**General Information**
* **Population:** 17,122 (2020)
* **Location:** Northwestern North Carolina, in the Blue Ridge Mountains
* **County:** Watauga County
* **Elevation:** 3,333 feet
**Culture**
* Boone is a vibrant college town, home to Appalachian State University.
* The town has a strong arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues.
* Boone is also known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking.
**Special Events**
* **Boone Highland Games:** An annual event featuring Scottish music, dance, and athletic competitions.
* **Appalachian Summer Festival:** A performing arts festival held at Appalachian State University.
* **Boone Farmers Market:** A weekly market offering fresh produce, local crafts, and live music.
**Local Attractions**
* **Appalachian State University:** A public research university with a beautiful campus.
* **Horn in the West:** An outdoor historical drama depicting the Battle of Kings Mountain.
* **Moses Cone Park:** A scenic park with hiking trails, a lake, and a historic manor house.
* **Sugar Mountain Resort:** A ski resort with slopes for all levels.
* **Blue Ridge Parkway:** A scenic mountain road with stunning views.
**Food**
* Boone has a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants serving everything from Appalachian comfort food to international cuisine.
* Local favorites include fried chicken, biscuits, and barbecue.
* The town is also home to several craft breweries and wineries.
**People**
* Boone is a welcoming and friendly community.
* The town's residents are proud of their Appalachian heritage and enjoy outdoor activities.
* Boone is also home to a diverse population of students, faculty, and artists.
**History**
* Boone was founded in 1840 and named after Daniel Boone, the famous frontiersman.
* The town played a role in the Civil War, with both Union and Confederate forces occupying it at different times.
* In the early 20th century, Boone became a popular tourist destination due to its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
* Appalachian State University was founded in 1903 and has since become a major economic and cultural force in the town.