This is the 1 place everyone should visit in NC, Southern Living says
A North Carolina mountain town was highlighted as a top 2026 getaway, offering a blend of Revolutionary War history, mountain scenery and a growing food and hotel scene.
Boone has grown from a small Appalachian settlement into a year-round tourism draw, according to Southern Living.
What to do in Boone NC
Outdoor enthusiasts can hike sections of the Appalachian Trail, take in panoramic views along the Blue Ridge Parkway or summit MacRae Peak at Grandfather Mountain. In the winter months, nearby ski areas, including Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort, offer slopes for beginners and experienced skiers alike.
History-focused travelers can explore 18th-century life at the Hickory Ridge History Museum or attend the seasonal outdoor drama “Horn in the West,” which depicts Revolutionary-era events in the region. A self-guided historic walking tour of downtown also allows visitors to explore at their own pace.
Beyond history and outdoor recreation, Southern Living noted Boone’s walkable downtown, particularly the King Street corridor, for its mix of antique stores, thrift shops, independent bookstores and local boutiques. The High Country region, including nearby Blowing Rock and Banner Elk, offers additional attractions, shops and restaurants within a short drive.
The publication also pointed out recent upgrades to the town’s lodging options, including boutique hotels and renovated motor lodges, as well as a diverse culinary scene featuring bakeries, Southern breakfast spots, sushi, craft breweries and wine bars.
“For those making travel a priority, or simply looking for a getaway, now is the perfect time to put Boone, North Carolina, on your radar to visit in 2026,” Southern Living says.
Other top NC travel destinations
Last year, Oak Island, Hatteras Island, Topsail Beach, Ocracoke, Duck, Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Nags Head and Wrightsville Beach were on Southern Living’s list of 50 best beach towns in the South, The Charlotte Observer reported.
North Carolina swept up several Southern Living’s 2025 South’s Best Awards, including:
- Best Classic Hotels: Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands
- Best Resorts: The Inn on Biltmore Estate and The Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa in Asheville
- Best New Hotels: The Cozy Mountain Retreat in Highlands
- Best Cities: Asheville and Wilmington
You can find the full list of the best beach towns in the South online at southernliving.com.
Portions of this story were previously published in The Charlotte Observer.
