Title: Visit Watauga County: 2026 Travel Guide for Watauga County, North Carolina | Expedia.com [Watauga County Hotels](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Watauga-County.d553248635976432207.Hotel-Destinations)[Vacation Rentals in Watauga County](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Watauga-County.d553248635976432207.Vacation-Rental-Destinations)[Watauga County Flights](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Watauga-County.d553248635976432207.Flight-Destinations)[Things to do in Watauga County](https://expedia.com/Things-To-Do-In-Watauga-County.d553248635976432207.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Car Rentals in Watauga County](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Watauga-County.d553248635976432207.Car-Rental-Destinations)[Watauga County Vacations](https://expedia.com/Watauga-County.d553248635976432207.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Watauga County, NC ## North Carolina ![Such a pretty little park to stroll through with some ice cream from Kilwin's!](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/10740/63f592a4-4f5f-4763-85a2-7a515924f908.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Such a pretty little park to stroll through with some ice cream from Kilwin's!](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/10740/63f592a4-4f5f-4763-85a2-7a515924f908.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Here's a beautiful view of the end of a foggy sunrise on a brisk November morning. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6058523/7058147d-3cf6-46d5-87ac-f07687fa123c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![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](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/500725/5adfed9e-b6a9-496d-90ab-e3242102c394.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![This picture was taken in the Original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis. This is probably my favorite photo for this project because I had never been to this store before. I have only been to the new Mast General Store on King Street., but you could feel the history and authenticity in the original store. I was immediately drawn to this wall as I walked through the store because I love how all of the jars are perfectly aligned, and I like the old scale that is hanging from the ceiling. As I walked through and explored the store I tried to imagine how what opening day was like for the store and for the people of Appalachia. I wonder if the owner knew that this 1883 store would be such a historic figure for the people of Boone and such a tourist attraction. #appalachianechoes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3000450974/15388687-5f2b-47d5-b7d2-5f17d7c83721.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ### Popular cities in Watauga County [Boone Known for Mountains, Skiing and Hiking ](https://expedia.com/Boone.dx6058523) Go rafting, horseback riding and hiking or spend your days shopping and dining in this picturesque college town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. ## Reasons to visit - Appalachian State University - Julian Price Park - Foggy Mountain Gem Mine [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Boone.dx6058523)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Boone-Hotels.d6058523.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Blowing Rock Known for Dining, Shopping and Mountains ](https://expedia.com/Blowing-Rock.dx10740) Full of charm in the heart of nature, this North Carolina town features a famous geological formation, hiking trails and museums. ## Reasons to visit - Mystery Hill - Price Lake - Blowing Rock Art and History Museum [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Blowing-Rock.dx10740)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Blowing-Rock-Hotels.d10740.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Banner Elk Known for Mountains, Skiing and Hiking ](https://expedia.com/Banner-Elk.dx10821) Experience the mountains, skiing, and riverfront in Banner Elk! ## Reasons to visit - Beech Mountain Resort - The Greene [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Banner-Elk.dx10821)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Banner-Elk-Hotels.d10821.Travel-Guide-Hotels) ![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-us-ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh) ## The Annual Vacation Sale Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. 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