We absolutely love Banner Elk with all its great hikes, Grandfather Mountain, tons of activities, (and we neither ski nor play golf). We...
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We absolutely love Banner Elk with all its
great hikes, Grandfather Mountain, tons of
activities, (and we neither ski nor play golf).
We bought a two-bedroom unit here and it's
gorgeous. The view of mountains goes on
forever, the unit itself has a two-story living
room with beamed cathedral ceiling, and a
stone fireplace two stories high. The jacuzzi is
big enough for four people, and there's an
upstairs sitting room, so with two bedrooms
and two separate convertible couches, it
sleeps 8.
Everything inside the unit is in good shape,
but the balconies need paint. Maybe that's
next on the refurbish list. The indoor pool and
hot tub are pretty well maintained, but the
exercise equipment is getting a little old.
Banner Elk has marvelous restaurants. We
especially like Zuzda--they have over 100
tapas to choose from, and each comes from
the kitchen individually made. The lobster
bisque is excellent, trout almandine, tempura
veggies, and they encourage sharing. It's fun!
Update: the balconies have been redone--they look great now. Do not go to the gem mines in Foscoe--drive down the parkway to the Mineral Museum, go past it a couple of miles to Rio Doce mine. We have come home with pounds of amethyst, rubies, sapphires, and plenty of other stuff. It's fun, and they will cut gems you find for about $45 each. We had them cut a citrine (buttercup yellow) and a silver topaz that flashes silver as you turn it. Both were 32-facet cuts, 2 carats, and perfectly beautiful. And we found them ourselves!