COVID-19 Travel Updates
Many gathering and capacity restrictions have been eased or lifted under the newest executive order in the State. Some masking requirements are in place in the state of North Carolina.
- Mass gathering limits are no longer in place in North Carolina.
- Many restaurants, retail businesses, amusement parks, and attractions have opened with full capacity.
- State parks, hiking trails, and playgrounds in the area are open.
- Mask wearing is still required in public transportation, schools, childcare facilities, prisons, group shelters, and in public health settings.
- Please note: Private establishments, such as grocery stores, may still require face coverings and social distancing indoors.
- Unvaccinated individuals are encouraged to wear masks, stay at least six feet from others, and wash hands frequently. Visit the CDC's website for all current guidance.
To learn more about NC's Current Health & Safety Restrictions: Visit the Current Restrictions page on NC.gov.
The Town of Boone is following NC's current restrictions. To learn more read their May 18, 2021 Updated COVID-19 Guidelines
Count On Me NC
North Carolina has health and safety guidelines in place, but some businesses are taking these guidelines a step further with training from Count On Me NC, implementing extra training and sanitation procedures to ensure the safety of their patrons.
Participating Boone Hotels:
- La Quinta Boone
- The Horton Hotel and Rooftop Lounge
- Holiday Inn, Boone (University Area)
- Holiday Inn Express
- Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton
- Super 8, Boone
- Sleep Inn, Boone
Check out CountOnMeNC.org for more information on participating businesses.
Open in the Area:
Open Restaurants and Retail: The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce has a list of restaurants and retail shops offering walk-in, curbside and take-out services in the town of Boone.
Blue Ridge Parkway - The Blue Ridge Parkway roads and hiking trails in the area are open. Masks are required in all facilities since it is National Park Service land.
The Parkway Craft Center at Moses Cone Memorial Park is open Thursday - Sunday 10am to 4pm.
Parkway facilities, including most restrooms, picnic areas, some campgrounds and visitor centers are open.
Find updates on Blue Ridge Parkway facilities here
Grandfather Mountain - Reservations for the attraction must be made online, in advance. Purchase tickets at Grandfather.com
Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park - Trails and playground are open.
Tweetsie Railroad - Open on weekends. Starting Memorial Day the park will be open daily. Advanced tickets are required. See updated park operations here.
Hawksnest Zipline - Open for ziplining. Advanced reservations are required.
Sky Valley Zip Tours - Open for select tours, advanced reservations are required.
High Gravity Adventures - Zipline and Aerial park open for weekends. Advanced reservations are required.
Hickory Ridge Museum - Open Tuesday - Friday, 10am to 4pm . Saturdays the museum is open 10am to 2pm. (Last tours are 1 hour prior to closing)
Boone Golf Club - Public golf course is open, tee time reservations are recommended.
The Turchin Center - The gallery is currently open to the public Thursdays - Saturdays from 12pm - 4pm. Timed entry reservations can be made here. Walk ins are welcome.
The Jones House - Downstairs gallery and restrooms open.
Mast General Store in Downtown Boone - Open Monday - Thursday: 10am to 6pm, Friday - Saturday: 10am - 8pm. Sunday: 11am to 6pm.
The Original Mast General Store and Annex in Valle Crucis - Open Monday - Saturday: 10am to 6pm, Sunday: Noon to 6pm.
Mystery Hill - Open daily 10am to 6pm.
Blowing Rock Art and History Museum - Open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 11am to 5pm.
Apple Hill Farm - Open for tours by reservation only, seven days a week.
The Blowing Rock - Open 9am to 7pm daily.
Grandfather Mountain State Park - Trails and restrooms are open. Learn more about park operations HERE.
Elk Knob State Park - Trails and restrooms are open. Learn more HERE.
Closed (temporarily) in the Area:
Horn in the West Outdoor Drama 2021 Season is June 25th through August 7th.
The Children's Playhouse - Scheduled to reopen in June of 2021.
Beech Mountain - Closed for the season.
Sugar Mountain - Closed for the season.
Appalachian Ski Mountain - Closed for the season.
Remember to Leave No Trace when recreating outdoors by planning ahead, respecting wildlife, packing out any trash, and being respectful of others by social distancing. Click here to learn more about the 7 Leave No Trace Principles.
