Nearest Airport
: Tri-Cities Tennessee TRI Airport
at 38
Miles
Nearest Motorway
: Interstate 40
at 45
Miles
Nearest Barpub
: Tynecastle, Banner Elk
at 15
Miles
Nearest Ski
: Sugar Mtn Ski
at 15
Miles
Nearest Golf
: Land Harbor/ Mtn Glen
at 7
Miles
Nearest Restaurant
: Many to choose From
at 5
Miles
Car: recommended
Avery County, created in 1911, is nestled in the majesty of the Appalachian Mountains, the oldest mountain chain in the world! Avery County also has the highest elevation of any county seat located east of the Rocky Mountains, reaching 5500 feet above sea level. Newland, the County Seat, is 3621 feet above sea level, making it the highest county seat in the Eastern US.
Recreational opportunities abound in Avery County, with numerous lakes, rivers and waterfalls, all testaments to the beauty and splendor of nature. Approximately half the county lies within the Pisgah National Forest, making it ideally suited for hiking, camping, fishing and hunting. We are the home of Grandfather Mountain and the “Mile-high Swinging Bridge.” If sports are more to your liking, there are several golf courses for your warm weather enjoyment, and Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain ski resorts for cold weather fun.
The Town of Banner Elk and its surrounding areas offer a quality of life that is sought by many folks today; a beautiful mountain retreat away from the busy crowds where one can still have access to the finer conveniences found in larger metropolitan areas. This beautiful Avery County setting is surrounded by some of the highest mountains east of the Rockies including Grandfather Mountain and Beech Mountain. The Blue Ridge Parkway traverses the county just six miles from town. Banner Elk is home to Lees McRae College and features a lively arts and crafts cultural scene, complete with an intimate pedestrian shopping district of upscale boutiques and outstanding restaurants, several of which are regularly featured in national travel and food magazines.
This area offers a wonderful year-round climate, with four distinct seasons. Spring blossoms beautifully with rhododendron and mountain laurel. Summer features sunny days for outdoor activities and cool evenings for relaxation. Fall bursts forth in a palette of brilliant colors while Winter provides skiing and cozy nights by the fireside. The higher elevations of this region make for cooler summer temperatures. In fact, Avery County’s seat, the Town of Newland, and neighboring Beech Mountain are the highest county seat and incorporated town, respectively, in the eastern United States. Don’t be fooled by other mountain towns that claim cool summers but have lower elevations. If you are looking for cooler summer temperatures, you can’t do any better than the High Country.
The Town of Boone is a university town in Watauga County, atop the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and serves as the county seat and market town. Boone acquires its name from the famous pioneer and explorer Daniel Boone, who on several occasions camped at a site generally agreed to be within the present city limits.
The town was incorporated in 1872 and its current population is 17,751. Boone has the highest elevation (3,300 feet) of any town of its size (over 10,000 population) east of the Mississippi River. During summer, high temperatures in Boone are typically 76°F or below, noticeably cooler than the lowland areas to the east and south. Summers are also considerably cooler than most parts of the Carolinas. Winters are colder with sleet and snowfall common.
Located off the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone offers its residents and visitors a four-season playground for sports and outdoor activities. Boone is recognized by travel journalists as an 'ultimate outdoor adventure destination' in the Southeast.
For additional attractions and information, visit
Tweetsie Railroad
Linville Caverns
Linville Falls
High Mountain Expeditions
Hawksnest Zipline
Event calendars
