Unwind in Boone

Use this guide to plan your perfect 5-day Blue Ridge Mountain getaway, reinvigorate your senses, reconnect with mind and body, and simply relax. 

• Find Your Mountain Sanctuary
• Reconnect with Nature & Self
• Wellness for Body & Mind
• Take In the Views
• Bring the Calm Back Home

Day 1: 

Find Your Sanctuary

Your journey to relaxation begins the moment you arrive and check into your chosen sanctuary. Wherever in the High Country you choose, you’ll find a peaceful escape and a powerful sense of place in some of the oldest mountains in the world.

If you stay in Boone:

The Lovill House Inn is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle while conveniently located in the heart of town. The inn’s natural surroundings truly feel like a hidden gem, providing a quiet backdrop to clear your mind. The Art of Living Retreat Center is another incredible Boone destination, with all-inclusive packages and tailored retreat itineraries for your wellness getaway.

In the small community of Foscoe: 

Near the foot of Grandfather Mountain, you'll find a unique way to immerse yourself in nature. The mirrored tiny home, Mira Haus, lets you disappear into the trees and witness nature from within. Alternatively, the inspired Swallow’s Nest at Arbor Domus takes treehouses into luxurious new heights.

In nearby Valle Crucis: 

Several small, secluded cabins at Out of Bounds Retreats offer quiet, peace, soaking tubs under the stars, and views of the valley below. The historic Mast Farm Inn, along with the River Birch Nordic Sauna, provides a true getaway nestled in a pastoral valley right by the Watauga River. 

If your travels take you to Blowing Rock:

Consider booking a stay at Moon-A-Chalet, a luxurious A-frame cabin tucked deep into the surrounding woods. Westglow Resort is another Blowing Rock favorite, with an on-site spa overlooking the mountains and a refined restaurant and cocktail bar.

After settling in, check out Grandfather Vineyard and Winery in Foscoe's food truck schedule or enjoy a peaceful meal at Blowing Rock's Cafe Violette, where you can savor delicious French and Mediterranean cuisine in a quiet setting. In downtown Boone, Vidalia Restaurant & Wine Bar is always a great option for a relaxed dinner.

Day 2: 

Reconnect with Nature & Self

Wake up early to greet the morning with a sunrise coffee hike, led by High Country Guide Service. Walking through nature as the mountains wake up is a beautiful, grounding experience.

In the early afternoon, tap into your creative side with an immersive pottery class at The Pottery Lot. Spending an hour or two working with clay is an excellent way to practice mindfulness, reconnect with your mind and body, and create something both beautiful and functional. No need to worry about packing fragile clay, as the studio will professionally fire and mail your finished pieces directly to your home.

Follow your class with a drive to Valle Crucis. Grab lunch at Pearl's Kitchen, and spend the rest of your afternoon browsing the historic Mast General Store & Annex and the Rivercross Market. If you still have energy, head over to Crab Orchard Falls Trail at the Valle Crucis Conference Center for a moderate hike through the woods to a waterfall that cascades over boulders.

Conclude this deeply restorative day with an excellent dinner, choosing between the Southern-inspired comforts of Over Yonder or the refined, welcoming atmosphere at The Beacon.

Day 3:

Wellness for Body & Mind

Start your third morning with a slow, nourishing breakfast. Once you are fueled for the morning, spend some time shopping and strolling through downtown Boone. You will find local art galleries, independent shops, and local history at every step along the brick sidewalks.

Take the stairs from downtown's King Street up to Neighborhood Yoga for a grounding class taught by expert instructors. This gorgeous yoga studio, located in a historic 100-year-old building, offers classes for all skill levels designed to heal, inspire, and awaken both the body and the mind. Just outside the studio doors, a wholesome lunch awaits at Rooted on King.

Dedicate your afternoon entirely to wellness with a professional spa experience at The Care Collective. Decompress with their experienced massage therapists, breathe in the soothing essential oils, and spend time in the infrared or traditional saunas. Treat yourself to a relaxing foot soak with therapeutic salts and herbal blends designed to ease lingering stress from your day-to-day routine.

Finish the day with a tasty, locally sourced meal from Wild Craft Eatery, or wind down with live music while you eat. You can find live music almost every day of the week in restaurants around the Boone area, from sophisticated jazz to open-mics and bluegrass jams.

Day 4:

A Day on the Parkway

The fourth day is completely dedicated to immersing yourself in nature. Before you head out, grab breakfast & pack for a scenic picnic with fresh provisions from Tout Suite in Blowing Rock or Boone's Wildwood Community Market.

You can spend your day horseback riding along the protected trails of the Blue Ridge Parkway, or simply take a slow drive to explore the various scenic overlooks, trailheads, and quiet picnic areas. Bring along a notebook or a sketchpad and take the time to stop at various overlooks to sketch, journal, or read. In the summer, you could even stop at Price Lake to rent a stand-up paddleboard or canoe to take in the scenery from the water. 

Meander south on the Parkway and exit toward Grandfather Mountain, on Blowing Rock Highway (US 221), a globally recognized biosphere reserve. Spend your afternoon visiting their nature museum and walking the trails to gain a deeper understanding of why the ancient ecosystems of the Blue Ridge Mountains are so remarkable.

Don't miss out on a final gorgeous view with your final evening meal in Boone. Plan ahead with reservations at Gamekeeper or the restaurant at Gideon Ridge Inn and enjoy some of the best of Blue Ridge Mountain scenery while you dine. 

Day 5:

Bring the Calm Back Home

On your final morning, ease into the day and make time for one last iconic local stop. Stop in for a comforting breakfast at Betty's Biscuits, where you can enjoy hearty, scratch-made biscuits that provide the perfect send-off. After breakfast, head back to your lodging to pack up your bags, check out, and begin the drive home, feeling completely rested, restored, and deeply connected to the High Country.