Banner Elk, North Carolina: A Blue Ridge Mountains Escape

Banner Elk North Carolina

Things to Do 

Grandfather Mountain & Mile High Swinging Bridge

Just a short drive from Banner Elk, Grandfather Mountain offers strenuous hikes, wildlife habitats, and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge with panoramic views of the High Country. Plan for trail conditions and permit rules when hiking state park routes.

GrandFather Mountain is a must-see attraction in the park. It's the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains, standing at 5,946 feet above sea level. Visitors can drive or hike to the summit, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Mile High Swinging Bridge: The Mile High Swinging Bridge is a popular attraction that spans a mile above the GrandFather Mountain. Visitors can walk across the bridge, which offers awe-inspiring views of the peaks, valleys, and clouds.

Sugar Mountain & Beech Mountain Ski Resorts

Nestled in the heart of the High Country, Banner Elk is surrounded by snowy peaks, festive small-town charm, and two of the region’s top ski destinations, Beech Mountain Ski Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort. While the town of Banner Elk itself does not have its own ski slopes, it sits perfectly between both major ski areas, making it the ideal home base for winter adventures.

Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain provide skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and family activities throughout the colder months making Banner Elk a popular winter getaway. A Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain resort getaway are both within a 10–15 minute drive from Banner Elk.

Outdoor Adventure: Hiking, Waterfalls & ScenicDdrives

From shorter day hikes to demanding mountain trails, the area around Banner Elk connects to excellent routes and scenic drives along the Blue Ridge and the Linn Cove Viaduct. Nearby waterfalls and overlooks make for easy day trips.

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers more than 200 scenic overlooks, 13 visitor centers, and access to countless hiking trails, waterfalls, and cultural sites. These are spots where you can pull-off in your car. Where you can pause the drive and take in sweeping views of valleys, ridgelines, and distant peaks. With more than 200 overlooks along the 469 mile route, each has its own character.

Wildcat Lake

Wildcat Lake is a small but very popular 13-acre lake that has a swimming area with a beach (lifeguards during the summer months only), a fishing dock, and still offers plenty of space for boating.

Tufts Memorial Park

Tufts Memorial Park is close by offering plenty of options for grilling out, having a picnic, or taking the kids outdoors to play and enjoy the fresh air and natural Smokey Mountain beauty.

The High Country Wine Trail

The High Country Wine Trail features five different local wineries and there are a variety of different methods for visiting each. Some you can visit by horseback via guided tours, others provide transportation from one to another, and many of the wineries themselves will have special events and things to do at each location. Many have daily tastings with some even serving as a location for gorgeous outdoor weddings or special celebrations and get-togethers.

Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster & Family Fun

If you’re traveling with kids (or anyone who likes a thrill), the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a unique ride that’s fun in warm months. Nearby family attractions include Tweetsie Railroad and other High Country amusements.

High Mountain Expeditions

High Mountain Expeditions is a renowned adventure tourism company that specializes in providing a range of outdoor experiences in the mountains of the Eastern United States. Whether it's white-water rafting, rock climbing, or kayaking, this company offers some of the most exciting and thrilling expeditions.

Lees McRae Summer Theater

Lees McRae Summer Theater offers some outstanding drama and culture in downtown during the summer months. Combining runs of classic plays along with local favorites, there are many amazing shows going on just an easy walk away from some of the best bars and dinner clubs in the downtown area. Who says you can't have the best of small city life and the best of the great outdoors all in one small-town setting.

Seven Devils

Nearby Seven Devils is an amazing place to visit and the true hidden gem of the area that locals adore, as do the friendly visitors social enough to find out about it. Featuring arguably the best zip line in all the regions, there are multiple zip line courses that allow you a wide variety of aerial views of the many truly incredible sights below.

Grandfather's Trout Farm

Grandfather's Trout Farm is a great place with three stocked trout ponds to teach the young ones to fall in love with fishing. The Pedalin' Pig BBQ is just a "can't miss" stop for anyone who appreciates Southern barbecue done right. Those are just a few of the many options that have had some serious staying power, and there are many more to explore and find.

Where to Stay

Book Direct to Save on Fees and experince expert service from a local professional company. Rental homes, cabins, country houses, in-town rentals, and luxury cabins are just a few of the many options that are available. Whether it's staying at a place with a pool and pool-side grilling area, finding a rental cabin down a beautiful and isolated road to really enjoy being surrounded by the incredible countryside, or something else entirely that you have in mind, there is only one place to find that perfect fit. Give it a try: you definitely will not regret it on your next Banner Elk vacation. 

Banner Elk Vacation Rental Management Companies

Vacation Rental Stays

---

Book Direct and Save with a Banner Elk Vacation Rental Manager

 

Dining in Banner Elk

Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Banner Elk may be small in size, but it has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the High Country’s top culinary destinations. The town’s restaurant scene is impressively diverse, offering everything from upscale farm-to-table dining to laid-back pubs, Italian bistros, and family-friendly eateries.

What truly defines Banner Elk’s dining culture is its emphasis on locally owned, independent restaurants. Chefs here frequently highlight seasonal, regional ingredients, crafting menus that feel thoughtful, fresh, and distinctly mountain-inspired. The result is a dining experience that’s warm, creative, and far more personal than what you’ll find at national chains.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, unwinding after a day on the slopes, or grabbing a casual meal after a waterfall hike, Banner Elk offers something to satisfy every appetite from fine dining, hearty comfort food, Italian classics, Cajun heat, smoky BBQ, deli favorites, and more.

Below is a curated list of some of the top restaurants in Banner Elk, representing the full spectrum of flavors and dining styles you’ll find in this High Country gem.

Artisanal Restaurant

Cuisine: Upscale • Farm-to-Table • Contemporary American
Often considered the crown jewel of Banner Elk’s dining scene, Artisanal Restaurant is known for its beautifully plated, locally sourced menu and refined atmosphere. Ideal for special occasions, this restaurant consistently ranks among the finest in the region, offering a polished yet welcoming experience.

Bayou Smokehouse & Grill

Cuisine: Cajun • Texas-Style BBQ • Casual Southern
If bold flavor is what you’re after, Bayou delivers. Expect smoked brisket, Cajun spices, jambalaya, po’ boys, and heaping southern portions. With its easygoing vibe and hearty plates, it’s a reliable choice for families, groups, or anyone craving comfort food with a kick.

Sorrento’s Italian Bistro

Cuisine: Italian • Bistro • Cozy Dining
A Banner Elk staple, Sorrento’s is beloved for its comforting Italian classics — fresh pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and savory entrées served in a warm, inviting setting. It’s a great pick for date nights, relaxed dinners, or anyone seeking a timeless Italian meal.

Bella’s Italian Restaurant

Cuisine: Italian • Pizza • Casual
Perfect for a relaxed, budget-friendly meal, Bella’s offers pizzas, strombolis, calzones, and other familiar Italian favorites. It’s popular with families and those looking for a classic, no-frills Italian dining option after a day of adventure.

Banner Elk Café & Lodge

Cuisine: American • Comfort Food • All-Day Casual
With a broad menu that covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Banner Elk Café is a dependable go-to for hearty American staples. From burgers and sandwiches to pancakes and coffee, it’s ideal for casual meals, quick bites, or unwinding outdoors on their patio.

Stonewalls Restaurant

Cuisine: Steakhouse • Classic American • Dinner
A longtime local favorite, Stonewalls is known for its hand-cut steaks, prime rib, and seafood dishes. The comfortable dining room and consistent quality make it perfect for a traditional sit-down dinner or a classic steak-night experience.

Seasonal Highlights & Festivals

Banner Elk’s calendar is lively: fall leaf season, summer concerts and Art on the Greene, and quirky local traditions like the Woolly Worm Festival draw visitors each year. Check local event calendars before you travel. 

Getting There & Around

The nearest regional airports are in Asheville and Charlotte (a longer drive). Renting a car is the most practical way to see Banner Elk and surrounding sights; roads are scenic but can be steep and winding so drive carefully, especially in winter. Consider making a flexible itinerary to allow for mountain weather.

Itinerary Options

Option 1:

Morning: Arrive, walk downtown, coffee and pastries.
Afternoon: Short hike or wilderness coaster ride.
Evening: Dinner at a local farm-to-table restaurant.

Option 2:

Morning: Drive to Grandfather Mountain for the Swinging Bridge and a hike.
Afternoon: Wine tasting or scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Evening: Catch a local music event if available.

Option 1:

Morning: Arrive, walk downtown, coffee and pastries.
Afternoon: Short Drive to either Beech Mountain or Sugar Mountain to Ski
Evening: Dinner at either Banner Elk, Beech, or Sugar Mountain.

Practical Tips

• Pack layers beacuse mountain weather changes quickly and nights are cool most of the year.
• Book ski lodging early if visiting during winter holidays; fall weekends book fast too. 
• Respect trail signage and wildlife at Grandfather Mountain and state park areas. :

Final Thoughts

Banner Elk blends authentic mountain charm with outdoor access and a surprising culinary scene. Whether you’re chasing powder, autumn color, or a peaceful weekend among the pines, the town is a friendly, convenient gateway to the best of the Blue Ridge High Country. Plan around the season, pack for changing weather, and leave room to wander off the map, you’ll often find the best experiences that way.

 

Map of Banner Elk in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Blue Ridge Mountains Articles

---