Vilas

Travel Guide

Another #hiddentreasure of Appalachia is this view from Vilas Overlook. I managed to snap a picture at the perfect time—the leaves are changing colors, the goldenrod is in full-bloom, and the cloudy sky is covering the hills like a blanket. That’s right—not even the cloudy skies can diminish the incredible view that this is. I found it on my way to Trashcan Falls, and it is up a dirt road. The view was different than other overlooks like Thunderhill and Howard’s Knob in my opinion because this one was nestled right in a residential area. You can even see the house I had to park above to get this shot! Luckily it was a lazy Sunday and nobody seemed to notice I was there—they were all probably napping after church! #appalachianechoes #vilas #overlook #appalachia #mountains
Another #hiddentreasure of Appalachia is this view from Vilas Overlook. I managed to snap a picture at the perfect time—the leaves are changing colors, the goldenrod is in full-bloom, and the cloudy sky is covering the hills like a blanket. That’s right—not even the cloudy skies can diminish the incredible view that this is. I found it on my way to Trashcan Falls, and it is up a dirt road. The view was different than other overlooks like Thunderhill and Howard’s Knob in my opinion because this one was nestled right in a residential area. You can even see the house I had to park above to get this shot! Luckily it was a lazy Sunday and nobody seemed to notice I was there—they were all probably napping after church! #appalachianechoes #vilas #overlook #appalachia #mountains
If you're in Boone this is a great place to go! They throw you up on a horse and bring you up some mountainous trails. It was 2-3 hours overall and they have an awesome rope swing by their "office." We all had a blast and my 70 year-old grandmothers were able to participate too.
This photo was taken from the Blue Ridge Parkway, in Watauga County in Boone. I chose this to post this photo because it gave me an idea of the way the people that founded this county lived. They worked on these mountains and possible even lived of the land here. Also, when you look out into the miles of mountains, I get the feeling of safety knowing these mountains surround me, and thats how I feel the Appalachian community is, a safe and humble community. #appalachianechoes
Summit one of "three top" with my best friend. Challenging hike but the smokies were beautiful this day
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Boone University

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Boone University

3 out of 5
165 Highway 105 Extension Boone NC
The price is HK$800 per night from 26 Jan to 27 Jan
HK$800
HK$902 total
26 Jan - 27 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and wired Internet (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,015 reviews)
Great staff and the place was clean. Would stay again. The only downside was on a busy Sunday, they were out of so many items at breakfast. It was quite disappointing.

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Boone University
Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel

3 out of 5
2419 NC HWY 105 South Boone NC
The price is HK$920 per night from 26 Jan to 27 Jan
HK$920
HK$1,037 total
26 Jan - 27 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,259 reviews)
Friendly and helpful staff. Clean room

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel
4 Seasons at Beech Mountain

4 Seasons at Beech Mountain

2.5 out of 5
608 Beech Mountain Pkwy Banner Elk NC
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Banner Elk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (461 reviews)
Dishes were clean out all in the dishwasher. Everything else was clean and comfortable. Nice view of the mountains and easy check in progress

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

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4 Seasons at Beech Mountain
See all 5,723 properties in Vilas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Smoketree Lodge

Smoketree Lodge

3 out of 5
11914 Highway 105 Banner Elk NC
Stay at this aparthotel in Banner Elk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Sugar Mountain Resort and Grandfather Mountain ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (265 reviews)
Well located, near Sugar Mountain. The room was confortable and with very good amenities.

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

Smoketree Lodge
The Highlands at Sugar

The Highlands at Sugar

3 out of 5
2173 Sugar Mountain Drive Banner Elk NC
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Banner Elk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (779 reviews)
Great place to stay at Sugar! The condo was spacious yet cozy. Very clean. The staff were very friendly! I have no complaints! You do have to either drive down to the bottom parking or take the shuttle down to ski. The bus stop is very close to the condos which was nice. And of course the view was ...

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

The Highlands at Sugar
Riverbend Retreat - New River frontage, hot tub, pool table!

Riverbend Retreat - New River frontage, hot tub, pool table!

Todd NC
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Todd. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and a pool table. Popular attractions Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (52 reviews)
We did not meet our host, but everything was well stocked, accommodating, and very comfortable.

Reviewed on 24 Dec 2025

Riverbend Retreat - New River frontage, hot tub, pool table!
See all properties in Vilas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
gatling burk city view during day

Mountain City

When thinking of healing modalities of "Appalachia", the first image that often emerges is something that resembles a sort of folk medicine, but merely 6 miles from Boone lies a clinic and school that merges Western medical perspectives with the philosophy and science of Chinese medicine. Sean Marshall created the school in 1997, with the belief that, “ It is as esoteric as any philosophical system could be and, at the same time, as stringent a science as any modern intellectual discipline.” One healing modality, or aspect of what the Chinese call “Zhen-Jiu”, which roughly translates as “Needle (Zhen) – Burn (Jiu)” utilized is acupuncture. This refers to the practice of inserting fine metal needles into specific physical and energetic “channels” to stimulate the body’s own capacity to respond and heal. The other aspect, "Burn” refers to herbs that may supplement the body in the case of deficient energy. #appalachianechoes

Sugar Grove

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