Our High Country Highlights
Whether you are looking for an activity, live music or great food, there are plenty of options in the area! These are just a few of our favorites.
Hikes
Here’s a few hikes we like:
Rough Ridge
Right off the blue ridge parkway near Grandfather Mountain, this hike has amazing views of the mountains. Rough Ridge is pretty short, but if you use “All Trails” there’s a hike called “Rough Ridge via Linn Cove Viaduct” that is close to 4 miles. Great hike, one of our favorites.
Beacon Heights
A very short hike with beautiful views, right off the parkway.
Crab Orchard Falls
A short but pretty hike (1.3 miles) to a waterfall, not far from Sugar Mountain in Valle Crucis.
Otter Falls
1.5 miles roundtrip to a nice waterfall in Seven Devils, one trail is still closed for reconstruction but there are alternate trails to get you to the falls and back!
Moses Cone
Right off the parkway, there are several trails. Flat Top Mountain Trail is 5 miles and takes you to a fire tower with amazing long-range views. Rich Mountain Carriage Trail is an actual old carriage trail that is a 6 mile loop hike that gradually climbs up the mountain.
The gorge has lots of great hikes of varying lengths and difficulties (and the falls are beautiful) but you'll want to research to identify which are open and closed, it changes regularly as restoration is underway.
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Roan Mountain
If you don’t mind a little drive, Carver’s Gap at Roan Mountain is a great hike and amazing views (~45 min drive). It’s longer (6+ miles), but there are turnaround spots.
Food & Drink
Great selection of craft beers on tap and in cans just down the road from Sugartime in Banner Elk. They have wine and prosecco too. Check their calendar for live music and events. They don't serve hot food but have some snacks and food trucks on busy days.
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A unique dining experience combining traditional southern food with wild game and exotic ingredients and flavors. The menu changes seasonally but is always a great option for a high-end dinner! It's about a 20-minute drive from Sugartime, on the way to Blowing Rock off winding Shulls Mill Rd - reservations required!
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Mmmmm....pies. This new addition to the area is right next to the Alpine Coaster and a great place to stop before or after a daily outing. In addition to a great selection of savory meat pies, they offer an amazing assortment of sweets - don't miss the banana pudding!
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Located in Grandfather Center, Luna is a good go-to place if you’re looking for sushi, Japanese or Thai food.
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Old Hampton Store and Barbecue
As the name states it's an old general store dating back to 1882. Today it serves up great barbecue, southern sides and Michael's favorite - fried bologna sandwiches. There is a tavern on-site crafting farm-to-table cocktails and plenty of local beers on tap. The general store boasts local merchants today from pottery to jams and honey.
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High-quality food with lots of local ingredients and flare. The menu is small and changes regularly for the season. Full bar with great cocktail options, mocktails, beer & wine. Located in the Grandfather shopping center.
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Sorrento’s is a nice Italian Bistro situated in the Village of Banner Elk. Lots of classic Italian options and pizzas in a vibrant setting. We also like the Chef’s Table which is upstairs from Sorrento’s and offer’s a nice farm-to-table dining experience.
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Stonewalls is a traditional steakhouse spot that’s been a staple for 40 years. Classic steak-house feel with a salad bar, nice cocktail & wine selection - perfect for a special occasion or just a night out. Reservations recommended!
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Nearby sports/apres ski (or apres hike!) full bar with a wide selection of pub fare. Lots of TVs, fireplace for the winter and great open-air patio with garage doors in the summer.​​​​​​​​​
Fall and Winter Activities
Located just down the road from Sugar Mountain, if you like thrill-rides this is a can't miss experience! Pre-booking times is a must and can be done through their website. There's also a new adventure course, though we've yet to attempt it!
Think alpaca cuddle time with a side of mountain magic. This working fiber farm just outside Banner Elk lets you meet friendly alpacas, llamas, goats (and the occasionally cheeky Mr. Pickles the mini-pig) on guided tours—just don’t forget to book ahead.
​Grandfather Mountain & Swinging Bridge
This is the spot for big views and bigger thrills. Cross the Mile-High Swinging Bridge, spot wildlife, and hike trails that range from easy strolls to cliffside scrambles. Grandfather packs a full mountain adventure into one unforgettable stop.
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Located off highway 105 near Seven Devils in a beautiful setting along a river, with a view of Grandfather Mountain. Lots of outdoor seating, some covered, and fire pits for colder days. In addition to the wine, there is a large selection of snacks and charcuterie, and food trucks on busier days. Check their calendar for live music, which is almost daily during the higher seasons.​
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A little further from Sugartime, but a great place to stop if you're visiting the falls or doing a hike in the gorge. Beautiful scenic setting with rolling hills and pond, with lots of outdoor and some indoor seating. They have live music regularly, so check their calendar to see who's playing. There's a good selection of snacks and charcuterie to pair with your wine, and almost always a food truck on site.
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Located in Valle Crucis, this store dates back to 1882 and still serves as the community post office. A wide selection of souvenirs, cooking supplies, and other interesting bits of nostalgia. Just down the road is the Mast Store Annex, built in 1909, and today a must visit for outdoor gear and a wide selection of by-the-barrel (old school!) candy.
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Yes it is a place to stay, and yes we recommend a night there, too, but it's also a great place to visit when staying at Sugartime! They have one of our favorite taprooms and hosts events like game nights every Tuesday, Mingo (music Bingo) on Wednesdays, trivia on Thursdays and Friday and Saturday night music - check their line-up on their website. They also recently resurfaced their outdoor courts to include pickleball, half-court basketball, 4-square and hopscotch. We played cornhole last time we visited (beer in hand - as is traditional!).
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River Birch Sauna
If you’re looking for a unique way to unwind, River Birch is a gem. The wood-fired sauna is cozy and authentic, and stepping out into the cool mountain air (or taking a cold plunge) feels amazing. It’s the kind of relaxing, reset-your-mind experience you don’t want to miss in the High Country.
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Snow Activities
Sugar Mountain - The base is walking distance from Sugartime! Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snow tubing as well as snowshoeing are offered on Sugar Mountain.
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Beech Mountain - Down the road from Sugartime is Beech Mountain, another great ski and snowboard option. We enjoy the 5506' skybar located at the top, but note, you can only get there from the chairlift and ski/snowboard down!
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Hawksnest Tubing - A great way to experience the snow if you are not into skiing or snowboarding is snow tubing. Hawksnest is located in Seven Devils and only 20 minutes from Sugartime. They have over 30 lanes and you will laugh and scream the entire ride down, fun for all ages!
