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Banner Elk North Carolina
is nestled high in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Avery County in western North Carolina at the 3,739-foot level. This mountainous region of North Carolina is, in many ways, historically and culturally more similar with the neighboring states of Tennessee and Virginia than it is with other parts of North Carolina. Strong values and family ties run deep in this mountain village where many families have lived for generations. The first inhabitants here were the Cherokee Indians and the first white settlers arrived in 1825. The rugged mountains made travel difficult and early settlers had to be self-sufficient, so they farmed, traded furs and raised cattle. By the early 1900s, people were coming to Banner Elk to build summer homes, and in 1911, the community was incorporated as a town. Since the 1960s Banner Elk’s main industries have been tourism and Christmas tree farming. It is, in fact, known as the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World,” and hundreds come each year to cut down their own tree for the holidays. Being surrounded by such beautiful mountains and forests has made Banner Elk a magnet for outdoors enthusiasts – not just in summer, but all year long. Banner Elk has championship golf courses, skiing, camping, hiking, fishing and numerous other outdoor activities. In spring, flowering shrubs such as rhododendron, mountain laurel, and azalea and wildflowers are abundant in the countryside. Visit in summer to escape the heat and enjoy cool days that are perfect for a round of golf or hiking on one of the many trails in the area. Fish for fresh trout in a mountain stream, go horseback riding, white water rafting or mountain biking. Fall brings unparalleled beauty to the mountains as the trees change color, and in winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to the area to enjoy the snow covered peaks.
Art galleries, antiques and unique shops, fine restaurants and a variety of lodging are abundant in Banner Elk. The growing popularity of the Western North Carolina Mountains has attracted a number of permanent residents, as well as visitors to the area. Skilled trades people, artisans, service personnel and professionals find this place to be an undiscovered gem and a welcome relief from the hectic, crowded pace of larger cities. Banner Elk is just twenty minutes from the town of Boone, and is near the other North Carolina Mountains resort towns of Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain, Seven Devils and Hawk’s Nest. Just a few of the attractions nearby are Grandfather Mountain, Linville Falls, Linville Gorge and the Tweetsie Railroad. Banner Elk is home to the unique Woolly Worm Festival in the fall, and the Banner Elk Fine Art Festival. In the village of Banner Elk, you can be as active as you wish, or as quiet as you wish. All of the mountain towns of Avery County are called the “Balcony of the Blue Ridge,” where “you can gaze across mountain ridges stretching almost 100 miles to the horizon.” A perfect place for a family vacation or to rekindle the romance or relax the soul.
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