Visitor Information

 

LODGING | ATTRACTIONS | FOOD + DRINK

 

Thank you for visiting the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce website! With the High Country being a year-round hotspot for tourists, we have partner organizations that we recommend for you to use as helpful and informative travel resources. Web links and phone numbers provided below. 

EXPLORE BOONE (828) 266-1345    HIGH COUNTRY HOST (828) 264-1299


Our partners at Explore Boone & High Country Host offer a wide selection of maps and other helpful information for planning the perfect High Country trip. 


Open for Adventure: Spring Travel Supports Local Recovery

As the High Country welcomes the warmer months, our community is ready to share all that makes this region special—from vibrant downtowns and local dining to the trails, rivers, and open spaces that define our outdoor culture. The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce does not serve as a visitor center, but we’re proud to partner with local organizations who do, listed above, and we encourage you to connect with them for the most up-to-date tourism and travel information.

This spring, exploring the outdoors is not only a great way to experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge—it’s also a meaningful way to support our local economy. From outfitters and guides to restaurants, lodging, and retail, your participation in the region’s outdoor experiences directly benefits businesses working hard to recover and rebuild post-Hurricane Helene.

Yes - trails are open, rivers are flowing, and now is a great time to plan your visit.

Below, you’ll find helpful links to trail access updates, river health resources, spring fishing season info, and more to help you make the most of your time in the High Country.

As a Chamber member, this is information you can share with customers, clients, or guests who may be asking about outdoor access, seasonal activities, or how to support local recovery efforts. Whether you run a retail shop, lodging property, restaurant, or service-based business, these updates help you stay informed and provide helpful, timely guidance to the people you serve. Sharing resources like these helps create a more connected experience for visitors and strengthens our local economy in the process.


Spring & Summer Community Events

 

High-Traffic Events
Updated on April 17, 2025. 
We will continue to update this list regularly.

April 24-27: MerleFest

April 26: Thaw Out

May 18: NASCAR All-Star Race

June 13-15: High Country Jazz Festival

June 19-22: Boonerang Music & Arts Festival

 

Recurring Events 

App State Baseball

Beech Mountain Summer Concert Series

Downtown Boone First Friday Art Crawl

Valle Crucis Community Park Music in the Valle - Weekly on Friday from May-September

Watauga County Farmers Market - Weekly on Saturday April-November

 
  
Planning a trip to the High Country and have questions?
Reach out to either Explore Boone or High Country Host.

 

Explore Boone   High Country Host

 


Additional Resources

Updated on April 17, 2025. This list will be updated regularly. 

G5 Trail Collective
Trout Fishing in North Carolina
US Forest Service Information
NC Division of Parks and Rec
Mind Your Business Podcast: Time to Get on the Water - Western NC's Restored River Economy


Road Conditions and Information

Blue Ridge Parkway

Sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway have officially reopened as of October 2024, marking another step forward in the region’s recovery post-Hurricane Helene.

As of April 2025, the Blue Ridge Parkway is open from Bamboo Gap to the Grandfather Mountain area!

Known for its stunning vistas and winding roads, the Parkway is a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, offering an unparalleled way to experience the beauty of the High Country. If you’re planning a trip, it’s always a good idea to stay updated on current Parkway openings and closings, as weather and ongoing recovery efforts can impact access. Check out the link below to help you plan your scenic drive or outdoor adventure. 

 

LEARN MORE

  

 

High Country Road Trip 2025

 

 
Road Condition Information

Visitors traveling to or around Boone can use the DriveNC map for the most up-to-date travel information, including road conditions, construction zones, and weather impacts. All major highways into Boone are currently open and accessible to standard vehicles.

DriveNC.gov Interactive Map