the Blue Ridge views, cozy cabin stays, scenic hikes, local food spots, and a walkable downtown, it’s the kind of getaway that feels equal parts relaxing and adventurous. 📝 3 day Boone itinerary ✨ Day 1 Arrive in Charlotte Pick up rental car and drive to Boone Check into Firefly Cabin by @outofboundsretreats ✨ Day 2 Breakfast at Pearl’s Kitchen + Tiny Market @pearlskitchennc Shop around the Mast General Store @mastgeneralstore Visit Grandfather Mountain and see the wildlife habitats plus the Mile High Swinging Bridge Hike the Grandfather Trail toward McRae Peak Dinner at The Social @thesocialboone ✨ Day 3 Breakfast at Melanie’s Food Fantasy @melaniesfoodfantasy Lunch and craft brews at Booneshine Brewing Company @booneshinebrew Explore downtown Boone and shop along King Street Dinner at Vidalia Restaurant and Wine Bar Grab dessert at Venture Chocolate and Wine Co. @venturechocolateandwine Send this to someone you’d take to Boone and save it for your future mountain trip planning 🍂⛰️ #boonenc #boone #northcarolina #blueridgemountains #exploreboone

✨ Share this with someone planning a North Carolina trip! @exploreboone 🥾 Grandfather Trail to McRae Peak is one of the most unforgettable hikes near Boone, North Carolina. With rugged ridgelines, huge mountain views, and the famous ladders and cables, this hike feels like a real adventure the entire way. ⬇️ What to know before you go 📍 Location Grandfather Trail to McRae Peak Near Boone, North Carolina 🥾 Hike details Steep, rugged, and strenuous Best for hikers comfortable with heights and more technical terrain 📸 Why it’s worth it Incredible mountain views One of the most iconic hikes near Boone Famous ladders and cable sections A true adventure from start to finish ⚠️ Before you go This is not an easy casual hike Expect steep climbs and more exposure than a typical trail Take your time and wear good shoes Trailhead parking for Grandfather Trail is located within the ticketed Grandfather Mountain Nature Park before entering the State Park side #exploreboone #grandfathermountain #boonenc #northcarolina #northcarolinahiking

Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Boone, North Carolina, dog-friendly edition 🏔️ 🐕 ! Mentioned in the video: Stay: @rhodesmotorlodge Eat: @booneshinebrew @thecardinalboone @comebackshack @lostprovince Play: @pricelake_boatrentals Save this post for your next adventure with your precious pup and follow @lindaeatsworld for more North Carolina gems.