The mountain town of Boone, N.C., is known for being an outdoorsy scene with lots of options for skiing and hiking, and for App State U., which is nestled in its center. However, you may be unaware of the health and wellness options that are flourishing in the city.
Below, we’ve outlined a weekend itinerary that’s perfect for a girlfriends getaway, just two hours west of Charlotte.
Friday
Check in. Boone has lots of places to say — hotels, inns, private cabins, condos and resorts. Here are some of our favorites:
The Inn at Little Pond Farm: This modern farmhouse-style inn provides a perfect backdrop. Each of its seven rooms has character, a beautiful view and a bathtub with jets, perfect for starting (or ending) your day. The chef provides a delicious breakfast each morning catered to your dietary restrictions. Plus, this beautiful inn will give you tons of home décor inspo.
Westglow Resort & Spa: Westglow is a 42-acre estate with five lodging properties. Stay in the Westglow Mansion, which has hosted presidents, public leaders and celebrities, and enjoy unobstructed views of Grandfather Mountain. The Lodge at Westglow offers three guest suites, each renovated in 2015 to offer modern accommodations. The Tree Top Suite has two bedrooms, a full kitchen and a living room.
After checking in, it’s time to wine down. Head to Grandfather Vineyard & Winery, where the menu includes charcuterie boards, 20-plus varieties of wine, wine flights, and special drinks, like an apple cider mimosa. The vineyard has tons of outdoor space for you to enjoy your drink(s). On cold days, there’s a tent with heaters.
For dinner, try The Gamekeeper Restaurant and Bar, where the menu ranges from escargot to wild turkey pot pie and cornmeal fried trout. No matter what you order, you can’t go wrong — and the wait staff ensures that. They explain in detail each menu item and offer suggestions based on your personal cravings. The restaurant is located on the side of a mountain and looks like a beautiful cabin. Inside, the vibe retains the mountain theme, with a cozy atmosphere and nice views. Reservations are required.
For dessert, head into downtown Boone for Venture Chocolate and Wine Co. The chocolate lounge offers more than 30 varieties of chocolate, which taste as good as they look. Once you’ve chosen your chocolates, head downstairs to the wine bar, where bartenders can suggest wine pairings based on the chocolate you ordered. The upscale bar has tons of cozy seating — perfect for recapping the day.
Saturday
Start your day with a massage. Many of the lodging options in Boone have spas – including The Inn at Little Pond Farm, where the masseuse welcomes you with calming music, aromatherapy and a massage catered to your tension areas and pressure preference.
For lunch, Over Yonder is a great option that provides southern Appalachian cuisine. Much of its food is sourced locally, and everything is scratch-made. The crispy roasted okra is a must-try appetizer, and for your entree, don’t miss out on the dipped chicken — fried chicken with hot sauce and cane syrup served on a bun with slaw and pickles. Over Yonder also has an extensive drink menu with unique cocktails, such as Good News, which is a blend of bourbon, lemon juice, ginger syrup and red wine.
Time to relax again, but this time, with zero gravity. At 180 Float Spa, you’ll probably be greeted by the owner, Angela. She opened the spa after trying — and falling in love with — float therapy. Before your session, Angela explains how float therapy works: guests get into a tank or pod where they float effortlessly. There is no light or sound distractions inside the pod, and the body can truly relax. Some clients are said to find relief from back pain or tension during float therapy and the meditation that comes with the sensory-controlled environment.
If you’re hungry after your float, Café Violette is waiting in downtown Blowing Rock — Boone’s next-door neighbor. When you walk in the artwork, lighting and cozy environment provide a pleasing ambiance. The menu may seem daunting to those unfamiliar with French cuisine, but the wait staff will happily walk you through it. The mussels are a must-try.
Sunday
As your weekend winds down, retail therapy is one of the best ways to cope, and downtown Boone has some unique shopping options along King Street. Common Good Co. is a carefully curated store filled with clothing, artwork, home decor, jewelry and more, all globally sourced. It also has a coffee shop so you can sip as you shop.
Foggy Pine Books has both new and used books. And there’s a couch near the fireplace, so you can read a few pages before you buy.
At Doe Ridge Pottery, find a perfect gift or some usable art like tea kettles, dish ware and vases.
Once you’re done shopping, walk over to Lost Province Brewing for a relaxed lunch; it serves craft beers, moonshine cocktails, wood-fired pizza and tasty pub fare. The poutine is a great choice!
Before heading home, stop by The Care Collective. This spa is an all-in-one wellness stop with relaxing music, plants all over and heated seating. It also offers massages, foot soaks, saunas and private yoga classes. The foot soak will leave your feet feeling soft and renewed. As you soak your feet in warm water, a masseuse focuses on any sore muscles using tools such as warm stones and a Tibetan wooden stick.
After this wellness filled girls weekend, you’ll leave Boone relaxed, recharged, and probably planning exactly when you can make the trip back.
