Our Supporting Partners

Impact Leader Partner

Famous Brick Oven

Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria is more than a pizza place—it’s a family-friendly destination! Enjoy the best pizza in western NC, a full bar, Greek-Italian-inspired dishes, live music, seasonal outdoor movies, an arcade, and mini-golf. With indoor/outdoor seating, it’s perfect year-round, including after sledding on the nearby hill. Dogs are welcome outside, and it’s Count On Me NC certified. Don’t miss this unique spot for great food, fun, and memories!

Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

A wonder-filled haven for rejuvenation, excitement and family memories, Grandfather welcomes you with panoramic views from the Mile High Swinging Bridge; bears, cougars, otters, a golden eagle and deer in their natural habitats; a fudge shop; a natural history museum; hiking trails; friendly naturalists; gift shops a restaurant, and more!

Anyone who visits Grandfather Mountain discovers a place that inspires awe through natural wonders. You’ll never experience the same mountain twice: today you might come face-to-face with an owl, another day you may see rare wildflowers in bloom. Just talk to one of our naturalists to understand more about these living treasures and learn where to find them. There’s nowhere else on Earth that you can enjoy such a variety of mountain life in one amazing place.

Reid’s Cafe And Catering Co.

For over 23 years, Reid’s Café & Catering, led by Tina Houston, has been a cornerstone of high-quality food service in the North Carolina High Country. With locations including the Beacon Butcher Bar in Boone and Betty’s Biscuits Food Truck, we specialize in crafting memorable experiences for any occasion. Our diverse menu ranges from traditional favorites to global flavors, always using the freshest, seasonal ingredients.

At our café, located at the base of Grandfather Mountain, we serve regional seafood, local farm goods, and exceptional coffee from Bald Guy Brew, along with loose leaf teas from Bellocq Tea Atelier. Enjoy made-to-order soups, elegant salads, grilled whole fish, and hand-crafted cocktails. In the evenings, we offer natural wines and artisanal cured meats and cheeses.

Reid’s Café & Catering is a Count On Me NC and NC Livable Wage Certified business, reflecting our commitment to quality and community. We pride ourselves on avoiding industrially processed foods, focusing instead on handmade, well-cared-for ingredients for a truly exceptional dining experience.

Lunch: Friday & Saturday 11am – 2pm

Dinner: Tuesday thru Saturday 5pm – 8pm

Stonewalls

Stonewalls Restaurant in downtown Banner Elk has been a High Country favorite since 1985, serving locals from Boone, Blowing Rock, Newland, and Linville. Known for exceptional service and value, Stonewalls specializes in prime rib, gourmet steaks, seafood, chicken, and ribs. Don’t miss the renowned salad bar, a hit with locals and tourists alike. With a legacy of quality and a welcoming atmosphere, Stonewalls is your destination for unforgettable dining.

Innovation Champion Partner

Beech Mountain Resort

Beech Mountain Resort, the highest ski area east of the Rockies at 5,506 feet, is a family favorite for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. With 15 slopes ranging from beginner to advanced and a high-speed chairlift seating five, it offers something for every skill level. Upgraded snow-making ensures top-notch conditions, and the ski school caters to both beginners and experts.

In summer, enjoy mountain biking with trails for all levels, from smooth beginner routes to steep, technical descents. Scenic lift rides provide panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, leading to the 5506’ Skybar for refreshments. Beech Mountain Resort is your year-round destination for adventure and relaxation.

Skyline/Skybest

SkyLine Membership Corporation is your local provider of advanced communications technology. We are a member-owned cooperative, established in 1951 to bring telephone service to rural residents of Alleghany, Ashe and Watauga counties.

Today, SkyLine is the largest of eight telephone cooperatives in North Carolina. SkyLine serves a five-county, 840-square-mile area in northwest North Carolina and east Tennessee. Democratically governed by a nine-member board of directors representing the membership, SkyLine’s corporate offices are located at 1200 N.C. Highway 194 North in West Jefferson. SkyLine operates customer service centers in Banner Elk, Boone, Sparta, and West Jefferson.

The Village Hospitality

Welcome to The Village of Banner Elk – your premier destination for dining, entertainment, lodging, and live events in the heart of Banner Elk, North Carolina! Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, our vibrant plaza-style setting offers an unparalleled experience for locals and visitors alike.

Discover a diverse array of culinary delights at our renowned restaurants, where savory flavors and warm hospitality await. From cozy cafes to upscale eateries, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Immerse yourself in entertainment galore as you explore our bustling plaza, where live music concerts, cultural festivals, and family-friendly events add to the vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re dancing under the stars at one of our concerts or enjoying the latest theatrical performances, there’s never a dull moment at The Village of Banner Elk.

Planning an extended stay? Rest easy in our comfortable and conveniently located lodging options, where you can unwind and recharge amidst the beauty of the surrounding mountains.

Come experience the charm and excitement of The Village of Banner Elk – where unforgettable moments and cherished memories await at every turn. Join us for our upcoming events and concerts and start your adventure today!

Wilderness Alpine Coaster

Family owned and operated, WRAC is the first alpine coaster in North Carolina! The track’s length of 3,160 feet includes three circular loops (you do not go upside down), a series of waves and several twists and turns for plenty of excitement. Fun for all ages, this thrill ride reaches up to 27 mph at the control of the rider.

Wilderness Run currently has TWO attractions for guest to partake in year round. The Alpine Coaster is open year round and 7 days a week, offers a thrilling experience for all ages. Our newest attraction the Adventure Course, offers a unique climbing experience for those that dare to climb thru the 28 obstacles. On property we also have a gift shop full of products from small and local businesses with unique gifts for all.

W.R.A.C. also features the most delicious coffee! The coffee shop is located on the lower-level deck at the Alpine Coaster. Swing by and grab a cup of our very own roast from Bean Works.

Growth Builder Partner

Lees-McRae College

We have one mission: Lees-McRae educates and inspires students to approach life and work from a creative, collaborative, and critical perspective in preparation for diverse careers and environments. Through common ambition, we maintain our focus on the needs of all learners—residential on the main campus and degree-completion through our online programs. Some are athletes, some are in the honors program, and some are working while returning to school. Regardless of where you are and where you want to go, our expert faculty and committed staff will help you get there.

Linville Falls Winery

Welcome to Linville Falls Winery. We’re a family owned and operated vineyard and winery in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Linville Falls is a small community located on mile marker #317 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and named after the iconic waterfall just a few minutes’ drive from our farm. We are part of the Appalachian High Country viticulture area that is characterized by higher elevation vineyards with warm days and cool evenings, which give way to happy grapes, and in turn, delicious wine. Come “Elevate Your Taste” with us!

Mayland Community College & Small Business Center

From Mayland’s modest beginning 50+ years ago, Mayland has grown into a nationally recognized community college. We offer hands-on experience with some of the state’s most advanced technologies and training facilities, plus the convenience of more than100 programs, three locations, seated, online and hybrid class options, and the attention that comes with small class sizes.

We shape our curriculum with the needs of our local communities in mind. Our affordable tuition rates keep higher education accessible for local residents which results in the majority of our graduates staying in our communities. These factors along with the college’s recent revitalization efforts combine to make Mayland a true engine of the local area’s workforce and economy within the Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties.

The Mayland Small Business Center is your local source for FREE and CONFIDENTIAL resources to help you start a new business or grow an existing one! As part of a national support network, the SBC at Mayland Community College can help you with free business counseling on a variety of topics including:

  • Local business startup planning
  • New business registration
  • Accessing capital
  • Business plan development resources & assistance
  • Financial Management
  • Free small business focused workshops
Mountain Community Bank

Like many other successful companies, we came from humble beginnings. Mountain Community Bank opened in 2004 to serve the Western North Carolina market. But our story started back in 1939 when a group local business owners and leaders in downtown Elizabethton, TN opened Carter County Bank. William B. Greene Jr. purchased Carter County Bank and First People’s Bank from the Carroll Reece family in 1964 making him the country’s youngest bank president at the age of 26. Over the past 75 years, we expanded to include 6 branches throughout Carter County plus Mountain Community Bank.

Mr. Greene and his father, William B. Greene Sr., soon realized there was an opportunity to expand to the rest of the Tri-Cities area and opened Bank of Tennessee in 1974 in downtown Kingsport, TN. Forty years later, Bank of Tennessee’s presence included locations in Bristol, Johnson City, Gray, Erwin, Nashville TN, and an Operations Center located near the Tri-Cities Regional Airport.

In January 2013, Carter County Bank and Bank of Tennessee joined together to form one financial institution. Combining two strong financial institutions meant we could remain competitive in our pricing and technology offerings. With 98% of the ownership located here, and 100% of the business decisions made in the Tri-Cities, we are genuinely a locally owned and operated company.

We are a full service community bank that understands the challenges and opportunities our community faces, and we can help by providing financial solutions to meet your goals.

Mountain Grounds Coffee Shop

Our Story: Victoria and Hayden Breckenridge, once professionals in material science and investment banking, now pour their passion into every cup at Mountain Grounds Coffee and Tea Company. Located at the scenic base of Grandfather Mountain, our coffee shop is a labor of love, dedicated to enriching our community one sip at a time.

From Boardrooms to Charcuterie Boards: Victoria and Hayden initially carved out successful careers in very different fields—Victoria in investment banking and Hayden in material science and engineering. However, their shared love for the High Country and a desire for a change of pace led them to a unique opportunity: running a food truck. They launched Cut and Cured, a food truck that specialized in made-to-order charcuterie boards and bagels, embracing this new venture as a stepping stone into the world of small business ownership.

From Charcuterie To Coffee Shop: After operating the Cut and Cured food truck and learning the ropes of local business, Victoria and Hayden discovered an exciting opportunity to take over Mountain Grounds Coffee and Tea Company. When the opportunity arose, they saw it as a perfect chance to pivot into a more stable and community-focused venture. Embracing this new challenge, they transitioned from mobile food service to becoming the proud owners of a beloved local coffee shop, applying their entrepreneurial spirit to the world of coffee and tea.

Unc Health Appalachian

UNC Health Appalachian (UNCHA), the leader for healthcare in the High Country, is comprised of three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life and simply “making life better.”

Providing medical treatment is only part of our mission. We’re committed to bringing you the complete spectrum of healthcare – preventing illness, educating the healthcare professionals of tomorrow, researching new ways to fight disease and working in our community to build a healthier High Country. In short, we’re committed to Making Life Better.

Community Collaboration Partner

Avery Heating and Air Conditioning

We specialize in heating and air conditioning installation, as well as HVAC repair and maintenance. At Avery Heating & Air Conditioning, it is our mission to provide our customers with a stable, reputable HVAC company that offers professional service you can always count on. As a locally owned heating and air conditioning contractor, our NATE-certified technicians are available 24/7 to help with heating and cooling system emergencies. Our 100 percent satisfaction guarantee will ensure that you are happy with the end results!

We offer both residential and commercial HVAC services, and our energy-efficient products will help lower your energy bills. Our eco-friendly geothermal systems are available for both residential and commercial properties, and we offer budget-friendly financing for our customers.

Beech Mountain TDA

Beech Mountain is the highest town in eastern America, with a peak elevation of 5506 feet. This provides the perfect climate for outdoor adventure, both summer and winter. Originally conceived as a resort community, the Town is home to over 2200 second homes, many of which are available for rent, as well as 350 full-time residents. Over 50 businesses call the mountain home as well, including a ski resort and the much-beloved Land of Oz theme park.

The Visitor Center next to Town Hall is open six days per week, and provides information about the town and High Country region. In winter, the Town Sledding Hill is in full swing beside the Visitor Center, providing a safe, free area for sledding for kids 12 and under. Just across the street, next to the Brick Oven Pizzeria, is the Town Kite Field, where the Mile High Kite Festival is held each Labor Day weekend. Numerous other events take place there as well, and the Beech Mountain Resort is allowed to use it for overflow parking during peak winter ski weekends.

The Town boasts two lakes and three miles of Mountain Heritage-designated trout waters, and it is the highest town on the North Carolina Birding Trail. Twenty-seven miles of hiking and mountain biking trails provide opportunities to explore the mountain for all ages and ability levels.

First Citizen’s Bank

Nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina, Banner Elk is a vibrant town in Avery County, known for year-round outdoor adventure. Located in the heart of the High Country, it’s often called the ski capital of the South and draws visitors for skiing, hiking, golfing, horseback riding, rafting, and fishing. The town’s appeal lies in its pleasant climate, welcoming community, and abundance of activities. Banner Elk features a variety of lodging options, upscale restaurants, and one-of-a-kind shops. Gated communities dot the surrounding countryside, offering stunning mountain views. With its growing population of professionals, service workers, and skilled tradespeople, Banner Elk is not only a seasonal retreat—but also a thriving, permanent home for many.

Fred’s General Mercantile

We offer hardware, birdfeeders, books, kites, sleds, gardening supplies, Christmas trees at Christmas time, fresh apples in the fall, pumpkins for Halloween, toys, crafts, unusual gifts, clothing & mountain gear. We also do rentals, sales & service of skis & snowboards. Lastly, we offer retail sales of ski clothing & accessories galore.

As Fred says, ”If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.”

Also check out Fred’s Backside Deli, where we serve delicious sandwiches, homemade soups and salads, your favorite beverages, including beer and wines, along with homemade brownies, chocolate chip cookies and ice cream.

Williams Deli & Bakery

Known for our delicious sandwiches and delectable desserts, Williams Deli & Bakery is what helps make Banner Elk so great. As a family-run business, we are dedicated to serving our customers and supporting our community.

Our customers can select from a range of gourmet sandwiches to dine-in or take to-go! We also offer fresh baked goodies from right in our kitchen and take orders for specialty desserts for your birthday, anniversary, family gathering, or just because you want it.

Having a business meeting and need some sandwiches? We also offer catering for work meetings, birthday parties, and holiday parties. Browse our site to learn more.