Banner Elk Cafe & Tavern
A longtime favorite with a broad menu and a relaxed Banner Elk feel.
Lillian's tipTry the fresh trout for a taste of the mountains. Weekends can get crowded, so arriving early is a good idea.
K&L Stays · Banner Elk
Your Banner Elk Guest Guide.
Local favorites, mountain adventures and family-friendly ideas shared by your K&L Stays host — all in one place.
Host-Curated
Start with the places Lillian already shares with guests.
This guide brings together recommendations from the K&L Stays house manuals and Airbnb guidebook, then organizes them by the kind of day you want to have — an easy meal, a mountain adventure, a family outing or something seasonal.
A Good Place to Start
Three host picks.
Not sure where to begin? These three cover local flavor, iconic mountain scenery and an easy family day.
Grandfather Mountain
Panoramic views, wildlife habitats, hiking and the Mile High Swinging Bridge make this one of the High Country's signature days out.
Good forScenery, nature and a memorable first visit to the area.
Apple Hill Farm
A relaxed mountain farm experience with guided visits, alpacas, angora sheep and working dogs.
Good forFamilies, animal lovers and a slower-paced afternoon.
Food Scene
Food & Drink
From casual local favorites to a more polished dinner, these are the places already highlighted in the K&L Stays house manuals.
Food & Drink01
Banner Elk Cafe & Tavern
A longtime local favorite with two kitchens and a broad lunch-and-dinner selection.
Host tip: If you want a true taste of the mountains, Lillian recommends the fresh trout. Weekends can get busy, so arriving early is a good idea.
Food & Drink02
Bayou Smokehouse & Grill
Texas-Louisiana inspired food in a relaxed setting, with outdoor seating when the weather cooperates.
Food & Drink03
Sorrento's Italian Bistro
Italian cooking rooted in family recipes, with pasta, pizza, seafood and a seasonal patio garden.
Food & Drink04
Town Tavern of Banner Elk
A casual place for wings, burgers, sandwiches and catching a game.
Food & Drink05
LP on Main
A more polished Banner Elk dinner option with Louisiana and Creole influences in an upscale-but-relaxed setting.
Food & Drink06
Puerto Nuevo Mexican & Seafood Restaurant
Fresh Mexican dishes, seafood and vegetarian options, plus a kids menu for family dinners.
Food & Drink07
Williams Deli & Bakery
A handy stop for sandwiches and baked treats, from hot and cold deli classics to cakes, cookies and muffins.
Food & Drink08
Nguyens Asian Grill
An Asian-fusion option with appetizers, entrées and sushi-style rice rolls.
Get Out & Explore
Mountain Days & Sightseeing
Scenic views, a winery, lake days, a mountain coaster and two nearby resorts give you options in every season.
Explore01
Grandfather Mountain
A classic High Country day for panoramic views, wildlife habitats, hiking and the Mile High Swinging Bridge.
Explore02
Banner Elk Winery
A Blue Ridge winery for tastings and a relaxed mountain setting, with outdoor seating in warmer weather and a cozy indoor atmosphere when it is cold.
Explore03
Wildcat Lake
A 13-acre lake with a sandy beach, swimming area, fishing dock and space for non-motorized paddling during the appropriate season.
Explore04
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
A fast, outdoor mountain-coaster experience near Sugar Mountain for a more adventurous afternoon.
Explore05
Beech Mountain Resort
Winter brings skiing and tubing; warmer months shift toward scenic lift rides, trails, mountain biking and other mountain activities.
Explore06
Sugar Mountain Resort
A year-round mountain option with skiing and snow activities in winter, plus scenic lift rides, hiking and biking in warmer months.
Time Together
Family Fun
Easy outings for younger kids, classic family attractions and a few options worth the short drive toward Boone and Blowing Rock.
Family Fun01
Apple Hill Farm
A picturesque mountain farm where guided visits introduce families to alpacas, angora sheep, working dogs and local agriculture.
Family Fun02
Sugar Creek Gem Mine
A hands-on gem-mining stop near Sugar Mountain — simple, memorable and easy to pair with another family activity.
Family Fun03
Tate-Evans Park
A downtown Banner Elk option with playground space, open lawns and easy stroller access.
Family Fun04
The Children's Playhouse
An indoor/outdoor play option in Boone designed with younger children in mind — especially useful for a slower day or rainy weather.
Family Fun05
Tweetsie Railroad
A family attraction near Boone with train rides, animals, small rides and play areas.
More family adventures
The Blowing Rock
Mountain views, short walks and an easy sightseeing stop that can work for a wide range of ages.
Directions →Hawksnest Zipline
A higher-energy choice for older kids, teens and adults. Check current age and weight requirements before planning.
Directions →Linville Caverns
An underground cave tour that adds an educational, weather-independent option to a High Country day.
Directions →Mystery Hill
An interactive Boone-area stop with science-oriented and curiosity-driven attractions.
Directions →Nature Walks & Gardens
For a gentler afternoon, consider gardens, easy paths and scenic walks around Boone and the High Country.
Directions →Horseback Riding
The family notes also suggest horseback riding around Banner Elk / Valle Crucis for children comfortable around horses. Reservations are often useful.
Directions →Traveling With Kids?
Match the day to their energy.
The family notes from our host include ideas for toddlers, older kids and low-key days when everyone needs a slower pace.
Toddlers & Young Kids
Keep it simple.
- Tate-Evans Park
- Apple Hill Farm
- Sugar Creek Gem Mine
- The Children's Playhouse
- Tweetsie Railroad
Older Kids & Teens
Add some adventure.
- Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
- Grandfather Mountain
- Hawksnest Zipline
- Linville Caverns
- Mystery Hill
All Ages
Leave room to slow down.
- The Blowing Rock / overlooks
- Nature walks & gardens
- Scenic drives
- Playground time
- Easy picnic stops
Seasonal Adventures
Two mountains, different ways to play.
Beech and Sugar both change with the seasons. The house manuals highlight winter snow activities and a completely different set of warm-weather mountain experiences.
Beech Mountain
Winter
Tubing, skiing, winter trails and dining.
Summer
Yoga, disc golf, scenic lift rides, mountain biking, trails and dining.
Sugar Mountain
Winter
Skiing, tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing and dining.
Summer
Scenic lift rides, hiking, summer camps, biking, dining and seasonal events.
Good to Know
A little planning goes a long way.
Mountain weather and seasonal schedules can change quickly, especially when traveling with children.
Check the seasonSome attractions and mountain activities operate on seasonal calendars.
Book aheadFarms, guided tours, horseback rides and some attractions may require or benefit from reservations.
Mix the pacePair a high-energy day with a quieter park, garden, farm or café stop.
Plan the driveSome Boone and Blowing Rock options can take 30–60 minutes depending on traffic and conditions.
Bring the basicsWater and snacks are useful when food options are limited or little travelers need a break.
Operating hours, weather conditions, age or weight restrictions and seasonal availability can change. Please check current information with each attraction before heading out.
During Your Stay
House how-tos & checkout.
Practical instructions from Lillian's House Manuals. Open the guide for the condo you're staying in to see climate controls, laundry, dishwasher, coffee setup and checkout steps.
Need help? If you booked through Airbnb or Vrbo, you can also message through the platform.
Text (910) 224-3021
hello@knlstays.com
Instructions for Lovely Condo (C-1), including the Heat/Cool thermostat, laundry, kitchen appliances and checkout.
Jump to what you needCheckout instructions →
ThermostatView instructions
- Locate the thermostat next to the coffee station.
- Press MODE to power the system on/off and to select Heat or Cool. Emergency heat activates automatically when there is a temperature difference of more than 2°.
- Adjust the temperature with the up and down arrows.
- On cooler days and nights, the House Manual also suggests opening windows and using ceiling fans for added comfort.
Washer & DryerView instructions
Washer: Located inside the small bathroom. Laundry pods are in the master-bedroom closet.
- Select the appropriate load size and temperature.
- Place the laundry pod into the washer before loading clothes.
- Turn the dial to the desired wash cycle, then pull the dial to start.
Dryer: Transfer clothes after washing, select the desired drying mode with the dial, then press the dryer button to begin.
DishwasherView instructions
Detergent pods are under the kitchen sink.
- Load dishes.
- Add a pod to the lid compartment.
- Select the cycle.
- Push Start and close the dishwasher.
Keurig & CoffeeView instructions
- Fill the reservoir with cold water from the sink.
- Turn it on and wait for the “ready” light.
- Lift the top bar, insert a K-Cup and place a mug underneath.
- Close the lid and choose your desired size — the House Manual notes that large works well for the black mugs.
- Wait and enjoy.
Ground coffee for the drip coffee maker is kept inside the refrigerator.
Drip Coffee MakerView instructions
Ground coffee is available in the refrigerator if you prefer the drip coffee maker.
IronView instructions
The ironing board and iron are inside the master-bedroom closet.
Leaving soon?
Checking Out — Lovely Condo
Check-out time is 11:00 AM. If you need additional time, notify Lillian in advance and she will do her best to accommodate the request.
- Leave used beds unmade — no need to strip the linens.
- Remove any food you brought from the fridge and freezer.
- Load and start the dishwasher if you used dishes.
- Adjust the heat down or cool up on the thermostat before leaving.
- There is no need to collect or take out the trash. If needed, the dumpster is in the next parking lot coming down from the condo to the right. Close the gate to keep critters out.
Double-check for personal items — especially phones and chargers.
Instructions for Cozy Condo (C-2), including its wall heaters, cold-weather precautions, laundry, kitchen appliances and checkout.
Jump to what you needCheckout instructions →
Wall HeatersView instructions
- Thermostats are next to the light switch in each room and next to the coffee station for the living/dining area.
- Turn the dial toward Low to the left or High to the right. Once the desired temperature is reached, it turns off/on automatically.
- Please turn the heat low when leaving the condo.
When temperatures drop below freezing (32°F / 0°C): before going to bed, open the kitchen cabinets under the sink so warm air can enter, and leave the faucet running just a little. A small stream helps prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting.
Summer comfort: As noted in the House Manual, Cozy Condo does not have A/C. On warmer days, open the windows and use the ceiling fans.
Washer & DryerView instructions
Washer: Located inside the small bathroom. Laundry pods are in the master-bedroom closet.
- Select the wash cycle and temperature.
- Place the laundry pod into the washer before loading clothes.
- Close the lid and press Start. The “wash” light will turn on and the machine will first sense the load size; it may take a few seconds before water begins filling the tub.
Dryer: Transfer the clothes, choose the desired drying mode with the dial, then press Start.
DishwasherView instructions
Detergent pods are under the kitchen sink.
- Load dishes.
- Add a pod to the lid compartment and remove the plastic wrap.
- Select the cycle.
- Push Start and close the dishwasher.
Keurig & CoffeeView instructions
- Fill the reservoir with cold water from the sink.
- Turn it on and wait for the “ready” light.
- Lift the top bar, insert a K-Cup and place a mug underneath.
- Close the lid and choose your desired size — the House Manual notes that large works well for the black mugs.
- Wait and enjoy.
Ground coffee for the drip coffee maker is kept inside the refrigerator.
Drip Coffee MakerView instructions
Ground coffee is available in the refrigerator if you prefer the drip coffee maker.
IronView instructions
The ironing board and iron are inside the master-bedroom closet.
Leaving soon?
Checking Out — Cozy Condo
Check-out time is 11:00 AM. If you need additional time, notify Lillian in advance and she will do her best to accommodate the request.
- Leave used beds unmade — no need to strip the linens.
- Remove any food you brought from the fridge and freezer.
- Load and start the dishwasher if you used dishes.
- Adjust the heat down on the thermostat before leaving.
- There is no need to collect or take out the trash. If needed, the dumpster is in the next parking lot coming down from the condo to the right. Close the gate to keep critters out.
Double-check for personal items — especially phones and chargers.
Wi-Fi credentials and other access information are intentionally not published on this public test page.
Ready for Banner Elk?