Boone's best (and only) rooftop bar

Horton Hotel Rooftop Bar & Lounge | Boone Boone's only rooftop bar — which also happens to be a pretty great one

In Charlotte, there are dozens of rooftop bars. Even Asheville has a few worth arguing about. Boone has one. Just one. And given how good Horton's rooftop is, that might be all it needs. Perched on top of the Horton Hotel right on King Street — which also bills itself as one-of-a-kind, “Boone’s only historic boutique hotel” — it has the kind of setting that makes you wonder why it took this long for someone to put a bar up here. And it makes you glad someone did!

The basics: Horton Hotel, King Street, downtown Boone. Cocktails around $14-15, beers $6-8, glasses of wine $10-12. Also a selection of mocktails.

What it is: A rooftop bar with two distinct seating areas that give you two different perspectives on Boone. On one side, you're looking out at the historic buildings lining King Street — the kind of view that reminds you downtown Boone has genuine character. On the other side, there are couches with views stretching toward Appalachian State University and the mountains beyond. It’s a place that makes you feel like you’re not in the thick of things, but you’re still close to it.

On weekends, it can busy. When I went one Saturday in April, the rooftop had been taken over by what appeared to be an Appalachian State sorority formal pre-game, which is either exactly your scene or a sign to come back on a weeknight. The bar line was long and slow-moving. The good news is that on a quieter night — a weeknight, or even a less busy weekend — the rooftop is a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

What to order: Cocktails run around $15 and are well-made. There are some inventive options, like a “white lotus” (vodka and ginger liqueur) and dessert cocktails like a “peach blossom” (vodka, Bailey’s, peach syrup). Wine is a solid choice too — it's that kind of setting. Order something you can sip slowly and enjoy the surroundings.

Good to know: The couch side with views toward the mountains and App State is the better and more comfortable seating on a clear evening — get there early if you want those spots. It's on King Street, which makes it an easy and natural stop on a downtown Boone evening, whether you're starting the night or winding it down. If the weather is poor, there is a stately lobby bar, too.

The move: Go on a clear weeknight, grab the couch side before anyone else does, order a cocktail, and take a minute to appreciate that you're sitting on the only rooftop bar in Boone with views of the mountains in one direction and a historic downtown street in the other. In a city with more rooftop bars, this would still be a good one. Here it's the undisputed champion by default — and by merit.