Best Spots to check out:

• Blowing Rock - Glen Burney Trail and Moses H Cone Memorial Park are two wonderful hiking spots. Would recommend checking out App Ski Mountain for skiing

• Boone - home of App State, fun to explore DT Boone with amazing restaurant scenes, wonderful breweries, and has some really cool hikes such as Elk Knob State park 

• Banner Elk - known for their skiing season mainly but has some great restaurants such as Pedalin' Pig, Bayou Smokehouse and Grill. Highly recommend going to Grandfather Vineyard when visiting Grandfather Mountain draws serious hikers and casual day travelers alike with its spectacular views and incredible biodiversity

•  Ski scene - recommend Sugar Mountain Resort and App State is super close