Banner Elk North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Banner Elk, North Carolina.
1. Grandfather Mountain State Park
MILE HIGH SWINGING BRIDGE
Grandfather Mountain State Park is a mountainous retreat featuring the iconic Mile High Swinging Bridge, diverse hiking trails, and wildlife habitats. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking scenic views, picnic areas, and educational exhibits throughout the park. The park experiences varying weather conditions, including strong winds that can create an exhilarating experience when crossing the famous bridge.
2. Grandfather Vineyard & Winery
CREEK-SIDE WINE TASTING
Grandfather Vineyard & Winery is nestled in picturesque mountain scenery, offering wine tastings, live music, and a peaceful creek-side setting. Visitors can enjoy a variety of customizable wine flights while relaxing in the family-friendly outdoor seating area. The winery combines beautiful natural surroundings with quality wines to create a perfect afternoon retreat.
3. Banner Elk Winery
MOUNTAIN VINEYARD EXPERIENCE
Banner Elk Winery provides visitors with a sophisticated wine tasting experience in a beautiful mountain setting. Their selection of wines allows guests to sample local vintages while enjoying the surrounding landscape. The winery has become a staple attraction in the Banner Elk culinary scene.
4. Grandfather Trout Farm
FAMILY FISHING FUN
Grandfather Trout Farm offers a hands-on fishing experience where visitors of all ages can catch their own trout. The farm provides all necessary equipment, making it accessible for beginners and experienced anglers alike. It's a perfect family-friendly activity that combines outdoor recreation with the satisfaction of catching your own meal.
5. Sugar Creek Gem Mine
TREASURE HUNTING ADVENTURE
Sugar Creek Gem Mine provides an interactive gem mining experience where visitors can sift through dirt to discover hidden treasures. The mine offers buckets filled with gem-rich material that yield various types of beautiful stones and minerals. This family-friendly attraction combines education with the excitement of finding your own gemstones to take home.
6. Apple Hill Farm
ALPACAS AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Apple Hill Farm is a rustic working farm featuring a delightful array of animals, including a popular alpaca herd that visitors can meet during interactive tours. The farm offers stunning mountain views while guests learn about sustainable farming practices and animal care. A charming gift shop sells unique local goods and alpaca products, making it a perfect stop for souvenirs.
7. Sugar Mountain Resort
YEAR-ROUND MOUNTAIN RECREATION
Sugar Mountain Resort is a premier winter sports hub offering trails suitable for novice skiers, comprehensive ski school programs, and full equipment services. During warmer months, the resort transforms to offer mountain biking, hiking, and scenic lift rides with panoramic views. The resort's accommodating staff ensures visitors have everything needed for an enjoyable mountain experience year-round.
8. Kettell Beerworks
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Kettell Beerworks serves up a variety of handcrafted beers in a welcoming atmosphere that draws both locals and tourists. Their brewing process focuses on quality ingredients and traditional methods that highlight the flavors of the High Country. The brewery offers tastings, tours, and a relaxed environment to enjoy their distinctive craft beverages.
9. Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
MOUNTAIN THRILL RIDE
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is North Carolina's first alpine coaster, offering an exhilarating ride through the beautiful mountain landscape. Riders control their own speed as they twist and turn down the mountainside on individual carts attached to a fixed rail system. This unique attraction combines the thrill of a roller coaster with the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
10. Art on the Greene
SEASONAL ART FESTIVAL
Art on the Greene transforms the grounds of the Historic Banner Elk School into a vibrant art gallery multiple times throughout the summer. The festival showcases talented artists working in various mediums including metal, glass, clay, and wood. Visitors can enjoy browsing unique artwork while also experiencing food vendors and entertainment in a picturesque mountain setting.
11. Lees-McRae College Theatre
YEAR-ROUND LIVE PERFORMANCES
Lees-McRae College Theatre is a professional venue presenting live stage productions throughout the year, including dramas, comedies, and suspense-thrillers. The theater offers a variety of performances from staged radio plays to a special Summer kids theatre series and camps. This cultural gem provides high-quality entertainment options in the heart of Banner Elk's mountain community.
12. Carlton Gallery
FINE ART COLLECTION
Carlton Gallery is one of North Carolina's most established fine art galleries, featuring a spirited collection of artwork in a casually elegant atmosphere. The gallery has been showcasing talented artists for over 40 years, creating a cultural destination for art enthusiasts. Visitors can explore a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums while enjoying the gallery's sophisticated yet welcoming environment.
13. Banner Elk Stables
GUIDED MOUNTAIN HORSEBACK RIDES
Banner Elk Stables offers guided horseback riding experiences through the scenic mountain trails surrounding Banner Elk. Riders of all experience levels can enjoy well-trained horses and knowledgeable guides who ensure a safe and memorable adventure. The stables provide a unique way to explore the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains while creating lasting vacation memories.
14. Hero's Axe House
COMPETITIVE AXE THROWING
Hero's Axe House provides visitors with the thrilling experience of competitive axe throwing in a safe, controlled environment. Trained instructors guide participants through proper throwing techniques before they test their skills at hitting wooden targets. This unique attraction offers a fun and challenging activity for groups, couples, or individuals looking for something different during their Banner Elk visit.
15. Banner Elk Book Exchange
COMMUNITY LITERARY HUB
Banner Elk Book Exchange serves as a cozy literary retreat where book lovers can browse, buy, sell, or trade a wide selection of titles. The charming shop features comfortable reading nooks and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages visitors to linger. Beyond being just a bookstore, it functions as a community gathering spot where locals and tourists connect over shared literary interests.