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One rooftop, two great views: You might consider a drink atop Boone’s Horton Hotel
One side of the rooptop bar at Horton’s Hotel faces King Street. The other side opens up to Appalachian State University. (Photos: Tony Mecia/The Mountain Ledger)
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 and tables 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 be 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. Order something you can sip slowly and enjoy the surroundings.
It’s great when there’s no line at the bar.
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:
If it’s cold or rainy, the Horton Hotel’s lobby bar is an elegant backup.
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.
The view of the Horton Hotel’s rooftop bar from across King Street.
IF YOU’RE GOING…
◼️ Location: Horton Hotel, 611 W. King Street, downtown Boone
◼️ Website
◼️ Instagram
◼️ Hours (weather-permitting):
Monday-Friday: 4-10 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 12-10 p.m.
THINGS TO DO
Frisbee dogs at Tweetsie, ‘Sister Act’ at Lees-McRae, jazz piano, flora and fauna at Grandfather Mountain
THURSDAY-SUNDAY
"K9s In Flight Frisbee Dog Show," Tweetsie Railroad, 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock. Rescue dogs performing frisbee tricks and agility stunts, with shows daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Bonus show Saturday at 5 p.m. Included with Tweetsie Railroad admission. $45-$65.
THURSDAY-FRIDAY
“Sister Act,” Lees-McRae Summer Theater, 191 Main St. West, Banner Elk. It’s a “feel-good musical comedy” based on the hit 1992 film. Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 2 p.m.
FRIDAY
"Aaron Diehl," 7:30 p.m., Rosen Concert Hall, Broyhill Music Center, 813 Rivers Street, Boone. Jazz pianist Aaron Diehl performs a program spanning jazz and classical music, drawing on works by Duke Ellington, Florence Price, and more. $45 standard, $20 students/children.
SATURDAY
"Boone Gran Fondo," 8 a.m., Downtown Boone. A scenic road cycling event with three route options, 25, 55, or 80 miles through the mountains and back roads of the High Country. Timed segment competition, staffed aid stations, and a post-ride meal and raffle. $150-$200 on-site registration.
"Adult Field Course: Exploring Natural Communities of Grandfather Mountain," 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Grandfather Mountain, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville. A guided exploration of Grandfather Mountain's distinct habitats, covering flora, fauna, elevation and rare species. Includes classroom instruction and guided hikes with shuttle provided. Bring a bagged lunch. Limited to 20 participants. $60 general, $51 members.
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🎵 Live music this weekend
THURSDAY
“Concerts in the Park,” 6:30 p.m., Robbins Amphitheater, 207 Park Ave., Banner Elk. This week: The Collective. Food, beer and wine for sale. Small picnic coolers are allowed. Free.
FRIDAY
"Music on the Lawn," 5:30-8:30 p.m., The Inn at Ragged Gardens, 203 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock. This week: The Lucky Strikes. Free outdoor concert on the inn's lawn. Cash bar and lawn menu available. Bring a lawn chair and arrive early. No pets, coolers, or outside food and drinks. Free.
FRIDAY
"Summer Concerts at the Jones House," 5:30 p.m., Jones House, 604 West King Street, Boone. This week: Chris McGinnis and Pressley Laton. Free outdoor concert on the lawn. Bring a blanket or chair. Rain or shine. Free parking downtown after 5 p.m. Free.
FRIDAY
"Village Summer Concert Series: Third Times The Charm," 7-10 p.m., The Village of Banner Elk, 140 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk. High-energy cover band playing country, rock, and blues on the outdoor stage. Free.
SATURDAY
"Live Music at Boone Saloon," 9:30 p.m., Boone Saloon, 489 West King Street, Boone. This week: Will Willis + Madison Hughes (Americana/Country). 21+. $5 cash at the door.
REAL ESTATE WATCH
Investment property: 6 small rental cabins off U.S. 321, with hot tubs and river frontage
(Photos: High Country Multiple Listing Service)
If you've ever daydreamed about owning a little mountain cabin rental empire, this one’s for you.
A property called “Alpine Village” just off U.S. 321 a half-mile north of the Blue Ridge Parkway just came up for sale. It’s six cabins with more than 40 years of operating history, steady revenue and reservations on the books.
The basics:
Six cabins total: three one-bedroom, three two-bedroom, each with a hot tub and gas fireplace. They are each about 700 s.f. and were built in 1981.
Acreage: Sits on about 4.6 acres with frontage on Middle Fork Creek/New River.
Location: Half a mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway, 1.5 miles from Main Street Blowing Rock, under 5 miles from downtown Boone.
Rental revenue: The listing says 2025 rolling revenue exceeded $271,000, with an established operating history. We found a one-bedroom listed on VRBO for $340/night in mid-August.
Future: The listing suggests the new owner could make it into an event venue, add more guest amenities or develop additional buildings down the line.
Asking price: $2.3 million.
➡️ View the listing. (Listing agent: Jim Pitts, Appalachian Properties)
POLL RESULTS
Mountain Ledger readers agree there are too many deer
The people have spoken … and the people think there are too many deer.
The Mountain Ledger shared some commentary last week from a Blowing Rock resident in front of the town council. He said he was worried about diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever that are spread by ticks on deer, and he called for public officials to take steps to control the deer population.
We asked if you thought there are too many deer in the area. And you did! Convincingly. Like, three-to-one:
LOCAL NEWS OF NOTE
Old Banner Elk hospital taken down: The old Charles A. Cannon Memorial Hospital in Banner Elk is continuing to be torn down, the town said on social media this week. It was built in 1962 and has been vacant since 1999. No plans for the site have been announced:
Boone student housing project opposed: The Boone Planning Commission unanimously recommended denying a proposed 185-unit student housing development off Beverly Heights Avenue near N.C. 105 after widespread opposition over traffic, neighborhood impacts and unanswered concerns, though the Boone Town Council will make the final decision.
Elk hunting returns: After 25 years of rebuilding North Carolina's elk population, the state will allow its first-ever modern elk hunt in 2027, issuing just two permits through an auction and raffle. (WLOS)
Recent Mountain Ledger articles you might have missed:
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