Skiing & Snowboarding – Sugar Mountain Resort and Beech Mountain Resort offer great slopes for all levels. Sugar is about 20-25 minutes away and Beech Mountain is a quick 10 minute ride out the back gate
Snow Tubing – Family-friendly fun at Hawksnest Snow Tubing (largest park on the East Coast). Or stay in the neighborhood and hit the North Pavillion Hill.
Ice Skating – Outdoor rinks at Sugar Mountain.
Snowshoeing & Winter Hiking – Explore trails in a snowy wonderland.
Holiday Lights & Events – Cozy small-town charm with seasonal decorations and local celebrations.
Après-Ski Dining – Warm up with hearty meals at local restaurants and breweries.
Hot chocolate at Williams Bakery and Deli
Local Hikes – Explore colorful blooms along trails like Elk River Falls, Grandfather Mountain, and Beacon Heights.
Fishing – Try trout fishing in the Elk River or local streams.
Golfing – Courses like Sugar Mountain Golf Club and Beech Mountain Club open up for the season.
Local Wineries & Breweries – Sip regional wines or enjoy craft beers at the areas local wineries and breweries
Ealges Nest Winery
Banner Elk Winery
Grandfather Mountain Winery
Booneshine
Scenic Drives – Blue Ridge Parkway comes alive with vibrant greenery and wildflowers.
Grandfather Mountain – Visit the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, wildlife habitats, and hiking trails.
Hiking & Waterfalls – Trails at Linville Falls, Elk Knob State Park, and Rough Ridge are must-dos.
Whitewater Rafting & Tubing – Enjoy cool adventures on the Watauga or New River.
Mountain Biking – Ride Sugar Mountain Resort’s bike park and Beech Mountain trails.
Outdoor Concerts & Festivals – Banner Elk’s summer music series and Art on the Greene.
Ziplining & Adventure Parks – Hawksnest and High Gravity Adventures.
Live Music - Saturday night concerts at Great Camp or Beech Mountain's Summer Concert Series
North Pavilion - 4th of July fireworks
Sugar Mountain - Alpine coaster and Ropes Course
Beech Mountain - Beech Mountain Ski lift and drinks at the "Highest Bar in the East"
Mountain Biking at Beech Mountain - Take the chair lift up, and take a ride down the downhill course
Leaf-Peeping – Banner Elk is one of the best fall foliage destinations in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Oktoberfest at Sugar Mountain – A family-friendly festival with German food, beer, and live music.
Woolly Worm Festival – A quirky local tradition predicting winter weather based on woolly worm stripes.
Apple Picking & Cider – Visit local orchards for fresh apples, cider, and donuts.
Scenic Drives & Hikes – Linville Gorge, Rough Ridge, and Blue Ridge Parkway are stunning in fall colors.
Golf & Tennis – Perfect weather to hit the greens before winter.
College Football - Grab some tickets to see the App State Mountaineers