Visitor Information
A Quick Reminder
Thank you for visiting the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce website! We are working hard to help stabilize our local business economy after the adverse effects of Hurricane Helene. With the High Country being a year-round hotspot for tourists, we have partner organizations that we recommend for you to use as helpful and informative travel resources. Web links and phone numbers provided below!
EXPLORE BOONE (828) 266-1345 HIGH COUNTRY HOST (828) 264-1299
The Return to Boone and Watauga County from Town of Boone, Explore Boone, and Boone Chamber | Friday, October 11
In the two weeks since Hurricane Helene arrived in Boone and Watauga County, we’ve seen devastation fuel unity and adversity build strength throughout these hills. Residents in the High Country always rally to help our own, but it’s the kindness of friends and strangers from afar that has provided the hope and energy our community has relied upon to persevere through some of the most challenging experiences we’ve ever faced.
As you make plans to return to the Boone area, we encourage you consider the following guidelines.
Support High Country Businesses
Many of our retail and restaurant partners are open for business, including those in downtown Boone as well as other popular areas across the community. If you are not yet able to travel to the area, or maybe missed your planned trip over the last two weeks, we encourage you to continue to support our local businesses from afar. Amplifying their social media posts, buying online merchandise and gift cards, and then supporting them with your hugs and purchases when you are able to visit. Linked below are social media posts on the Boone Chamber Instagram and Facebook pages of businesses who are open for operation and your support.
Facebook Post "Message Board" for Local Businesses
Instagram Post "Message Board" for Local Businesses
More opportunities and information about holiday shopping coming soon!
Fall Events
Updated Wednesday, October 23 at 1:06 PM
Appalachian State University Football
App State will host Georgia State for its Oct. 26 football game, as scheduled, with a 1 p.m. kickoff at Kidd Brewer Stadium. The game, which sold out of tickets in August, will be streamed live on ESPN+.
This will be the Mountaineers' first home football game since the High Country community and western North Carolina region were impacted by the effects of Hurricane Helene nearly three weeks ago.
Boone BOO!
We are excited to announce that Boone BOO! will take place in Downtown Boone, NC on Thursday, October 31 from 5:00-7:30pm! We recognize that many are still reeling from the aftermath of Helene. After consulting with our local police and safety officials, we feel that we can safely host this event.
Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain, the private attraction run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, has announced that it will reopen to guests on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 9 a.m. The Western North Carolina nonprofit nature park has been closed since Sept. 26, the day before Hurricane Helene tore through the southeastern part of the country, leaving behind unimaginable effects on the communities surrounding Grandfather Mountain.
Valle Country Fair
The co-sponsors of this event, Holy Cross Episcopal Church and the Valle Crucis Conference Center, are working for alternative plans to provide necessary human and financial resources to the non-profit agencies and families in need that we so faithfully serve.
Watauga County Farmers Market
Temporarily relocated to Appalachian State's Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences at 1179 State Farm Road in Boone.
Woolly Worm Festival
While the Woolly Worm Festival can’t take place in person this year due to the effects of Hurricane Helene, the spirit of our beloved event is still alive and thriving! We’re excited to introduce the Woolly Worm Webfest, an online celebration that lets you be part of the fun and support our community from wherever you are.
Full High Country Calendar of Events
Explore Boone High Country Host
Road Conditions and Information
Updated Tuesday, October 15 at 11:44 AM
NCDOT Road Reopening for Hurricane Helene
A helpful dashboard that shows roads that are fully open, currently closed, or have partial access.
LEARN MORE
Blue Ridge Parkway
On Wednesday morning, October 23, 2024, the Blue Ridge Parkway opened to traffic from milepost 285.5, at Bamboo Gap, to milepost 305, near Beacon Heights, in the Blowing Rock, North Carolina area. This is the first section of roadway to open in North Carolina since Hurricane Helene. Opening this section of the park provides improved transportation links while communities address ongoing storm recovery on other local routes.
Emergency Fall Leaf Lookers Route
High Country Tourism Openings & Closure - High Country Host
Many top local tourism attractions have sustained damage, are unable to open due to road closures/ staffing, or are closed to keep traffic to the area at a minimum while supporting locals. We will be updating this list of openings/closures daily as visitor activities reopen.
Road Condition Information
Choose and Cut Christmas Tree Information
