The Ultimate Guide to a Day in Banner Elk

By Banner Elk October 19, 2021

The town of Banner Elk, North Carolina, is a place that everyone should visit. Nestled in the beautiful mountains of northwestern North Carolina, Banner Elk is a great place to buy a vacation property or live year-round! Here’s our ultimate guide to a day in Banner Elk.

About the Town of Banner Elk

The Town of Banner Elk is located in Avery County. The historic town has a rich history and local flair.

The Cherokee were the first group of people to live in this area. It is believed that the Cherokee used the forests, creeks, and rivers of this location as hunting grounds.

In the mid-1800s, white settlers started moving into the area. In 1848, Martin L. Banner established the first permanent settlement.

Local folklore believes that the name Banner Elk comes from one of Martin’s family members who killed one of the last elk in the area. That’s how the town became known as Banner’s Elk.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

Banner Elk is truly a four-season destination. The spring and summer are wonderful times to visit.

Many people like to plan their vacation during this time of year to escape the heat and humidity and enjoy the cool mountain breezes and fresh air! Autumn is one of the most popular seasons, as people come from all over to take in the beauty of fall foliage.

Recommended Activities in Banner Elk

Visitors of Banner Elk recommend a wide variety of activities that will please the whole family, no matter what time of year.

If you are a cold-weather sports enthusiast you would love to visit during the winter months. Banner Elk is between the best skiing and snowboarding in North Carolina. Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and Beech Mountain Ski Resort are only minutes away and provide for lots of fun outdoor sports.

Banner Elk provides opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, bouldering, fly-fishing, mountain biking, and cycling. Lees-McRae College is located in the heart of downtown Banner Elk. The college is home to one of the most successful college cycling teams in the Nation.

Banner Elk is home to one of the High Country’s most popular fall events, The Woolly Worm Festival. This fall festival takes place in the third week of October. The Woolly Worm celebrated its 44th season this year.

Where to Eat, Drink, & Stay

When you plan your trip, book a room at the Banner Elk Winery and Villa. The Lodge at River Run is a lovely bed and breakfast, and Best Western is another great choice! Make sure to reserve a table at Artisanal, Louisiana Purchase, or Stonewalls.

If you have picky eaters grab a table at Banner Elk Cafe and Tavern, they have something for everyone. The Blind Elk Tap Room is a great choice to enjoy a local craft beer and cider.

Visit Banner Elk

Plan your trip to Banner Elk – you will be a fan for life! Once you’ve visited Banner Elk, you will want to stay forever. Our second home, vacation, and resort property specialists at 828 Real Estate are ready to help you find that special place.

If you’re in the market for a new home, view these active listings of homes for sale in Banner Elk, NC.

About the Author
Emily Shack, NC Broker/REALTOR® • 828-773-9757 • [email protected]

I have lived in North Carolina my whole life, 20+ years in the High Country. I grew up in Chapel Hill with a huge extended family. Naturally, I am a huge UNC fan. Although my whole family lived in Chapel Hill, the majority of them are Appalachian State graduates. So, when it was time to pick a college, I knew Boone was the place for me. I came to the mountains because, as my parents had always told me, it is an absolutely beautiful place and the people are so down to earth! That was 1997 and I have lived here ever since. I met my husband Dave at ASU and we married in 2001. We have 3 children, Elias, Faith, and Penelope. Our family lives in Downtown Boone. Dave teaches middle school science at Valle Crucis Elementary School. Before becoming a Real Estate Agent, I spent 5 years as the co-teacher of the 9-12 year old class at Mountain Pathways Montessori School. We are elders at our church, Harvest House, where I have taught preschool for the last 20 years. I can't believe it has been that long.... time flies when you’re having fun! I met Sarah Long, 828 Real Estate's Broker/ Owner, in 1997. My interest in Real Estate developed when we bought our first home and has grown as we have bought and sold over the years. Sarah was our Realtor for years and suggested many times that I pursue Real Estate as a full time career. I am so glad I did. I am enjoying introducing others to the place I love and call home….I look forward to helping you find your perfect place!