Downtown Boone Historic District Travel Guide

Boone

Boone, North Carolina. American architecture with streets and historical buildings in Blue Ridge Mountains. Popular tourist destination
Many, Many years ago the theater of downtown Boone, NC on King street used to look just like this. As the years passed there were damages, repairs and abandonment. At one point a dollar movie theater moved in, but eventually had to shut down. The town of Boone has a movement to restore the downtown area to what it originally used to look like while still preserving the buildings that have now.
#appalachianechoes
I chose to use this photo because when i think of the Appalachian community, I think of small businesses, not big companies like in larger communities. I think of family owned places and local goods stores and I get that feel from this view of King Street here in Boone. There are small stores and even some are structured in a way that represents old culture like the Mast General Store. When I go to King street, I get the feel of this tight community based stores and businesses  like I picture it was like in the early establishment of this community.
#appalachianechoes
Ah, what a cozy corner of Dancing Moon, the Earthway book store on King Street. We can see a basket full of local herbal teas, drying herbs, and individually made alcohol based tinctures. Why is it that the idea of home-made medicine signified a sense of authentic "Appalachia"? Though I grew up in WV, the idea of making one's own medicine never occurred to me until moving to this region of NC. 

As a medicine, alcohol has been said to be one of the most ancient forms. Some say that bioarchaeologists have been able to identify jars found in tombs of one of the first pharaohs of Egypt to find residues of medicinal herbs and wine. Alcohol-based medicines became popularized by the father of modern medicine, Hippocrates around 400 BC, but with the rise of modern medicine, the suppression of this ancient practice is what dominates. Anyway, how would the pharmaceutical industry profit if people were aware that the origin of majority of modern medicine comes from plants?

But let's not forget, modern medicine is just as "authentic" to "Appalachia" as what we see in this photo.

#appalachianechoes
This photograph was taken on King Street in downtown Boone, North Carolina. I took this picture on Friday, December 1, which was the day of the Christmas Tree lighting in Boone. The streets were filled with people, both residents and visitors, as well as numerous vendors. The atmosphere was very festive and cheery. King Street is always very crowded, but the area was even more packed for the Christmas Tree lighting. In the photograph, there is a horse-drawn carriage with a family in the back. This image reflects aspects of a time gone by. The growing modernity of the Appalachian region, specifically Boone, is evident in the cars lining the street, the condos looming in the background, and the construction truck driving in the opposite direction of the carriage. The construction truck represents the growing industrialization and shift away from rural in the region. This clash of old and new is still an ongoing battle in Appalachia. It is interesting that the carriage is heading in the direction of Highway 421, which represents a more modern region, while the construction truck is driving towards Highway 321, which reflects a much more agrarian landscape. Although there is an ongoing battle for the future of Appalachia, the two sides (old and new) are coexisting fairly well thus far. #appalachianechoes

Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Downtown Boone Historic District

The Horton Hotel and Rooftop Lounge

The Horton Hotel and Rooftop Lounge

2.5 out of 5
611 W King St Boone NC
The price is Rp2.155.633 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
Rp2.155.633
Rp3.157.043 total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Tweetsie ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (194 reviews)
We stayed in the Expansion side of the hotel, Beautiful room and very spacious. The staff is amazing, very accommodating. Exceptional Customer Service to guest!!

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026

The Horton Hotel and Rooftop Lounge
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
The price is Rp1.571.159 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
Rp1.571.159
Rp1.771.433 total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and wired Internet (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
This was not our first time staying in this hotel. We actually returned because we loved how nice it was and how friendly all of the staff are. Highly recommend it.

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026

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 Rp1.900.992 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
Rp1.900.992
Rp2.143.370 total
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,313 reviews)
I have a VERY sensitive nose and the AC had a smell.. it was hard to sleep. I never complained to staff bc honestly everything else was so amazing ! I don’t smoke and have some allergies. This is a very pet friendly place. It was my own fault I didn’t think that through when booking the place. I ...

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026

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 Rp1.718.185 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
Rp1.718.185
Rp1.937.252 total
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Boone. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fireplace in reception. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (737 reviews)
Great for a weekend ski trip

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026

Rhode's Motor Lodge
Home2 Suites By Hilton Boone

Home2 Suites By Hilton Boone

3 out of 5
280 E. King Street Boone NC
The price is Rp2.210.984 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
Rp2.210.984
Rp2.492.884 total
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Tweetsie Railroad and Daniel Boone Native Gardens ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (211 reviews)
Absolutely the cleanest hotel. The breakfast was the best too, along with scoring a 99%- I totally understand why- not a crumb. The staff were the absolute kindest and very welcoming. We took our bikes and rode the greenway. Again, absolutely beautiful! This place gets a true ten from us.

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026

Home2 Suites By Hilton Boone
Quality Inn & Suites Boone - University Area

Quality Inn & Suites Boone - University Area

2.5 out of 5
840 E King Street Boone NC
The price is Rp1.359.353 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
Rp1.359.353
Rp1.590.030 total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
They had a truck that ran its engine at 1sm I called the front desk he said he would tell them to stop ! The men were just parked with people inside the truck !!! It ran all night outside my window !! Too many illegals as well staying at Hotel!!!!

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

Quality Inn & Suites Boone - University Area
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Boone Historic District

Dramatic autumn weather - with clouds, fog and morning sun rays  - in the Blue Ridge Parkway Mountains, Pounding Mill Overlook

New River Heights

While New River Heights isn't home to many top sights, Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex and Boone Mall are some notable places to visit nearby.

New River Heights
Aerial view of Boone, old historical town in North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains. Beautiful historic American architecture

Panorama Estates

Panorama Estates might not have many top sights, but Mystery Hill and Tweetsie Railroad are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Panorama Estates


Downtown Boone Historic District Travel Guide