Is a weekend road trip calling to you?
Want to see some leaves turning their rust and gold and red colors? Meet up with some friends and family who live out of state?
Travelers Rest earned its very name early on from its proximity to the mountains (and the ocean) as a literal resting place for travelers passing through, from one spot to another.
That’s exactly why so many of us love to live in this base-of-the-mountains town. It’s a beautiful landing spot with a thriving community. And – we can get in our cars and head out for weekend adventures close to home.
A great autumn trip from TR is up to the nearby North Carolina mountains. You can get to Sugar Mountain, Banner Elk and Beech Mountain in a little less than three hours, perfect for cutting out early from work on Friday afternoon and enjoying a full weekend in the higher elevations with gorgeous leaves, stunning views and darling towns to wander through.
Recently I enjoyed a mountain getaway just like that with a few friends and we had a fabulous trip. I put together some ideas for you of places to eat and things to do. Feel free to add your own North Carolina Mountain ideas in the comments! It’s definitely a destination I plan to revisit.
Where To Eat
This family owned coffee shop is right at the entrance of several areas – the road to Banner Elk and Beech, the path to Sugar, heading up to Boone and Blowing Rock, or headed over to Grandfather Mountain. That makes this stop perfect for starting or ending your adventure.
Everything we tried was amazing – from the cinnamon muffin to the scone, from coffee to tea. There’s a little shelf with some to-go options too, so you can grab pimento cheese and a croissant and save that for a snack. Plus they offer lunch options too so you are well covered with delicious choices.
This family friendly pizzeria in Beech Mountain boasts being the highest pizzeria east of the Rockies! It’s fun and quirky, with loads of seating and direct ordering and a kind staff. The pizza is fantastic and the calzone is incredible. (By the way, the calzones much more like a stuffed pizza that you dip in sauce – so yummy and very large, perfect for sharing for sure!)
Do NOT miss the dessert counter. You can order that separately and can even head in just for dessert. House made and amazing – cannolis and peanut butter cake and raspberry cheesecake, hand scooped ice cream and milkshakes and more! We stopped din twice – so, you know it was good.
Outside is a putt putt course with a beautiful view!
Right in Beech Mountain, Holy Smokes has excellent barbecue and sides. This team is fast! You order where you pay and they have it served almost before your card is back in your wallet. You can eat inside or on the back deck. When in doubt, always choose the outdoors with a view. It was vast and lovely.
Old fashioned and adorable, this is a general store in Beech Mountain with a restaurant downstairs. On the days they are serving their tasty all you can eat breakfast buffet, that’s the only option. On other days you can order from a regular menu with yummy choices.
Upstairs you can shop for groceries. The aisles are tight and the floors are tilted but that only adds to its country charm.
What To Do
Is this fun for everyone in your group? Yes it is! At this Banner Elk attraction, kids can ride with parents in a seat in front of the adult. But honestly, even if you have a family member who doesn’t want to ride, it’s fun to watch and you can stand on the observation desk and see most of their ride. You can pay per ride or you can buy a bundle – three rides for $35. Completely worth it! Getting the extra rides is fun because you can then adjust your speed and try it a little differently once you get the hang of it.
They do take walk ins, but the parking is somewhat limited, so making a reservation for your time slot is a smart idea.
Situated directly next door to the Wilderness Run Alpine Center, this is a very cute building that looks like an old mill. Inside you’ll find ice cream and fudge and candles and gifts. The candles are made there and smell incredible. Actually, they specialize in offering classes where you create your own candles – that’s the cutest souvenir idea I think! A special scent and candle from your trip together.
They also have other fun goodies to buy – since it was girls trip for my friends and I, we embraced the spa vibe and purchased heatable reusable eye masks for back at the cabin.
This resort offers all season activities – skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the spring, summer and fall. We watched the youngest of riders conquer the mountain biking trails and were so impressed!
They also offer hiking and fishing opportunities, birding and golfing and other outdoor activities.
In the very walkable downtown of Banner Elk this was the cutest idea. This Book Exchange is all volunteer run by the community and you bring a book to get a book. Of course, if you want to purchase a book by donation, you are welcome to do that too. It’s a great idea to stop here first so you’ll have reading material for your weekend. And – if you finish that book, just stop on your route out to trade up again. Do check the hours first!
Where To Stay
It’s a short term rental that has SIX bedrooms but can also be cozy for a smaller number too. The views from the porch are just amazing. We also saw turkeys and deer out front – and definitely heard a bear, but weren’t able to spot him. It comes so well stocked with thoughtful extras – coffee, tea, sugar, hot cocoa and more staples in the kitchen. In the bathrooms, shampoo, conditioner and soap. In each bedroom, a fan and a personal to that room thermostat. We found cozy blankets for lounging, a washer and dryer, a cool retro Pac-man game and a giant Connect Four game.
And – use the code TRAVELERSRESTHERE for a 15% discount off your next stay. (Book this by December, but you can stay whenever it works best for you.)
Beech Mountain Resort offers a lot of lodging options and you can explore those on their website.
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Story & Photos by Lacey Eibert Keigley
Looking for other weekend road trip ideas?
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