Welcome to beautiful Boone, NC. Nestled in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, this charming town offers plenty of wheelchair-friendly adventures. Whether you’re looking to try local food, enjoy breathtaking mountain views, or stay in a cozy cabin, Boone has accessible options waiting for you. Let’s check it out.
Enjoy Tasty Local Eats
Boone’s food scene offers plenty of wheelchair-friendly options where you can sample delicious local flavors. You’ll find everything from Southern comfort classics to bougie mountain cuisine. Here are three must-try spots for your culinary adventure.
Dan’l Boone Inn
Want to step back in time? Go to the Dan’l Boone Inn for family-style Southern meals in a historic setting. You just need to reserve a table on the lower level to ensure wheelchair accessibility and a comfortable dining experience.
Once you’re there, get ready to feast on their famous skillet fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, biscuits with local honey, and so much more. And since it’s served family style, you get unlimited refills of each dish until you’re completely satisfied.
The Local
The Local is the place to go when you want farm-to-table goodness served with a smile. The menu changes with the seasons, featuring creative dishes like Carolina Banh Mi, She-Crab Soup, and Pan Seared Trout.
You don’t need reservations to dine here, but it’s a good idea since they’re almost always fully booked. For the best wheelchair accessibility, ask for a standard table.
The Cardinal
You cannot go wrong with a trip to The Cardinal when nothing else will do but classic American fare. Known for culinary delights like the Wild Game Burger and Pickled Veggie Salad, this casual spot delivers big flavors in a welcoming environment.
The restaurant features barrier-free entry and well-spaced tables throughout. The outdoor patio is also accessible when weather permits, allowing you to enjoy your meal with a side of fresh mountain air.
See the Great Outdoors
The mountains around Boone are gorgeous, and you don’t have to climb steep trails to enjoy them. Here are three wheelchair-friendly spots to experience the area’s natural beauty.
- Wiseman’s View Outlook: Want amazing mountain views without the hike? Go to Wiseman’s View Outlook to view the incredible Linville Gorge. Look for accessible parking spots near the path to enjoy this natural wonder easily.
- Boone Greenway: Five miles of paved paradise await at the Boone Greenway, taking you through beautiful meadows, wetlands, and woodlands. You’ll find plenty of benches and accessible restrooms along the way, making this an ideal spot for a relaxing roll through nature.
- Grandfather Mountain: Enjoy one of North Carolina’s most famous mountains from the awe-inspiring Mile High Swinging Bridge. Then, explore the ¼ mile loop to see wildlife habitats up close. Need help with the hills? Ask at the Wilson Center gift shop.
Explore Attractions Across Boone
Looking for some indoor fun or cultural experiences? Boone has you covered with wheelchair-accessible theaters, museums, and galleries. Check out these three must-visit attractions to make the most of your visit.
Horn in the West
If you love history, don’t miss this outdoor drama about Revolutionary War settlers in the mountains. The amphitheater has great wheelchair seating with clear views of all the action. You’ll find accessible parking near the entrance and smooth paths to your seat. Shows run all summer, allowing you to enjoy mountain evenings while learning about local history.
The Appalachian Theater
Movies, concerts, and plays take center stage at this beautifully restored 1938 Art Deco theater in Downtown Boone. You’ll find accessible seats on the main floor with excellent views and easy entry. Everything from the lobby to the restrooms is wheelchair-friendly, so you can fully enjoy your entertainment experience without a second thought.
Turchin Center Art Gallery
Want to see fantastic art? Head to the Turchin Center Art Gallery, the biggest art center in western North Carolina. Getting around is easy with wide doorways and open gallery spaces throughout. New exhibits open regularly, from photography to sculpture, painting, and mixed media installations. Best of all, admission is always free.
Stay in Comfy Accommodations
After a day of exploring everything Boone has to offer, you’ll need a comfortable, accessible place to rest. Consider these three accommodations that provide wheelchair-friendly features without sacrificing an ounce of charm.
Banner Elk Winery Villa
Treat yourself to pure luxury at the Tuscan-inspired Banner Elk Winery Villa. Its fully accessible main level features a great room, kitchen, and expansive deck. Plus, there are luxurious main floor suites with mountain views from every window.
Although you’ll undoubtedly want to soak in the luxury indoors, take a moment to unwind on the veranda at the end of each day. The peaceful mountain surroundings promise to delight as you sip on a glass of locally-made wine from the nearby winery.
Wounded Fork
If you want to experience the perfect blend of nature and accessibility, choose the Wounded Fork cedar cabin located right on the Boone Fork River. The single-level living design makes it ideal for wheelchair users, with an open floor plan, wide doorways, and bathrooms with walk-in showers.
The large deck overlooking the river lets you enjoy the sounds of rushing water as you dine outside. You’ll feel completely secluded in nature, yet only be about five minutes from downtown Boone and all its attractions.
Adventure Awaits
The Adventure Awaits cabin perches atop Seven Devils at over 3,800 feet elevation, offering stunning mountain views in all seasons. A ramp provides easy access from the parking area to the front door, where you’ll find open-concept living at its best.
The convenient main-level master bedroom features a queen bed and full bathroom, so you can easily relax at the end of each day’s adventures. When you’re ready to go back out, you’ll only be a short drive from Boone.
Boone simply has it all—wheelchair-friendly restaurants, outdoor spots with great views, fun attractions, and comfy places to stay. The beautiful mountains and friendly locals welcome everyone, no matter how you get around. Mountain adventures really can be for everyone. Your Boone vacation is waiting, just pack your bags and come visit.
