Vilas, NC

Travel Guide

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
If you're in Boone this is a great place to go! They throw you up on a horse and bring you up some mountainous trails. It was 2-3 hours overall and they have an awesome rope swing by their "office." We all had a blast and my 70 year-old grandmothers were able to participate too.
This photo was taken from the Blue Ridge Parkway, in Watauga County in Boone. I chose this to post this photo because it gave me an idea of the way the people that founded this county lived. They worked on these mountains and possible even lived of the land here. Also, when you look out into the miles of mountains, I get the feeling of safety knowing these mountains surround me, and thats how I feel the Appalachian community is, a safe and humble community. #appalachianechoes
Summit one of "three top" with my best friend. Challenging hike but the smokies were beautiful this day
This image is of my neighbor’s property. I live out in Vilas, NC. You will need to drive down towards mountain city on highway 105. The rugged torn down barn with a rusted roof and the old rusted front half of a car in the picture reminds me of the long lost Appalachian farming. Out in the distance you can see a modern home. For me this picture represents the old and new Appalachia co existing side by side. Appalachia is modern yet old. Speaking of modern, there is a Dollar general across the street from this site. This picture shows the time locked aspect of the region. I liked this picture because it captures both the past and present in one frame. #appalachianechoes
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Boone University

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Boone University

3 out of 5
165 Highway 105 Extension Boone NC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$2,957 per night from Mar 23 to Mar 24
NT$2,957
NT$3,334 total
Mar 23 - Mar 24
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and wired Internet (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
This is a really nice budget-friendly option. I stayed for nearly a week while in town for work. My room was clean, staff were friendly and the breakfast was above average. However, the pillows were unusually uncomfortable: far too thin for comfort, and yet, too thick to double up. I ended up folding ...

Reviewed on 2026/3/18

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Boone University
Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel

3 out of 5
2419 NC HWY 105 South Boone NC
The price is NT$3,730 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
NT$3,730
NT$4,205 total
Apr 5 - Apr 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,318 reviews)
I loved my visit to the Graystone. While I travel very frequently and globally, staying in some very posh places, I found the staff at Graystone to be the most welcoming and friendly. The room was perfectly clean as well as a perfect and comfy bed!. The free breakfast was one of the very best I've ...

Reviewed on 2026/3/21

Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Rhode's Motor Lodge

Rhode's Motor Lodge

2 out of 5
1377 Blowing Rock Road Boone NC
The price is NT$3,809 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
NT$3,809
NT$4,295 total
Apr 5 - Apr 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Boone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fireplace in the lobby. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (740 reviews)
Nicely renovated mid century motel. Very comfortable room and great onsite restaurant.

Reviewed on 2026/3/18

Rhode's Motor Lodge
See all 5,695 properties in Vilas
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.
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! (812 reviews)
Excellent Condo. Five minute drive to the slopes. Comfortable. Spacious. We’ll definitely come back.

Reviewed on 2026/3/17

The Highlands at Sugar
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 Grandfather Mountain and Sugar Mountain Resort ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (275 reviews)
Very courteous staff. The place is very dated but it's a good value for being so close to Beech Mtn (10 mins) and Sugar Mtn (25 mins) ski resorts. Room was well equipped with a mini kitchen and everything necessary to cook (Stove, pots and pans, boiler, toaster, cutlery, plates, bowls...) Quiet despite ...

Reviewed on 2026/2/20

Smoketree Lodge
Swiss Mountain Village

Swiss Mountain Village

3 out of 5
2324 Flat Top Rd Blowing Rock NC
Stay at this cabin in Blowing Rock. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Tweetsie Railroad and Moses Cone Manor are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (177 reviews)
Cute place but you can hear traffic on the second floor unit all night making it hard to sleep and had a terrible sprint mattress.

Reviewed on 2026/3/16

Swiss Mountain Village
See all properties in Vilas
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.

Cities near Vilas

This photo was taken just inside the Tennessee border. I had been staying at a cabin with my roommate and her family. We arrived at night at a time when I could not see the pond. When I woke up the next morning, we went outside and I was in awe of the beauty. It was bright, vibrant, and perfectly picturesque. The cabin we stayed in was hard to get to; it was on a one way gravel road up the side of a mountain. It is seemingly untouched, yet if I had turned the camera around, the viewer would notice power lines running up the side of the mountain. This picture seems to preserve the idea that Appalachia has not been touched by humans. #appalachianechoes

Butler

Boone

Boone

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