Banner Elk, North Carolina

With small town charm and lots of activities, Banner Elk is a great destination for the active family. There's no dawdling here – just adventure! Find your base camp on FlipKey and get the trip off to a great start!

About Banner Elk, North Carolina

The area of Banner Elk was first home to the Cherokee tribe; however it was more of a passing-through point than a permanent settlement. It must have been a great spot for hunting and fishing. 

Martin L. Banner was the first to permanently settle there, way back in 1848. His family made up the town's original population of 55 members, but since then it has grown to include families from all over America.

Lucky for you, they love tourists! So you'll always get a friendly welcome in Banner Elk.

Because of its location – right near Watauga Lake – it's the dream location for adventurers and those who love outdoor pursuits. If you're looking for a chilled and relaxed vacation, it might be worth looking elsewhere. 

What to do

In the summer, there are lots of outdoor activities to try. Hike along trails, go whitewater rafting and even try your hand at fishing. Watauga Lake is great for wakeboarding. If you've never tried it before, don't worry! There are instructors on hand to help you.

In the winter, there are two slopes for you to choose from – Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain. Here you can try your hand at skiing and snowboarding. But if you fancy something different, head to Hawk's Nest to try tubing!

If you're looking for a bit of culture during your stay, head to the Schaefer Center for the performing arts, where there's always something good on. If you're a history enthusiast, head to the Banner House Museum and discover what life was like to live in the mountains in the 1800s. It belonged to the real Banner family, so the town are very proud of it.

Top Banner Elk travel tips

The best way to get to Banner Elk is by car. Wind your way up the mountains and enjoy the scenic route up to this idyllic destination.

If you’re a fan of a great glass of wine, or a craft beer or two, you'll love it in Banner Elk. With several wineries and breweries, you won't have to look far for some local produce.

There are a few restaurants in town, try Artisanal for a unique fine dining experience – it's in a barn! You'll find food from all over the world. Cam Ranh Bay even has a mix of Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine. Yum!

For an action-packed adventure in the North Carolina mountains, find your Banner Elk vacation rental on FlipKey and let the fun begin!