Fall in Boone, NC hits different—and if you’ve been to a Mountaineers game, you already know why. The chill in the air, the golden leaves, the sound of cowbells echoing down Stadium Drive… football season at Appalachian State isn’t just a sporting event. It’s a town-wide tradition.
If you’re planning to catch a game this season, or just want to soak in the tailgate vibes, you’ll want to get ahead of the crowds. Planning now means better seats, better stays, and a stress-free weekend in the High Country.
Here’s how to get ready, where to stay, and what locals know that can help you make the most of Appalachian football weekends.
Graystone Lodge is a 101-room boutique hotel located in Boone, NC, that captures the spirit of the High Country in a warm, welcoming ambiance of a mountain lodge with an enhanced modern design and upscale amenities. Book your stay or learn more about our rooms. Subscribe to our email list to “stay in the know” about local tips, events, and promotions: Join the list! Don’t miss our Summer Special: Stay 3 Nights and Save 15% offer! Valid June 20th, 2025 through September 21st, 2025. Book now and save.
Game Days Fill Up Fast – Book Your Stay Early
Boone’s population nearly doubles on home game weekends. Hotels, restaurants, and streets buzz with energy—and if you wait too long, finding a place to stay can feel like chasing a loose football in a fumble.
At Graystone Lodge, we see it every year. Folks scrambling last minute, trying to piece together accommodations. Don’t let that be you.
If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Boone, NC for a football weekend, here’s what you should prioritize:
- Location: Close to Kidd Brewer Stadium (without being caught in game-day gridlock)
- Comfort: Clean, cozy, and updated rooms for winding down after long tailgates
- Parking: Free and easy—especially important on game weekends
- Local charm: Something that doesn’t feel like a chain
Graystone Lodge checks all those boxes and adds a local, boutique touch that’s hard to find in most college towns. Voted the Best of the Best Hotel in Watauga County for two consecutive years, it’s clear why this place stands out!
What You Need to Pack for a Mountaineers Weekend
Boone weather is famously unpredictable—sunny and 75 in the afternoon, dipping into the 40s at night. You’ll want to be ready for anything, especially if you plan to tailgate or walk campus.
Here’s your Mountaineer football weekend checklist:
- App State gear (black and gold never go out of style)
- Warm layers and rain gear (just in case)
- Camp chairs and tailgate essentials
- Reusable water bottles
- Walking shoes (there are hills… this is Boone, after all)
- Clear bags if you’re heading into the stadium (security rules apply)
Why Locals Love Fall Football in Boone
It’s not just about the touchdowns. It’s the feeling of standing in a packed stadium surrounded by alumni, students, and lifelong fans. It’s grabbing a biscuit downtown before kickoff. It’s the sound of a band warming up on the wind.
And once the game ends? You’ve got the Blue Ridge Parkway nearby, craft breweries within walking distance, and trails waiting for a morning hike before heading home.
When it comes to college towns with heart, Boone makes it hard to beat.
Make It a Full Weekend (Not Just a Game)
Planning your stay around Appalachian football is about more than the final score. You’re coming to the mountains—make the most of it.
Here are some ideas to turn game day into a weekend getaway:
- Friday night dinner at a local spot like The Cardinal or Lost Province Brewing
- Saturday morning hike at Beacon Heights or Rough Ridge before kickoff
- Post-game fireside hangout back at the hotel firepit
- Sunday brunch at Melanie’s or Sunrise Grill before heading out
And if you’re bringing kids, Graystone Lodge is the best family-friendly hotel in Boone, NC. You’ll have space to relax, warm touches throughout the rooms, and a front desk that’s happy to point you toward family fun.
Don’t Wait—Get Ahead of the Rush
The season opener is just around the corner, and once the calendar flips to September, Boone gets busy. Book now, plan ahead, and give yourself something to look forward to.
Appalachian football weekends bring people together—from first-year students to 40-year fans—and you don’t want to miss it.
Looking for a upscale boutique hotel in Boone, NC that feels like a true home base? Graystone Lodge is ready for kickoff. Click the link below to find special App State friends and family discounts and learn more about what makes us a great hotel near Appalachian State University
Check out other blogs:
- Where Exactly is the “High Country” of North Carolina?
- Discover the Top Waterfall Hikes Around Boone to Beat the Heat
- Boone and Brews: Tapping Into NC’s High Country Beer Scene
- 15 Reasons to Visit Boone This Summer
- Where to Find Fun Water Activities in Boone
- Western North Carolina is Ready to Welcome You. How You Can Help Us Get Back!
- 10 of the Best Playgrounds in and Near Boone, NC