When Travel + Leisure named Boone, NC as America’s Best Small Mountain Town, many locals felt proud—but some reactions online revealed a different side. Comments from readers showed a mix of excitement and frustration, with some people worried about what more attention could mean for our mountain town.

At Best of Boone NC, we believe it’s important to recognize both the celebration and the concern. Boone is a special place—one we want to share with visitors while also protecting what makes it so unique.

Why Tourism Matters in Boone

Boone’s economy is deeply connected to tourism. Our family-owned restaurants, shops, breweries, outfitters, and attractions rely on visitors to keep their doors open year-round. The dollars spent by travelers ripple through the community, supporting jobs and sustaining the amenities that locals love, too.

Without tourism, Boone would look very different. Some of the very things that make our town so enjoyable—vibrant dining, live music, cultural events, and even farmers markets—exist because of the steady support from visitors.

Balancing Growth With Respect

That said, the concerns locals express are valid. Boone faces challenges with traffic, infrastructure, housing, and environmental impact—many of which are amplified by increased tourism.

The solution isn’t to discourage people from visiting—it’s to encourage responsible, respectful travel. When we respect nature, we’re not just enjoying its magical beauty—we’re protecting what’s wild so future generations can experience the same peace, adventure, and wonder. From staying on marked trails to keeping a safe distance from wildlife, every small action helps preserve fragile ecosystems and keeps animals safe in their natural habitats.

Here are 5 simple ways to Travel Kindly in Boone:

🌲 Leave No Trace – Pack out what you pack in, stick to marked trails, and respect wildlife while exploring nature.

🍴 Support Local – Choose independent shops, restaurants, and farmers’ markets instead of big chains.

🚗 Be Mindful of Traffic & Parking – Travel at off-peak hours when possible, and carpool when you can.

💛 Respect Mountain Life – Slow down, be patient, and treat service workers with kindness + tip well.

🎶 Celebrate Culture – Attend local music, art, and food events to support the people who make Boone vibrant.

Why People Love Boone

So, what is it that draws people here in the first place? Boone has a magic that’s hard to put into words, but here are just a few reasons it captures so many hearts:

🏔️ The Mountains – Endless hiking, breathtaking overlooks, and four distinct seasons to enjoy.

🛍️ The Downtown Charm – Independent shops, cozy coffee spots, and an artsy, small-town feel.

🍻 Food + Drink – From farm-to-table dining to craft breweries, Boone’s culinary scene is thriving.

🎭 Culture + Community – Live music, local festivals, and the energy of Appalachian State University.

🚣 Outdoor Adventure – Kayaking & Tubing, fly fishing, skiing, climbing—there’s no shortage of ways to play outside.

For locals, these are part of everyday life. For visitors, they become the memories that make them want to return again and again.

A Community We’re Proud To Share

Boone has always been a town that welcomes people in—from Appalachian State students who fall in love with the mountains, to families returning for generations, to first-time visitors discovering our trails and rivers.

Being named America’s Best Small Mountain Town shines a spotlight on something we’ve always known: Boone is a place worth celebrating. Our goal at Best of Boone NC is to help guide visitors in a way that honors our community, uplifts our small businesses, and protects the natural beauty that makes this corner of the High Country so special.

Resilience and Looking Ahead

This recognition comes at a time when Boone and the surrounding High Country are still healing from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. Our community has faced unimaginable challenges—loss of homes, livelihoods, and landscapes we’ve cherished for generations.

And yet, Boone’s strength has always been its people. Neighbors showed up for neighbors. Businesses adapted. Volunteers poured in to help. That resilience is at the core of who we are as a mountain town.

Being named America’s Best Small Mountain Town isn’t just a celebration of Boone’s beauty—it’s also a recognition of our spirit. As we continue to recover, rebuild, and reimagine what’s next, this spotlight is a reminder that the world sees something special here.

Looking ahead, we have an opportunity: to welcome visitors in a way that uplifts our businesses, protects our environment, and honors the resilience that defines Boone.

Join Us in Supporting Boone

As we celebrate this national recognition, we invite everyone—locals and visitors alike—to help keep Boone thriving by traveling kindly, shopping small, and appreciating the mountain town magic we get to experience every day.

✨ Because Boone isn’t just a destination—it’s a community.✨

We’d love to hear from you. 💛

👉 Do you agree with Travel + Leisure—does Boone deserve the title?
👉 What’s YOUR favorite thing about living in or visiting Boone?

Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or Facebook—your perspective helps show why this town is so special.

Planning a trip soon? Don’t miss our guide: How to Spend a Weekend in Boone, packed with insider tips to make the most of your time here.