Banner Elk, NC

Travel Guide

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Where to stay in Banner Elk

This was taken at a shopping center in Banner Elk. The entire center is designed to have this “old timey” feel. The shops have been upkept with this sort of historic architecture. There is this idea that Appalachia is somewhat detached from modernity, and commercial architects like to play into this. The same effect is seen in other parts of Appalachia and just on the east coast in general, for example Williamsburg, VA. The reality is that this “quaint” little town is just the same as any other place in the United States. We’re looking at BB&T, a commercial bank that is far from particular to place. The region of Appalachia can sometimes be less distinct than we like to think, and I feel this image captures this sort of denial of singularity. #appalachianechoes

Tynecastle

If you're spending some time in Tynecastle, Grandfather Mountain State Park and Watauga River are top sights worth seeing.

Tynecastle
Appalachia, where patriotism lives on. A lot of times we stereotype Appalachia to be very proud of their country and the south. This photo captures small town mainstreet flag pole. In Banner Elk there is one stoplight and on that main street is our American flag flying high with the rolling mountains in the background. The highlight of this small town is the 4th of July. This image just reminds me of how the town comes to life to be all American on that day. #appalachianechoes

Downtown

While visiting Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like Elk Statue and Tate-Evans Park.

Downtown
Default Image

Mill Ridge

While Mill Ridge might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Grandfather Vineyard & Winery and Julian Price Park.

Mill Ridge
4 Seasons at Beech Mountain

4 Seasons at Beech Mountain

2.5 out of 5
608 Beech Mountain Pkwy Banner Elk NC
The price is NT$3,414 per night from Jan 19 to Jan 20
NT$3,414
NT$3,850 total
Jan 19 - Jan 20
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Banner Elk. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (455 reviews)
Overall it all worked out and we had a good visit on the mountain. The location was perfect to rent our gear from wolf lodge and we snowboarded both Sugar and Beech mountain. There were just a few things I would have liked to seen done differently. First when we checked in and I asked about the ski ...

Reviewed on 2026/1/9

4 Seasons at Beech Mountain
The Lodge at Banner Elk

The Lodge at Banner Elk

2.5 out of 5
1615 Tynecastle Highway Banner Elk NC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$5,213 per night from Feb 3 to Feb 4
NT$5,213
NT$5,877 total
Feb 3 - Feb 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Banner Elk. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
The staff were very kind and welcoming however, the name was a little deceiving. It was a small motel, being renovated, but hopefully they will give the lodge atmosphere soon with a roaring fire and more amenities. The breakfast was continental and could be improved.

Reviewed on 2026/1/4

The Lodge at Banner Elk
Smoketree Lodge

Smoketree Lodge

3 out of 5
11914 Highway 105 Banner Elk NC
The price is NT$4,247 per night from Jan 16 to Jan 17
NT$4,247
NT$4,788 total
Jan 16 - Jan 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this aparthotel in Banner Elk. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Sugar Mountain Resort and Grandfather Mountain ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (262 reviews)
Clean rooms, plenty of space for 2 adults and 1 kid. Indoor pool and rec area was clean. Game room was neat amd spacious.

Reviewed on 2026/1/5

Smoketree Lodge
See all 2,804 properties in Banner Elk
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Smoketree Lodge

Smoketree Lodge

3 out of 5
11914 Highway 105 Banner Elk NC
Stay at this aparthotel in Banner Elk. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Sugar Mountain Resort and Grandfather Mountain ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (262 reviews)
Clean rooms, plenty of space for 2 adults and 1 kid. Indoor pool and rec area was clean. Game room was neat amd spacious.

Reviewed on 2026/1/5

Smoketree Lodge
The Highlands at Sugar

The Highlands at Sugar

3 out of 5
2173 Sugar Mountain Drive Banner Elk NC
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Banner Elk. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (768 reviews)
Great place , will come back

Reviewed on 2026/1/8

The Highlands at Sugar
Heritage Hill Cabins

Heritage Hill Cabins

3 out of 5
161 Alnic Ln Banner Elk NC
Stay at this cabin in Banner Elk. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Beech Mountain Resort and Alta Vista Gallery ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
Very cozy cabin , clean . Kitchen was great since we cooked most days .

Reviewed on 2026/1/3

Heritage Hill Cabins
See all properties in Banner Elk
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

8/11/2017

Beech Mountain Resort

Hit the slopes in Banner Elk with a visit to Beech Mountain Resort. Discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area, or enjoy its hiking trails.

Beech Mountain Resort
This is the headstone of Banner Elk, North Carolina. This elk has been in the town forever, but this past year the elk has been refurbished and installed as the centerpiece of the town. This elk frames Appalachia in the sense of this small town pride in the mountains. In the background you can see the historic elementary school and rolling mountains and once again the North Carolina pride of the state flag surrounding this elk even though about 100ft to the right there is another flagpole with the same flags raised high and proud. This is where every child in this town went to school in this picturesque location but as time rolls on is Appalachia move on too? #appalachianechoes

The Greene

The Greene is just one of the places to see in Banner Elk, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?

The Greene
Throughout my childhood I spent so much time at this park. I always remember of thinking of it as the park in the middle of the mountains. What I never noticed as a child was how every single aspect of this park was planned out and put there for a reason. Likewise before studying the photographic image I had never thought about how we construct a image and its affordances and constraints. One thing I really want to point out in this image is that while we have this beautiful park there is a huge ugly pipe in the middle of the photograph. It is part of the necessity of the planning of the park, just like the frame is a necessity of an image. We sometimes want to forget it is there but it is a necessary part of an image and still has meaning. #appalachianechoes

Tate-Evans Park

You can learn about the history of Banner Elk when you stop by Tate-Evans Park. Discover the area's mountain views, or seek out its ski slopes.

Tate-Evans Park

Sugar Mountain Resort

Hit the slopes at Sugar Mountain Resort, a top ski area in Sugar Mountain. Discover the area's mountain views, or seek out its hiking trails.

Sugar Mountain Resort

Hawksnest Tubing Park

Hit the slopes in Seven Devils with a visit to Hawksnest Tubing Park. Discover the area's mountain views, or seek out its hiking trails.

Hawksnest Tubing Park

Banner Elk Winery

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Banner Elk Winery during your travels to Banner Elk. Discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area, or enjoy its ski slopes.

Banner Elk Winery

Reviews of Banner Elk

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
103
5 - Excellent 56%
4 - Good
67
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
12
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We had never visited this area and we enjoyed our entire experience .The hotel staff all 3 days were amazing! We will be back next year to celebrate our Wedding Anniversary !!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Beautiful area if you are looking for solitude

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Adorable town!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Cute small town close to ski centers and Boone

4/5 - Good

C

It was a cute little town

4/5 - Good

Amber

It’s a cute town. Pedlin’ Pig was so good and Hickerman’s was a good breakfast place.

Cities near Banner Elk

Grandfather Mountain showing mountains and forests

Blowing Rock

Grandfather Mountain showing a suspension bridge or treetop walkway as well as an individual male

Linville

Another #hiddentreasure of Appalachia is this view from Vilas Overlook. I managed to snap a picture at the perfect time—the leaves are changing colors, the goldenrod is in full-bloom, and the cloudy sky is covering the hills like a blanket. That’s right—not even the cloudy skies can diminish the incredible view that this is. I found it on my way to Trashcan Falls, and it is up a dirt road. The view was different than other overlooks like Thunderhill and Howard’s Knob in my opinion because this one was nestled right in a residential area. You can even see the house I had to park above to get this shot! Luckily it was a lazy Sunday and nobody seemed to notice I was there—they were all probably napping after church! #appalachianechoes #vilas #overlook #appalachia #mountains

Vilas

A beautiful lesser known gem of the North Carolina forest. For a video guide of the hike to Otter Falls, please visit: https://www.hdcarolina.com/episode/otter-falls

Seven Devils