8 Relaxing Things To Do In Banner Elk, North Carolina

things to do in banner elk north carolina
Nina
Nina 
Updated
| 3 min read

Welcome to the ski capital of the South, the home of the great outdoors and southern culture - it’s none other than Banner Elk, in Avery County, North Carolina. This piece of paradise is ideally located in the mountains of western North Carolina, the reason this bustling community is filled with High Country activities, such as skiing, golfing, hiking, horseback riding, rafting, and fishing.

This is an impeccable destination for many people who seek relaxation. Banner Elk promises a variety of good accommodation, world-class attractions, excellent restaurants and different shops to choose from. Whatever kind of activities or excursions you do here, the climate is very agreeable, so you do not have to worry.

Treat yourself, as you experience a taste of heaven in Banner Elk. Start packing, call for some “me time” and read on to discover the most relaxing things to do in Banner Elk.

1. Taste life at Grandfather Vineyard & Winery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

You can never go wrong in choosing the Grandfather Vineyard & Winery for relaxation. This terraced mountain vineyard and winery is situated right on the Watauga River at the base of Grandfather Mountain. It is the optimum place if you are looking for serenity and tranquillity. You can have a glass of wine while enjoying the soothing music from their talented musician and the amazing scenery. Make sure you don’t miss this place!

Taste life at Grandfather Vineyard & Winery

Address: 225 Vineyard Lane, Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA

Website: Taste life at Grandfather Vineyard & Winery

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2. Have fun in the Carlton Gallery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

You can find calm and peacefulness just looking at the alluring art collection at the Carlton Gallery - a wonderfully artistic setting, where you can enjoy an amazing variety of art, pottery, jewelry, clothing and gifts. Be inspired by the variety of paintings which depict different aspects of life. Just don’t forget to bring your own camera and take as many pictures as you can.

Have fun in the Carlton Gallery

Address: 10360 NC Highway 105 S, Banner Elk, North Carolina, NC 28604

Website: Have fun in the Carlton Gallery

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3. Experience nature at Apple Hill Farm

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

We just can't get enough of these cuties!

Posted by Apple Hill Farm on Saturday, April 30, 2022

Connect to nature and to yourself, as you get a real farm experience - only at Apple Hill Farm. Visit this amazing mountaintop alpaca farm and store. The farm also provides educational animal experiences, which include a guided walking tour of an alpaca farm. Here, you can have the opportunity to appreciate life and nature. Visiting Apple Hill is an eye-opening, enjoyable activity to engage in.

Experience nature at Apple Hill Farm

Address: 400 Apple Hill Rd., Banner Elk, North Carolina

Website: Experience nature at Apple Hill Farm

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4. Visit Valle Crucis Community Park

Valle Crucis Park-27527
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ken Thomas used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Feel true happiness in an incredible park, situated in one of the most beautiful places - Valle Crucis Community Park. The park is really well maintained and utilized for great purposes. This is a perfect place to spend a day to relax. You can dip your toes in the river and listen to the sweet relaxing songs of nature.

Visit Valle Crucis Community Park

Address: 2892 Broadstone Road Banner Elk, North Carolina, NC 28604

Website: Visit Valle Crucis Community Park

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5. Fishing at Grandfather Trout Farm & Gem Mining

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Grandfather Trout Farm & Gem Mining on Thursday, October 22, 2015

One of the most relaxation past times in the world is fishing. Grandfather Trout Farm & Gem Mining offers great fun and they will assist you in every way, by providing equipment, tackle and bait. Capture your first trout! Try this awesome place and experience peacefulness by catching some fish.

Fishing at Grandfather Trout Farm & Gem Mining

Address: 10767 NC Highway 105 S, Banner Elk, North Carolina, NC 28604

Website: Fishing at Grandfather Trout Farm & Gem Mining

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6. Buckle up at Little Tweetsie Railroad

Tweetsie Railroad
Source: Photo by Flickr user Nabeel H used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Little Tweetsie Railroad offers fun for all ages! This place is located at the bottom of Beech Mountain Parkway, Banner Haven and is less than a mile (1.6 km) from the one and only stoplight. You will surely enjoy watching the trains steam up. A great place to bring your kids - don’t forget to bring your camera and capture their fun moments riding the mainline.

Buckle up at Little Tweetsie Railroad

Address: 509 Beech Mountain Parkway, Banner Elk, North Carolina

Website: Buckle up at Little Tweetsie Railroad

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7. Learn at Banner House Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Getting ready for OPENING DAY TOMORROW! Join us at the Museum from 11 to 3 for a free event with children's activities,...

Posted by Banner House Museum on Friday, June 16, 2017

Banner Elk is rich also in history. Take a visit to Banner House Museum and go back in time to learn about 19th-century living. There is also a recreated household here, with many original Banner items. The museum is situated in the original home of Samuel Banner, one of Banner Elk’s first settlers.

Learn at Banner House Museum

Address: 7990 Hickory Nut Gap Rd Banner Elk, North Carolina

Website: Learn at Banner House Museum

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8. Dig in at Banner Elk Cafe and Lodge Espresso Bar and Eatery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Banner Elk Cafe is still offering curbside pickup daily from 8am-8pm. Call in orders to 828 898-4040. Delivery...

Posted by Banner Elk Cafe and Lodge Espresso Bar and Eatery on Monday, March 23, 2020

After a tiring walk and tour in the city, you are probably itching to find some good quality food to satisfy your appetite. Well, the Banner Elk Cafe and Lodge Espresso Bar and Eatery promises to replenish your energy, so you can continue exploring the town, as it offers a variety of mouthwatering foods and drinks.

The staff offers good and fast service and the food is neat and presented very well. There is also good music on the patio. Sit back and relax and have the best meal ever.

Dig in at Banner Elk Cafe and Lodge Espresso Bar and Eatery

Address: Hwy 184, Banner Elk, North Carolina

Website: Dig in at Banner Elk Cafe and Lodge Espresso Bar and Eatery

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Banner Elk: A taste of true freedom!

Shawneehaw Creek into Mill Pond
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mark Clifton used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Experience Banner Elk in North Carolina! This is a well-spent heaven for every holidaymaker, as it offers a fun variety of activities, from the mountain to the sea. The pleasant weather is an advantage and, just looking at the pictures of this sweet town, you can experience serenity. Hurry up! Treat yourself - for you only live once!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nina aspires to live life to its fullest and yearns to journey abroad with her loved ones. She believes in her inherent artistic nature and embraces the motto that "God is good all the time" as her...Read more

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