Banner Elk, North Carolina
Banner Elk, North Carolina
Banner Elk sits in the Blue Ridge a few miles from both Sugar Mountain, North Carolina's largest ski resort, and Beech Mountain, the highest in eastern North America.
Klonteska is a short walk from the restaurants downtown. Elk Lodge is a few minutes out, with mountain views from the covered deck and room for a big group.
Every one is stocked before you arrive and looked after by people who know it. Book direct on each home's page.
Out here the stars come out early.
December to March
Ski Sugar or Beech, both within about 25 minutes of our homes, or take the kids snow tubing at Hawksnest.
April to May
The trails open up: Rough Ridge for the view of Grandfather Mountain, and short walks to Elk River Falls and Crab Orchard Falls.
June to August
Cool mountain days. Swim at Wildcat Lake in town, ride the steam train at Tweetsie, or zip line at Hawksnest.
September to November
The leaves bring people up the mountain, and the Woolly Worm Festival takes over downtown the third weekend of October.
A few of the things we send guests to first. Ask us for the rest when you book.
A nature park with the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge and wildlife habitats, about half an hour from our homes.
A short hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway to a boardwalk with wide views of Grandfather Mountain and the Linn Cove Viaduct.
An easy quarter-mile walk to a 50-foot waterfall with a swimming hole at the bottom.
Two ski resorts within about 25 minutes: Sugar, the largest in North Carolina, with night skiing and a tubing hill, and Beech, the highest ski area in the East.
A strenuous 7.6-mile round trip to Calloway Peak, the highest point on the Blue Ridge, with views all the way around.
Beginner-friendly water on the Watauga River at Valle Crucis, or a guided day with Foscoe Fishing Company.
A Wild West park built around a steam train ride, with rides and shows for younger kids.
Creole and Cajun at LP on Main, family-recipe Italian at Sorrento's, and farm-to-table dinners in a converted barn at Artisanal from May to October.
Tri-Cities is closest. Charlotte has the most flights and is under three hours away.
Sugar Mountain is about 10 minutes from Klonteska and 20 from Elk Lodge. Beech Mountain is about 15 to 25 minutes.
From Klonteska, yes: downtown Banner Elk is a short walk. Elk Lodge is about 12 minutes by car.
Tri-Cities (TRI) is about an hour and a half away. Asheville is about two hours, and Charlotte under three.
Klonteska welcomes one dog. Elk Lodge doesn't take pets.
The third weekend of October, in downtown Banner Elk. It's been running since 1978 and brings in a big crowd, so book early for that weekend.
