COVID-19 Travel Updates
A modified "Stay at Home" executive order is in effect throughout North Carolina, beginning December 11, 2020. During overnight hours, between 10pm and 5am, certain businesses must close and guests must return home (or to their lodging for the evening). Social distancing, mask wearing, and washing hands frequently is encouraged at all times to keep yourself and others safe.
- Gatherings are limited to 10 people indoors and 50 people outdoors
- Many restaurants, retail businesses, and attractions have opened with limited capacity
- Alcohol sales are prohibited for on-site consumption between 9pm and 7am
- State parks, hiking trails, and playgrounds are open
- Outdoor areas in bars, amusement parks, and small entertainment venues may open to 30% capacity.
Indoor areas in bars, venues, and amusement parks are closed at this time. These restrictions will remain in effect until at least January 29, 2021.
To learn more about NC's Modified Stay at Home order: Visit NC.gov Staying Ahead of the Curve
NC Mask Mandate
Face coverings must be worn in public spaces where social distancing is not possible, whether inside or outside, throughout the State of North Carolina effective Friday, June 26th. Exceptions will be made for children under the age of 5, individuals actively eating in a restaurant, exercising, or those with medical or behavioral conditions preventing them from wearing a mask.
To learn more: NCDHHS Guidance on Face Coverings
More information about the face covering ordinance in the town of Boone can be found at the Town of Boone's Coronavirus Response Page.
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.
The Blue Ridge Parkway will close in sections occasionally due to winter weather, find real-time updates at This Link
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 are open except in icy conditions; restrooms are closed. Playground is open.
Hawksnest Zipline/Snowtubing - Open for ziplining and snowtubing. Advanced reservations required.
Appalachian Ski Mountain - Advanced reservations are required.
Beech Mountain - Tickets are available for purchase online.
Sugar Mountain - Open for skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and snowtubing.
The Jones House - Downstairs Gallery and restrooms open.
Mast General Store in Downtown Boone - Open Monday - Saturday: 10am to 6pm, Sunday: 11am to 6pm.
The Original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis - Open Monday - Saturday: 10am to 6pm, Sunday: 12pm to 6pm.
Mystery Hill - Open daily 9am to 6pm.
Blowing Rock Art and History Museum - Open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 11am to 4pm.
Apple Hill Farm - Open for tours by reservation only, seven days a week.
The Blowing Rock - Open 8:30pm to 6:30pm daily.
Grandfather Mountain State Park - Trails and restrooms are open. Park office is open Wednesday - Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM; face coverings required. Learn more HERE.
Elk Knob State Park - Trails and restrooms are open. All park facilities are open with limited hours; call the park office with any questions 828-297-7261. Learn more HERE.
Closed (temporarily) in the Area:
Tweetsie Railroad - Closed for the season.
Horn in the West Outdoor Drama Postponed until 2021.
Hickory Ridge Museum - Closed for the season.
Wildcat Lake Closed for the 2020 season.
Boone Golf Club Closed for the season.
