New in 2020! The first Alpine Coaster in the North Carolina Mountains is located at the base of Sugar Mountain. Ride individual carts at speeds up to 27 MPH on multiple 360-degree loops. It’s a cross between a roller coaster and toboggan sled run. They are open every day year-round, including our winter ski season. Read More
Category: Things to Do
Ensemble Stage Theatre
Watch plays and shows in this intimate professional theater in Banner Elk. Ensemble Stage presents a broad range of live theatrical presentations at an affordable price. Their Christmas Variety Show is especially fun. Located inside the historic Banner Elk School, just 2.5 miles from the main entrance of Sugar Mountain. For the latest list of Read More
Provisions on Sugar
This favorite stop for both locals and tourists has something for everyone! Keely has a wide selection of locally, NC, and American made gifts, decor, natural health & wellness and unique food products (Moonshine Pickles are a fave!). While you’re there, enjoy one of 50 delicious snow cone flavors. Make it a Unicone (unicorn snow Read More
Replay Arcade
This modern arcade in downtown Banner Elk is fun for the entire family. Play a wide variety of games with many new and maybe even an old school one from back in the day. There is a hot dog bar with a menu of all different varieties and famous pizza from Sorrento’s next door. 140 Read More
Flat Top Brewery Company
Flat Top Brewing Company is Banner Elk’s Craft Brewery. We specialize in Refreshingly Elevated beers that are of the highest quality while being easily drinkable. Flat Top Brewing Company is committed to bringing the best beer possible to the marketplace. This commitment begins with the pure mountain water we use in each and every batch Read More
Scenic Lift Rides at Sugar Mountain Resort
Ride to the top of Sugar Mountain on the Summit Express chairlift with panoramic views all the way. On many summer weekends (Fri-Sun). Read more.
Banner House Museum
See what life was like in the NC mountains during the 1800s. The Banner House was built in 1865 by one of Banner Elk’s founding fathers, Samuel Henry Banner. The museum displays artifacts including period furnishings, farm tools, hand-stitched quilts, vintage clothing, photographs and paintings. Open June-September. 7990 Hickory Nut Gap Road, Banner Elk, NC Read More
FORUM at Lees-McRae College
A series of cultural programs including performances, lectures and more. The 2016 line-up includes Bria Skonberg Quintet, Four Freshmen, Western Piedmont Symphony, Daniel Rodriguez, Presidio Brass, Atlantic City Boys, Dunlap & Pennington, and Live From Nashville. Visit the website for tickets, dates and times.
Lees-McRae College Summer Theatre
Lees-McRae College, located just 3 miles from Sugar Mountain, offers outstanding professional performances during summer months as part of their Summer Theatre season. They specialize in Broadway musicals, Golden Age classics to the newest shows, and ambitious original works. Their 150+ performers and production crew come from other college theatre programs across the country.
Apple Hill Alpaca Farm Tours
Take a guided educational tour of Apple Hill Farm, a mountaintop alpaca farm and store near Sugar Mountain. The walking tours let you get up close and personal with the alpacas, llamas, angora goats, guardian donkeys, dogs and other animals. Begin your tour at the Barn with convenient parking. A guide takes you on a Read More