Things To Do in the High Country When You Don't Drink (...Besides Hiking)

I don't want the title to seem as if I am disparaging hiking in the high country. Not at all! Hiking is my go-to activity as a non-drinker in the mountains.

As we come into the winter, the trails are closing and my knees are aching. I have to remind myself there is actually a lot of fun-filled activities to do in the High-Country for folks who want to do things that aren't focused on drinking.

Here is my short list of fun and economical things to do in the mountains!

Thrifting!

These mountains have some of the best thrifting around. Lots of eccentric old folks in these hills that are always dying to donate their stuff.

My favorite spots are the High Country Emporium on Howard Street in Downtown Boone. I also have a lot of luck at Thrift Smith Vintage on 105, though that is more curated and can be a little pricey.

The secret spot is the Hebron Colony next to the Goodwill in the shopping center with Mint Indian Cuisine and the Bowling Alley. Should we go bowling and eat Indian Food?

Game Nights

Catan is my go-to. I use to travel with it, so if you are ever down to play, holler. The Crop & Trade Co-Op will have game nights on Wednesday night coming into the New Year.

I recently started playing Dungeons & Dragons. Oh my gosh, this is doing wonderful things for my mind. To just sit and use my imagination with no wrong answers, just other adults, collectively having fun. It's amazing. It's doing wonders for my inner child.

I also love poker but have no played since I got sober. Anyone down for a poker night?

Go to the Theatre

The movie theatre has a deal where you can see unlimited moved for less that $25 bucks a month.

I have been to two shows at the Appalachian Theatre on King Street this year and they were amazing. Rocky Horror Picture Show and Murder Ballads. Great candy selection and they have THCa drinks if that's your thing.

I was also lucky enough to catch Who's Line Is It Anyways? When they came into town!

Forest Bathing

I recently was introduced to the Japanese art of Forest Bathing by my friend Becca Nenow

beccanenow.com

It's where you go into the forest and wander. It's a guided mediation at some parts and some parts its just meandering around, exploring, and allowing yourself to be accepted by nature.

I cried my first time and went on to write a poem about the experience. Simply being given permission to just exist as a human in nature is good for the soul.

Crafting

Another shout out the the Crop & Trade Co-Op where they have crafting circle every Sunday at 11am. Free to join!

I recently started junk journalling and collaging. Holler if you have any old magazines.

I also have a lot of paint and old canvases. I like to do acrylic pouring. 10 years ago there was a tree off the parkway that always had paints underneath, and I thought that was super cool.

Who wants to go paint under a tree with me once the weather warms up?

Skating!

There are two types of skating to do in the mountains are both are off of 321. One is ZRC Skate right across the TN border. Ashley is amazing and got me on a skateboard for the first time since I was a teenager. They also have awesome dance parties there where we sometimes sling mock-tails!

Skateworld has my heart forever. There is something so magical about a place that knows it's enough exactly how it is. If you want to come skating with us, we go the second Friday every month! Skateworld is cash only!

***Upcoming dates for 2026: January 9th, February 13th, March 13th, April 10th, May 8th, and June 12

Do Something a Tourist Would Do!

The High Country is a hot bed for tourism and filled with whimsy. It's really fun to live where people vacation. We are talking about doing a group trip to Tweetsie this summer. Holler at us if you have any ideas for group trips!

Holler if you have any you want to add!

Especially if they are economical.

We are always looking for fun and/or fulfilling stuff to do in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina.

Special mentions: Hot Springs, NC has mineral baths and is a great luxury treat yo' self trip. They got hit pretty bad by Helene and need support.