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Living in the High Country

Boone is the center of what is known as the "High Country."  A town of approximately 19,458 people, Boone has consistently been voted one of the "Best Small Towns in America."  A classic college environment, Boone enjoys the richness of university life while providing a safe, friendly community for students, faculty, and staff.  Adjacent to Boone in every direction are small communities that provide an intimate escape for the day or weekend.

Nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina, Boone allows residents to experience all four seasons.  The Blue Ridge Parkway runs adjacent to Boone and provides residents with easy access to the beauty of the seasons from the turning of the leaves in the fall to the budding of trees in the spring.  The vistas and views from the Parkway are breathtaking and will provide photographers with classic images of the High Country.  In addition, the Parkway provides access to a number of attractions in and out of the High Country.  From Julian Price Memorial Park, which includes Price Lake, where you can hike, canoe, and camp to Moses Cone Memorial Park, where you can explore Flat Top Manor, do crafts, or ride horses, the Parkway provides a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy.

For the outdoor enthusiast, Boone is a playground of endless possibilities.  Residents and guests alike enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, canoeing, spelunking, kayaking, wall climbing, whitewater rafting, biking, and running.  In the winter the mountains truly come to life with four ski resorts within 45 minutes of town hosting a variety of activities including tubing, ice skating, snowboarding, and skiing.

In addition to being rich in outdoor possibilities, Boone and the surrounding towns and villages are home to many local artist galleries.  If you prefer making your own art, you can create your own pottery at the local pottery studio or just paint your own!  If shopping is your hobby of choice, Boone features two emporium shops with a variety of goods as well as the Boone Mall.  In addition, there are outlet shops just 10 minutes away in Blowing Rock.  Out on the town you will also find movie theaters, mini-golf, gem mines, a billiards room, farmer's markets, day spas, and wine tasting opportunities.  Nationally recognized area attractions and activities include Tweetsie Railroad, Grandfather Mountain, and the outdoor drama Horn in the West.

For more information on life in Bone and things to occupy yourself, visit the following websites: