Tar Heel Travels

Banner Elk Becomes a Hot Spot

By Bill F. Hensley

While you weren't looking, the once-sleepy little village of Banner Elk, all but hidden in the North Carolina mountains, has suddenly emerged as one of the state's most popular and enjoyable travel destinations and second-home communities.

It's still a small town, mind you, with a permanent population of only 600 and an in-season enrollment at Lees-McRae College of around 600. But the beautiful area capitalizes on all four seasons to bring in a plethora of visitors throughout the year.

This is the time of year when leaf-watchers arrive to see the fall foliage. Soon, skiers will flock to the village located between Sugar and Beech mountains, the state's two largest ski areas.

Though bustling and busy, Banner Elk, which is in Avery County, hasn't lost its small-town flavor or charm and probably never will. But in recent years, the town has been transformed from a handful of college professors, Christmas tree growers and assorted service-oriented businesses to a well-rounded community that also caters to the affluent second-home owner who is seeking a lifestyle that is elegant but casual.

The mixture of town, gown, visitor and summer residents seems to be working well, and the town is prospering with new facilities popping up almost daily. Since the prestigious Elk River Club was opened in 1984, there has been a noticeable change in Banner Elk's amenities.

As affluent club members built spectacular homes on the mountainsides, the demand for more services — especially fine restaurants — became more evident. And with the advent of new restaurants came a variety of accommodations, from chain motels to country inns to small bed and breakfasts. A variety of stores and boutiques sprang up, too, along with such necessities as service stations, car washes and supermarkets.

Typical of the new enterprises that are prospering in the area are Archers Mountain Inn and the adjoining Jackalope's View restaurant on the Beech Mountain Parkway a stone's throw from town. The 15-room lodge and restaurant were purchased in 1995 by Candi and Tony Catoe.

Using Tony Catoe's culinary skills to the maximum, the restaurant has become a popular gathering spot for visitors as well as locals. “The food is outstanding,” says Spencer Robbins, a developer of Elk River and a frequent diner. “Entrees include rack of lamb, crab cakes, mountain trout, beef and more. My wife and I come here often, and we always see a lot of friends and Elk River residents.”

Other outstanding restaurants include Morel's, Louisiana Purchase, The Corner Palate, the Inn at Elk River, Black Diamond and Stonewalls. Nearby are Hound Ears Lodge and Club and the Eseeola Lodge, two of the state's best-known resorts where golf and gourmet dining go hand-in-hand.

Always a popular pastime, public golf is available at Mountain Glen in Newland, Sugar Mountain, Hawksnest in Foscoe, and the Boone Golf Club, a 17-mile drive, in addition to the resorts. Private clubs include Elk River, Linville, Linville Ridge and Grandfather.

“We are fortunate that there are so many things to see and do here,” says Judy Donaghy of the Avery/Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce. “Visitors enjoy the many activities that are available, and each year seems to be better than the previous one. I guess that means we're doing something right.”

Since the mid-1960s skiing at Beech and Sugar mountains, as well as at Hawksnest and Appalachian Ski Mountain between Boone and Blowing Rock, has been a key economic factor with groups flocking in from as far away as Florida.

“Skiing in recent years has been outstanding,” Donaghy remarks, “and our markets continue to expand. More and more families are coming up, which is also a trend in rafting and hiking. We like the family aspect of our destination.”

While you are playing tourist, don't miss Tweetsie Railroad, Grandfather Mountain, Linville Caverns, Mast General Store, Linville Falls, Mystery Hill and Magic Mountain, all rare displays of Americana.

Other reasons to visit the Banner Elk area are the many colorful fairs, festivals, art and crafts shows, concerts and special events that attract visitors year round. Grandfather Mountain's annual Singing on the Mountain and its Highland Games are major events that are nationally known.

With all the reasons to visit the Banner Elk area piling up, one obvious asset should not be overlooked: the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Put Banner Elk on your travel agenda soon. It's a treat you don't want to miss. For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-972-2183.

COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL. This article first appeared in the October 1999 issue of North Carolina magazine.