Escape Unwind Indulge

Banner Elk

Banner Elk is a popular getaway near Boone in the Blue Ridge Mountains of the North Carolina High Country. It’s a place that blends small town relaxation with the amenities of a larger city.

Enjoy a richness of culture and adventure. Within 15 minutes of the town’s lone stoplight you can experience the great outdoors, fabulous dining, theater and the arts, family attractions like Grandfather Mountain, and the South’s two largest ski resorts: Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain.

Banner Elk’s tourism motto is “Escape. Unwind. Indulge.” This is achieved in a variety of ways. Hike easy greenways or tackle challenging trails among the highest peaks east of the Rockies. Go for thrills via a white-water paddling adventure or navigate the terrain on a mountain bike. On the lighter side, spend a day visiting unique shops, boutiques, spas and restaurants.

A thriving food scene awaits. In fact, Banner Elk is known as the culinary hot spot of the NC High Country. Food aficionados indulge in everything from five-star white-linen dining to upscale casual to down-home cooking to tasty delis. An array of wineries and craft breweries are within a 20-mile radius.

NC mountain attractions like Grandfather Mountain, Linville Caverns, Blue Ridge Parkway, Tweetsie Railroad and The Blowing Rock are nearby.

With so many things to see and do (and eat), Banner Elk provides an ideal getaway for couples, families, adventure seekers and baby boomers. The mix of lodging available in Banner Elk assures something for every taste and budget. Please check out the many accommodations available.

Latest News

Fig, the river otter, poses on a wall after a swim at Grandfather Mountain's animal habitat in NC

Another Reason You Otter Visit this Attraction

The nature park at Grandfather Mountain has added another reason to visit. A river otter named Fig has joined the Grandfather family.
Water cascades down Crab Orchard Falls near Banner Elk and Valle Crucis, NC

How to See Best Waterfalls Near Banner Elk and Linville

An easy guide to finding the best North Carolina waterfalls near Banner Elk, Linville and Beech Mountain.
Art on the Greene is Four Times Each Summer [0faa2237]

Art on the Greene is Four Times Each Summer

Art on the Greene transforms the Historic Banner Elk School lawn into an art gallery four times each summer. Shop from a variety of works.
Banner Elk's World Famous Woolly Worm Festival [83c4902d]

Banner Elk's World Famous Woolly Worm Festival

Banner Elk's famous Woolly Worm Festival features two days of racing woolly worms to determine which one predicts the mountain winter forecast
Fall foliage over a lake in the North Carolina mountains

Fall for Banner Elk this Autumn

Few places in the North Carolina mountains have the variety of fall color leaf-viewing options that Banner Elk offers.
10 Top Family Attractions in NC Mountains [5f99ba8b]

10 Top Family Attractions in NC Mountains

North Carolina’s mountains are full of iconic family attractions. Here's a list of NC's top family activities, all located near Banner Elk.
Romantic Mountain Getaway in NC [a23d22de]

Romantic Mountain Getaway in NC

Embrace your Romance Era in the NC mountains. The resort town of Banner Elk is a cozy getaway with small-town charm and upscale experiences.
Fleetwood Mac tribute band performing on stage

Get in the Groove During the Summer of Music

Banner Elk’s Summer of Music includes 90+ live concerts from premier acts from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The High Country's Top Culinary Destination [28462d8d]

The High Country's Top Culinary Destination

Banner Elk is the culinary hot spot of the NC High Country. From upscale to casual, fine dining to comfort food, Banner Elk restaurants have it all.