Escape from Paradise with Ingrid Lemme-Chalut: August 2025

Mountains, Meals and Miracles: The Rebirth of Banner Elk

 

Tucked into North Carolina’s High Country, Banner Elk is where the mountains meet the soul, and where community truly means everything. Once rattled by flood waters from Hurricane Helene, this resilient town didn’t just recover, it came back stronger, prouder, and more united than ever. On our recent summer visit, we found ourselves immersed in stunning landscapes, unforgettable meals (we’re unapologetic foodies!), and stories of perseverance that define this close-knit mountain community. Our adventure began with a winding drive to Grandfather Mountain, that iconic 5,946-foot peak known for its sweeping views, wildlife habitats, and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Grandfather is more than a landmark—it’s a symbol of endurance. In the Nature Center lobby, beneath the statue of Mildred the Bear, we met Landis Wofford and Molly Dowdle, Grandfather Mountain’s communications team. Over lunch at Mildred’s Grill, they shared how, in the aftermath of the flood, Grandfather Mountain provided vital support: volunteers, resources, and emergency logistics.  — Crossing the Swinging Bridge, the metaphor became clear: like this town, the bridge may sway, but it holds. Standing high above the Blue Ridge, we saw how deeply nature and humanity are intertwined here. Afterward, we returned to the Nature Center and spotted a black bear napping peacefully beneath massive boulders, just one of many moments that stuck with us. Mildred the Bear, once the mountain’s beloved mascot, became a legend for her gentle nature and impressive longevity—she lived to 26, remarkable for a black bear in captivity.

We stayed at Banner Elk Glamping, a mountaintop retreat minutes from downtown. The geodome is all about comfort and views: king-size bed, plush linens, a comfy sofa, extra-large bean bag, and panoramic windows looking out over vineyards and mountains. There’s a Keurig coffeemaker, tea kettle, refrigerator, and high-speed WiFi inside. The spa-style bathroom, accessed through a private “wine barrel” entrance, is steps away. Prints by owner Joseph Nitti, a renowned mountain photographer, decorate the dome. You can soak in your private hot tub as the sun sets, stargaze through the dome’s skylight, or relax in a swinging hammock listening to the sounds of nature. Each dome has its own smokeless fire pit and Blackstone grill. The location is peaceful and secluded, yet just minutes from Banner Elk’s walkable downtown. — A short walk led us to the Banner Elk Winery, where we met tasting room managers Andy Martin, his wife Stephanie, and their daughter Avery. Established in 2005, it was the first commercial winery in Avery and Watauga counties. Their award-winning wines reflect the rugged terrain and nuanced fruit of the Blue Ridge. I had to remind my husband we had dinner reservations in town…

Stonewalls Restaurant—a Banner Elk institution since 1985—pivoted during the flood, rolling out food trucks to feed neighbors, keeping spirits up and bellies full. Co-owned by Scott Garland and Chef Tim Heschke, both culinary school grads, they bought the restaurant in 2016 and kept its tradition of warmth and generosity alive. My pistachio-crusted trout was delicate and perfectly cooked, while Marcus raved about his prime rib, carved à la minute and so tender he barely needed a knife. The fresh salad bar and that mile-high peach cobbler? Pure comfort, the kind that lingers in memory. That night, rain danced on our dome. What began as a storm became a lullaby, one of the most peaceful nights of our trip. Cocooned beneath the dome with the soft tapping of rain overhead and no distractions, we realized how little we needed to feel restored…just each other, the mountains, and a deep exhale under the stars.

The next morning brought breakfast at the Banner Elk Café, a community staple for nearly 40 years. The scent of applewood bacon, biscuits, and strong coffee filled the air as locals and Highland Games visitors packed in. Their specialty coffee bar gave us just the boost we needed. Next stop: Apple Hill Farm, perched high on a ridge and home to photogenic alpacas, goats, donkeys, and guardian llamas. Though founder Jane Lee Rankin wasn’t on-site for our tour, a young guide gave us a wonderful introduction. Later, we met Jane in her outlet shop downtown and picked up her memoir, “Farm Family: A Solo Mom’s Memoir of Finding Home, Happiness, and Alpacas.” Her story of resilience—starting over, building a new life with her child—mirrors Banner Elk’s own: navigating storms with grit and grace.

Over lunch at the Banner Elk Café, we sat down with Tourism Director Nancy Owen, who told us how her husband, the town manager, led Banner Elk through the worst of the flooding. With no power and no safe passage in or out, the town pulled together like never before. –Next, we tried the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, North Carolina’s first and only alpine coaster. With individually controlled carts reaching up to 27 mph, the loops, twists, and waves made for a fast-paced mountain thrill. Once was enough for me—Later, we strolled through town, discovered the Thursday afternoon Farmers Market, and found BE Scooped, an idyllic ice cream parlor in the Village Shops at the heart of downtown. It’s a charming ice cream and coffee spot run by two efficient young twin sisters. We double-dipped—and double-tipped.

That evening, we dined at LP on Main (Louisiana Purchase Food & Spirits) — a refined, family-run gem right in the center of Banner Elk. From the lavender-lined entrance to the hand-tied napkin flowers, every detail felt intentional and inviting. The food? Exceptional. Seared scallops over chorizo potato salad, brightened with chimichurri and aioli, and a crab cake drizzled in bold monk mustard cream sauce—unreal. For mains, Marcus enjoyed the fresh catch of the day, while I chose grilled salmon over marinated cucumber, tomato, and okra, with silky campanelle pasta on the side. Indulgent and memorable. We ended the evening meeting Chef Patrick Bagbey, his wife Laurie, and their charismatic 11-year-old son, a true family-run restaurant full of pride and heart.  — After dinner, we joined the Thursday Night Concert in the Park. Families danced, teens played cornhole, and music rolled over the hills. My husband danced up a storm beneath the stars. Banner Elk doesn’t just host a concert, it invites you into its rhythm.

After another peaceful dome sleep and a final breakfast among Highland Games attendees, we headed to Valle Crucis with Craig Distl, Banner Elk’s PR representative. There, we visited the Mast General Store, a time capsule of creaky wood floors, a barrel stove, and even a vintage post office. The excellent five-cent coffee, on the honor system, begged for a refill. Later, we listened to Mast’s heartwarming history from Sheri Moretz, the store’s storyteller, who spun tales of its origins, its role as a community hub, and the generations who’ve come through its doors.

On our return, we paused at Wildcat Lake. With paddle boats, a white-sand beach, walking trails, and blooming lily pads, it was a peaceful close to our journey. Owned by Lees-McRae College, the lake is a community treasure, loved by families for generations, a place to catch your breath and reflect on all you’ve seen. — Back in town, we toured the historic high school, once a flood relief center, now home to Ensemble Stage and a vibrant arts exhibit. In the days after the flood, the school became a lifeline: inside, the most organized shelf displays you could imagine, stocked with anything victims might need, from diapers and wipes to food and daily basics.  —- Under Artistic Director Gary Smith and Managing Director Lisa Lamont, the theater now delivers world-class productions in this beautiful mountain town. Just a couple of doors down, we explored the light-filled rooms of the local arts and crafts gallery, a curated trove of handmade Appalachian goods, each piece telling a story of skill and place.

Before heading out of town, we made a flavorful stop at Sorrento’s Italian Bistro, a family-run gem with a charming covered outdoor setting in the heart of Banner Elk since 1983. We shared a thin-crust pizza and a fresh salad, savoring culinary traditions passed down by three generations of the Palazzo family. And it’s not just the food that feeds the soul—Sorrento’s is an art lover’s delight. Local artist Kent Paulette has turned the restaurant into a vibrant gallery, with striking portraits—including the Rolling Stones and Audrey Hepburn—gracing the walls.

For a town with fewer than 1,500 residents, Banner Elk has a surprisingly rich culinary scene. So much so, it’s known as the culinary hot spot of the NC High Country. — What we discovered in Banner Elk wasn’t just a mountain escape, it was a town reborn. Its old glory never left; it just needed to be rediscovered, hand in hand, by the people who never let go.  bannerelk.com

Until next month, for another interesting location.