High Country, NC looking for tips
 

Taking a family vacation to Banner Elk, NC and the surrounding area. Looking for best hiking, restaurants, things to see etc. Also, what to expect for weather in the next 2 weeks.

Bob,<BR><BR>It's been quite a while since I've been to that area, so the best help I can give you is topping your message to catch the attention of some Western North Carolinians.<BR><BR>I will say that Linville Falls/Linville Gorge is supposed to be a good place to hike.<BR><BR>And I love hiking on the range that includes Grandfather Mountain. However, it has some strenuous parts--rocks, ladders--that got my wife very mad at me (when I somehow failed to mention them).<BR><BR>I believe you've seen the last of snow in that area by now, but you may hit some fairly cool temperatures.

One hike I particularly enjoy is taking the carriage path from the mansion at Moses Cone State Park down to Bass Lake and back. If you don't care for that trail, you can choose another. There are 25 miles of carriage trails in the park.<BR><BR>You'll find a number of restaurants in Blowing Rock, a town I find delightful. While a number of Fodors posters detest Blowing Rock, most people I know here in NC enjoy spending a day there. <BR><BR><BR><BR>Moses Cone State Park is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, near the town of Blowing Rock

It should be pretty but be prepared. NC can always come up with a late snow/ice storm. Linville Gorge is indeed beautiful and strenuous. You can hike up Grandfather Mountain starting at the camp ground--cannot call the name. The Blue Ridge Parkway is right there with many hiking trails off of it. Have you googled for "high country NC"? Lots of references as I recall.

Bob,<BR><BR>I agree with Arabella about Blowing Rock. I've seen some nasty comments, but I can't understand them. It's simply a nice little mountain town, very small, good little area to walk in, with shops and a few art galleries. <BR><BR>And though it's not the finest cuisine, I've always enjoyed sitting outside at Tijuana Fats and enjoying fajitas and a cold cerveza!

I lived in Boone for 5 years and Blowing Rock is a neat little town to visit. For dining Tiwgs has wonderful crabcakes and blackened mahi mahi, they also have duck, trout, filet, and daily specials . Dockside Ira's is another suggestion. They serve three homemade dressings with their salad, jalepeno (sp?) cornbread instead of rolls to begin the meal, and they offer a variety of entrees. These places are both somewhat pricey. If you like pork BBQ, try Woodlands BBQ. In the nearby town of Boone, you will find Makoto's (Japanese), Los Arcos (Mexican), and many others. Hope you have a great time!