Find the True Appalachia in Boone, NC
The city of Boone sits in western North Carolina, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a prime destination for any motorcyclist looking to immerse themselves in all things Appalachia.
Boone is surrounded by fantastic riding opportunities in all directions. Squiggly mountain roads stretch out of the city, serving a smorgasbord of twists, turns, ups, downs, and everything else a biker’s heart might desire.
You might find it hard to keep your eyes on the road for all the gorgeous scenery you’ll pass. The lower sections of the Blue Ridge Mountains get you lost in the trees, while from higher locations open sweeping, jaw-dropping vistas over the rolling landscape.
But perhaps more importantly, Boone is a hotspot of Appalachian culture. Whether you’re interested in history, music, performing arts, or local cuisine, you’ll find it here.
Things kick off right with the city’s name. Boone is named frontiersman and folk hero Daniel Boone, who is agreed to have had his camp within the modern city’s limits.
The Boone family has deeper ties with the city as well. Daniel’s nephews, Jesse and Jonathan, were members of Boone’s first church, the Three Forks Baptist Church, which still operates today (although the church building is not the original).
Daniel Boone’s legacy is celebrated each summer with the performance of Horn in the West, a period drama that includes Boone himself as a character. Performed every year since 1952 (except for 2020 when COVID-19 ruined the party), this performance is the longest-running of its kind in the country.
If you’re more interested in music than acting, Boone still delivers. The city is a central hub for bluegrass music and Appalachian storytellers. The town’s official calendar features several concerts and music festivals throughout the year and local establishments host artists on a nearly daily basis, so you can catch some tunes whenever you motor into town.
Historically, Boone is notable for its Junaluska neighborhood, which started as a pre-Civil War free Black community. The neighborhood still houses many of its original residents’ descendants and is also home to a rare majority-African American Mennonite congregations.
For more history, you can visit the Hickory Ridge History Museum, which details life in the area over the years. Many buildings in town are on the National Register of Historic Places, so you can immerse yourself in the past simply by strolling (or riding) through town.
There are also plenty of fascinating things to see and do around Boone. South of the city, you’ll find the Tweetsie Railroad, which offers rides in cars pulled by an old-timey steam locomotive.
Those looking for outdoor activities need not ride far from Boone. The Blue Ridge Mountains are a paradise for anyone who wants to hike, climb, boat, fish, hunt, or do virtually anything else in the great outdoors. As a highlight, I must mention the Grandfather Mountain State Park, which boasts both excellent hiking trails and riding roads.
Boone is Appalachia personified. It’s a beautiful and exciting base camp for any motorcycle rider heading into the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Facts & Info
Nearby Attractions
- Horn in the West Play
- Hickory Ridge History Museum
- Tweetsie Railroad
- Grandfather Mountain State Park
Nearby Roads
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs by Boone, making the city a great entry point or pit stop along the road. The parkway hardly needs introductions, being one of the most famous and popular motorcycling roads in the U.S.
Around Boone, you’ll find more twisting mountain roads of various widths and conditions than you likely have time to ride. US 221 between Linville and Blowing Rock is a popular two-laner that snakes through the Grandfather Mountain State Park
A less famous but not any less entertaining road includes SR 194 from Valle Crucis to Banner Elk and north of Boone to Baldwin. This road offers more mountain riding with some delightful curves.
You can also make expeditions farther out of Boone to the Pisgah and Cherokee national forests.
Recommended Lodging: Lovill House Inn
The Lovill House Inn is a gorgeous historical bed-and-breakfast just outside downtown Boone. It offers several large suites with plenty of space for riders and gear, alongside a cabin for riders looking for more privacy. The rooms are decorated with artworks from local artists and photos of nearby beauty spots.
Surrounded by a large, peaceful garden, you can relax on the terrace after the day’s ride. If the weather happens to turn foul, you can relocate to the lounge.
The Lovill House Inn offers several breakfast options made from locally sourced ingredients, including American, Full English, and vegetarian/vegan meals. For dinner, simply walk 10 minutes down the road to one of Boone’s restaurants.
Food & Dining
The forests around Boone offer a bounty of game animals. If you can, you should make a trip out of town to the Gamekeeper Restaurant. This rustic fine-dining establishment is housed in a 1950s cottage, and its menu features locally sourced game and other exotic meats. Find it at 3005 Shulls Mill Rd, Boone, NC.
For options that are closer to town (and, frankly, more affordable), you can grab some excellent barbecue at the Pedalin’ Pig. The meats are moist and juicy, like they should be. Find it at 2968 SR 105 A, Boone, NC.
In downtown Boone, the Dan’l Boone Inn cooks up mouthwatering Southern comfort foods. The restaurant is also located in one of Boone’s oldest buildings, making for a unique setting. Find it at 130 Hardin St, Boone, NC.
Best Time to Travel
If you want to make the most out of Boone’s many local events, summer is the best time to hit the road. It’s also excellent for riding, as long as you can stomach the heat and humidity.
Fall is also a good time to motor into Boone. There are still many events going on, the temperatures will be milder, and you can also admire the stunning fall foliage of the Blue Ridge Mountains.