Winter in Boone, NC, brings crisp mountain air, charming local attractions, and cozy spots to wind down. If you’re looking to make the most of a weekend escape, we’ve curated the best tips for a refreshing and peaceful stay. Boone, NC, offers both luxury and comfort, welcoming families, pet owners, and couples alike. Here’s how to have an unforgettable winter weekend in Boone!
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!
1. Choose a Boutique Hotel with Mountain Charm
Your choice of lodging sets the tone for a relaxing getaway. Graystone Lodge, a luxury boutique hotel in Boone, NC, offers not only comfort but also the warm, inviting atmosphere of a small town. Enjoy beautifully designed rooms, plush bedding, and thoughtful touches that make each stay feel like home.
2. Visit a Local Coffee Shop
Warm up with a cozy cup of coffee at one of Boone’s beloved local spots. As a hotel partner, Hatchet Coffee is a must-visit with its artisan brews and relaxed atmosphere. If you’re exploring downtown, Espresso News has a cozy vibe perfect for chilly mornings, while Drip Boone offers a modern setting and robust brews. And for a touch of nostalgia, Local Lion serves up classic coffee favorites along with locally famous donuts that are sure to add a sweet start to your day.
3. Start with a Relaxing Breakfast
Winter mornings in Boone call for a cozy start. Boone’s local cafes are known for their homemade pastries, rich coffee, and inviting atmospheres. Check out Stick Boy Bread Company for freshly baked treats, or if you’re up for a drive, visit Boone Bagelry, a local favorite with delicious options to kickstart your day.
4. Bundle Up for a Scenic Hike
Even in winter, Boone’s hiking trails are worth the adventure. Grandfather Mountain offers trails with views of frozen waterfalls and snow-dusted peaks. Prefer a shorter hike? Check out the Greenway Trail near town. Remember to dress in layers, wear waterproof boots, and bring a thermos of something warm to sip along the way.
Trail Highlights:
- Greenway Trail: Family-friendly paved trail that is close to town.
- Bass Lake Loop Trail: An extremely easy, scenic, 0.9-mile gravel loop around Bass Lake.
- Moses H. Cone Memorial Park: Scenic with beginner-friendly paths and a moderate 5.1 mile, out and back, trail to Flat Top Tower with 365 degree mountain views.
- Grandfather Mountain Profile Trail: Challenging but with breathtaking winter views.
- Glen Burney Trail: A strenuous, out and back, 3.2 mile round trip trail that skirts the Cascade falls.
5. Enjoy a Cozy Afternoon at a Local Winery
Boone’s wineries make winter afternoons magical. At Grandfather Vineyard, enjoy a delightful creekside vibe with live music and food trucks. Visit Linville Falls Winery for stunning mountain views and a spacious seating area. Or, head to Banner Elk Winery, where you’ll find award-winning wines and a relaxed, intimate setting. Sip on a glass of red while watching snowflakes fall over the vineyard.
6. Explore Boone’s Downtown Shops and Boutiques
Downtown Boone is brimming with unique shops. From locally crafted art to mountain-inspired clothing, there’s something for every style. Don’t miss the Mast General Store, an iconic stop with outdoor gear, local goods, and an authentic vintage vibe. Boone Belles and Lucky Penny are two of our favorite boutique shops for trendy fashion and local artisan gifts.
7. Make Time for Some Snowy Fun
Winter in Boone brings great outdoor fun for everyone, from skiing to tubing. Nearby Appalachian Ski Mountain offers slopes perfect for beginners and families, nationally renowned ski school French-Swiss Ski College, mulitple terrain parks, and ice skating. Beech Mountain Ski Resort and Sugar Mountain Ski Resort provide thrilling slopes at higher elevations, perfect for advanced skiers and snowboarders ready to take on new challenges. Hawksnest Snow Tubing provides a unique adventure that offers an exciting twist on traditional winter fun, ensuring your visit is anything but ordinary. All locations are less than 20 miles from Graystone Lodge, allowing you to easily get your winter adventure fix.
8. Settle in for a Fireside Evening
After a day of exploring, nothing beats a fireside evening back at the lodge. Graystone Lodge’s lobby offers just that — a warm, inviting space to relax, read, or share stories from the day. Grab a cup of hot cocoa or a warm apple cider, kick back, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a crackling fire. Prefer the outdoors? Cozy up around our outdoor fire pit and make s’mores with family!
9. Enjoy a Meal with a View
For dinner, Boone’s restaurants serve hearty, flavorful dishes perfect for a cold winter night. The Gamekeeper is known for its unique, locally sourced game meats, while Vidalia specializes in Southern classics with a modern twist. Prefer something more casual? Head to Lost Province Brewing Co. for wood-fired pizzas, craft beer, and a friendly atmosphere.
10. Treat Yourself to a Spa Morning
A winter weekend calls for a bit of pampering. Spend a morning at one of Boone’s spas to fully unwind. Many spas in town offer massages, facials, and even salt therapy. Just down the road, Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock offers luxurious spa packages that allow you to relax and recharge, all while taking in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you’re in the mood for a relaxing day without going out, book ahead of time and treat yourself to an in-room massage from our local partner Lumina Spa.
11. Head to Graystone Lodge — Boone’s Best Place to Stay
When finding the best place to stay in Boone, NC, Graystone Lodge stands out for its attention to detail, warm hospitality, and perfect location close to Boone’s top winter attractions. Bringing the family, a pet, or enjoy a solo retreat. From cozy interiors to spacious, well-designed rooms, you’ll find all the essentials for a memorable winter weekend.
A winter weekend in Boone can be as active or as restful as you like. By staying at Graystone Lodge, you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore or to simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the mountains.
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