Banner Elk is the most recent stop on my North Carolina 100 County Tour, and this one I tackled solo. What I found was a High Country town that is easy to fall for — walkable, welcoming, and full of people who made a solo traveler feel like a VIP. Here is my Banner Elk NC guide for 2026, featuring the best things to do, where to eat, and where to stay.
This trip was part of my ongoing 100 County Tour of North Carolina — a journey I have been slowly chipping away at since 2020.
Banner Elk NC Guide 2026: Things to Do, Where to Eat and Stay
A Brief History of Banner Elk
Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains at nearly 3,750 feet, Banner Elk is one of the highest towns in North Carolina, which makes it a favorite for both summer visitors escaping the heat and skiers in the winter. The town grew up around the Banner and Elk families who settled the valley in the 1800s, and its close ties to Lees-McRae College have shaped its small, artsy, mountain-town character ever since.
Today Banner Elk balances that history with a lively arts scene, cozy inns, and a downtown that is easy to explore entirely on foot — a big plus if you are traveling alone and or do not want to be tied to a car for every stop.
What to Do In and Around Banner Elk
From alpaca farms to swinging bridges, here are my picks on what to do in Banner Elk for a weekend.
Catch a Show at Ensemble Stage at the Historic Banner Elk School
Photo courtesy of Ensemble Stage
Banner Elk’s theater scene punches well above its weight thanks to Ensemble Stage, a professional theater company performing in the Hahn Auditorium at the Historic Banner Elk School. Founded in Blowing Rock back in 2009, the company moved to Banner Elk in 2017 and runs a season from June through December. Check out their 2026 schedule, including the Hitchcock Radio Hour right before Halloween and A Banner Elk Christmas.
Ensemble Stage is at 185 Azalea Circle SE, Banner Elk.
Tour Apple Hill Alpaca Farm
No trip to Banner Elk is complete without a visit to Apple Hill Alpaca Farm, a working alpaca farm that offers guided group tours right off Apple Hill Road. I arrived 15 minutes early to check in before the 10:30 a.m. group tour, and I recommend doing the same — it is a popular stop and advanced tickets are required for tours.
Apple Hill Alpaca Farm features more than just alpacas. There are angora goats, potbelly pigs, horses, donkeys, llamas, chickens, working dogs, and some dogs that are not on duty to pet. It is not a petting zoo and while most of the walking is flat and gravely, there are some hills and I would recommend socks and closed toe shoes.
Pro tip: If you do not have time to make it to Apple Hill Alpaca Farm, you can visit Apple Hill Farm Outpost in downtown Banner Elk, which is open daily.
Apple Hill Alpaca Farm is at 400 Apple Hill Rd, Banner Elk.
Stroll Downtown Banner Elk
Downtown Banner Elk is compact, walkable, and full of boutique shops worth poking into. I spent my Saturday afternoon wandering at my own pace and came home with some really fun purchases. Some of my favorite Banner Elk shops include Banner Elk (BE) Artists Gallery, Banner Elk Trading Company, My Best Friend’s Barkery, and Timber & Twine. You can get a map of downtown Banner Elk here, including where you can catch the scenic Banner Elk mile walking loop.
Sip Wine at Banner Elk Winery
An afternoon tasting at Banner Elk Winery was one of the highlights of the trip. The tasting room is relaxed and unhurried, and I grabbed a seat outside on one of the couches overlooking the grounds with a wine flight and my book. There was live music on the porch and I ended up bringing home a few bottles with me. I enjoyed the sparkling rosé, Sangiovese, and Marechal Foch the most, and the staff was incredibly helpful in offering suggestions based on my wine preferences.
Pro Tip: Banner Elk Winery has three rental properties available to rent and stay on site. It is a short drive to downtown Banner Elk and would make a great girls’ weekend getaway.
Banner Elk Winery is at 135 Deer Run Lane, Banner Elk.
Day Trip to Grandfather Mountain
No High Country visit is complete without Grandfather Mountain, just a short drive from Banner Elk. The star attraction is the Mile High Swinging Bridge, and I did make it up to the top to get some photos of the view without crossing the bridge. One of my favorite parts of the park is the animal habitats, especially the elk, bears, and otter. I also enjoy pulling over at the various overlooks to take in different views of the mountain along the way. You get an audio tour at check-in, and I highly recommend using that on your trip to learn more about Grandfather Mountain, especially the historic aspects.
Pro tip: go in the morning if you can, both for lighter crowds and softer light for photos.
Grandfather Mountain is at 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville.
Where to Eat in Banner Elk
Stonewalls Restaurant
My first meal in town was dinner at Stonewalls Restaurant, a Banner Elk institution that has been around for over 40 years. This restaurant has been highly recommended to me for years, and it exceed my expectations! You will definitely want a reservation, and you should arrive early enough so you can grab a drink from the bar and sit out front to unwind before your meal.
They are famous for their salad bar, so I started with that and an order of fried deviled eggs.
For my entree, I ordered a ribeye with bleu cheese butter and a side of maple glazed brussell sprouts.
I finished off with a slice of key lime pie. The staff and owners here are truly delightful and it was packed from the time I arrived until close. It is a gem in the High Country!
Stonewalls Restaurant is at 344 Shawneehaw Ave. South, Banner Elk.
Banner Elk Café
A relaxed lunch option right in town, Banner Elk Café is an easy stop when you want something quick between exploring and your next reservation. I brought my book, grabbed a seat at the bar, and ordered the Greek gyro with curly fries. The staff was so incredibly friendly, and I ended up chatting with several patrons who shared many of their favorite places to visit in town, including the Banner Elk Mile, and annual events. It is definitely one of those places where you feel like a regular on your first visit.
Banner Elk Café is at 324 Shawneehaw Ave S #184, Banner Elk.
LP on Main
For my second dinner, I headed to LP on Main (Louisiana Purchase Food & Spirits), a Main Street favorite with a warm, welcoming feel — and the attention to detail from the team is incredible. I started with the heirloom tomato salad and a side of hand cut fries. The tomato salad was really unique, almost like a gazpacho, and perfect after a hot day of exploring.
For my entree, I tried both the BBQ shrimp and seared scallops, and they were out of this world good! For dessert, I had the sticky toffee pudding, though they had a strawberry pretzel salad special, so I took that home and had for breakfast with a cup of coffee the next morning.
I grabbed a couple of items on my out, including a 4-pack of David’s favorite WNC beer, a bottle of wine, and some snacks to take home. This spot is a must-visit while in town!
LP on Main is at 171 Main St E, Banner Elk.
Mildred’s Grill
Named for Mildred, the resident bear at Grandfather Mountain, Mildred’s Grill inside the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery is a casual lunch spot featuring favorites like the Mile-High Burger, wraps, salads, or my favorite, their chicken tenders and fries. There is indoor and outdoor seating on the porch overlooking the paths to the Wildlife Habitats. They also have a great selection of ice cream and homemade fudge that is available for shipping. It is counter service and moves fast, even at busy times.
Mildred’s Grill is at 1104 Grandfather Mountain Entrance Rd, Linville.
Where to Stay in Banner Elk
Perry House Bed & Breakfast
Perry House Bed & Breakfast was my home base for the weekend, and I could not have picked a better one. Built in 1903 and lovingly restored, the inn sits at 3,745 feet overlooking downtown Banner Elk, with furnishings crafted by master craftsmen throughout. Breakfast each morning was unhurried, and I got to chat with the innkeepers, who are deeply entrenched in the town.
I thoroughly enjoyed the family style breakfast in the mornings as an opportunity to learn more about what other guests were doing while in town. Robin and Mike are incredibly kind hosts, and make you feel like you have been friends for years. The fridge is stocked with beverages, there are snacks throughout the communal areas, and I sat on the porch reading whenever I had the chance.
Most everything besides Apple Hill Alpaca Farm and Banner Elk Winery were walkable, which I especially enjoyed about my stay.
Perry House Bed & Breakfast is at 153 Klonteska Drive, Banner Elk.
Banner Elk NC FAQ
Is Banner Elk NC good for a solo trip?
Yes. Banner Elk is an easy, welcoming town to visit alone — downtown is walkable, restaurants and inns are used to accommodating solo diners and guests comfortably, and there is plenty to fill a weekend, from wine tasting to live theater to an alpaca farm tour.
What is Banner Elk known for?
Banner Elk is known for its high elevation (nearly 3,750 feet), its ties to Lees-McRae College, its ski resorts in winter, and its small, artsy downtown. It is also a popular home base for visiting Grandfather Mountain.
How far is Banner Elk from Grandfather Mountain?
Grandfather Mountain is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Banner Elk, making it an easy half-day or full-day trip from town.
What is the best time of year to visit Banner Elk?
Banner Elk is a year-round destination. Summer brings cooler mountain temperatures and outdoor activities like wine tastings, concerts, and farm tours, fall brings foliage season, and winter draws visitors for skiing at the nearby resorts.
Where should I stay in Banner Elk?
Perry House Bed & Breakfast is a top pick for a cozy, walkable home base within reach of downtown shops and restaurants. Banner Elk Winery also offers on-site rental properties for those who want to stay a short drive outside of downtown.
Final Thoughts
Banner Elk turned out to be an ideal solo destination — between the alpacas, the wine, the theater, and the sweeping views from Grandfather Mountain, this was one of the easiest High Country weekends I have had. Another county down on the 100 County Tour. Save this Banner Elk NC guide for your next weekend getaway and here is an interactive Banner Elk NC guide Google map.
Have you been to Banner Elk? Let me know your favorite spots in the comments!
Thank you to Craig Distl and Visit Banner Elk for hosting me and coordinating my trip. As always, all opinions are my own.
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