re: Boone NC - Trip Recommendations

Julian Price Park and Moses Cone Park are right on the outskirts of Boone off the Blue Ridge Parkway. They both have a number of trails and nice lakes to visit. I would recommend using AllTrails to find trails that are best for your group. You can search by city and see full descriptions and pictures of the different trials.

I would highly recommend visiting Blowing Rock. It is a great mountain town with shopping, restaurants, and a nice playground in the middle of town. It is right next to Boone. The Town Tavern is a good restaurant in Blowing Rock. There is a waterfall trail in Blowing Rock, Glen Burney Fall Trail, that is nice. It is on a constant decline on the way out and incline on the way back so not sure if that is something your group would be interested in.

I know you said away from crowds but Grandfather Mountain and Tweetsie Railroad are really nice places to visit. Grandfather Mountain is a private mountain off the Blueridge Parkway. Laurel Creek Falls is another nice waterfall area to stop at.

In Boone make sure you stop at the Mast General Store, it is a required visit while in Boone. Macado's is right across from Mast and is good for lunch. Tons of specialty sandwiches. Dan'l Boone Inn is a popular restaurant in Boone that does family style meals. Red Onion Cafe is also good. Stick Boy Bread Company is really good for breakfast, coffee, doughnuts and pastries.

Beautiful area, enjoy your trip.