Up on top of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the towns of Boone and Banner Elk offer visitors a truly rugged and exciting adventure. Located in the only temperate rain forest climate on the east coast, Boone and Banner Elk stay nice and cool during hot summers. Many of the restaurants in the area offer sweeping views down the eastern slope of the mountains. And the multitude of decks and outside seating help visitors take advantage of cool nights while dining on classic Southern and new American cuisines. With Appalachian State University in Boone and Lees-McCrae College in Banner Elk, the nightlife is vibrant! Plenty of bars, breweries and wineries keep this mountainous region relevant to the prominent brewing culture of Western North Carolina. From food trucks and dive bars to white tablecloth and exotic cuisine, this region offers something for everyone.