Four Downtown Boone Businesses Earn N.C. Destination Certification

^{Photo of Downtown Boone by Visit NC}

North Carolina's small businesses are earning their place on the map! The NC Department of Commerce recently recognized 72 businesses across the state as Certified North Carolina Destination Businesses, a designation launched in 2025 by the NC Main Street and Rural Planning Center to help local shops become true destination-worthy experiences. 

Boone claimed four of those 72 spots, and these businesses represent exactly what makes the High Country worth the trip. From a beloved community café to a craft brewery, a historic theatre to a local real estate firm, these businesses embody the spirit of our corner of North Carolina.

Read Full Article from NC Department of Commerce

828 Real Estate

A boutique real estate firm serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and beyond in the NC High Country, 828 Real Estate are your neighbors, and they take pride in helping clients find the right place to call home. Buying or selling a home, land, or investment property is a big deal, and they are there to make the process smooth and stress-free. Their team knows this area inside and out, and are committed to providing honest advice, quick communication, and hands-on service every step of the way.

Appalachian Theatre

Reopened in 2019 and restored to its original Art Deco brilliance, the Appalachian Theatre is a cornerstone of Downtown Boone and the High Country's entertainment scene. This independent non-profit hosts everything from live concerts and films to dance, theatre, and educational productions. Restoration brought the original facade and marquee back to life while adding modern amenities that make it a flexible, world-class performance space for residents and visitors alike.

F.A.R.M. Cafe

A non-profit, pay-what-you-can cafe operating primarily with volunteers, F.A.R.M. Cafe has been serving Boone since 2012 with a simple but powerful mission: everybody eats, regardless of means. They prepare high-quality, delicious meals sourced from local food partners whenever possible, with an ever-changing menu that keeps things fresh and creative.

Lost Province Brewing Company

A family-owned brewery rooted in the heart of downtown Boone, Lost Province takes its name from a real piece of High Country history, when Watauga, Ashe, and Alleghany Counties were known as the "Lost Province" due to their geographic isolation from the rest of North Carolina. Today, Lost Province honors that legacy by creating a place worth seeking out. With multiple locations across Boone, each offering its own distinct atmosphere, award-winning craft beer, and a commitment to local food and inclusive hospitality, Lost Province is exactly the kind of destination that makes the High Country special.