Boone, North Carolina

Boone is not your typical travel destination for Black travel. But, there are plenty of reasons to visit, if you find yourself in North Carolina. Known for its mountainous terrain, and for being home of Appalachian state university, it boasts scenic drives, river and mountain adventure activities, laid back old town shopping and eateries, and college sports.

Although there are things to do and see here, year-round, I feel that the best time to visit is the late summer or early fall when the foliage and the mountain peaks and valleys make for breathtaking views. River tubing down the New River, perusing through shops, hiking, biking, and ziplining are among some of the more common activities, in summer, but Boone is also all about football, pumpkin patches, and apple picking in the fall. (Appalachian State brings in large crowds, with limited parking, so if you aren’t there for the game, you may be annoyed by the crowds on gamedays.) Wintertime in Boone makes for same of the best adrenalin pumping snow tubing and skiing, with numerous snow and ski resorts, nearby. Whereas, the rebirth of the tree blossoms, and local market and festivals make spring a fun time to visit as well.

Boone is in rural North Carolina, so you may worry that some folks there may not make us feel 100% welcomed, but the overall feel is comfortable and warm. The university brings people from all walks of life, which has created a significant rise in Black and Brown presence. So you can feel confident as you hike through the Blue Ridge Parkway, bike and picnic at the Greenway Trail, splash in the creeks at Julian Price Park, or stroll through the Daniel Boone Gardens.

There are some great local shops, breweries, and eateries in Boone, with an old school feel that is truly charming. Some of my personal favorites are Comeback Shack, Black Cat Caf� (where everything is a burrito!), Melanie’s (for breakfast), and Coyote Kitchen. I also have to mention Stick Boy Bakery, where they have the best coffee and pastries, though I have not been there since they “backed the blue.”

All in all, I say Boone is a great day trip destination year round, and for a long weekend destination in winter, if you enjoy winter sports or cabin living. It is an absolutely beautiful mountain town, that has no shortage of things to see and do.