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THE AREA

located just 10 miles west of boone, north carolina  and just a 30-minute drive from blowing rock and banner elk — the inn at little pond farm is close to countless outdoor activities, regionally acclaimed eateries and vineyards, art galleries, and more. 

PLACES TO EAT IN BOONE, BLOWING ROCK AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

We provide your breakfast during your stay — but if you find yourself ready for a little more at lunchtime or you’re unable to get a spot in The Kitchen — here are some of our favorite restaurants nearby.
 

Grab soup and a sandwich made with ingredients sourced right from Boone. This cozy spot is located right in the heart of downtown Boone and is the perfect stop for a light lunch while you’re shopping on King Street.

 

Classic North Caroline barbecue at it’s finest. Woodland’s is located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway and was voted Best of the High Country in 2015.

 

Artisan’s price-fix menu is one for the book and their exclusive partnership with one of the top, 100% certified organic farms in the mountains of NC guarantees the freshest ingredients daily.

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Located between Boone and Blowing Rock, Gamekeeper is known for its interesting and delicious interpretations of Southern classics. The menu changes seasonally blending the traditional with the exotic — making it a fan favorite for both meat and veggie lovers.

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  • Bistro Roca — Blowing Rock, NC 
    Looking for a neighborhood restaurant feel? Bistro Roca is the perfect casual spot where you can relax and enjoy the kinds of foods that satisfy.

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  • Reid's Cafe and Catering — Sugar Mountain, NC
    A seasonal menu free of industrially grown and processed foods? Centrally located between Banner Elk, Linville, Foscoe, and all the gorgeous Grandfather communities — Reid’s is our go-to for lunch, dinner and everything in between.
     

  • Twigs Restaurant & Bar — Blowing Rock, NC
    Mountain elegance at its best, yet comfortable and cozy. The food is delicious — and with over 200 bottles selections,14 wines by the glass, and an extensive beer list with over 35 choices — this is the perfect place to kick back and relax with company.
     

  • The Local — Boone, NC
    At The Local, be prepared to Guests can enjoy a meal crafted in-house from fresh ingredients paired with a cocktail or cold beer, meet with friends for drinks and appetizers, or watch their favorite sports teams on large flat screen TVs.
     

COFFEE SHOPS IN BOONE AND BLOWING ROCK
Should you find yourself away from the Inn and in need of a little pick-me-up, these are some of our favorite local coffee shops.
 

  • Hatchet Coffee - Boone, North Carolina
    ​Hatchet is a Boone staple! Enjoy a delicious latte and homemade cookie with gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Pro Tip: Grab a bag of beans to take home and remember your trip!
     

  • Bald Guy Brew - Blowing Rock, North Carolina
    ​​Newer to the downtown Blowing Rock scene, Bald Guy Brew boasts delicious and creative lattes in a cozy and quaint setting.
     

BREWERIES AND VINEYARDS NEAR BOONE, BLOWING ROCK AND BANNER ELK
Looking for some pre-dinner drinks? These local watering holes satisfy the wine connoisseur and the beer lover alike.
 

  • Grandfather Vineyard - Banner Elk, North Carolina
    ​If you’re looking to drink exceptional wine and snap some gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this is the vineyard for you.
     

  • Linville Falls Winery - Newland, North Carolina
    This beautiful, family owned and operated vineyard is the perfect place to spend an afternoon wine tasting and enjoying a charcuterie board. Enjoy a glass by the fire or on the patio to take in the scenic views. 

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     This gastropub in downtown Boone is the perfect place to grab a beer while you are walking                 around town.  ​

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  • Booneshine Brewing Co. - Boone, North Carolina​
    If beer is your drink of your choice, Booneshine is a staple in the community and the perfect place to grab a pint and a delicious lunch.
     

  • Blowing Rock Brewing Company - Blowing Rock, North Carolina
    ​This laid back brewery in downtown Blowing Rock is home to some locally famous brews.

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OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

There is no shortage of outdoor and recreational activities in the areas surrounding the Inn. Located minutes away from the Blue Ridge Mountains, here are some of the best activities for you to enjoy during your stay.
 

​Grandfather Mountain is a one stop experience for nature lovers. For a small admission fee, you can enter the park with your vehicle and drive up the mountain to the many attractions located in the park. From hiking, to walking on the famous Swinging Bridge, to the nature preserve, and even a restaurant on your way to the peak. There is so much to do here, one day might not be enough.
 

If you’re looking for a little more excitement while you’re in the mountains during the colder seasons, rent a tube and sail down the mountain at Hawksnest. ​

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SKI MOUNTAINS NEAR BOONE AND BLOWING ROCK 
If skiing or snowboarding is more your speed for snow activities, here are some great options in the surrounding areas!
 

HIKING
The hiking trails in the surrounding areas are too numerous for us to narrow it down. The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to some gorgeous hiking trails ranging in all levels of difficulty and some even featuring waterfalls. Click here for a great list of some of the best hiking trails nearby. 

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BIRD WATCHING

Bird watching is a prominent activity in the High Country and there are no shortage of places to find your favorites — but here are some of the best birding sites and communities in the area.

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  • Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, in Blowing Rock

  • Julian Price Memorial Park, 5 miles from downtown Blowing Rock

  • Tanawha Trail, access 5 miles

  • Boone Greenway, 7 miles

  • Grandfather Mountain, 12 miles

  • Valle Crucis Community Park, 12 miles

  • Elk Knob State Park, 17 miles

  • Green Valley Community Park, 17 miles

  • E.B Jeffress Park, 22 miles

  • Lewis Fork Overlook, 24 miles

  • Linville Falls, 25 miles

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OTHER ACTIVITIES

  • Downtown Shopping — Boone and Blowing Rock are known for their quaint downtowns full of everything from antique stores, souvenir shops, and high-end fashions. There’s a little something for everyone. Plus, there’s nothing like enjoying the scenery of these charming mountain towns to take your shopping experience to the next level.
     

  • Tanger Outlets - Blowing Rock, North Carolina

​An outdoor shopping experience just minutes away from downtown Boone.

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  • Art Galleries — The High Country is home to prominent artists and several local artists are featured right here in the Inn! 
     

  • Golf — Golfing in the Appalachian Mountains is an experience every golfer should enjoy! Here are some golf courses near the Inn! 
     

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