Love love love this place we had the best time tubing and not enough time to enjoy the other adventures this beautiful place had to offer. Every one was so nice and polite we arrived at 7 for our reservation and everything was explained by the employees and were very helpful. My 4 year old and I were tubing non stop together along with my 11 year old she was just having the time of her life tubing. This place was close to many other beautiful attractions near by there just wasn’t enough time we will definitely be taking a long vacation there again and my daughter will be 5 old enough to ski with the rest of us next time. Very underrated mountain I definitely recommend.

Awesome. Ride to 5000 ft above sea level. This day Oktoberfest. Music food arts crafts. Cost $22 to get chair lift. Besure to wear a light jacket in fall #snow #fun # goodtime

We went 2/8 - 2/9. I will say that the negative reviews here seem quite embellished and/or come from folks that are not very experienced in this space (which is ok). There are pros and cons to every destination, I'll offer ours below. Overall - This is a smallish resort that is well run, but can feel the stresses of overcrowding quite easily. We went on a normal weekend with snow melting (temps in 50s) and on a Saturday it was packed and a bit uncomfortable. Staff were excellent, from attendants at rental areas all the way to lift operators and teachers. Pricing - Lift tickets are about normal, a little high for what you get. Ice skating and tubing costs are absurd for what you get. A family of three paying $150 total to scoot down a hill for 90 minutes is nuts. Ice skating for 3 is +$100 total too, for ice that is not well maintained. Our only staff issue of our trip was here, as the ice rink folks started packing up and leaving about 20 minutes before our time was up (you pay $35 for a 90-minute session, then done). Hard to understand why those prices are where they are. Conditions - Our little one needed to learn, so we hit the little bunny slope after missing out on lessons (they apparently fill up right at 8am for the day). It was warm out but the snow was in good shape, the magic carpet and lifts were very well maintained.

I recently visited Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and had a mixed experience. Getting equipment and onto the slopes felt extremely unorganized. Most of the staff who spoke English were quite rude, except for those in the gift shop who were friendly and helpful. Service in the food and bar areas was notably slow. On a positive note, the slopes were actually quite good, although the snow machines blasting directly on the lifts were a bit of a nuisance. Overall, while the skiing itself was enjoyable, the service and organization left much to be desired.

Read This Before Buying a Tubing Ticket (If You Weigh Over 185 lbs) Visiting the tubing area at Sugar Mountain Ski Resort was a highly disappointing experience. I must say, this is one of the most poorly designed tubing setups I’ve ever encountered. The main issue is safety. On the slope, you quickly gain speed, and even if you start braking with your feet from the very top, as instructed, it is almost impossible to stop at the designated stop line. The stop line consists of only two rows of short rubber mats, totaling less than 8 feet in length, which is completely inadequate to stop a speeding tube. If you fail to stop in time, you face large trees and other children playing nearby, creating a high risk of collisions and injuries. Moreover, the idea of sliding down the hill while constantly trying to brake the entire way down takes all the fun out of the experience. The slope should have been equipped with a proper safety stop. Instead, there is a “slow down” sign at the very top of the hill, but at the bottom, you are greeted with dangerous obstacles. Realizing how hazardous the setup was, I decided to stop tubing to avoid hurting anyone else. Unfortunately, this meant the money I paid for the activity was wasted, as no refunds are offered. It seems that refunds are only considered in court cases for injured visitors, which highlights the lack of responsibility in the organization. I strongly advise the organizers to prioritize safety improvements. At a minimum, they should install more rubber mats at the bottom and regularly clean and maintain them. Additionally, adding more snow to the hill to reduce the icy surface would help, as an icy slope combined with trees at the bottom is a recipe for disaster. In its current state, this tubing experience feels more like a dangerous challenge than a fun activity. Visitors deserve a safe and enjoyable environment, not unnecessary stress and risks. Be careful if you decide to go!

My girlfriend and I had an awesome time on the slopes over the weekend. We were blessed with a great day full of fresh powdery snow. We enjoyed tubing as well as skiing. The only problem was that so many people came to the resort for the great snow causing overwhelming crowds and lines that had us standing for 3 hours. A common conversation was how it compared to Disney land lines. The longest line was for the rentals. Once we got everything we needed to hit the slopes we only had 1 hour to ski until they closed the slopes down for maintenance. This was a bit of a bummer. The staff moved at a snails pace, but once we got outside it was great. All the staff working the lifts and the outdoor areas were great. We went upstairs to the bar to try and get a drink after we came back in, it was just too crowded. We had one drink and left.

Sugar can easily be made better than Beech. 1) Security cameras on the boards and skis outside to deter theft. 2) Add option to get lift ticket online and use your phone like a plane boarding pass. Or pick up lift ticket cards at kiosks after purchasing online. Reduce the lines that make people grumpy. 3) sign up and do all paperwork for ski school online which would prevent parents holding the spot in a 3 hour line for other parents. Then get the kids fitted in person the morning of ski school. Parents could be doing other things like spending money in the lodge for 3 hours on these busy weekends, again making them less grumpy. Print out instructions for parents for drop off day (verbal instructions is too much while filling out 3 forms). These 3 things will increase the vibe of Sugar and make it better than Beech, by far. Tubing: Put a couple small heater for kids at the tubing area, and make less dangerous berms between the lanes so legs or knees aren’t twisted. Get your ticket online the day before on busy weekends. We really enjoy cash not being needed, Apple Pay can be used for everything (lockers, equipment rentals, lift tickets, food, etc. Venmo tips for ski instructors and shuttle tips). We appreciate the drop off area, the shuttle busses for parking lots, the amazing kid instructors, reloading lift tickets online, the super long ski runs, covered lift carpet on the bunny slope, consistent grooming, the bakery and coffee are legit! Great beer selection.

Really nice place to hang out, taste some wine and enjoy the vibe. The wine? Well, it’s North Carolina but the wine was okay enough that we drank it all. Basic rose was probably their best. there is a stage so I guess they have live music. Can’t wait!

Generally I do not like drinking with children but this place had seating that allowed spacing out. It was packed! They had golf cart shuttle from the parking area, and that was amazing! Thank you for that! The flights were fantastic. The creek is beautiful, and the employees were stellar, and really knew how to keep it moving. It was a beautiful place and we will definitely come back!

We stopped by Grandfather Mountain Vineyard and Winery during our family trip and absolutely loved it! Very beautiful spot, the creek was gorgeous. Seating is first come first served, so we got very lucky in getting a table because the place was pretty packed. We had to make a couple of rounds to find parking but loved that they had a golf cart to help people get to their car. We enjoyed the live music, the wine tasting was nice along with the charcuterie box we got. There were a couple of food trucks, but I wish there were more options for food. Other than that, it’s a place I’d like to visit again if I was in the area.

This is a must stop place if you’re in the area. Plenty of parking and space to sit. The vineyard is open and ready for you to explore. They do not do wine tastings, but all of them are knowledgeable when you order to find something you like. Good quality wine and neat venue! It allows for a relaxing afternoon enjoying nature

Beautiful. Lovely place. Only wish you could pick your "flight". Nice atmosphere with music, lots of seating under umbrella tables overlooking the vineyards while next to a flowing creek. Nice!

3.5. Utter chaos during leaf peeper weekends. Wines are mediocre, avg. $26 per bottle. Had the red flights, nothing much appealed. Nice venue along the River though. Overall not bad just dint expect great wines, just more of an experience

We had a great time at this vineyard! Great wine, excellent staff and amazing views. Can not wait to go back.

Staff at this park are top notch!! They were friendly and informative. They give you maps and a CD so you can have a “guided tour” using your radio in your car. They are conveniently stationed throughout the park. It is worth every penny to visit!! The visitors center has amazing animal enclosures that you can easily walk to. The animals look happy and well cared for.

I can’t really say enough about Grandfather Mountain. This was my first time hiking there. I have hiked all over North Carolina. This park was a real treat. There are so many options for hiking. You can hike to the summit which is a strenuous hike or many other options that are not difficult. The suspension bridge was truly spectacular. The view goes on for miles. A walk around the small zoo with animals that lived in the wild are well taken care of in their environmental habitats. You want to start early at this park for it can be a full day adventure.

I finally did it. I walked across the bridge and it was amazing. They have an animal sanctuary for kiddos young and old. There is a cafe at the visitors center but not sure if this is seasonal. May want to pack some snacks just in case. There are gift shops as well. Don’t forget to utilize any discounts such as military. Check before you go. The day we went was sold out but luckily we had a pass already. Enjoy.

Absolutely stunning place to be. Started out with sun. Ended up with us standing in the clouds as they rolled in. So much to do. The Swinging Bridge was by far top tier. Bucket list item ✅️ Hike✅️ Friendly staff✅️ Food was also good ✅️

While this isn't actually a state park, it is a privately owned facility. It does operate as a state park. Views are amazing! And grandfather trail is one of the top trails in North Carolina!

This location is a must see it is the most beautiful site, especially as you are going up the mountain. You will see all of the beautiful trees. It also has a mini wildlife zoo and it does have a hiking trail, which is amazing. This is a must see.

Beautiful Fall colors can be seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway . We went on October 25, 2025. Still there are colors if you want to go coming weekend.

The atmosphere was great, the wine was wonderful and the staff was fantastic. The staff here was great about allowing us to taste different wines in order to decide which ones we wanted to buy. They were friendly and knowledgeable. There was live music and plenty of shade for those who wanted it. This place is truly lovely. Don’t miss it if you’re near Banner Elk and enjoy wine. We didn’t stay at the inn so I have no knowledge of that, but I will definitely return to this winery if I’m in the area again.

Banner Elk Winery is absolutely beautiful! The atmosphere is peaceful and welcoming, surrounded by stunning mountain views that make you want to stay all afternoon. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the wine selection is amazing, every pour has its own unique flavor and charm. I especially enjoyed relaxing by the window, sipping wine, and taking in the scenery. Whether you’re a wine lover or just looking for a relaxing getaway, this place is a must-visit in the High Country!

Overall, this was a nice spot. Lots of seating outside, and beautiful scenery as you sip your wine and relax. We didn't end up buying a bottle, but we enjoyed our flight!

Such a wonderful Vineyard - you can even stay in one of the glamping tents on property! Quiet and beautiful with live music on the weekends. They have charcuterie, breads, and snacks or bring your own and enjoy a sangria / glass of wine. Great place to visit and relax!

The ambiance of the winery is great and it’s a beautiful setting, but honestly, the wines are atrocious. I had a flight, and each one was worse than the last. The white wines were less offensive, so stick with those. I really wanted to like it more, but these are just not good wines.

If you’re in the Banner Elk area and it’s a nice day, you need to visit Banner Elk Winery. A bottle of wine, a baguette, a beautiful view, and friendly service … perfect way to spend an afternoon (and it’s dog friendly)! We’ve tried a few and we’re partial to the Banner Elk White, but you be the judge.

Friendly Service and a beautiful facility. We didn't care for any of the wines, and my sangria was down right bland. It was still nice to sit out.

Awesome place, Staff is super friendly and was very interactive with customers ensuring they where having a great time. I love this place and will go back once a month for some delicious trout would go more but its 3 hours away from my house. They keep it stocked and they offer to clean and filet your fish and pack it on ice so all you need to bring is a cooler. A fishing rod all supplies Including bait and net and bucket are provided. Also a sink to clean yourself up. Handicap and Child friendly.

Fished on a beautiful sunny, windy fall afternoon. They provide you with everything you need, but recommend a spinner for best luck. Caught two fish. Got to watch a load of fish get added to the pond. Not a catch and release. You keep and they will clean it. Great family activity. Charge by pound plus cleaning. Nice guy running the place.

We had a blast here for the whole family. We caught 6 large trout and enjoyed the excitement of the catch, and the dinner we made later. It was a little pricey at $7.95 per pound plus $2 per fish to clean. It is also awesome that they clean and filet them for you!! They also have a small gem mining area that was a nice break from the sun. There were 3 ponds and there were benches and a good amount of seating for those who came to watch the family fish.

My kids had a fantastic time! The tools you need to fish are provided. They want you to have fun and fish. When we could not catch a fish so helped us learn how. We had plenty of fun! The boys hope to get a chance to come back!

Such a great spot! The owner was so welcoming and friendly. We caught three rainbow trout and had them filleted right there. They had lots of fishing poles to choose from. Some people brought their own poles. I would definitely recommend!

The fish are super unhealthy looking, not how it was pre Helene flood where the fish were vibrant, the water was clear, and there were lots of people. Now the roads are muddy like a poor country road that got a mudslide. No wonder why there is nobody here. The place is a cash grab riding off the name Grandfather Mountain to seem like it is connected to the iconic attraction but it is not, it is just using the name to cash grab. The whole place is smoked up, the setting is not great, and it is nowhere near what you would expect from a place using Grandfather as its business name.

The people working were very friendly and helpful. There were 4 in our group and we all caught beautiful rainbow trout. Our dinner that night was amazing! Thank you Grandfather Trout Farm. ♥️

Solid activity for a rainy day with our 3 and 5 year old. We spent about 45 minutes here. Kids enjoyed sifting through the dirt and finding the gems. Kind of expensive for a bucket of dirt but pretty cool.

This place is absolutely amazing. It's almost so perfect, we don't want to share it with anyone else lol. My wife and I decided to take a day trip up here and it was well worth it. The owner is one of the best people we have ever met in our life. If you have a chance to stop by this place you definitely have to.

Let me tell you all something about this place ... There's a young woman named Hope who made this more than just a gem mining experience. After the three of us (hubby and #2 son) finished sifting through our giant bucket of gravel, we brought our findings into the store. (8 bags full) Hope offered to help us identify our treasures. She quickly sorted, while I labeled and bagged, all of our gems while telling us all about the history and interesting facts of each one. Surprisingly, we only had about 7 stones that were only gravel and not gem stones. She's very knowledgeable and friendly. Her time with us made all the difference in our enjoyment of this experience. We made quite a haul, and we now know what we have! Thanks, Hope!!

It's okay if your kids have never done it before but there are definitely better options. They do put some some OK gemstones in the buckets but they use sand to make it easier for them to clean up and there are better experiences at other gem mining places close by that have a more authentic experience with much better gemstones qty and quality.

Went here with my husband and we had a great time! We came when there were few people there, so we basically had the whole sifting area to ourselves. We got some great chunks out of the $89.99 option! Front desk was also incredibly sweet.

I'm pleasantly surprised with this place. The girls, 18 & 20, really wanted to go but I figured it was a typical tourist trap. In all honesty it kind of is. But we had an absolute blast. They found a lot of different stones, large ones actually, some as big as 4" round. Different colored crystals mostly. I had as much fun watching them as they had. I'd highly recommend it for any age if you keep an open mind.

Finally checked out Sugar Creek gem mine - perfect for the cold & very windy day we were having. They have an enclosed outdoor area that is heated! Definitely made it easier on us. Kids loved it & got lots of beautiful & big gems. Definitely memories were made. Staff was friendly & everything seemed well organized. We did go during a quiet week & I know they get extra busy during weekends & holidays / prime visitor season. They are right across the road from the entrance to Sugar Mountain Ski Resort / next to Extreme