Picture it: frosty mountain peaks towering above jubilant ice skaters, a gentle snowfall dusting Boone’s historic streets, and shop windows aglow with twinkling lights. As you stroll past, the air is filled with the faint sound of carols from the Jones House lawn, capturing the magic of the season. This year, these small-town treasures mean more than ever. 

After a challenging fall season, when a severe storm dampened our autumn spirit, Boone’s local businesses are ready to shine again, inviting you to be part of our area’s recovery and resilience. The Boone area has a proud tradition of local craftsmanship, and our community of makers and independent retailers offers countless ways to bring a piece of Boone home for the holidays. Each gift you find here—whether it’s a handmade piece from a local artisan, a cozy keepsake, or an experience to savor—supports the hardworking people who make the NC High Country so special.

^{Header Photo by Megan Sheppard Courtesy of the Downtown Boone Development Association}

Jump to:

Hand Made Goods
Experiences
Adventure Gear
Food & Beverage
Tribute Gifts

Hand Made Goods

Ellison

In-Store and Online

Ellison is a Boone-based shop with a focus on creating long-lasting products and relationships within the community. Owners Cole and Hannah Avery hope to create practical goods that bring joy, whether it is with the mug you start your morning with or the wallet you carry daily. Creating meaningful connections with the people around them is something they value deeply. 

Apple Hill Farm

In-Store and Online

Apple Hill Farm is a family-owned, working alpaca fiber farm in the NC High Country.  From socks to needle-felted figures, the farm's store offers a carefully chosen collection of gifts and items made from alpaca fiber for you, your friends, and your family.

Upcycled Everything

In-store and online

At Upcycled Everything, craftsman Jess Brown is committed to elevating trash to treasure by using reclaimed and repurposed materials like cookie & tea tins in her unique and custom pieces. Find the perfect gift at her online shop or in-store at Little Wing Ice Cream!

Common Good Co. 

In-store and online 

Common Good is a consciously curated space with beautifully and ethically made products created from the hands of local folks and regional, inspiring craftsmen and women. Browse the work of local artists, many of whom have been inspired by the Blue Ridge Mountain landscape, in their second-floor gallery on King Street or online.

Experiences

The Care Collective

In-store and online

The Care Collective is a day spa offering a plethora of wellness treatments, from traditional massage to red light sauna therapy, herbal foot soaks, and reiki. Personalized care is guaranteed when you visit this wellness practitioner collective.

Ski Area Season Passes 

Online Only

The Boone area is home to three exhilarating ski areas, each with a distinct appeal: Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain Resort, and Sugar Mountain Resort. For beginners, we'd recommend App Ski Mountain's French-Swiss Ski College, which has taught over one million people to ski or snowboard. For those with an interest in Après-ski activities, we'd recommend Beech Mountain for their resort-managed brewing company and 5506' SkyBar. For the experienced skier or snowboarder, Sugar Mountain's double-black diamond run should be at the top of your list. 

Rhode's Outdoor Enthusiast Package

Online

One of Boone's recently revitalized motor lodges has partnered with Speckled Trout Outfitters to offer a 2-night stay at Rhode's Motor Lodge, a full day of guided fishing (choose between wade or float), and a 3-4 hour guided hike with The Speckled Trout Outfitters. Plus, enjoy a $100 Canteen gift card and a $100 gift card to The Speckled Trout Restaurant & Bottle Shop. The easiest all-in-one gift you could give! (Click here to book)

Outdoor Gear

Tsuga

Online only

Founded in 2008 by outdoor enthusiast and industry vet Jimi Combs, Tsuga was born out of a desire to build gear that fused bomber durability with unique functionality. Tsuga's Carolina-made, high-quality hip packs, outdoor pads, coolers, and more are just what the mountain biker in your life never knew they needed.

Waypoint Outfitters

In-store and online

Locally owned by Appalachian State Alumni (Go Mountaineers!), Waypoint Outfitters is your go-to supplier for any High Country adventure. Be it fly fishing, climbing, running, camping, or paddling, this outdoor gear shop is a great one to peruse for any recreational pursuit. 

Winkler Knives

In-store and online

Daniel Winkler began making knives in 1975, drawing inspiration from the knives and axes of the American Frontier – a time when the tools a man carried meant sustenance and survival. Today, the Winklers' Boone-based operation supplies Team-specific knives and axes to some of America’s most elite fighting forces. 

Food & Beverage

Bald Guy Brew

In-store and online

Don Cox's passion for roasting ethically sourced, organic coffee beans is evident the moment you step into his shop, greeted by the aroma and sight of beans roasting in full view. With a mission to do good, pursue excellence, and understand coffee from the perspective of the people who grow it, a bag of beans bought from Bald Guy is a gift you can feel good about. 

BFR Meats

Online only

Browns Farm Ridge is a fifth-generation local family farming operation dedicated to producing high-quality cattle raised on luscious Blue Ridge Mountain pastures. BFR Meats holiday boxes sell out quickly, but not to worry - Carolina Cooker's website offers even more themed boxes and cooking kits featuring BFR products.

Appalachia Cookie Co.

In-store and online

While Boone-based founder David Holloman knew he wasn’t the first to offer late-night dessert delivery, it was his goal with App Cookie Co. to bake the absolute best cookies people had ever eaten. Featuring deliciously gooey and irresistible flavors ranging from the classic snickerdoodle and chocolate chip to some off-the-wall flavors like apple pie and animal cracker, we'll consider that goal accomplished! 

Tribute Gifts

F.A.R.M. Café

In-store and Online

As North Carolina's FIRST pay-what-you-can eatery, a donation to F.A.R.M. Café will ensure the sustainability of their mission to Feed All Regardless of Means. Contributions range from purchasing single meal tokens, offsetting the costs of feeding those in need with the "Buy Boone Lunch" program, or simply donating to support the Café's general operations. 

Blue Ridge Conservancy

Online Only

This private, non-profit organization has protected over 25,000 acres of the High Country. Blue Ridge Conservancy is a grassroots organization that permanently protects northwest North Carolina’s ridgelines, water resources, and farmlands, creating public recreational opportunities. Your donation would directly support land protection projects (like the Middle Fork Greenway) that ensure our farmlands stay intact, our drinking water stays clean, and our views remain beautiful – forever.

Perhaps one of the best gifts you can give this holiday season is the priceless memories made during a mountain vacation. Book a cozy cabin or nostalgic A-frame for your loved one, add a few gift cards from local favorites, and share the splendor of the NC High Country. Pair it with tickets to a local event or nearby attraction to kick-start the itinerary planning!

This year, more than ever, each purchase you make helps sustain the small businesses that make Boone such a special place. Whether you’re shopping in person or online, your support not only brings joy to those on your gift list but also strengthens the heart of our community. We wish everyone a very happy holiday season!