There are a lot of things to do in Boone NC, and everyone has their own favorite activities. We asked some of our friends to describe their perfect Saturday, and we decided to share 4 of our favorite combinations below. So wake up to a perfect Saturday in Boone NC – preferably in one of the Horton Hotel suites of course – and pick your favorite day!
For the yogi & the secondhand seeker:
Start your morning in Boone, NC with breakfast at Melanie’s, followed by coffee at Espresso News. After strolling through town, pop into Anna Banana’s to find some secondhand gems. Lunch is a healthy picnic in the grass at the Jones House, with some takeout from vegan-restaurant Kindly Kitchen. The afternoon is for a relaxing and rejuvenating yoga class at the beautiful Neighborhood Yoga studio. Of course, don’t forget to end the day watching the sunset and enjoying appetizers at the Horton Hotel’s rooftop lounge!

For the foodie and cocktail expert:
A perfect day in Boone, NC starts with breakfast at Ransom: a recently renovated restaurant that’s now an amazing industrial space, with delicious food. Luckily they serve Hatchet coffee there, so you can get your coffee fix too. After breakfast, head to Boone’s Greenway Trail to walk or run and burn off some calories. Lunch is a couple of amazing tacos from Taqueria El Paso. If the Mountaineers are playing, head to the stadium to watch the game. This perfect day ends with some delicious sushi at COBO, accompanied by a bottle of sake. For a nightcap, head up to the Horton Hotel’s rooftop lounge and order a bourbon cocktail.
For the runner and art lover:
Start the day with a stroll into town to find a newspaper, and enjoy a smoothie or cup of speciality coffee at Espresso News. Then it’s time for a quick run around town. After your run, head to Lucky Penny or Lililu to find a new outfit for art gallery hopping. If you’re in town on the First Friday of the month, experience even more pop up galleries than usual! After a small bite on the porch of the Local, gallery hop with friends from the Turchin Center to the HOW gallery space on Howard’s Street. If there’s a good band playing at Boone Saloon, this is the perfect place to dance the night away with a local beer in hand.
For the outdoor enthusiast:
Weather permitting, rent a boat and spend the day out on Watauga Lake. After a long day of exploring, come back into Boone and enjoy a steak dinner at Joy Bistro, or a cold beer at Appalachian Mountain Brewery. Make sure to keep a close eye on upcoming performances at the Schaefer Center too. If there’s a good band playing, get tickets! It’s a great venue space. End the night at Lost Province, and enjoy drinks and good conversation with locals.
Other popular things to do in Boone, NC:
– Tubing Boone, NC
Look for more information on the website of Mountain River Expeditions.
– Tweetsie Railroad Blowing Rock, NC
A great place for kids and the young at heart! At Tweetsie Railroad you’re on the right track for a great day.
– Gem Mining Boone, NC
Read up on gem mining on the Explore Boone NC website and find those hidden gems!
– Zip Lining Blowing Rock, NC
Elevate your stay and visit the High Gravity Adventures park, located between Boone and Blowing Rock. Not only can you go zip lining, but the park also features a climbing wall and a giant swing (at 45ft!).
– Climbing Wall Boone, NC
At Center 45 you’ll find a big indoor climbing paradise for kids and adults. You can rent gear and re-energize with a cup of coffee made next door at Hatchet Coffee. Make sure you try the nitro!
As you can see, there are lots of things to do in Boone, NC and surrounding areas! Never hesitate to ask any of the Horton Hotel staff members for a tailor-made itinerary for the day. The Horton Hotel is located on King Street in downtown Boone, NC. It’s the perfect location to start your high country adventure. We hope you enjoy our beautiful town!
Looking to explore a little further out of town? Read about some of the best glamping spots in North Carolina written by our friends at All the Rooms!
Author: Sanny Visser