Linville Gorge is just down the road, great place for hiking and climbing, but weather is probably prohibitive. Also, be warned if you do, hikers can get very lost, very quickly down there.

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

Moses Cone park is pretty cool. Easy walking trails.

Mast General Store in Boone for treats - also two in Valle Crucis which is not far away - nice area
Kilwyn's for fudge - in Blowing Rock outlet mall though there's probably another one
Did I mention there's an outlet mall
Tweetsie Railroad if open for the season
Coyote Kitchen - just good food
Can't throw a cut geode without hitting a gem mining place - my kid's used to love those
Moses Cone is awesome and has easy hikes
Rhoddie Bicycle shop in Blowing Rock to pick up a little somethin for yourself. Say hey to Brian

Used to live there for a couple years, but its been +20 years ago.

Seems like we took visitors and kids up to Banner Elk to walk the town, eat ice cream, and play in the central park, swings etc..., all centrally located.

Swinging bridge and bears at Grandfather Mountain