The Charming Small Town In North Carolina That Was Named After An Explorer
By Melissa Mahoney|Updated on April 29, 2024(Originally published September 27, 2022)
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
Have you ever wondered where some of The Tar Heel State’s townnames come from? I’ve always been so fascinated to learn the origins of some of the names. One charming small town in North Carolina is named after an explorer, and this is what we are going to take a look at today. So, come with me to discover how Boone, North Carolina got its name.
This charming town in the Blue Ridge Mountains was named after frontiersman and explorer, Daniel Boone (1734-1820) and is known for its gorgeous scenery.
To get a glimpse into the life of Daniel Boone, head to the Hickory Ridge History Museum. The living history exhibits showcase what it was like to live in a mountain community during the colonial era.
Hickory Ridge History Museum, 591 Horn in the W Dr, Boone, NC 28607, USA
If you want, you can even bring out your own inner explorer at the Foggy Mountain Gem Mine. It's a great family-friendly place to visit as you mine for and learn about different gems.
For scenery and history, Turtle Island Preserve is where you need to go. Tucked away in a valley, people also live a primitive lifestyle in this preserve. Come for a visit and see what its like to truly live off the land from those who actually do.
If you're looking for a short yet easy hike, the Cascades Falls Trail is absolutely perfect. Located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in E.B. Jeffress Park, take a quick hike to a 200-foot cascading waterfall.
While you're in Boone and want to stop for a drink and a bite to eat, Booneshine Brewing Company has it all. Surrounded by the gorgeous scenery Boone is known for, order a frosty beer and delicious food in the restaurant or outside in the beer garden. You will love it here!
Boone is a charming small town in North Carolina – there’s no doubt about that! And learning where a name of a beloved town comes from is fascinating, to say the least. You can easily see why Daniel Boone and his family visited and/or lived in this area.
While in Boone, why not go for a hike? Take the Daniel Boone Scout Trail which will lead you to the ruins of a 1978 plane wreck.