Explore Boone

05/25/2026

Somewhere between "this is breathtaking" and "don't look down." 😅 Would you be brave enough to trek this rugged ridgeline?

📍 Grandfather Mountain State Park, Grandfather Trail

05/21/2026

Three days, three breathtaking waterfalls, and three award-winning wineries. 🥂

The best part? Each pairing is just minutes apart in the Boone area.

Embark on a three-day adventure through the Appalachian High Country AVA that combines Boone area waterfalls with NC wineries.

05/18/2026

Sometimes, the best finds aren’t out in the open…
they’re found tucked in the back of a fly shop on Depot Street. 🥟

Opened by friends Kim Short and Ilya Wang, The Happy Persimmon () brings Taiwanese snacks, Japanese pantry staples, loose teas, frozen dumplings, and AAPI community inclusivity to downtown Boone. The market has quickly become a favorite stop for curious cooks, App State students, homesick travelers, and anyone looking to try something new. If you haven’t had a chance to stop by, consider this your official invitation!

🥢 In celebration of , don’t miss The Happy Persimmon’s 3rd annual Homecoming Lunch Date .a.r.m.cafe tomorrow (Tuesday, 5/19)!

05/14/2026

🌸 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. 🦌🤔

📷: , , .films

Boone, NC | native wildflowers | spring

05/12/2026

05/08/2026

A slow Boone morning and a good brunch go hand in hand. ☕️

Are you starting your Boone weekend with biscuits, pancakes, or shrimp & grits?

Browse this roundup of 8 locally-beloved and unique brunch spots in Boone, NC.

05/06/2026

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.

With visitor occupancy tax dollars, Explore Boone is able to fund infrastructure projects like the Boone Greenway Skate Park, Rocky K**b Mountain Bike Park, and public recreation access throughout Watauga County.

Learn more about our projects and how we approach infrastructure investment at the link in the comments 👇

05/04/2026

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.

05/01/2026

SURPRISE! We’ve partnered with the Town of Boone, for a FREE PARKING takeover in downtown Boone to kick off National Travel & Tourism Week.

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 !