Why Choose Banner Elk for a Family Trip?

Banner Elk is a mountain town in North Carolina’s High Country that offers so much compared to it size when it comes to family fun. It offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, scenic views, and local charm. Whether you’re exploring the outdoors, discovering adorable alpacas, or sipping coffee in a cozy café, Banner Elk offers memorable moments for every age.

Special Holiday Offer:

Banner Elk is currently offering Christmas Tree Choose-and-Cut Lodging Packages that include an overnight stay and a Christmas tree from Elk River Evergreens. These packages run through Dec. 7 and make the perfect festive getaway.
Explore the offer here ➤ https://www.bannerelk.com/latest-news/banner-elk-choose-cut-packages/

Banner Elk Family Itinerary

Day 1 – Friday: Thrills, Pies & a Cozy Check-In

Wilderness Run Mountain Coaster track in banner elk North Carolina

Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster

📍 3265 Tynecastle Highway
Your adventure begins with the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster—and what a way to start! This exhilarating mountain ride had our kids screaming with joy and asking to return the next day. Pro tip: Grab the 3-ride pack, so you can ride back-to-back without rejoining the line. Even in light rain, we stayed dry thanks to the provided plastic covers. Hands down, this was the family favorite.

High Country Pie Company

📍 3277 Tynecastle Hwy
Next door, grab dinner-to-go at this beloved spot for New Zealand-style savory pies. Flaky crusts, hearty fillings, and warm service make this a go-to Banner Elk dining experience. Our favorite was the Steak and Cheese!

Little Main Street Inn & Suites

📍 607 Main Street East
This inn felt like a mix of AirBnB comfort and mountain-lodge hospitality, minus the checkout chores. We had the “Tweetsie” Suite that had a full kitchen, bedroom, and jacuzzi tub. Its location near downtown made exploring easy. The antiques and the holiday decorations made it feel like a visit to grandmas house. We couldn’t believe the amount of decorations in the hallways and our room.

Day 2 – Saturday: Coffee, Alpacas, Art & Exploration

Mountain Grounds Coffee

📍 3990 NC-105 #10
Start your morning with handcrafted coffee at Mountain Grounds, a local favorite that serves great espresso drinks and cozy mountain vibes.

Apple Hill Alpaca Farm Tour

📍 400 Apple Hill Rd
This wasn’t just a petting zoo—it was a scenic, educational, and peaceful experience. The kids loved learning about alpacas, llamas, goats, and more. And the mountain views from the farm? Absolutely stunning. A beautiful backdrop to a memorable morning.

Lunch at Uncle Lee’s Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar

📍 Banner Elk, NC
Post-farm, we headed to Uncle Lee’s—a cozy spot with delicious sushi, Asian entrees, and warm hospitality. Everything we tried was flavorful and satisfying.

Mountain Emporium

📍 Next to Uncle Lee’s
This isn’t your average furniture store—it’s packed with oversized, seasonal decorations and quirky finds. We had a great time exploring the creative displays and snapping a few fun photos.

Downtown Shops to Explore:

Banner Elk Book Exchange – Open Tuesday–Friday (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) and Saturdays (May–October, 1–4 p.m.), this cozy spot is run by volunteers and operates as a true book swap. Bring a book and exchange it for some new ones. This was a pretty good size with a lot to choose from. Since it is volunteers working if the weather isn’t great they might not be open.
BE Artists Gallery – Stunning crafts and fine art made by local artisans.
BE Scooped Ice Cream & Coffee – Great for an afternoon sweet treat for the kids and a coffee for the adults.
Arcade – right next to BE Scooped is a fun arcade the kids loved to stop in and play some games and win prizes.
Apple Hill Farm Outpost – Browse alpaca fiber gifts, craft kits, and yarns.

Waterfalls Park in Newland

📍 Newland, NC
On our way to dinner, we made a quick detour to Waterfalls Park, just a short drive from Banner Elk. It’s a peaceful, easy-access spot where the kids loved watching the water tumble over the rocks. A great hidden gem for stretching your legs!

Dinner at Banner Elk Café and Tavern

📍324 Shawneehaw Ave S #184, Banner Elk, NC 28604
The perfect spot for families, foodies, and anyone exploring the High Country. From cozy café vibes to a lively tavern atmosphere, this local gem serves up comfort food, great drinks, and plenty of small-town charm. Whether visitors are warming up after hitting the slopes or grabbing brunch before a day of fun, Banner Elk Café & Tavern delivers consistently delicious meals and fast, friendly service. The menu is so big it is one of those rare “something-for-everyone” restaurants. We especially love the live music on Saturday night!

Day 3 – Sunday: Mountains, Coffee, Wine & Gems

Grandfather Mountain & Lunch at Mildred’s Grill

📍 2050 Blowing Rock Highway
A must-do for families, Grandfather Mountain is home to the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, beautiful hiking trails, and the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. The kids loved the wildlife habitats and the views were unforgettable. Mildred’s Grill is located inside Wilson Center. Casual and convenient, this family-friendly grill served fresh food in a timely fashion.

Wilson Center for Nature Discovery

Located right inside the park, this newly expanded nature discovery center is a must for curious kids (and grownups, too). With immersive exhibits, hands-on displays, classrooms, and an auditorium, it’s a great place to learn about the unique ecosystems of the Southern Appalachians. The kid-focused nature activities helped our children understand the local wildlife and geology in a fun and engaging way.

Fred & Larry’s Coffee

📍 3591 Tynecastle Hwy
We made a mid-day stop at Fred & Larry’s for a fall drink fix. Their seasonal menu was huge and the cozy ambiance was perfect for a little recharge.

Banner Elk Winery

📍 60 Deer Run
Parents, rejoice! Banner Elk Winery is kid-friendly and gorgeous. The kids played by the stream and rocks, sipped hot cocoa, and we relaxed with a refreshing sangria flight. A laid-back, family-welcoming wine tasting experience.

Sugar Creek Gem Mine

📍 3045 Tynecastle Hwy
We ended the day gem mining at Sugar Creek Gem Mine. The kids had a blast sifting for treasures and learning about their finds from the staff. Bonus: They also rent out ski equipment in the winter!

Dinner at Stonewalls Restaurant

📍 344 Shawneehaw Ave. South
Finish your day with a hearty and delicious meal at Stonewalls. This upscale-yet-comfortable restaurant is perfect for families and offers a great mix of meat, seafood, and veggie options.

Day 4 – Monday: Trees & Farewell

Elk River Falls

📍 Elk Park, NC
Before heading to the tree farm, we visited Elk River Falls, a stunning 50-foot waterfall just outside Banner Elk. It’s a short, family-friendly walk from the parking area with amazing photo ops and a peaceful atmosphere. The kids loved watching the rushing water and skipping stones by the stream. FYI: It doesn’t have a straight easy path so not great for those with mobility problems. We brought our 4 and 5 year old and it wasn’t too much trouble, but if you are with small children you definitely would want an adult per small child to help them.

Choose-and-Cut Christmas Tree at Elk River Evergreens

📍 121 Brooks Shell Road
No better way to end your trip than choosing your own Christmas tree. Enjoy hot cocoa, cider, and holiday shopping while picking out the perfect tree. Even if you’re not taking one home, the festive vibe is magical.

Don’t Miss: A Small Town Christmas in Banner Elk (Dec. 5‑7, 2025)

If you time your visit right, your trip could coincide with one of the most magical weekends of the year — A Small Town Christmas in Banner Elk. Find out the full details here!

What to Expect

Town Tree Lighting & Caroling — Friday evening kicks off the weekend, with the town’s official Christmas tree lighting, hot cocoa, and caroling downtown.
Festive Events All Weekend — On Saturday enjoy a “Breakfast with Santa,” holiday‑themed markets, ornament making, cookie decorating, and a Parade of Lights down Main Street. Evening brings mini‑train rides under luminaries, visits with Santa, holiday music, and more in a cozy, small‑town atmosphere.
Choose‑and‑Cut Christmas Trees + Farm Tours — On Sunday, families can visit nearby tree farms and take home a real mountain‑fresh tree. Tours at Apple Hill Alpaca Farm also tie into the festive weekend.

Why It’s a Bonus for Your Trip

If your family loves holiday traditions, this event weekend turns a simple mountain getaway into a full‑on winter celebration. Given your itinerary already includes cozy lodging, a tree‑farm visit, alpaca farm time, and mountain scenery, syncing your trip with A Small Town Christmas can add holiday magic, local charm, and community spirit — without much extra effort.

Top Tips for Traveling to Banner Elk with Kids

Best Time to Visit: Late fall for holidays and foliage; summer for outdoor activities.
What to Pack: Layers, waterproof footwear, snacks, camera, and festive spirit!
Reservations: Book ahead for popular attractions like the coaster and farm tours.

Local Businesses to Support on Your Visit

Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
High Country Pie Company
Little Main Street Inn & Suites
Mountain Grounds Coffee
Apple Hill Farm & Outpost
Uncle Lee’s Asian Bistro
Mountain Emporium
Banner Elk Book Exchange
Fred & Larry’s Coffee
Banner Elk Winery
Sugar Creek Gem Mine
Banner Elk Café
Stonewalls Restaurant
Elk River Evergreens

EV Travel Tip: Tesla Charging in Banner Elk

Banner Elk is EV-friendly!

ChargePoint station at Lees-McRae College
Free EV charging at Banner Elk Marketplace (📍 488 Main St W), perfect while dining or shopping in the Marketplace.

Banner Elk FAQs

What’s the best time of year to visit Banner Elk with kids?

Winter is great for Skiing and Snowboarding at Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain nearby. Summer brings outdoor fun and perfect weather.

Are there family-friendly hikes near Banner Elk?

Yes! Grandfather Mountain and surrounding trails offer safe, scenic hikes suitable for children.

Where can we eat in Banner Elk with kids?

Try High Country Pie Company, Banner Elk Café, and Uncle Lee’s for easy, tasty meals with something for everyone.

Can you bring kids to Banner Elk Winery?

Absolutely! There’s hot cocoa, open lawns, and fun outdoor features for them to explore.

Do you need reservations for Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster?

Reservations are great especially on weekends, but you will likely still be able to ride without a reservation. Get the 3-ride pack to enjoy back-to-back rides.

Ready for Your Family Adventure in Banner Elk?

From thrilling coasters and scenic mountain farms to cozy coffee shops and festive tree farms, Banner Elk is a gem for family getaways. The balance of adventure and relaxation makes it a destination you’ll want to return to year after year.