How to Spend a Weekend in Boone
Boone weekends hit different.
With trailheads just minutes from town, restaurants that feel like local secrets, and cabins built for slow mornings and mountain air, everything you need is close — but it never feels crowded.
If you're planning how to spend a weekend in Boone, here's one easy-to-follow itinerary that ties together some of Boone’s best spots for hiking, eating, and recharging.
🛬 FRIDAY: ARRIVE + RESET
Check In:
Choose your basecamp from our list of 6 Coziest Cabin Stays Near Boone—whether it’s a modern A-frame, a rustic mountain cottage, or a treehouse with a hot tub and a view. The goal? Somewhere you’ll actually want to come back to after dinner.
Dinner at The Cardinal:
Burgers and beer done right. Order a “pile of fries” and explore their seasonal cocktail menu, which rotates every season and always features fresh and inventive ingredients. The wild game burger changes as well, offering new flavors to try depending on what’s available.
📍 1711 NC-105, Boone
Heads up: It gets busy on weekends, so come early or be ready to hang.
Sunset at Thunder Hill Overlook:
An easy pull-off on the Blue Ridge Parkway, just 15 minutes from the Cardinal. No hike required, just park, take it in, and breathe deeper.
📍 Milepost 290.4, Blue Ridge Parkway
🥾 SATURDAY: MARKET MORNING + TRAIL TIME + LOCAL EATS
Morning at Watauga County Farmers’ Market
Ease into the day at the Watauga County Farmers’ Market, one of Boone’s most beloved Saturday traditions (April–November). Browse fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and local coffee while mingling with vendors and neighbors. It’s the perfect way to fuel up before hitting the trails.
📍 Horn in the West Parking Lot, 591 Horn in the W Dr, Boone
🕘 Saturdays, April–November, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Midday Hike: Rough Ridge
Once you’re stocked up on snacks, head to Rough Ridge — one of Boone’s most iconic short hikes. This 1.5-mile round-trip trail rewards you with sweeping views of Grandfather Mountain and the Linn Cove Viaduct. Go early in the day for cooler temps and fewer crowds.
📍 Milepost 302.8, Blue Ridge Parkway
Lunch at Wildwood Community Market
After the trail, refuel with something fresh and local. Wildwood serves “Boone’s Best” sandwiches, pasta/potato salads, and soups that are all flavorful and nutrient-dense, plus cold beverages, coffee, and other market finds. Great for grab-and-go or a laid-back meal at one of their outdoor tables.
📍 182 Howard St, Boone
Afternoon Treat: Little Wing Ice Cream
Since it’s just steps from Wildwood Community Market on Howard Street, stop by Little Wing Ice Cream for classic cones and small-town charm. For more sweet options, check out our Best Desserts in Boone article to discover even more local favorites.
📍 216 Howard St, Boone, NC 28607
Evening Wind-Down:
Head to SouthEnd Brewing Co. for a beer and enjoy their spacious patio, where live music often fills the air year-round. Or try a cocktail and nightcap at Daniel & the Dog, the new stylish spot in the lobby of the elegant 1850 Hotel right on King Street.
📍 SouthEnd Brewing Co.: 747 W King St, Boone, NC 28607
📍 Daniel & the Dog: 775 W King St, Boone, NC 28607
🧘 SUNDAY: EASE OUT + RECHARGE
Morning Coffee Stop
Start the day slow with a caffeine fix from one of Boone’s beloved coffee spots. Grab a latte at Hatchet Coffee in East Boone for bright, modern vibes, or cozy up downtown at Espresso News, a longtime local favorite.
📍 Hatchet Coffee: 150A Den Mac Dr, Boone
📍 Espresso News: 267 Howard St, Boone
Morning Relaxation Options:
After coffee, take a moment for some self-care. Book a sauna session at the Care Collective to reset your mind and body, or roll out your mat for a gentle class at Neighborhood Yoga. Both offer the perfect way to recharge before heading home. Find more options in How to Restore Your Body and Mind in Boone.
📍 Care Collective: 584 State Farm Rd Suite 104, Boone, NC 28607
📍 Neighborhood Yoga: 659 W King St, Boone
Brunch at Betty’s Biscuits
Enjoy Southern comfort food with generous portions and perfectly fluffy biscuits to fuel your last meal in town. If the weather’s nice, snag a seat on Betty’s sunny patio — a great spot in Boone to soak up mountain air and good vibes.
📍 640 W King St, Boone, NC 28607
One Last Stop:
Browse Common Good Co. for home goods, candles, and locally made gifts worth tossing in your weekender bag. If you’re in the mood for art, stop by The Turchin Center before you head out—it’s small, free, and worth a quick walk-through.
This weekend itinerary gives you just enough structure to explore Boone without over-scheduling it. Hike one trail or all five. Try one of these spots or swap in your own. Either way, you’ll leave with a little more breath in your lungs and some new favorites to come back for.
