Explore Watauga County, Nc: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Watauga County, North Carolina, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. From outdoor adventures to vibrant nightlife, this county has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports. Let’s dive in!

Top Attractions

Watauga County has a plethora of attractions that offer something for everyone. The top attractions in the county include:

Grandfather Mountain
Blue Ridge Parkway
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
Tweetsie Railroad
Linville Caverns
Horn in the West Outdoor Drama

Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain is a must-visit attraction in Watauga County. It is a privately owned scenic attraction that offers breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. You can hike on the trails, cross the Mile High Swinging Bridge, and visit the wildlife habitats. The admission fee is $22 for adults and $9 for children.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that runs through the Appalachian Mountains. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. You can drive, bike or hike on the parkway and enjoy the stunning views. The parkway is free to visit.

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is a historic park that features the Flat Top Manor, which was once the country estate of textile entrepreneur Moses H. Cone. The park has hiking trails, fishing ponds, and picnic areas. Admission to the park is free.

Tweetsie Railroad

Tweetsie Railroad is a family-friendly attraction that offers train rides, amusement park rides, and live entertainment. The admission fee is $50 for adults and $32 for children.

Linville Caverns

Linville Caverns is a natural wonder that features underground caves. Visitors can take a guided tour of the caves and learn about the geological formations. The admission fee is $10 for adults and $8 for children.

Horn in the West Outdoor Drama

Horn in the West Outdoor Drama is a historical drama that tells the story of the pioneers who settled in the Appalachian Mountains. The show takes place in an outdoor amphitheater and features live actors, horses, and special effects. The admission fee is $20 for adults and $10 for children.

Hidden Gems

Watauga County has many hidden gems that are worth exploring. Some of the hidden gems in the county include:

Elk Knob State Park
Howard’s Knob
Price Lake
Boone Greenway Trail
Watauga Lake
Todd Island Park

Elk Knob State Park

Elk Knob State Park is a hidden gem that offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains. The park is free to visit.

Howard’s Knob

Howard’s Knob is a hiking trail that offers stunning views of the town of Boone. The trailhead is located at the end of Howard’s Creek Road and is free to access.

Price Lake

Price Lake is a hidden gem that offers fishing, hiking, and picnic areas. The lake is surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains and is free to access.

Boone Greenway Trail

The Boone Greenway Trail is a hidden gem that offers hiking and biking trails. The trail runs through the town of Boone and is free to access.

Watauga Lake

Watauga Lake is a hidden gem that offers fishing, boating, and hiking. The lake is surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains and is free to access.

Todd Island Park

Todd Island Park is a hidden gem that offers a playground, picnic areas, and stunning views of the New River. The park is free to access.

Food Scene

Watauga County has a vibrant food scene that offers something for everyone. Some of the top restaurants in the county include:

Proper
Coyote Kitchen
Our Daily Bread
Dos Amigos
Stick Boy Bread Company
Makoto’s Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar

Proper

Proper is a farm-to-table restaurant that offers seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant is located in downtown Boone and is open for lunch and dinner.

Coyote Kitchen

Coyote Kitchen is a restaurant that offers Latin and Asian-inspired dishes. The restaurant is located in downtown Boone and is open for lunch and dinner.

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread is a bakery and cafe that offers fresh-baked bread, sandwiches, and salads. The cafe is located in downtown Boone and is open for breakfast and lunch.

Dos Amigos

Dos Amigos is a Mexican restaurant that offers authentic dishes and margaritas. The restaurant is located in downtown Boone and is open for lunch and dinner.

Stick Boy Bread Company

Stick Boy Bread Company is a bakery that offers fresh-baked bread, pastries, and coffee. The bakery is located in downtown Boone and is open for breakfast and lunch.

Makoto’s Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar

Makoto’s Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar is a restaurant that offers Japanese-inspired dishes. The restaurant is located in Boone and is open for lunch and dinner.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Watauga County can be an affordable destination if you know where to look. Here are some budget-friendly tips:

Visit the free attractions, such as the Blue Ridge Parkway and Moses H. Cone Memorial Park.
Take advantage of the hiking trails and outdoor activities, which are free.
Visit the local markets and food stands for affordable and delicious food.
Stay in a campsite or cabin instead of a hotel.
Visit during the off-season for lower prices.

Outdoor Adventures

Watauga County is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the top outdoor adventures in the county:

Hiking on the Appalachian Trail
Kayaking on the New River
Skiing at Appalachian Ski Mountain
Biking on the Virginia Creeper Trail
Camping at Julian Price Memorial Park
Fishing at Watauga Lake

Historical Landmarks

Watauga County has a rich history that is reflected in its landmarks. Here are some of the top historical landmarks in the county:

Mast General Store
Boone Heritage Festival
Daniel Boone Native Gardens
Doc Watson Statue
Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center

Family-Friendly Activities

Watauga County offers many family-friendly activities that are sure to please everyone. Here are some of the top family-friendly activities in the county:

Tweetsie Railroad
Grandfather Mountain
Watauga Lake
Boone Greenway Trail
Horn in the West Outdoor Drama

Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences

Watauga County has many off-the-beaten-path experiences that are worth exploring. Here are some of the top off-the-beaten-path experiences in the county: