Our High Country Favorites
Whether you’re here for hiking, skiing, a great meal, live music or simply exploring the mountains, there’s no shortage of things to do around Sugartime.
These are some of our favorite places and experiences in the High Country.
Things can change seasonally, so we recommend checking the linked websites before heading out.
Hikes & Mountain Adventures
Blue Ridge Parkway • Great Views
One of our favorite hikes! Rough Ridge is right off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Grandfather Mountain and offers amazing long-range mountain views. The main hike is relatively short, but you can extend your adventure by following the Rough Ridge via Linn Cove Viaduct route on AllTrails.
Our tip: This is a great choice for big views without committing to an all-day hike.
Blue Ridge Parkway • Short & Scenic
A very short hike with beautiful mountain views. It’s right off the Parkway and is a great choice when you want a quick outing with a big payoff.
Crab Orchard Falls
Valle Crucis • Waterfall Hike
A pretty, relatively short hike to a waterfall. The trail is approximately 1.3 miles and is a nice option when you’re looking for something a little easier.
Otter Falls
Seven Devils • Waterfall Hike
Approximately 1.5 miles round trip to a beautiful waterfall. Trail conditions and access can change, so check the linked website for current information before heading out.
Blue Ridge Parkway • Multiple Trails
Moses Cone offers several trails through beautiful mountain scenery. Flat Top Mountain Trail is approximately five miles and leads to a fire tower with amazing long-range views. For something more gradual, try the historic six-mile Rich Mountain Carriage Trail.
Hiking • Waterfalls • Big Mountain Views
Linville Gorge offers hikes ranging from relatively easy to seriously challenging, along with the beautiful Linville Falls area. Trail access can change during restoration and maintenance, so check current conditions before heading out.
Approximately 45 Minutes • Big Views
If you don’t mind a little drive, Carver’s Gap at Roan Mountain is one of our favorites for incredible mountain scenery. The full hike can be more than six miles, but there are plenty of places to turn around and make it a shorter adventure.
Our Favorite Food & Drink
Banner Elk • Craft Beer & Live Music
A great local spot just down the road from Sugartime, with a rotating selection of craft beer, wine and prosecco. They often have live music and events. They don’t serve a full food menu, but snacks and food trucks may be available.
Our tip: Check their calendar before you go.
Blowing Rock • Special Occasion
One of our favorite choices for a special dinner. Gamekeeper combines creative Southern cooking with locally sourced ingredients and an adventurous menu that often includes game, trout and other seasonal dishes.
It’s approximately 20 minutes from Sugartime along winding Shulls Mill Road.
Our tip: Make reservations—and save room for the bread pudding!
Banner Elk • Sweet & Savory Pies
Mmmm...pies! Located beside the Alpine Coaster, this is a great stop before or after an outing. They offer savory meat pies along with plenty of tempting sweets.
Our tip: Don’t miss the banana pudding!
Banner Elk • Coffee & Breakfast
One of our favorite spots for coffee and a quick breakfast. Great lattes, locally roasted coffee, bagels and breakfast burritos make this an easy stop before a day of skiing, hiking or exploring.
Old Hampton Store and Barbecue
Valle Crucis • Barbecue & Local History
This historic general store dates back to 1882 and is now home to great barbecue, Southern sides and a tavern serving cocktails and local beer.
Michael’s pick: The fried bologna sandwich!
It’s also fun to browse the store, which features products from local makers.
Note: Closed in winter typically January - mid-April
Banner Elk • Mexican & Seafood
A casual, crowd-pleasing option with Mexican favorites, seafood, generous portions and a lively atmosphere. It’s a good choice after a day of skiing, hiking or exploring when you want something relaxed.
Banner Elk • Seasonal & Local
A favorite for high-quality food featuring local ingredients. The smaller menu changes with the seasons, and they also offer cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine.
Banner Elk • Italian
A lively Italian bistro in the Village of Banner Elk serving classic Italian dishes and pizza.
Our tip: Check out The Chef’s Table upstairs for a more elevated, farm-to-table dining experience.
Banner Elk • Steakhouse
A High Country classic that has been around for decades. Expect a traditional steakhouse atmosphere, steaks, a salad bar and a great selection of cocktails and wine.
Our tip: Reservations are recommended.
Banner Elk • Pub Food & Après-Ski
A great nearby option for casual food and drinks, with plenty of TVs, a fireplace during winter and an open-air patio in warmer weather.
Perfect for après-ski—or après-hike!
Uncle Lee's Asian Bistro and Sushi
Banner Elk • Thai & Sushi
A great option when you’re craving sushi, Thai or Japanese food. The menu has plenty of variety, making it an easy choice when everyone in your group wants something different.
Our tip: Great for sushi night or a casual dinner after a day of exploring.
Banner Elk • Casual Lunch & Bakery
A family-run deli serving made-to-order sandwiches, soups and freshly baked treats. It’s a great choice for a casual lunch or something to grab and take with you while exploring.
Things to Do
Sugar Mountain • Adventure
If you like a little adrenaline, this is a must! The Alpine Coaster is just down the road from Sugartime and is fun for both kids and adults.
Our tip: Pre-booking your time is highly recommended. They also have an adventure course if you’re looking for an additional challenge.
Banner Elk • Family Friendly
A fun working fiber farm where you can meet alpacas, llamas, goats and other animals. Guided tours make this a particularly enjoyable outing for families.
Our tip: Book ahead!
Grandfather Mountain & Swinging Bridge
Linville • Views, Wildlife & Hiking
One of the High Country’s must-do attractions! Cross the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, visit the wildlife habitats and explore trails ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes.
Our tip: Give yourself plenty of time—there’s a lot to see.
Grandfather Vineyard & Winery
Banner Elk • Wine, Views & Live Music
One of our favorite places to spend a relaxing afternoon. The winery sits along the river with beautiful views of Grandfather Mountain and plenty of outdoor seating, including covered areas and fire pits.
Enjoy wine, snacks and charcuterie, and check their calendar for live music and special events.
Near Linville Falls • Wine & Mountain Scenery
A little farther from Sugartime, but a great pairing with a trip to Linville Falls or Linville Gorge. Beautiful grounds, mountain scenery, wine, snacks and regular live music make this a fun afternoon stop.
Valle Crucis • Shopping & Local History
A High Country classic dating back to 1883. The original store still serves as the Valle Crucis community post office and is packed with souvenirs, local goods and old-fashioned mountain-town character.
Don’t miss the Mast Store Annex down the road, especially if you like outdoor gear—or old-school candy by the barrel!
Blue Ridge Parkway • Apples, Music & Views
A beautiful historic apple orchard celebrating Appalachian culture and mountain heritage. Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy walking trails, apple picking, tractor rides and live mountain music.
Be sure to stop at the store for cider, apple pie and other local treats.
Our tip: Check their website for seasonal hours and activities.
Pineola • Taproom, Games & Live Music
Yes, it’s a place to stay—but we also love visiting while we’re at Sugartime! The taproom is one of our favorites, and they regularly host game nights, music bingo, trivia and live music.
They also have outdoor courts for pickleball, basketball and other games.
Our tip: Check their event calendar—there’s usually something going on!
Relax & Recharge
Looking for something completely different? River Birch offers a wood-fired sauna and cold-plunge experience that’s perfect for unwinding after a day in the mountains.
There’s something pretty great about stepping out of a hot sauna into the cool mountain air!
Blowing Rock • Family Fun
A classic North Carolina family attraction with a Wild West theme. Ride the historic steam locomotive, enjoy amusement rides and live shows, pan for gold and visit the Deer Park Zoo.
It’s a fun choice for families—and anyone who enjoys a little nostalgia.
Our tip: Check their calendar for seasonal hours and special events.
Winter Activities
Walking Distance • Skiing & Snow Activities
Sugar Mountain Resort’s base area is within walking distance of Sugartime! The resort offers skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating and snowshoeing.
Our tip: Check the resort’s website for current conditions, operating hours and available activities before heading out.
Beech Mountain • Skiing & Snowboarding
Just down the road from Sugartime, Beech Mountain Resort is another great option for skiing and snowboarding.
We especially enjoy the 5,506′ Skybar at the top of the mountain. During winter, it’s accessed by chairlift, and you’ll need to ski or snowboard back down—so plan accordingly!
Our tip: Check current mountain conditions and Skybar access before visiting.
Seven Devils • Family Snow Tubing
Not into skiing or snowboarding? Snow tubing is a fun way to enjoy the mountain! Located approximately 20 minutes from Sugartime, Hawksnest offers four tubing areas with up to 30 lanes ranging from 400 to 1,000 feet long.
It’s a fun winter adventure for adults and children ages three and older.
Our tip: Reserve your session in advance—popular times can sell out.
Summer Live Music
The High Country is a great place to catch live music, especially during the summer. Many local venues, parks and wineries offer free outdoor concerts throughout the season.
Schedules can change, so check each venue’s website for current dates and performers.
Grillin’ & Chillin’ - Sugar Mountain
Wednesdays • Grillin’ & Chillin’ — Sugar Mountain Concert Series
Enjoy live music on the outdoor deck at Sugar Mountain’s Golf and Tennis Club. Food and beverages are available for purchase.
Concerts in the Park - Banner Elk
Thursdays • Free Outdoor Concerts
Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy live music in Banner Elk’s town park during the summer.
Music in the Valle - Valle Crucis
Fridays • Live Music by the River
A popular summer concert series in beautiful Valle Crucis Community Park. Bring a chair, blanket and picnic for a relaxing evening by the river.
Summer Concert Series at the Jones House - Boone
Fridays • Downtown Boone
Free summer concerts featuring local and regional musicians on the Jones House lawn. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an evening in downtown Boone.
Music on the Lawn - Blowing Rock
Fridays • Blowing Rock
A fun outdoor concert series on the lawn at the Inn at Ragged Gardens. Bring a chair or blanket and check the current schedule before heading out.
