This week on Destination Coffee we’re hanging out in one of my favorite mountain haunts – the neighboring towns of Blowing Rock and Boone.
Tucked in the northwest corner of North Carolina’s High Country, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway – Boone is a vibrant college town helmed by Appalachian State Univeristy, eight miles away through a narrow winding canyon you’ll discover the quaint artistic town of Blowing Rock.
This area is known as the ‘High Country’ of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge – with dramatic vistas, ski resorts, miles of hiking trails and Christmas tree farms…
We’re take a more in depth tour of the High Country again soon – I never tire of returning to this slice of heaven…however today our destination is COFFEE.
The greater Boone area (including Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Blowing Rock) is full of coffee cafes and apple cider stops and delicious pastries.
Here are a few of my favorite java retreats that are brewing in the High Country:
Camp Coffee – Boone and Blowing Rock:
My Coffee BFF – ML introduced me to Camp Coffee in 2017 and it has become one of my top five favorite coffee spots period. They roast their unique blends from light and robust dark roasts in small batches in Boone.
Their mission: “At Camp Coffee Roasters, we believe a great cup of coffee opens a door to significant conversation, new connections, and a link from one to another. A simple cup of coffee can be the catalyst to an amazing day.” – I couldn’t agree more…Coffee is more than a simple ‘Cup of Joe’ – whether you are getting a Italian Soda or a cortado – coffee shops bring people together
CAMP was started by veterans with a sense of adventures. They have been in Blowing Rock since 2010. They moved into their current location by awesome mountain gear shop Footsloggers a few years ago.
My favorite drink: The Campfire Mocha – it is a delicious blend of chococate and roasted s’mores with marshmallow flavoring. This mocha is the perfect blend of bold and sweet.
They also have great seasonal specials like Lavender Lattes and fresh hot cider with whip creme
Get your beans: For many tourists (like myself), Blowing Rock is a ‘second home’ of sorts – so Camp Coffee has launched a coffee subscription. Get the freshest beans shipped to your house.
Blue Deer Cookies:
They started as a food truck halfway between Blowing Rock and Boone, serving ice-cream cookie sandwiches. Blue Deer became so popular that they now have a brick and mortar spot in the heart of downtown Blowing Rock by The Mellow Mushroom.
And with the new location they have expanded their menu to include coffee. Cookies, ice-cream and coffee is a winning combo for sure.
The best part – they have gluten free options!
Blue Deer serves Local Lion – a Boone based roaster, who also has a wonderful coffee shop worth stopping into after a App State football game- for more info click here.
Bald Guy Brew:
Another favorite on the Blowing Rock coffee beat – Bald Guy Brew serves up delicious craft-roasted brews from their famous cappuccino to rich hot chocolate. To learn more about the story behind Bald Guy click here.
Blowing Rock Market:
Also known as ‘the old Exxon’ – they’ve been the go to stop for picnic sandwiches, craft beer, wine and Ashe County Cheese (the best cheese in the world – hands down) – but BRM is also a perfect spot to get a quick coffee to go. No lattes here – just good fresh brewed local coffee…for more info click here.
Boone: Named after the famous explorer, Daniel Boone who passed through the area before cutting through to Kentucky – Boone NC has a spirit of western adventure combined with academic college town culture – making it the perfect spot for ski bums and professors a like.
One of my favorite coffee spots (and bakeries) in Boone is Stick Boy. The cinnamon rolls and bread is legendary. Unfortunately with celiac disease I cannot indulge in the pastries, but Stick Boy’s Almond Joy latte was one of the best sweet coffees I’ve had. To learn more click here
Kovu – walking distance from App State this is a great spot for a java run before hitting the trails – or if you are a student studying for an exam.
About twenty minutes away near Banner Elk, another favorite haunt is locally owned and operated Fred and Larry’s Coffee. I discovered them during a Christmas vacation with my mom and their peppermint latte was to die for. F&L is located near the Food Lion and easy to miss from the road, but the coffee is top notch and worth the stop.
While in Banner Elk – if you are in the mood for breakfast with your coffee The Banner Elk Cafe and Tavern is the perfect ‘apres hike/ski’ spot. I love their espresso.
For a more comprehensive list check out this feature article on Boone coffee from Explore Boone
Until next time, may your coffee be hot or iced and your treats sweet and tea blended…
