Sugar Grove Travel Guide

Tourist 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
The price is 2.835.944 ₫ per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
2.835.944 ₫
3.197.527 ₫ total
8 Mar - 9 Mar
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
Clean, good location, breakfast included and a good price. Great value for the money

Reviewed on 25 Feb 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
The price is 2.985.204 ₫ per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
2.985.204 ₫
3.365.818 ₫ total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,299 reviews)
Hotel was very clean and staff was extremely friendly. The pool was spacious and well kept. The breakfast was among the best we have encountered.

Reviewed on 25 Feb 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. ...
8/10 Very Good! (488 reviews)
Clean room. Well located. Nice staff.

Reviewed on 25 Feb 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.
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! (801 reviews)
Pros: The suite was clean. The space is large and roomy with plenty of blankets, and kitchen pans, appliances, and dishware. Check-in and out was easy and staff friendly. Location is very nice with a great view from all suites. Enjoyed the real wood fireplace. Bought some logs at local store and ...

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

The Highlands at Sugar
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! (274 reviews)
Very courteous staff. The place is very dated but it's a good value for being so close to Beech Mtn (10 mins) and Sugar Mtn (25 mins) ski resorts. Room was well equipped with a mini kitchen and everything necessary to cook (Stove, pots and pans, boiler, toaster, cutlery, plates, bowls...) Quiet despite ...

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026

Smoketree Lodge
Heritage Hill Cabins

Heritage Hill Cabins

3 out of 5
161 Alnic Ln Banner Elk NC
Stay at this cabin in Banner Elk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Beech Mountain Resort and Alta Vista Gallery ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
Veey clean and cozy! Love the cabin, I rated 4 stars as the check in instructions and website should be updated for off season. Our intro text talked about farm animals and then ended with "no animals at this time", same with the dinner Resturant, told to make reservations but then concludes with ...

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Heritage Hill Cabins
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.

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