Sugar Grove

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
This is a picture of my roommate, Emily looking thoughtfully out the window at the Mast General Store. This picture is one of the more "stereotypical" ones I have taken. It is almost completely "rustic" looking. There is the old, wooden window, with dated valances. There are woven baskets at her feet and the window looks as if it could have been put together by hand. The only modern aspect of this could be Emily herself. She almost looks out of place with her winter coat and leggings. This picture implies to me that the people themselves make Appalachia modern. They shape it into what they want and breathe new life into the region. #appalachianechoes
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
The price is €106 per night from 15 Jan to 16 Jan
€106
15 Jan - 16 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and wired Internet (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
Great place to stay and affordable, the rooms are clean and the staff is friendly. The parking is not ideal because it shares a parking lot with a sister hotel. There’s sometimes limited parking that fills up quick.

Reviewed on 8 Jan 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €118 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
€118
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,250 reviews)
Loved my stay here. Staff was very polite. The place was very clean & the breakfast was great. A lot of great restaurants in the area. Would definitely stay again.

Reviewed on 12 Jan 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
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Banner Elk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (453 reviews)
Overall it all worked out and we had a good visit on the mountain. The location was perfect to rent our gear from wolf lodge and we snowboarded both Sugar and Beech mountain. There were just a few things I would have liked to seen done differently. First when we checked in and I asked about the ski ...

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026

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4 Seasons at Beech Mountain
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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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Sugar Mountain Resort and Grandfather Mountain ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (262 reviews)
Clean rooms, plenty of space for 2 adults and 1 kid. Indoor pool and rec area was clean. Game room was neat amd spacious.

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

Smoketree Lodge
The Highlands at Sugar

The Highlands at Sugar

3 out of 5
2173 Sugar Mountain Drive Banner Elk NC
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Banner Elk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (767 reviews)
Clean, good value for the price, great proximity to ski resort, good views

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

The Highlands at Sugar
Swiss Mountain Village

Swiss Mountain Village

3 out of 5
2324 Flat Top Rd Blowing Rock NC
Stay at this cabin in Blowing Rock. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a picnic area. Popular attractions Appalachian Ski Mtn. and Tweetsie Railroad are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (159 reviews)
Cabin interior is dated, but comfortable. Floors badly need replacing. Queen bed was comfortable.

Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026

Swiss Mountain Village
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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.
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

Big water.

Elk Park