Sugar Grove Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

When thinking of healing modalities of "Appalachia", the first image that often emerges is something that resembles a sort of folk medicine, but merely 6 miles from Boone lies a clinic and school that merges Western medical perspectives with the philosophy and science of Chinese medicine. Sean Marshall created the school in 1997, with the belief that, “ It is as esoteric as any philosophical system could be and, at the same time, as stringent a science as any modern intellectual discipline.” One healing modality, or aspect of what the Chinese call “Zhen-Jiu”, which roughly translates as “Needle (Zhen) – Burn (Jiu)” utilized is acupuncture. This refers to the practice of inserting fine metal needles into specific physical and energetic “channels” to stimulate the body’s own capacity to respond and heal. The other aspect, "Burn” refers to herbs that may supplement the body in the case of deficient energy. #appalachianechoes
When thinking of healing modalities of "Appalachia", the first image that often emerges is something that resembles a sort of folk medicine, but merely 6 miles from Boone lies a clinic and school that merges Western medical perspectives with the philosophy and science of Chinese medicine. Sean Marshall created the school in 1997, with the belief that, “ It is as esoteric as any philosophical system could be and, at the same time, as stringent a science as any modern intellectual discipline.” One healing modality, or aspect of what the Chinese call “Zhen-Jiu”, which roughly translates as “Needle (Zhen) – Burn (Jiu)” utilized is acupuncture. This refers to the practice of inserting fine metal needles into specific physical and energetic “channels” to stimulate the body’s own capacity to respond and heal. The other aspect, "Burn” refers to herbs that may supplement the body in the case of deficient energy. #appalachianechoes
This picture was taken in the Original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis. This is probably my favorite photo for this project because I had never been to this store before. I have only been to the new Mast General Store on King Street., but you could feel the history and authenticity in the original store. I was immediately drawn to this wall as I walked through the store because I love how all of the jars are perfectly aligned, and I like the old scale that is hanging from the ceiling. As I walked through and explored the store I tried to imagine how what opening day was like for the store and for the people of Appalachia. I wonder if the owner knew that this 1883 store would be such a historic figure for the people of Boone and such a tourist attraction. #appalachianechoes
The theme I keep returning to is that of modern lifestyles throughout seemingly "old," "rustic," and "quaint" Appalachia. The stereotypical idea is that Appalachia is in itself somehow frozen in the past has been a common thought for a long time. By including pictures that present this on the surface seem to embrace that stereotype. If one takes the time to learn the story behind the picture, the meaning changes. For example, this picture in the Mast General Store has all of the "rustic" ideas incorporated into it. However, there are other things that suggest the existence of the modern lifestyle. At first, it looks just like a bunch of old toys. But then, the new clothes and packaging in the picture suggest something else. The toys themselves even look modern. #appalachianechoes
blue ridge mountains near mount mitchell and cragy gardens
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 Rp1.873.318 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
Rp1.873.318
Rp2.112.182 total
22 Feb - 23 Feb
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! (1,000 reviews)
Nice place, clean, close to campus, no complaints

Reviewed on 25 Jan 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 Rp2.041.178 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
Rp2.041.178
Rp2.301.428 total
22 Feb - 23 Feb
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,268 reviews)
Amazing cleaned food / breakfast was amazing, staff was amazing love this place this is my 2nd time staying here

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026

Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel
4 Seasons at Beech Mountain

4 Seasons at Beech Mountain

2.5 out of 5
608 Beech Mountain Pkwy Banner Elk NC
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Banner Elk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (466 reviews)
Very nice day people everybody was very friendly. Beds are not very comfortable, though.

Reviewed on 29 Jan 2026

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4 Seasons at Beech Mountain
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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.
The Highlands at Sugar

The Highlands at Sugar

3 out of 5
2173 Sugar Mountain Drive Banner Elk NC
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Banner Elk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (786 reviews)
The size and accommodations of this stay exceeded my expectations!

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

The Highlands at Sugar
Smoketree Lodge

Smoketree Lodge

3 out of 5
11914 Highway 105 Banner Elk NC
Stay at this aparthotel in Banner Elk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Sugar Mountain Resort and Grandfather Mountain ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (267 reviews)
Well located, near Sugar Mountain. The room was confortable and with very good amenities.

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

Smoketree Lodge
Swiss Mountain Village

Swiss Mountain Village

3 out of 5
2324 Flat Top Rd Blowing Rock NC
Stay at this cabin in Blowing Rock. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a picnic area. Popular attractions Appalachian Ski Mtn. and Tweetsie Railroad are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (168 reviews)
Easy check in and out. The cabin and surrounding grounds were in excellent condition and well kept. A call to the office with questions was answered promptly and courteously.

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Swiss Mountain Village
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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.

Cities near Sugar Grove

This photo was taken just inside the Tennessee border. I had been staying at a cabin with my roommate and her family. We arrived at night at a time when I could not see the pond. When I woke up the next morning, we went outside and I was in awe of the beauty. It was bright, vibrant, and perfectly picturesque. The cabin we stayed in was hard to get to; it was on a one way gravel road up the side of a mountain. It is seemingly untouched, yet if I had turned the camera around, the viewer would notice power lines running up the side of the mountain. This picture seems to preserve the idea that Appalachia has not been touched by humans. #appalachianechoes

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