One of the best parts of the NC High Country is the chance to visit small towns tucked away in the Appalachian mountains. Visiting surrounding towns in the High Country, Southwestern part of Virginia, and Eastern Tennessee is an unique way to experience Appalachia!
3 Day Trips to Add to Your Boone Bucket List
Whether you’re in Boone for a few days, a week, or a lifetime there’s so much you need to see. Here are 3 of my favorite day trips from Boone within two hours drives you should visit.
#1: Hickory, North Carolina
Hickory is located approximately one hour from Boone and is nationally known for being one of the best places to buy authentic, handmade North Carolina furniture.
It’s a straight shot down US 321 and you’re there! The city has a population of over 40,000 and is full of exciting activities for everyone to enjoy.
If you like North Carolina furniture, the World’s Largest Chest of Drawers is located 77 miles away from Hickory in High Point, NC.
Downtown Hickory Shops and Attractions
One of my favorite areas of Hickory is the Downtown and Viewmont area. Here you can find the Hickory Museum of Art, Catawba Science Center and a flourishing Downtown area with plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy.
Need a Target run? Don’t worry! Hickory has a wide variety of local boutiques, thrift stores, and large department stores to choose from.
On Friday nights during the summer months, downtown is hopping with families, couples, craft beer and wines and great music during the Sails Original Music Series: a free concert series downtown. (Even if you don’t want to day trip, Boone has it’s own fair share of live music events that we seriously enjoy!)
#2: Abingdon, Virginia
Almost everywhere you go in Virginia is stunning, but Southwest Virginia holds a special place in my heart! The area is full of rich culture, outdoor activities and music for miles upon miles.
Virginia Creeper Trail
You may have heard of the Virgina Creeper trail. The 35-mile multi-purpose trail begins in Abingdon and runs to Whitetop, Virginia. The old train route allows bikers to explore Southwest VA in such a unique way!
Listening to blue grass music in Southwest Virginia can’t be beat!
Southwest Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail
Do you enjoy bluegrass, balladry and old-time music? Abingdon is also home to the Crooked Road headquarters.
The Crooked Road is Southwest Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail with 92 attractions and over 200 outdoor recreation sites. In the headquarters, you can find the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace. This center showcases over 180 artisans from Southwest Virginia, has a cafe of Appalachian-native foods and is full of undiscovered treasures.
If you’re looking for more day trip options near Boone in Virginia, we highly recommend Greyson Highland’s State Park – only an hours drive from the High Country of NC!
#3: Roan Mountain, Tennessee
Once you’ve hiked all the local spots in the Boone area, you may want to go right across the North Carolina/Tennessee border to the beautiful Roan Mountain. This gorgeous spot in the Cherokee National Forest has views for miles!
Now, there isn’t much to do for those who aren’t outdoor-acclimated, but for those who are, this place is a dream.
Interested in water falls? Cone Den Falls on the Appalachian Trail Loop is a 3.6 mile loop that brings you to a beautiful waterfall. There are flourishing rhododendrons, ferns and even large mushrooms.
Boone is located close to all kinds of adventures! With so many exciting attractions nearby, there’s no wonder why so many people choose the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina as their second home or vacation property location.