Boone
 

I'm going to drive up the parkway (after camping/hiking in the Smokey Natn'l Park) and I figured I would stay in Boone as it is a college town and there's bound to be laundromats and inexpensive motels. I am looking to stay somewhere I can walk to restaurants, town, bars, etc and won't have to drive. Is ASU in the "town" section? Any suggestions?

There is a thriving community that has grown up around ASU. I was just through there last week but bypassed the ASU area of town, but there are many chain hotels/motels as well as independent ones nearby. There are cafes and shops near ASU.

I don't really like the town of Boone so much, Blowing Rock is prettier and more geared toward tourists. But you'll probably find cheaper accommodations in Boone.

http://visitboonenc.com/lodging.htm

There is a Scottish Inn and an Red Carpet Inn on Blowing Rock Road in Boone that are within walking distance to "downtown" though it's not a short walk. I've heard these places are dumps, and they look like dumps, but how bad could a room with bathroom be after a few nights out in the woods.

There's also a small mom & pop motel on King St just east of downtown with low posted rates.

You will want to be near downtown, and yes, ASU surrounds downtown. Good, cheap eats can be had downtown at the Boone Saloon, Macado's, Angelica's (vegetarian) all on the same block. Portofino's is a slight step up in offerings and price and has live music in the bar. Across the street is a Mellow Mushroom. Black Cat Burrito is another popular college eatery.

Across the street from the Scottish Inn is the Library Tavern - a new college hang out with a great patio. Just up from there is a dilapidated strip of college bars/restaurants anchored by the Klondike Cafe.

Thank you both! Your info is exactly what I am looking for. One more question: If I stay in Boone, would I be able to take day trips to Grandfather Mountain and Linville Falls?

No problem on Linville or Grandfather - both locations are within an hour of Boone.

Mike Honeycutt

If I may recommend a route for you from Boone to Grandfather Mtn ... Take US 321 to Blowing Rock and then US 221 across Grandfather to the entrance. It's a very windy twisty mountain road with scenic views.

I just fished a Boone restaurant map out of my car (never know what you'll find in there!!) and there are all kinds of coffee shops, bakeries, and sandwich places along King Street near ASU. That area is very walkable.