Popular Attractions
 
Grandfather Vineyard
  
 
Grandfather Vineyard planted its vines in 2003 and opened the first producing winery in Watauga County in 2011. Since then it has achieved a reputation for its award-winning wines, its popuar weekend music events, and its relaxing atmosphere by the Watauga river. It is located just outside Banner Elk on Highway 105.
  
  Sugar Mountain Resort  

Sugar Mountain is the largest ski area in North Carolina. The lodge at the base of the mountain offers ski and snowboard rentals, cafeterias, a lounge, a sports shop, a locker room and a gift shop. Sugar also offers snowshoeing, a snowboarding park that is closed to skiers, and a 700-foot-long tubing park that is fun for the whole family!
  
  Alpine coaster  
 

The Wilderness run Alpine Coaster in Banner Elk is the first alpine coaster in North Carolina! The track’s length of 3,160 feet includes three circular loops (you do not go upside down), a series of waves and several twists and turns for plenty of excitement. Fun for all ages, this thrill ride reaches up to 27 mph at the control of the rider.

  
  Grandfather Mountain  
  Grandfather has one of the world’s most diverse nature preserves. Be exhilarated by the 6000' altitude and panoramic views from the Mile High Swinging Bridge; stand eye-to-eye with bears, cougars and otters in natural habitats. Dine in the restaurant, browse the nature museum, wander the trails, or see behind the scenes of the animal habitats. Fill your day with family memories at place where wonders never cease.
  
  Elk River Falls  
  Elk River Falls is the most impressive waterfall from a sheer volume standpoint.The plunge pool is extremely large and certain to be busy in the summer months. Downstream of the pool are a couple of short cascades before the river levels out. Farther downstream is Twisted Falls.