The 1 Place Everyone Should Visit In North Carolina In 2026
The 1 Place Everyone Should Visit In North Carolina In 2026
According to someone who’s traveled all over the state.
By Jennifer Prince – Jennifer Prince has covered weddings and travel since 2010. Her work appears on Southern Living, T+L, NatGeo, Zola, Apartment Therapy, and others.
Published on January 22, 2026
Boone, North Carolina – Credit: Cameron Reynolds
In This Article
With 2026 underway, visiting a new destination is a unique, worthwhile resolution to add to your list of goals. For those making travel a priority, or simply looking for a getaway, now is the perfect time to put Boone, North Carolina, on your radar to visit in 2026. As travel writer who’s been all over the state, it’s a standout I’d recommend for any sort of getaway this year.
No matter your age, abilities, or tastes, Boone is a place that can make everyone happy. Whether you travel to shop, spend time outdoors, delve into history, or immerse yourself in a thriving culinary scene, this Western North Carolina mountain town has it all. Not to mention, the drive to get there is packed with lovely views.
Here’s why you should go to Boone in 2026 and what you’ll find when you go.
Why Head To Boone in 2026?
It’s been 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and travelers around the United States are seeking historic destinations to celebrate. While some are planning to head to metropolitan areas, such as Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, Boone offers a quieter respite for history lovers throughout the South and beyond.
Named for Daniel Boone, an early Appalachian frontiersman who frequented the area in the 1700s, Boone has grown from a small settlement into a thriving town. In fact, it attracts visitors all over for its four seasons of activities, from winter skiing to warm-weather kayaking. Another perk of heading to Boone is that everyone in the family can enjoy time together, even if you have a stroller or wheelchair in tow.
What To Do
Go for a Hike
Exploring outdoors is a four-season adventure in and around Boone. For a downtown Boone experience, head to the paved greenway to walk, run, or bike along the river. However, there are also plenty of notable hikes within a short drive from Boone’s hub. Challenge yourself to see the views at MacRae Peak at Grandfather Mountain, traverse the Appalachian Trail, or take a leisurely hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Wander Vintage Shops
It’s no secret that Southerners love filling their homes with quality, secondhand finds, and Boone is a delightfully unexpected place to do so. The crown jewel is undoubtedly Appalachian Antique Mall, which has three floors of beautifully curated goods. Just down the street is Ram’s Rack Thrift Shop, a bargain hunter’s delight. Nearby are High Country Emporium, a multi-vendor shop, and Off the Rack, filled with trending vintage clothing. When shopping for your next great read, Huzzah Books has a lovely selection of used and new titles. Avid shoppers will also enjoy the strong presence of locally owned boutiques, gift shops, and artisan galleries on and around King Street.
Hit the Slopes
Snowbirds can enjoy several opportunities to ski near Boone, no matter their skill level. Beginners should get their bearings with a lesson from the French-Swiss Ski College located at Appalachian Ski Mountain. As the highest ski area in the east, Beech Mountain Resort has a bar at the top, where you can sip beer made at the on-site brewery. Sugar Mountain has 20 runs and a tubing park, offering fun for ages three and up. If you’d rather visit in summer, some of the resorts let guests ride the lifts, play disc golf, do yoga, and go biking in the mountains to escape the heat.
Learn Local History
With 2026 being a celebration of history, there is a lot to learn in Boone. Stop by the Hickory Ridge History Museum to learn about how the early settlers lived as you move from one log cabin to another. In season, you can also see Horn in the West, a lively theatrical production that focuses on life in Boone before and during the Revolutionary War. For those who like to stick to their own schedule, a self-guided historic tour of downtown Boone is a good option so you can go at your own pace.
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