Nestled between Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain, Banner Elk, NC, is a High Country haven (incorporated in 1911). Every season is brimming with natural beauty in this Avery County town at 3,701 feet elevation. In 1982, Harry and Spencer Robbins were inspired to create an exclusive community where luxury meets the finest in mountain golf and exceptional amenities. In today’s post, we’re providing a glimpse of the experience Banner Elk offers visitors and residents and showcasing the seasons in our region. We’re confident you’ll fall in love with our town, and we believe the lifestyle and extras you’re seeking can be found at our private, member-owned country club.
Small Town Pleasures You’ll Appreciate Year-Round
Picture your ultimate small town day in the mountains—does it translate into shopping for handmade gifts, savoring gourmet food and great conversation, relishing in the arts, visiting local attractions, exploring the great outdoors or relaxing at the spa? Banner Elk is just the place to “Escape. Unwind. Indulge.” Browse restaurants, attractions, shops, spas, wineries and more on the Banner Elk website.
Four Seasons of Blue Ridge Mountain Bliss
Spring, summer, fall and winter each present distinct gifts and opportunities to explore our region in thrilling ways. The vibrant greens of spring shine as foliage emerges, seen in the mountain grass, moss and wildflowers, and traveling up the treetops as leaves take shape. Spring is also a dream for hiking, biking, fishing and dining al fresco with loved ones. Much anticipation surrounds reserving the first golf game of the year, especially for those making their way onto the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Elk River Club. The warmer temps also bring scads of festivals, craft fairs and outdoor concerts.
Summer temps are perfect for time by the pool, horseback rides, tennis matches, outdoor excursions and Banner Elk’s Concerts in the Park series (Thursday evenings, July-August). Attendees spread blankets under the night sky and unwind to a mixture of crowd-pleasing tunes. For those with an adventurous spirit, river rafting, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are available through local outfitters and at several of our region’s lakes. Art on the Greene is another summer favorite, happening over four different weekends from May to September and featuring one-of-a-kind arts and crafts from regional and national creators. Founded in 1956, Grandfather Mountain’s Highland Games take place over four days, with athletic feats, parades, traditional music and dance, merchants and more.
Fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains has inspired songwriters, artists and nature lovers the world over. Autumn is yet another ideal time to explore the trails and dedicate a day to cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sports fans flock to Appalachian State University for football or Lees-McRae College for their lineup of athletic events. The Mile High Kite Festival at nearby Beech Mountain happens in September when the skies are bursting with family fun. Locals also look forward to the Woolly Worm Festival and the Valle Country Fair.
Winter comes alive through skiing, snowboarding, sledding and ice skating in our region. Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain, Appalachian Ski Mountain and Seven Devils are a relatively short drive away for those eager to enjoy outdoor sports. The holiday season is merry and magical, with plenty of Christmas parades, light displays, tree farms and Banner Elk’s beloved A Small Town Christmas.
High Country Living At Its Best
There is far more waiting for you and your family at Elk River Club. When you’re ready to make your dream of Blue Ridge Mountain living come true, please get in touch with our membership team.
Elk River Club is a private mountain golf community in Western North Carolina with the first Signature Jack Nicklaus golf course in the state. Residents and guests enjoy surrounding views of Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain and Grandfather Mountain. Amenities include an Equestrian Center, a private, on-premise airport, Har-Tru tennis courts, a pool complex, spa services, Clubhouse, casual and fine dining, fishing, events and more.
###