Sugar Grove, NC

Travel Guide

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
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
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
The theme I keep returning to is that of modern lifestyles throughout seemingly "old," "rustic," and "quaint" Appalachia. The stereotypical idea is that Appalachia is in itself somehow frozen in the past has been a common thought for a long time. By including pictures that present this on the surface seem to embrace that stereotype. If one takes the time to learn the story behind the picture, the meaning changes. For example, this picture in the Mast General Store has all of the "rustic" ideas incorporated into it. However, there are other things that suggest the existence of the modern lifestyle. At first, it looks just like a bunch of old toys. But then, the new clothes and packaging in the picture suggest something else. The toys themselves even look modern. #appalachianechoes
blue ridge mountains near mount mitchell and cragy gardens
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
$103 nightly
The price is $116 total per night from Jan 26 to Jan 27
$116 total
Jan 26 - Jan 27
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and wired Internet (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
Great location, friendly staff, complimentary breakfast, a pool and a hot tub for reasonable price

Reviewed on Jan 24, 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
$118 nightly
The price is $133 total per night from Jan 26 to Jan 27
$133 total
Jan 26 - Jan 27
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,263 reviews)
One of the best hotels we have ever stayed at. The rooms are impeccably clean, stylish, and very comfortable, creating a truly relaxing atmosphere. The staff is exceptionally kind, attentive, and professional, always ready to help with a smile. The breakfasts are outstanding — fresh, delicious, and ...

Reviewed on Jan 22, 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
$120 nightly
The price is $135 total per night from Feb 1 to Feb 2
$135 total
Feb 1 - Feb 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Banner Elk. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
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 Jan 18, 2026

4 Seasons at Beech Mountain
See all 5,598 properties in Sugar Grove
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 WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. 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 Jan 13, 2026

Smoketree Lodge
The Highlands at Sugar

The Highlands at Sugar

3 out of 5
2173 Sugar Mountain Drive Banner Elk NC
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Banner Elk. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (783 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 Jan 19, 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
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Todd. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and a pool table. Popular attractions Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex ...
10/10 Exceptional! (52 reviews)
We did not meet our host, but everything was well stocked, accommodating, and very comfortable.

Reviewed on Dec 24, 2025

Riverbend Retreat - New River frontage, hot tub, pool table!
See all properties in Sugar Grove
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.

Reviews of Sugar Grove

4
Top Destination
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4 - Good 100%
3 - Okay
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4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Very beautiful area, as mentioned in property review roads are gravel and very steep. Unless on top of a mountain I didn't have cell phone service. Some of that is attributed to my cell phone provider. If it wasn't for mobility would move there.

Cities near Sugar Grove

Adobe

Banner Elk

This photo was taken just inside the Tennessee border. I had been staying at a cabin with my roommate and her family. We arrived at night at a time when I could not see the pond. When I woke up the next morning, we went outside and I was in awe of the beauty. It was bright, vibrant, and perfectly picturesque. The cabin we stayed in was hard to get to; it was on a one way gravel road up the side of a mountain. It is seemingly untouched, yet if I had turned the camera around, the viewer would notice power lines running up the side of the mountain. This picture seems to preserve the idea that Appalachia has not been touched by humans. #appalachianechoes

Butler

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

Vilas

Back Country Road Farm near Valle Crucis in Autumn North Carolina

Valle Crucis

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