Having to settle back into to your boring hometown after living in Boone is a nightmare for many reasons. The realization that college is over and being an adult sucks are two very harsh realities to cope with. When you pair these realizations with the fact that the next time you return to Boone, you will no longer be a student, it is almost unbearable. After all, Boone was home to some of the best memories of your life. The amazing football games, epic parties and endless activities were just a few reasons why college was so great. When you pair this with the amazing views and overall uniqueness of Boone, you really can’t go wrong.

Let’s face it: Boone ruined you. There is no town, college campus, or city that can even compare to this mountain town. Just in case that wasn’t reason enough, Boone found its way onto the Gear Patrol’s Reader’s Choice: Best Places to Travel in 2016, probably for a few of these reasons:

The Views

At every turn, there is sure to be a breathtaking view. Between walking to class to taking a spontaneous drive on the parkway, you're guaranteed to stumble upon something beautiful. If you allow your spontaneity to take you through all Boone and the surrounding communities have to offer, you will experience the best nature has to offer.

The People

The people you will find in Boone are truly one of a kind. One of the best parts about Boone is that no one looks or acts the same. Every individual is completely different, which provides a great opportunity to meet some amazing people. If you take the time to get to know the locals and the students alike, you will not be disappointed in the amount of sheer diversity.

The Activities

Really, what can’t you do in Boone? You can ski, snowboard, hike, swim, mountain climb, kayak, fish, run or walk. And the best part is that you can do all of these things anywhere.

The Food

Locally grown and farm fresh ingredients are a must for nearly all Boone restaurants, which may be why the food tastes so much better. Whether you’re stopping in for a vegan meal at Kindly Kitchen, or hitting up AMB for some fresh brews, you will encounter locally grown ingredients with Appalachian flare.

The Diversity

Boone is a truly unique place. The people, scenery, and surroundings are completely diverse and unlike anything else. This makes living anywhere else extremely challenging, because nothing will ever live up to the standards in Boone, North Carolina.