Tynecastle Travel Guide

Banner Elk

This was taken at a shopping center in Banner Elk. The entire center is designed to have this “old timey” feel. The shops have been upkept with this sort of historic architecture. There is this idea that Appalachia is somewhat detached from modernity, and commercial architects like to play into this. The same effect is seen in other parts of Appalachia and just on the east coast in general, for example Williamsburg, VA. The reality is that this “quaint” little town is just the same as any other place in the United States. We’re looking at BB&T, a commercial bank that is far from particular to place. The region of Appalachia can sometimes be less distinct than we like to think, and I feel this image captures this sort of denial of singularity. #appalachianechoes
This was taken at a shopping center in Banner Elk. The entire center is designed to have this “old timey” feel. The shops have been upkept with this sort of historic architecture. There is this idea that Appalachia is somewhat detached from modernity, and commercial architects like to play into this. The same effect is seen in other parts of Appalachia and just on the east coast in general, for example Williamsburg, VA. The reality is that this “quaint” little town is just the same as any other place in the United States. We’re looking at BB&T, a commercial bank that is far from particular to place. The region of Appalachia can sometimes be less distinct than we like to think, and I feel this image captures this sort of denial of singularity. #appalachianechoes
This image was also taken in this shopping center in Banner Elk. I honestly don’t remember what store is pictured, possibly one of those which uses the term “shoppe” to reinforce the stereotype of Appalachia existing in the past. There is this idea of Appalachia as an anachronic place that is untouched by modern industry. What is so unique about this shopping center is that from one angle you see these historic-looking buildings and architecture, but as soon as you turn around there’s a busy road with billboards, gas stations, and, what is visible in this image, a McDonalds. Even though we imagine Appalachia to be an isolated region detached from the “real world” of today, the majority of the region is actually caught up to the industry. Appalachia experiences this same placelessness as a result of globalization as pretty much any other region of the US. #appalachianechoes

Popular places to visit

8/11/2017

Beech Mountain Resort

Hit the slopes in Banner Elk with a visit to Beech Mountain Resort. Discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area or enjoy its hiking trails.

Beech Mountain Resort
Time to make some wine!

Grandfather Vineyard & Winery

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Grandfather Vineyard & Winery during your travels to Banner Elk. Discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area or enjoy its hiking trails.

Grandfather Vineyard & Winery
This is the headstone of Banner Elk, North Carolina. This elk has been in the town forever, but this past year the elk has been refurbished and installed as the centerpiece of the town. This elk frames Appalachia in the sense of this small town pride in the mountains. In the background you can see the historic elementary school and rolling mountains and once again the North Carolina pride of the state flag surrounding this elk even though about 100ft to the right there is another flagpole with the same flags raised high and proud. This is where every child in this town went to school in this picturesque location but as time rolls on is Appalachia move on too? #appalachianechoes

The Greene

The Greene is just one of the places to see in Banner Elk, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?

The Greene
Throughout my childhood I spent so much time at this park. I always remember of thinking of it as the park in the middle of the mountains. What I never noticed as a child was how every single aspect of this park was planned out and put there for a reason. Likewise before studying the photographic image I had never thought about how we construct a image and its affordances and constraints. One thing I really want to point out in this image is that while we have this beautiful park there is a huge ugly pipe in the middle of the photograph. It is part of the necessity of the planning of the park, just like the frame is a necessity of an image. We sometimes want to forget it is there but it is a necessary part of an image and still has meaning. #appalachianechoes

Tate-Evans Park

You can learn about the history of Banner Elk with a stop at Tate-Evans Park. Discover the area's mountain views or seek out its ski slopes.

Tate-Evans Park

Sugar Mountain Resort

Hit the slopes at Sugar Mountain Resort, a top ski area in Sugar Mountain. Discover the area's mountain views or seek out its hiking trails.

Sugar Mountain Resort

Hawksnest Tubing Park

Hit the slopes in Seven Devils with a visit to Hawksnest Tubing Park. Discover the area's mountain views or seek out its hiking trails.

Hawksnest Tubing Park

Top hotels in Tynecastle

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 ฿3,183 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
฿3,183
฿3,589 total
27 Jan - 28 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 ฿3,800 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
฿3,800
฿4,285 total
27 Jan - 28 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! (1,251 reviews)
Loved my stay here. Staff was very polite. The place was very clean & the breakfast was great. A lot of great restaurants in the area. Would definitely stay again.

Reviewed on 12 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
The Lodge at Banner Elk

The Lodge at Banner Elk

2.5 out of 5
1615 Tynecastle Highway Banner Elk NC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿5,680 per night from 3 Feb to 4 Feb
฿5,680
฿6,404 total
3 Feb - 4 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Banner Elk. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
At this time you are under construction renovations of the room, so I'd rather not answer that question otherwise our day was good!

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

The Lodge at Banner Elk
Chetola Resort

Chetola Resort

3.5 out of 5
185 Chetola Lake Drive Blowing Rock NC
The price is ฿4,483 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
฿4,483
฿5,674 total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa resort in Blowing Rock. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Good service. But breakfast was overpriced.

Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026

Chetola Resort
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! (775 reviews)
Nice space andvamenitues

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

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The Highlands at Sugar
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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.

Other neighbourhoods around Tynecastle

Appalachia, where patriotism lives on. A lot of times we stereotype Appalachia to be very proud of their country and the south. This photo captures small town mainstreet flag pole. In Banner Elk there is one stoplight and on that main street is our American flag flying high with the rolling mountains in the background. The highlight of this small town is the 4th of July. This image just reminds me of how the town comes to life to be all American on that day. #appalachianechoes

Downtown

While visiting Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like Elk Statue and Tate-Evans Park.

Downtown
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Mill Ridge

Though Mill Ridge may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Grandfather Vineyard & Winery and Julian Price Park.

Mill Ridge

Tynecastle Travel Guide