Location: Banner Elk
Top Things to do in Banner Elk
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Banner Elk, United States
Banner Elk is a town in Avery County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,028 at the 2010 census. Banner Elk is home to Lees–McRae College.
Restaurants in Banner Elk
1. Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Recognized for having the largest Snow Tubing Park on the East Coast, we've added the longest Zip line Tour as well. We are featuring two tours to choose from. Our Hawk tour is a 11 cables 1.5 miles of ziplines. Our new Eagle tour is 9 cables of almost 3 miles of zipline tour. Gliding through the air with ease is trouble-free. Zippers--ages five and up--enjoy the exhilarations of speeding treetop high over valleys having expansive views and threading through the forest canopy over creeks, wild turkeys, deer, groundhogs and the occasional bear. In winter, zippers can yell to their snow tubing friends from way above as they begin their journey. Our 20+ Lane Snow Tubing Park has four different areas to snow tube; lanes are 400 - 1000 feet long. Our 2 conveyor lifts take our snow tubers back to the top for more rides. Hawksnest has 100% snow making and lighting on all lanes to provide the best possible conditions and fun for the whole family.
Reviewed By Seana S - DeLand, Florida, United States
We came up to NC for a long weekend. We only stayed there 3 nights. Our group of 5 wanted to do the snow tubing really bad. We didn't know that you had to book the tubing in advance before they sold out. We called them and they advised us of this. They did say that they had some 4pm opening's left, but you had to drive up there and book the tickets that way!! This was the last tubing session of the day. No problem we said. So we drove up the mountain (which was 1 1/2 drive one way 3 hours each way from Beech Mountain.) to purchase our tickets. We didn't mind the drive because everything we had read, this was the place to go and the drive up and down the mountain was beautiful. We purchased our tickets 275.00 for 5 tickets and went back to Beech Mountain until it was time to head to 4pm timeslot.
So back up the mountain we go. The only problem was this time it had started to snow again. Not heavy snow, in fact nice fluffy snowflakes. So we thought this would be great for snow tubing. We get about 1/2 way up the mountain and realize that traffic is back up. We figured that everyone of had the same day we did, so we didn't think anything of it. Well we were wrong. The road was so slippery, that cars were sliding off the road into the ditch, and sliding backwards into other cars. It was a nightmare. I have never been so scared in my life!!! We couldn't get any traction on the road. And yes we had brand new tires. It was clear that the road had not been salted or plowed in some time and couldn't had the recent snow that had fallen.
We then had to pullover into a driveway to an apartment complex that was off the main road, so that we could regroup. Our car wasn't going to make up that road at that moment. Nor did anyone else's. We pulled over in hopes that a snowplow would be coming through to spread the salt and plow the road. Well, a snowplow came down and we got excited, but that didn't last to long. The driver of the plow advised us that he was only there to do the apartment complex. That he wishes he could do the road, but that he didn't have enough salt for it. He also advised that nobody was going to make it up the rest of the mountain and that everyone was turning around that could. He advised us not to go up any further because we wouldn't make and would more than likely wreck our vehicle trying.
At that point we decided as a group, with 2 vehicle's that we were going to push our luck and that we would call Hawksnest to see what they could do, since we couldn't make it up that mountain. We called the to see if they would refund our money figuring that we were not the only people who had this same problem. They offered to reschedule our appointment to the following day, however this was the last day that we were in NC, so that wasn't going to work for us. We advised them that there had already seen several cars in the ditch in and most everyone was turning around because they too couldn't make it. The lady who answered the phone said we can't control the weather and that they would not be giving us our money back no matter what. Which we felt was very wrong. We couldn't control the weather either and if they had just salted and plowed their road we would have been able to make. Meanwhile this all being recorded on video. We felt that our money should have been refunded due to their road conditions. I completely understand they can't control the weather either, but they have kept their road up with the driving conditions. Needless to say we gave them 275.00 for nothing. Services were not rendered therefore they if should have been refunded.
Looking back on all the other families and vehicle's that had the same problem we did and I am sure they didn't get their money back either. Which means they made a ton of money that day for nothing. Which just didn't seem right to us one bit.
2. Mast General Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 455 reviews
An old-fashioned country store with many unique items for sale.
Reviewed By Sarah M - Fort Myers, Florida
This store is a must if you are visiting the area for the first time only. It is a bit touristy and expensive but does have unique and old-fashioned items to over. The store is usually crowded and their is not very good spacing with the merchandise so it often feels very cramped.
3. Linville Gorge Wilderness Area
Overall Ratings
5 based on 174 reviews
This area, which offers hiking, camping, birdwatching and wildlife, was named for William Linville who was killed here by Indians in the 1700s.
Reviewed By naturistcouple1234 - Washington DC, District of Columbia
We were at Linville gorge doing some rock climbing and after a good day of climbing decided to go check out Upper creek falls for some skinny dipping on our drive out. We had heard that it was a good nude use area due to the remote nature and relative common use as a nude area upstream of the falls. We parked in the gravel parking lot and took the short trail to the upper falls. There is a small wooden bridge and staircase at the end of the trail leading down to the falls and creek. The upper trail leads to the top of the upper falls. It is important to know that it is a long drop down the upper falls so going too close to the edge is not recommended. The trail crosses the creek above the falls and winds down to the base of the falls on the other side. Being long time naturists, we decided to go upstream from the upper falls. We scrambled along the boulders lining the creek. The first large swimming hole is right upstream from the stairs of the trail. There is a rope swing there and the upstream side is a nice smooth slide into the wide hole. It is still visible from the trail so we elected to cross the creek and head upstream farther. At the next hole, we were out of sight from the trail so we disrobed and continued our hike up stream to search for more holes. There are trails going up along the creek that made hiking fairly easy. We stopped finally at a large wide swimming hole with a large flat rock in the sun and spent several hours sunning and swimming. We didn’t see anyone the whole time there. We hiked back to the first upstream swimming hole before donning on clothes and heading back to the car. This is a great area for skinny dipping in clear mountain water on a hot day. We will definitely be back if we are in the area.
4. Foggy Mountain Gem Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 383 reviews
Foggy Mountain Gem Mine has been family owned and operated for generations. We are located in the mountain community of Boone, which is in the beautiful High Country of North Carolina. We are the choice Gem Mine in our area because of the experience that is offered our guests by our knowledgeable staff, and because we offer buckets of the finest gem ore from the best gem mines in the world. You are invited to come and satisfy your craving for a gem mine adventure and experience the thrill of discovery as you pan for gems. Just like miners from the old days, you will sift through dirt and rock using water flumes to find your treasures in the safety and comfort of our year round location on Hwy 105 in Boone. Regardless of the weather, you can search for gems since we have both outside and inside flumes. Each bucket of our gem stone mix contains genuine rough gems. We guarantee a gem find every time.
Reviewed By PonyMan132 - Denver, North Carolina
What a fun way to spend an hour or two. the employees are very knowledgeable. There is an outdoor and an indoor sluice for cold or rainy weather. after you mine your gems, they will educate you on what you have found. our grand kids found fossils, gems, rubies, and other beautiful rocks. We will definitely do this again.
5. Mountain Dog
Overall Ratings
5 based on 20 reviews
Mountain Dog and Friends is the High Country's dog and cat destination, for mountain locals and dog and cat lovers visiting from all over the South. Enjoy views of Grandfather Mountain from our fenced "pet rest area," then bring Fido or Fluffy inside to shop our amazing collection of products for your dog or cat's active life. We only sell high quality USA-made pet foods, treats, and wellness products, and we're known for dispensing experienced, expert advice on feeding and equipping healthy, happy four-legged friends. We carry an amazing range of gear and accessories, from great beds and bowls to sweaters and rain gear, and everything in between and beyond. Mountain Dog is no ordinary pet store.
Reviewed By Samara2008 - Sparta, North Carolina
This store has a varied assortment of pet supplies of various kinds that would be hard to find elsewhere. All food purchased there is quality all the way. The very healthiest for one's pets. Even though it is called Mountain Dog, there are many wonderful supplies for cats. The prices are good. Pet owners need to patronize private pet shops such as this one.
We visited there on April 14, 2017. The owner is very knowledgeable about everything that she sells. She and her wonderful pets were most helpful to us. We plan to return.
6. Grandfather Vineyard & Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Reviewed By colajules - Lexington, South Carolina
While the surrounding scenery was breathtaking, the real story is Nicole in the Tasting Room. My husband and I were early and she invited us in, shared the wines with us, suggested some delicious, locally sourced garlic/herb/chive cheese and parmesan crackers, and even tracked us down because I left my credit card by accident! We will DEFINITELY visit Grandfather again and look forward to spending time with the wonderful folks at this vineyard!
7. The Buckeye Recreational Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By beachesgalore - North Carolina
Great place for individuals or families. Picnic table shelter area is nice, the lake is pretty you can use the canoes or paddle boat. Or just relax and take pictures! Trails are nice and I saw lots of dogs on leashes. Pretty place for a few hours or a day.
8. Elk Falls, North Carolina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By Gary A
The reason I give this only 2 stars is not because it’s not gorgeous - it’s truly magnificent. The reason is the condition I found the area. Remember the 1970’s pollution commercial with the crying Native American looking at the liter all over the ground? Well, he’d be bawling his eyes out at this place. It’s quite obviously a party spot, because beer cans and trash are all over the place. No respect for the beauty and majesty of the place whatsoever. It’s quite sickening. At the very least, they could place some large trash barrels out and regularly empty them. It’s a disgrace the condition this place was in.
That said, the river and the waterfall are stunningly gorgeous, and worth the effort to drive out to experience. It’s kinda creepy though alone given that it’s a party spot. Best to go with a crowd. I didn’t like the vibe.
9. Grandfather Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Grandfather Mountain’s pristine scenery and sweeping vistas rejuvenate mind and spirit. At an elevation of 5,946 feet, Grandfather is recognized as one of the world’s most diverse nature preserves. Be exhilarated by the altitude and panoramic views from the Mile High Swinging Bridge; stand eye-to-eye with bears, cougars and otters in natural habitats. Dine in the restaurant or find a scenic picnic spot, browse the nature museum, wander the trails, go behind the scenes of the animal habitats, visit with knowledgeable naturalists, and stop for a treat at the fudge shop. Fill your day with family memories at place where wonders never cease.
Reviewed By TripleG - Boca Raton, FL
Nice hike over the famous mile high swinging suspension bridge. I would alot at least 3.5 hours or more to take full advantage of all the park has to offer. They charge you by the passenger as your car enters the park, and prices were a little steep. Animal habitat on site is worth checking out, too, especially if you have animal loving kids - we saw cougars, elk, otter, and bald eagles.
10. Beech Mountain
Overall Ratings
4 based on 234 reviews
All-season activities abound at this mountain resort area: skiing, tubing and snowboarding in the winter; hiking, fishing and biking in the summer.
Reviewed By Rusty S - Banner Elk, North Carolina
Well skiing beech horribly disappoints again. After years of neglect, short-sighted decisions, and a complete lack of understanding of customer service, the slopes shut down early at the end of february....not because of warm weather, it's snowed several times (over 12 inches total since they closed) with Temps in the 20's and teens. How in the world are you not able to stay open??? Sugar mountain is still open, appalachian is still open and theyre both way lower in elevation.
Don't bother visiting in the off season, they have a bad habit of canceling posted events at the last minute too. I can only blame management. I hear they're trying to sell the resort......best decision they could make--just admit you are clueless, cut your loses, and run away.
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