North Carolina’s Next Hotspot Unveiled: Enjoy Less Crowds In This Rustic Mountain Town

Think you know North Carolina? Think again.

As tuned in as we at Travel Off Path are in the travelverse, we declared none other than Cary as North Carolina’s up-and-coming destination last year.

That’s not to say Cary is a dud in 2025, but more insight has come straight from the Tar Heel State’s mouth, revealing an unsuspecting mountain town as NC’s new go-to spot.

Whether you’re still polishing plans for a last-minute summer trip or already dipping your toes in the water for a weekend getaway come autumn, little-known Boone is being hyped over the rest of North Carolina’s plethora of hotspots, even as Asheville attempts an epic comeback.

The Charlotte Observer, who definitely knows a thing or two about their state’s breadth of attractions, is declaring this old-timey rustic hideaway with cozy lodges and general stores in the vast Blue Ridge Mountains should be your next vacation.

Asheville’s Best Alternative?

We’ve covered numerous Asheville dupes over the years as North Carolina’s trendiest city has been known to see a surge in crowds from time to time.

Of course, there’s certainly an argument to be made that Asheville needs more visitors since natural disasters ravaged parts of the city, ultimately deterring tourism for a long stretch.

Though Asheville claims to be back in business, there’s no reason to put your adventure cap on and explore more of North Carolina’s lesser-known.

Boone is equal parts college town and Blue Ridge nature hub. Home to Appalachia State University, you might find an uptick during fall home games, but that’s all the more reason to immerse yourself in the mountains on numerous trails, parks, fishing excursions, river rafting, and retreats that Boone has to offer.

There’s no denying Asheville’s appeal, whether it be quirky shops, ample breweries, and astounding nature in its own right — Boone checks off all these boxes too, plus it’s cheaper!

With less hype and fewer crowds, Boone is certainly a great option for authentic small-town charm and affordability.

Rustic Meets Ritzy: No Shortage Of Homey Lodging

Isn’t there something magical sitting by a fire pit, rockin’ your best flannel, and taking in the crisp mountain air?

That’s a huge selling point for Boone in the fall. Though it’s certainly not too late to enjoy a summer trip before college football fans drive up hotel room costs.

If you’re looking for a fall escape already, now is a great time to book your accommodations. The Charlotte Observer recommends the following hotels, but I have one up my sleeve too…

• 1850 Hotel – a beautifully restored 20-suite hotel on the picturesque main drag, King Street (perfect 5.0 Google rating!)
• Rhodes Motor Lodge – perhaps Boone’s most nostalgic stay mixing vintage classic motor inn vibes with upscale amenities
• Westglow Luxury Resort & Spa (not technically in Boone) – registered on National Register of Historic Places in nearby Blowing Rock, drawing critical acclaim for its spa treatments

How Loville House Inn didn’t crack their top 3 stays is beyond me. This immaculately preserved building dates back to 1875.

It has since been transformed into a perfectly rated (5.0 on Google) place to stay with perks like a self-service bar, 11 forested acres to escape the city bustle, and some rooms have fireplaces to cozy up.

Chances are if you book soon, you’ll find very reasonable rates across the board before football season kicks off.

Fly In Or Drive In: Just Get Here

Being a town of roughly 20,000 residents, Boone does not have its own airport. Asheville is just 2 hours away, but Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) in Blountville is half an hour closer and news broke over the past few days that Breeze Airways is launching new flights here.

Travel Tip: Make sure to check out Travel Off Path’s new Jetlag Fixer tool to assist with your next flight!

No matter if you fly in or not, you’ll definitely want to have a vehicle.

The nearly 500-mile-long Blue Ridge Parkway is known as “America’s favorite drive”, whizzing through valleys and winding ridges.

Just know that some parts of this scenic drive are still being rebuilt after Hurricane Helene, but a few detours just add to the adventure as you might run through map-dot towns you wouldn’t otherwise know about.

Check the latest updates for road closures from the National Park Service (NPS) by clicking here.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.