COVID-19 Travel Updates
A "Safer at Home" executive order is in effect throughout North Carolina as part of a phased reopening plan. NC will move into Phase 3 of the plan on October 2, 2020 at 5pm. 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 to 50% capacity
- Bowling alleys, skating rinks, museums, and gyms can open with restrictions
- State parks, hiking trails, and playgrounds are open
- Outdoor areas only in bars, amusement parks, and small entertainment venues may open to 30% capacity.
Indoor areas in bars, venues, and amusement parks are closed during this phase. These restrictions will remain in effect until at least December 4, 2020.
To learn more about NC's reopening plan: Visit the NC.gov Phase 3 FAQ Page
North Carolina 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 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
Town of Boone Mask Order
Masks, or face coverings, are a requirement inside Boone businesses as of Saturday, June 20th, 2020 at 9 A.M. While indoors in any commercial business, a face covering must be worn by all individuals over the age of 5 occupying the building. There are exceptions for those who have medical or behavioral conditions and for those who are seated at a restaurant.
More information about the face covering ordinance 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 Parkway Craft Center at Moses Cone Manor is open until November 30 (no upstairs tours) Thursday - Sunday 10am - 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 are open; restrooms are closed. Playground is open.
The Jones House - Downstairs Gallery and restrooms open Monday - Friday: 10am to 5pm. Saturday - Sunday: 11am to 4pm.
Mast General Store in Downtown Boone - Open for 50% capacity. Monday - Thursday: 10am to 6pm, Friday - Saturday: 10am to 7pm, Sunday: 11am to 6pm.
The Original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis - Open for 50% capacity. Monday - Saturday: 10am to 6pm, Sunday: 11am to 6pm.
Mystery Hill - Open for 50% capacity 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. Campsite reservations must be done online. Park office is closed. Learn more HERE.
Elk Knob State Park - Trails and restrooms are open. Campsite reservations must be done online. Park office, gift shop and amphitheater are closed. Learn more HERE.
Closed (temporarily) in the Area:
Tweetsie Railroad - Opening for Tweetsie Christmas on November 13, 2020! Tickets on sale October 13th.
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.
