Unforgettable Things to Do Near Boone, NC: The Ultimate High-Country Day Trip

As the beating heart of the North Carolina High Country, Boone, NC is legendary for its mountain culture. Visitors pack their itineraries with hiking the profile of Grandfather Mountain, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, carving up the slopes at Appalachian Ski Mtn., and exploring the vibrant King Street downtown scene.

But if you are looking to truly understand the deep, historic roots of these mountains—beyond the standard tourist tracks—there is an unmissable destination just down the mountain.

When mapping out things to do near Boone, NC, make South Mountain Distilling Company your premier afternoon getaway. Located a scenic cruise down the mountain in Connelly Springs, we offer an authentic, multi-generational dive into the real history of Appalachian moonshine and whiskey that you simply cannot find at 3,300 feet.

Trade the Altitude for High-Proof Mountain History

While Boone has a fantastic local craft brewery scene, South Mountain Distilling Co. offers a raw piece of living Carolina history.

Our family’s roots in the foothills date all the way back to the 1828 North Carolina Gold Rush. Surviving the era of the "revenuers," we still utilize the exact same time-tested family recipes passed down through generations. Cooked with the region's exceptionally pure, mineral-rich Connelly Springs water, every single pour serves up a genuine piece of Appalachian grit.

Here is why high-country travelers make the short drive down to our tasting room:

1. Award-Winning Moonshine & Premium Bourbon Flights

Get a taste of true Southern craft. Sample our 101-proof flagship Jasper’s Shine, smooth wheated bourbons, aged whiskeys, and our celebrated Cherry Bounce (a revived 130-year-old family recipe infused with real black cherries and honey). You can even sample the world-famous JB Rader's Honeycrisp Apple Moonshine, crafted in direct partnership with the legendary moonshiner himself.

2. The Hands-On Masterclass Distilling Experience

Looking for something more immersive than a standard walk-through? South Mountain is famous for our behind-the-scenes Distilling Masterclass. You’ll step behind our copper stills to grind the grain, mash, ferment, distill, and bottle your own batch of authentic spirit—complete with your name on the label to show off back in Boone.

3. A Prime Gathering Spot for Mountain Groups

Planning a App State alumni meetup, a bachelor/bachelorette weekend, or a corporate retreat in the High Country? We feature two beautifully appointed private event space rentals (hosting up to 49 guests) that offer a relaxed, historic Southern atmosphere perfect for escaping the crowded downtown blocks.

Planning Your Drive from Boone

Getting to South Mountain Distilling Co. from the High Country is an easy, highly scenic drive straight down Highway 321 or the Blue Ridge Parkway, dropping you right into the foothills off I-40.

• Drive Time from Downtown Boone: Just a beautiful ~55-minute drive south.

• Address: 1027 Malcolm Blvd, Connelly Springs, NC 28612 (Right off I-40, Exit 113)

• Hours: * Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  Friday `10 AM - 9 PM

  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Sunday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

The Ultimate Day-Trip Itinerary: Spend your morning taking in the jaw-dropping views along the Blue Ridge Parkway or hiking the trails at Moses Cone Memorial Park. As you head down the mountain for the afternoon, pull into South Mountain Distilling Company to unwind with a premium craft flight or an artisan cocktail before heading back up to Boone for dinner.