North Carolina, Boone & Blowing Rock

[flwiii]

Taking a trip to NC in Oct.. Any suggestions as to activities, sights, shops , etc. that are must see, don't miss in the Boone / Blowing Rock area.

thanks

I haven't been in North Carolina since the late 60's. I recall as a kid going to someplace just outside of Boone that had this goofy looking shack on the side of the mountain that would confuse the mind. It was easy to walk what looked like uphill, but when I tried to walk downhill I had to crawl. I remember sitting on a swing that would only swing halfway. It would not go downhill. Very weird little shack. I was wondering if that thing is still there. I really got a kick out of it as a 12 year old.

 

[dullpain]

It's Mystery Hill , www.mysteryhill-nc.com

 

[flwiii]

Dullpain:
Thanks for the info.

 

[orangebluegreen]

That’s one of my favorite areas. The nature is enough, the shops aren’t necessary. I wish I knew the name of it, sorry I don’t, but on the far east side of the Blowing Rock area there is a local restaurant that is built right on the edge of the mountain and looks out over the mountain ranges. At sunset (or anytime really) the view is incredible. The drive is through a winding narrow neighborhood but well worth it. I had imagined a typical over priced tourist place and was happily surprised by a very reasonably priced more local flavor. The Burrito I had was so large and good the experience is still on my mind and that was a few years ago since my last visit. Hope to return this fall perhaps for some camping.

 

[dullpain]

orangebluegreen - Would that be Canyon's??? www.canyonsbr.com

 

[orangebluegreen]

Looking at the menu and the fact they have live music, I think it may be. The menu was mostly Mexican if I remember correctly. It was located in a neighborhood right on the edge of the mountain on the Eastern part of Blowing Rock. Not fancy, just good and with a million dollar view. If memory serves correctly it was old wood flooring that was kinda out of level and heavily varnished wood everywhere. Suppose that's everywhere in that area though, just don't see that kind of thing in Florida.

Looks like the Burrito has gone up a couple dollars since my last visit ha!

 

[jcmseven]

Yes the Canyons is the name of the restaurant. I drove past it last week on the way home from my parents' place in Fleetwood. It is in Blowing Rock on 321. It for years was known as the Emporium. There are many good and unique restaurants in the area. Also, in response to one of the posters' comments, there is still good land available in the area, it seems one has to know the people that own it. My mother and father are thinking of buying another 5-10 acres across from their home to keep it from being developed. Their friend who owns the property has turned down many offers for the land, but says he would sell it to them because of their desire not to develop it and keep it natural.

John M

 

[dieselsmoke1]

Now that we're talking mountains and food, if you have the opportunity, by all means stop by Shatley Springs. A few miles north of West Jefferson on 16 if memory serves me right.

If I've ever had better vittles anywhere else, I don't remember it. Lunch and dinner are outstanding......but their breakfast is nothing short of awesome. Named "Best in North Carolina" by a state magazine. Everything is family style and excellent. It's a place a man can hurt himself if he ain't carefull.

I have not been in 2 years, but from what I hear it hasn't changed. Put it on your agenda, you'll be glad you did!

 

[Sigarms]

Also, in response to one of the posters' comments, there is still good land available in the area, it seems one has to know the people that own it.

John M

Perhaps,but just up in Boone last night. For giggles picked up a couple of realtor books. I'd say the "average home" with 1/3 of an acre with 2000 sq foot of living space goes for about 300k. Anything that I thought looked "nice" with less than an acre went between 400-600k (again with an average 2000 feet, nothing "fancy").

Took my wife up with me last night, she's from Vermont. She loves the area, Boone reminds her of home (Vermont) and she made the comment that she could see us living up here due to the nice cold weather. That was another reason why I picked up that realtor book. After she went through it, she thanked me for a reality check.

 

[LarryRB]

Stayed over at wife's aunt and uncle, who built a specialized housing developement just east of Lenoir, While there, we took a ride and spent the day in Boone. Nice area to visit...