Banner Elk, NC, is a beautiful small mountain town in the "high country" of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. The town has become very well known as a culinary "hot spot" because of its fantastic restaurant options.
Banner Elk is also full of beautiful mountain scenery and tons of things to do, like shopping, arts, and activities. There is a mountain coaster, museums and historic buildings, kayaking, hiking, waterfalls, an Alpaca Farm, and you're only minutes from Grandfather Mountain.
There is even a beautiful lake with a white-sand beach!
We absolutely love Banner Elk, NC, and have visited many times over the years. We enjoy exploring all that this town has to offer and sharing our personal experience visiting Banner Elk, its restaurants, downtown, and things to do with you!
Our Banner Elk Travel Guides
We've visited Banner Elk, NC, many times during our adventures in the High Country. During our visits, we've experienced much of what Banner Elk offers and have included that information in our Banner Elk travel guides. These guides will share our personal experience in Banner Elk with you, and share some insider tips as well!
Where is Banner Elk, NC?
Banner Elk is located in the heart of the North Carolina High Country, a scenic region of the Blue Ridge Mountains known for its high elevations and year-round outdoor adventure. The town sits in Avery County, between the ski slopes of Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain, at an elevation of around 3,700 feet.
It’s also close to Boone, North Carolina—only about a 20-minute drive away—making it easy to explore both towns during your visit.
Banner Elk is easy to reach along NC Highway 184 and NC Highway 194, both winding scenic routes that pass through farmland, Christmas tree farms, and mountain valleys. The town’s compact layout makes it simple to explore on foot, with shops, restaurants, and attractions all within a short distance of one another.
Its central location in the High Country makes Banner Elk a perfect base for outdoor adventures, scenic drives, and exploring the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
Why Visit?
Banner Elk has always been one of those places that draws us back again and again. Even after visiting countless mountain towns across the Blue Ridge, there’s something special about this one — a mix of breathtaking scenery, friendly people, and that relaxed pace of life that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile.
We’ve spent time here in every season, from snowy winter getaways to colorful fall weekends, and each visit has its own charm. In winter, the town is alive with visitors heading to nearby Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain for skiing and snowboarding. Come summer and fall, Banner Elk transforms into a laid-back destination for hiking, scenic drives, and exploring local wineries and farms.
Downtown Banner Elk is compact and easy to enjoy on foot, with outstanding restaurants, unique shops, community events that make it feel welcoming, and lots to see and do. The surrounding mountains offer endless opportunities for adventure — from visiting Grandfather Mountain and walking across the Mile High Swinging Bridge to simply taking in the views along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
What keeps us coming back most of all, though, is the warmth of the people here. Every time we visit, we’re reminded how connected the community is and how proud they are of this beautiful corner of the High Country.
It’s that spirit that makes Banner Elk one of our favorite small towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Banner Elk Travel Videos
Here is our Banner Elk video from our visit in 2023:
Things to Do
Wildnerness Run Mountain Coaster
There’s never a shortage of things to do in Banner Elk. Whether you’re here for outdoor adventure, local flavor, or a relaxing mountain getaway, this small town delivers in a big way.
You can spend your days exploring scenic trails, visiting nearby Grandfather Mountain, or enjoying local wines at Banner Elk and Grandfather vineyards. If you’re looking for some excitement, don’t miss the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster — one of our favorite attractions and a must-do for visitors of all ages.
Banner Elk also offers beautiful horseback riding opportunities through rolling mountain terrain, a peaceful and memorable way to experience the area’s natural beauty.
In winter, the town becomes one of North Carolina’s top ski destinations, with both Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain just minutes away. Downtown adds even more charm, with great restaurants, cozy coffee shops, art galleries, and year-round community events.
See our full guide on Things to do in Banner Elk, NC
Restaurants in Banner Elk
Steak at Stonewalls
For a small mountain town, Banner Elk has an impressive dining scene. You’ll find everything from fine dining and farm-to-table restaurants to casual cafés and cozy spots perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
Over the years, we’ve eaten our way around town — from classic Southern comfort food to creative dishes that rival those in much larger cities. One of our top favorite restaurants in the entire Blue Ridge Mountains is right here in Banner Elk: Stonewalls, a longtime local favorite known for its outstanding food, service, and atmosphere.
Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, a glass of local wine with dinner, or a sweet treat from a local bakery, Banner Elk has plenty to satisfy every taste.
See our full guide to Banner Elk Restaurants
Where to Stay in Banner Elk
For a small mountain town, Banner Elk offers a surprisingly wide variety of places to stay — from cozy cabins and boutique inns to luxurious glamping experiences. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family trip, or an outdoor adventure, you’ll find accommodations here that match your style perfectly.
Banner Elk Glamping
One of our favorite places to stay is Banner Elk Glamping, an incredible property that combines the comfort of a high-end cabin with the fun and atmosphere of camping. Each dome offers beautiful mountain views, cozy interiors, and private decks — perfect for watching the sunrise or relaxing under the stars. It’s one of the most memorable and unique stays we’ve experienced in the High Country.
Banner Elk Glamping offers luxury hotel accommodations with the outdoorsy and private feel of camping. Each dome or tent is complete with a super comfy king-size bed, couch, refrigerator, coffee/tea station, and heating and AC. Immediately next to the domes are private luxury bathrooms with waterfall/rain-style showerheads.
Want an even more unique experience? Stay in the Wondering Wine Wagon, a large covered wagon with luxury amenities as well!
The Lodge at Banner Elk
We also loved The Lodge at Banner Elk, a beautiful boutique-style hotel located just minutes from downtown. The Lodge offers a perfect mix of comfort and mountain charm, with spacious rooms, fireplaces, and a peaceful setting surrounded by nature. It’s ideal for couples or anyone looking for a relaxing, upscale mountain retreat.
During one of our stays, we enjoyed one of their Jacuzzi suites, which had a living room with a couch and TV, a king-sized bed, an enormous bathroom, and a Jacuzzi tub. The suite was actually two hotel rooms connected into a single room.
Hotel staff were super friendly and went above and beyond to make sure our stay was enjoyable. This hotel is a great option for families visiting Banner Elk and is one of the best Banner Elk, NC, hotels.
Each room includes a complimentary breakfast at its excellent breakfast buffet, which includes eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, gravy, cereal, bread, and much more.
They also have pet-friendly rooms as well.
Other Stay Options
In addition to these standout spots, Banner Elk has plenty of other options including vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, and nearby mountain resorts at Beech and Sugar Mountain.
No matter where you stay, you’ll be close to all the great restaurants, shops, and outdoor adventures that make Banner Elk such a special destination.