Things to do in the NC High Country

Planning a trip to High Country, North Carolina soon? Don’t waste your precious time researching fun, family-friendly activities. Let “Glory Be That’s Me” do the work for you! Sit back, relax, and read on to explore some of my personal favorite spots that are sure to make lasting memories for all ages. Below you will find the best sights to see, places to go, and things to do while visiting High Country, all mapped out and ready for you to explore. Enjoy and be sure to leave us a comment to let us know your favorite High Country adventures! 

Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster:

I am an adrenaline thrill seeker and this did not disappoint! With multiple 360-degree loops, it is fast enough to get your heart racing at 27 MPH yet safe enough for everyone in the family to enjoy. New in 2020 and a first of its kind, the Alpine Coaster is nestled in the base of Sugar Mountain and is a mix of a roller coaster and sled run. Open every day year-round including winter ski season! Hours vary according to each season so check their website below before you go. 

https://www.wildernessrunalpinecoaster.com/

Grandfather Mountain:

Grandfather Mountain is a non-profit, state park near Linville, North Carolina. Encompassing the highest peak on the eastern portion of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, this park offers a variety of activities so everyone in your group is sure to find an experience unique to their interests. Their website has an ample amount of information to help plan your visit including FAQs, accessibility information, local weather, and much more (too much to detail!). Some notable information to point out is your admission fee allows you to drive your own vehicle throughout the park. Fees vary by age and park hours vary by season both of which can be found by clicking here. With a variety of hiking trails, wildlife exhibits, the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge and many more sites to explore, you will for sure feel like your money was well spent. Being a passionate educator myself, I love how they also offer many events and classes encompassing a variety of interests (additional fees may apply). Not only does this park behold some of God’s greatest work they also work diligently to preserve the natural beauty of Grandfather Mountain. From EV charging stations, to biodegradable products in their restaurant and even creating renewable energy, you’ll be sure to feel good about your visit knowing you are contributing to the preservation of God’s beauty for many generations to come!

Grandfather Mountain | Swinging Bridge & Nature Preserve

Grandfather Vineyard and Winery:

For the wine enthusiast, be sure to check out the family owned Grandfather Vineyard Winery. Owned and managed by the Tatum Family who originally purchased the land to begin a common business practice in this area of the country: Christmas Tree Farms. While they may have switched focus to a vineyard, the deep-rooted family friendly atmosphere is evident in every corner of the property down to their multiple Vineyard/Winery Dogs! The Tatums use a variety of 10+ grapes, making wine since 2003, which is sure to please any palate from dry whites and reds to sweet wines and a bubbly for every occasion. They also maintain a year-round, diverse event calendar with my favorite being the live music. Does it get any better than relaxing on the banks of the Watauga River with a glass of locally crafted wine while listening to an invigorating mixture of banjo, guitar, and bass transporting your mindset miles away from the buzzing and beeping of our ever-present technology and devices?! And, after you leave, you can always hop online to order their award winning wine shipped straight to the comfort of your couch to help recreate your favorite vineyard memories. Open 7 days a week with afternoon hours and welcoming dogs and children, Grandfather Vineyard Winery will quickly become one of your favorite High Country stops. 

http://www.grandfathervineyard.com/

Banner Elk Consignment Cottage:

From the exterior, don’t discount the unassuming Consignment Cottage of Banner Elk on your trip to High Country (see what I did there? discount = consignment). In all seriousness though, this charming little store has a diverse selection of classic furniture, art, and home goods sure to compliment any décor. While they don’t have an official website, their Facebook page provides up-to-date information including new inventory and hours and are very responsive to messages regarding pricing and dimensions. Be sure to stop in and grab your own unique piece of North Carolina to take back home with you!

Consignment Cottage of Banner Elk – Banner Elk NC

Sugar Mountain Resort:

Ask anyone for ski lodging recommendations in High Country and they are sure to list Sugar Ski & Country Club at the top of their list of must visit resorts. With an extensive FAQs page, their website is a great resource to help you understand what they are all about! They are located within close proximity to all the attractions listed in this blog. One of their best-loved details is the fact that they offer slope side lodging and are the area’s only true ski in/ski out lodging center during the winter months (2 bedroom units only). If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing don’t count them out. There are several other activities right outside your door such as hiking and biking trails, golfing, gem mining, and local seasonal festivals. Each condominium is individually owned ensuring a unique experience each time you book your stay (because trust me, you are going to want to come back and experience this place again and again!).

 Sugar Ski & Country Club | Vacation Rental on Sugar Mountain NC

If you check out any of these amazing locations or activities, be sure to post a picture and tag me @glorybethatsme! I would love to see you enjoying all that the area has to offer. 

Also, if you need somewhere in the area to stay while in town, check out my AirBNB property, Sugar Chic, here.

Thanks for reading!