As the birthplace of our first Mast General Store outside of Valle Crucis, we've had a love affair with Boone, North Carolina for centuries. As the home of Appalachian State University (ASU), folks are drawn to this busy college town for more reasons than an exceptional education and exciting athletic events. The surrounding area is one of the country's best destinations for outdoor adventures. Walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge or scale Linville Peak, the highest peak in the Blue Ridge at Grandfather Mountain. Grab your bike and head to Pisgah National Forest, featuring over 200 miles of exciting trails.

“The Watauga County Farmers Market is the place to see and be seen every Saturday morning from May through October”, says Callie, a graduate student at ASU. Grab a vine ripe tomato, a head of butter crunch lettuce, apple smoked bacon, and seven grain bread – all from local farms – and you have the makings for the perfect BLT to fuel up your hiking or kayaking trip at Price Lake.

In town, don’t miss a delicious breakfast on the outdoor patio at Melanie’s Food Fantasy, check out the work of local artisans at Art Walk or Hands Gallery, or throw the frisbee and enjoy a picnic along the beautiful Boone Greenway.

You also won’t want to miss the world class exhibitions at Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, go for a stroll along King Street during the First Friday celebrations, and enjoy free bluegrass, Americana, and jazz concerts on the front lawn of the Jones House Community Center.

Named for the legendary explorer, Daniel Boone, Boone, North Carolina retains the same pioneer spirit. Skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer, and enjoying a diverse cultural scene downtown, this southern mountain town is an easy pick for Outdoor Magazine’s Best Town Ever. The vote, click HERE.