High Country Rock Climbing

North Carolina is home to some of the best rock climbing on the east coast, challenges as hard to climb as El Capitan, just on a smaller scale.  It's not Yosemite and never will be, but rock climbers from all over the east coast travel to NC for exhilarating adventure and are seldom disappointed by the mountain. 

Beginers can always find fun places to climb.  Advanced climbing looking for sheer vertical walls will be happy as well.  The Blue Ridge Mountains have something for everyone and there are outfitters for all skill levels.

In Banner Elk, Edge of the World of a great source for climbing advice.  For more than 20 years, two former teachers have run one of the best adventure shops in the area.  After deciding the area needed a snowboard shop, they continued to grow with Banner Elk and had added everything from whitewater rafting to guided rock climbing. 

If you're planning a High Country trip, give them a call or just stop by.  (NC 184  Banner Elk, NC 28604 / 828-898-9550)

As always, if you need a place to stay, consider Banner Haven B&B and Cabin Rentals.

http://bannerhavenbedandbreakfast.com/Banner_Haven/Home.html

Banner Haven Bed and Breakfast and Cabin Rentalswww.BannerHavenBedAndBreakfast.com
Greg and Amy Gardner – Innkeepers
509 Beech Mountain Parkway
Banner Elk, NC 28604
980-329-8101

Lees McRae Graduation Room Special

Banner Haven is proud to support Lees McRae graduates and their families with a Graduation Special.  Only a couple rooms remain, but the prices are reduced below standard off-season pricing.

Single room with queen bed: $45/55 for weekday and weekends (2 people maximum)
Private cabin with queen and pullout couch: $85/95 for weekdays and weekends ($20/ person over 2 people)

If you're still looking for accommodations, check VRBO for more availability or give Banner Haven a call today (980-329-8101).  They expect to fill up quickly.

http://bannerhavenbedandbreakfast.com/Banner_Haven/Home.html

Banner Haven Bed and Breakfast and Cabin Rentalswww.BannerHavenBedAndBreakfast.com
Greg and Amy Gardner – Innkeepers
509 Beech Mountain Parkway
Banner Elk, NC 28604
980-329-8101

High Country Cycling

If you're a cyclist, the High Country can provide exciting terrain and challenging rides, from the hills or the mountain roads to some of the most taxing off-road rides on the east coast.  The North Carolina Mountains offer a full range of cycling experiences.

On of the best places to get started is Cycle for Life, a bike shop in Banner Elk where you can rent bikes, find maps, or hire guides.  Cycling for Life Bike Shop (76 High Country Sq, Banner Elk, NC / 828-898-5445).

If you're coming to town, give them a call and remember that Banner Haven is a great place to stay in the High Country and close to lots of the bike trails around Lees Mcrae campus and Banner Elk.

For more information about local activities, contact Greg or Amy Gardner, the innkeepers at Banner Haven,  Whether you're staying there os somewhere else, they can help guide you toward whatever you're looking for.

http://bannerhavenbedandbreakfast.com/Banner_Haven/Home.html

Banner Haven Bed and Breakfast and Cabin Rentalswww.BannerHavenBedAndBreakfast.com
Greg and Amy Gardner – Innkeepers
509 Beech Mountain Parkway
Banner Elk, NC 28604
980-329-8101

Cold Temperatures and Clear Skies in Banner Elk, NC

No more snow, instead we woke up to clean skies and colds temps.  With last night's lows in the 20's, this morning's 32 degrees feels like a heat wave.  Luckily, we're headed toward 50 by the end of the day.  

Warmer weather should be back this weekend, with temps in the low 70's.

This winter was unusually warm with very little snow, less than 40".   Compared with more than 140" inches last year, the High Country got off easy this year.  But, for businesses that cater to summer clientele, it's been an early start to a great season.

Wahoo's Adventures and High Country Expeditions have already started running trips.

Whitewater rafting, rock climbing, guided hikes, fly fishing and more have taken off fast and show no signs of letting up.

The summer season is off to a great start for everyone.  

Remember, no matter what your interest, Banner Haven is close to all the High Country interests.  It's a great place to stay whether your rafting the class 4 and 5 rapids of local rivers, fly fishing local streams and hiking local trails.  The Innkeepers, Greg and Amy, will be happy to help guide you  to the nearest place for whatever you're looking for.

http://bannerhavenbedandbreakfast.com/Banner_Haven/Home.html

Banner Haven Bed and Breakfast and Cabin Rentalswww.BannerHavenBedAndBreakfast.com
Greg and Amy Gardner – Innkeepers
509 Beech Mountain Parkway
Banner Elk, NC 28604
980-329-8101

Banner Haven April Snow

Winter came late to the NC High Country this year, in the form of a late April Snow Storm that blanketed higher elevations and dusted towns as low as Foscoe and Boone.  It was a beautiful site for most people, waking up this morning to yards covered with snow ... at least when warm temps follow and have everything cleared up just after lunch.

Thankfully it didn't get cold enough to mess up the roads or even delay school.  Of course, the kids probably would have liked to see more.

Tune in to these two Facebook links for the full story and more photos.

April Snow Storm at Banner Haven

Inn at Elk River

http://bannerhavenbedandbreakfast.com/Banner_Haven/Home.html
Banner Haven Bed and Breakfast and Cabin Rentalswww.BannerHavenBedAndBreakfast.com
Greg and Amy Gardner – Innkeepers
509 Beech Mountain Parkway
Banner Elk, NC 28604
980-329-8101

Banner Haven Launches New Website

The new website has been launched and work continues while we ask for inside from visitors.  If you haven't visited the Banner Haven site, please take time to check us out on the web.

Some of the links aren't active yet, but the overall look as the site has been created and is up for visitors to see.

We value your opinion.

http://bannerhavenbedandbreakfast.com/Banner_Haven/Home.html

Banner Haven Bed and Breakfast and Cabin Rentalswww.BannerHavenBedAndBreakfast.com
Greg and Amy Gardner – Innkeepers
509 Beech Mountain Parkway
Banner Elk, NC 28604
980-329-8101

High country Adventures

If you're looking for a family adventure visit Hawksnest Zipline and Canopy Tours.  Winter season is over and snow tubing is gone but zip lines are year round in Seven Devils, NC.  Give them a call (828 963-6561) or just stop by: 2058 Skyland Drive, Seven Devils, North Carolina 28604.  You can also check them out on the web at http://www.hawksnest-resort.com

It's fun for the whole family and can be enjoyed minutes from Banner Haven B&B and Cabin Rentals

 

As alway, if you need a place to stay, come on over to Banner Haven B&B and Cabin Rentals.

Banner Haven Bed and Breakfast and Cabin Rentalswww.BannerHavenBedAndBreakfast.com
Greg and Amy Gardner – Innkeepers
509 Beech Mountain Parkway
Banner Elk, NC 28604
980-329-8101

Welcome to Banner Elk's Newest Bed and Breakfast

Banner Haven B&B and Cabin Rentals becomes the newest jewel in Banner Elk's cap.

Situated at the base of Beech Mountain, just inside the city of Banner Elk, this unique Bed and Breakfast has a style all its own and is approaching the B&B industry from a whole new angle.

Rather than bringing guests together for early morning breakfast on a schedule that may or may not suit everyone, the innkeepers - Greg and Amy Gardner - have decided to outsource breakfast to some local restaurants where guests can choose what time to eat and select from several menus instead of choosing from a smaller selection.

Based on the guest feedback, they're on the right track and everyone seems to be very pleased.

If you're like to contact Banner Haven, check out their website or the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce website or just email the innkeepers.

Banner Haven Bed and Breakfast and Cabin Rentalswww.BannerHavenBedAndBreakfast.com
Greg and Amy Gardner – Innkeepers
509 Beech Mountain Parkway
Banner Elk, NC 28604
980-329-8101