“Hey y’all, it’s Alyse Nicole, and today I am in Boone, North Carolina.”
That is how my trip started, creating an intro for my YouTube video, and it set the tone for everything that followed, as I fully immersed myself in the Heart of the High Country over the next few days.
I was in Boone to experience their Waterfalls and Wineries itinerary, spending a few days exploring the mountains, local food, and everything in between. For the most part, I was traveling solo, which made the experience feel even more personal.
Day One: A Slow Arrival and a Strong Start
After a long travel day that started before sunrise, I eased into Boone, dropped off my bags, freshened up, and headed to Booneshine Brewing Company for dinner.
It felt like the perfect introduction to the city. Relaxed, local, and unpretentious.
I ordered the hot honey chicken tenders with fries and their “Catch Me Inside” beer, not fully knowing what to expect. The beer ended up being smooth and familiar, similar to a Shiner, but with a little more kick. The tenders, especially with the ranch and hot honey combination, pulled everything together.
It was simple, but it worked.
After that, I called it a night. Traveling solo means listening to your body, and mine was done for the day.
Day Two: Mountains, Missed Moments, and Unexpected Highlights
The next morning started with a drive up to Grandfather Mountain, and even the journey there felt like part of the experience. I passed Price Lake and had to stop. The view was too beautiful to ignore.
At Grandfather Mountain, I set out to cross the Mile High Bridge. That was the plan.
Instead, I ended up exploring different trails, second guessing a cave I was definitely not going to walk past, and eventually getting caught in the rain. By the time I made it onto the bridge, lightning in the area shut it down completely.
I did not get to cross it. And honestly, that is part of travel too.
Not everything goes as planned, but the experience is still worth it. The fog, the rain, and the changing views made the mountain feel even more alive.
Later that day, I visited Grandfather Vineyard & Winery, and this ended up being one of my favorite stops of the trip.
Walking across a small bridge over the river to get there set the tone immediately. It felt peaceful and scenic before I even tasted anything.
I tried two wine flights, one mixed dry and one sparkling, and learned quickly why Boone’s climate is ideal for sparkling wines. From the Blue Ridge Brut to the Sweet Sparkling Rosé, there was not a single wine I did not enjoy.
This doesn’t happen often.
The experience felt both relaxed and intentional, especially sitting by the river and taking it all in.
Dinner that night at The Local was just as memorable. Brussels sprouts that might actually deserve their title of “The Best Brussels Sprouts”, shrimp and grits, and North Carolina beignets to end the night.
It was one of those meals where everything hits.
Day Three: Sunrise, Solo Moments, and Facing Fears
Day three started early. Very early.
At 4:00 in the morning, I was heading out for a sunrise hike at Beacon Heights, guided by Isaiah from High Country Guide Services. This was one of the few moments on the trip where I was not completely alone, and it added a sense of ease to the experience. He made us coffee once we reached our destination and told me about the ranges, wildlife, and foliage
Watching the sunrise from the mountains is hard to put into words. It was quiet, still, and worth every second of lost sleep.
The hike itself was manageable, but the reward at the top made it unforgettable.
Afterward, I spent some time driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway, taking in more of the views before heading to brunch at Stick Boy Kitchen. I had a simple chicken biscuit, but it was exactly what I needed.
Then came Beech Mountain Resort.
This part of the trip pushed me a little outside of my comfort zone. Riding the ski lift alone, dealing with a slight fear of heights, and figuring it out as I went.
I was nervous. I will admit that.
But once I made it to the top, the views made it worth it. Even the small mishaps, like spilling my Chicago style hot dog down my white shirt or realizing flats were not the best shoe choice when riding a lift, became part of the story.
Travel is not about perfection. It is about the experience.
Dinner at Gamekeeper wrapped up the day with oyster crisps, a burrata salad, and lamb chops I had to take to go because I was already so full.
Day Four: A Final Walk Through Town
Before heading home, I made one last stop for brunch at Melanie’s Food Fantasy and walked through downtown Boone.
The area is filled with local businesses, murals, and personality. It does not lean on chains or big box stores, and you can feel that difference. Places like the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country and small shops throughout downtown give the city its character.
Even in the rain, it felt worth exploring.
Leaving Boone
By the time I left Boone, I already knew I would be back.
There is something about this place that stays with you. Maybe it is the mountains. Maybe it is the pace. Maybe it is the way you are forced to slow down and actually experience where you are.
Whatever it is, I felt it.
And next time, I might not come alone.
How to Get to Boone
While there aren’t any airports in this Hallmark movie of a town, you can catch a flight to Asheville, Charlotte, or Greensboro and take a scenic drive into Boone.
If you don’t want to drive yourself, shuttles via the Hickory Hop are available between Charlotte and Boone. Charter services are also available from Charlotte, Greensboro, and other nearby cities.
Where to Stay
I stayed at The Horton for this visit, which is a boutique hotel in the heart of downtown. So, you are able to walk to many places from there. On my previous visit to Boone, I stayed at Rhode’s Motor Lodge, a renovated motel turned hotel, where each room has a large balcony overlooking the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. The staff at both hotels were the very best. So, I highly recommend either.
Other accommodations include cabins, bed & breakfasts, local and national hotels, resorts, and more.
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