Kilkelly’s Blog
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Kilkelly’s Blog *
Booked your trip and ready to fill it with memories? Check our blog for news on events and some of our favorite places here in the high country!
A few of our favourite dining spots
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Bistro Roca
A true gem and easily our first choice in recommendations. We have been patrons for over a decade, and to this day have never had a disappointing meal there.
We suggest the covered patio that envelops you in a wooded landscape for lunch, and in the evening the dining room transitions to candlelight and welcomes you with real wood fires in the colder months.
Favorite dishes include the eggplant frites and lobster mac n cheese.
*Vegetarian and gluten free options available.
*Reservations highly recommended.
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Over Yonder
A little further away than our other recs, but well worth it- especially if you can get a seat outside on the wrap around porch on the historic former homestead.
Featuring flavor rich interpretations of authentic appalachain food, with true southern charm.
Favorite dishes include crispy okra and shrimp & grits.
Its also located right across from the original Mast General Store! One of our areas biggest hits!
*Vegetarian and gluten free options available
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Mint
This is an excellent option if you want great food, without having to leave your porch!
It offers and excellent selection of Indian food, especially from the Punjab region.
Our favorites include the Malai Kofta and Matar Paneer
*Vegetarian options available
You can order through doordash or boonedelivery.com (We recommend the later as they know our address well)
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Social on Main
Looking for a breakfast spot? Try this one on main street in beautiful downtown Blowing Rock! Breakfast spots don't often wow us (especially thanks to our beautiful hens and their fresh eggs!) so in order to make it on our recommendation page - it means we have never been let down by our orders.
The big bonus is its location -fuel up before shopping main street or visiting the park.Favorite dishes include the truffle fries and omelets
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Cafe Violette
Looking for a romantic setting for evening cocktails? This French Mediterranean cafe featuring hyper local ingredients is lovingly tucked into downtown blowing rock - perfect for a date night after a stroll around the lake.
The only thing prettier than its decor are its drinks and dishes!
Favorite dishes include the Mussels Provencal and the build your own cheese boards
If you're still daydreaming about the food in the morning - they have a newly opened French patisserie as well!
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Makotos
Think the mountains is an odd place to find the freshest seafood? We would too- if we didn't frequent Makoto's sushi bar and patio!
Another recommendation of a restaurant we have been going to for over a decade -if not two.
It's our families go to for celebrations, and we don't expect that to change.We love sitting on the patio - but the small room on the opposite side of a hibachi style dining room is a cozy choice for colder months.
You truly can't go wrong but our personal favorites include the Good Point Roll and the Hawaii Ahi Tataki
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Stick Boy Bread Company
While this is not "technically" a restaurant, we would be happy to fill up on their breads and baked goods for any meal and we simply couldn't leave it out.
A true little gem of Boone - and the perfect place to pick up a fresh loaf of bread (or a cake!) to enjoy during your stay.
They also have wonderful takeaway frozen meals for any day you want to cook in.
They also have a sister spot called Stick Boy Kitchen- which features excellent bagels.
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The Gamekeeper
No vacation is complete without trying something new - and we guarantee you'll find a menu item you have never had at this restaurant.
With menu items like Emu and Elk - this is a steakhouse for adventurous and eclectic palettes. They also have an extensive wine list and very knowledgeable staff.
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Proper
Set in a historic and truly charming building this pick is nestled right off the beaten path of downtown Boone. Proper offers authentic southern dishes that change with the seasons.
Reserve a table on the patio if you can, as the acoustics could be better
Favorite dishes include Fried green tomatoes and Hot Dipped Chicken
*Vegetarian options always available
*Reservations highly recommended.
Todays blog post is dedicated to highlighting some real gems in the relaxation and rejuvenation category!
The Kilkelly's is a great place to get away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life, so here are a few ways to really settle in to that feeling of calm. .
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The Care Collective
We cant sing their praises enough! We are frequent fliers of this warm and inviting spa, and you can't go wrong with any of their highly talented massage therapists!
We recommend the couples massage and deep tissue, and our daughter recommends the craniosacral for anyone who experiences chronic pain. There are many great options to choose from though, which is another reason this gets our top pick!
They also have both an infrared and traditional sauna, along with foot soaks and wonderful add ons!
When you're relaxed and rejuvenated you can come back to The Kilkelly's for a stroll through the grounds or a quiet cup of coffee.
(we do recommend a reservation though- they are quite popular!)
Browse the selection and book here
10 minutes from Kilkelly’s
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180 Float Spa
We'll be honest, we went into this one with zero expectations, but we came out feeling like the busy mind we went in with had pleasantly calmed. Like the buzz of the day had melted away!
One thing we really loved about this spa in particular is that it offers the traditional enclosed pods, but it also offers a 'Deluxe Float Suite' with 7 foot ceilings, for those uncomfortable in confined spaces!
We left feeling like our busy thoughts were quieted and we felt recharged. We recommend doing this either at the start or the end of your trip, to kick it off or to really solidify that renewed feeling that we hope you get from staying at The Kilkelly's!
Learn more about what a float spa is and book here
8 minutes from The Kilkelly's
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Breathe with Trees
Forest bathing is a great way to counteract tech burnout and increase oxygen levels in the brain, and a handful of other things too!
I'm sure you're thinking, our cabin is in the woods- why not just take a walk there?
Of course you can! We highly recommend it! Any time in nature has scientifically proven benefits to our health-
but for an even more structured experience, you can join trained guides for a meditative two- to three-hour ecotherapy excursion with a trained forest guide and mindfulness instructor.
Then you can continue on the journey back at Kilkelly’s anytime you want! The forest is only steps away.
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Venture Chocolate + Wine Co.
We know this may not be a traditional spa or wellness center - but we personally feel much better after a few (dozen?) artisan chocolates and a glass of fine wine!
Upstairs you can sip an espresso and watch them fill the bon bon case, or downstairs you can peruse the wine cellar or try out something from the cruvinet!
They also have a great selection of small bites and charcuterie boards. Or if you're visiting during the snowy months be sure to grab a sipping chocolate!
Staff are highly knowledgeable and always friendly, its a wonderful place to tuck in after a stroll in downtown Boone (or before if you go for coffee!)
Or, grab a bottle and a box of chocolates and take it back to your private sanctuary here at Kilkelly's.
Its a win all around!
15 minutes from Kilkelly's and right in the heart of downtown Boone
Our first blog post is dedicated to family friendly adventures! Stay tuned for next weeks post about our favourite outdoor hikes, as we will highlight the difficulty of the hikes, and there will certainly be some all ages approved recommendations in there as well!
Family Friendly Adventures
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Tweetsie Railroad
A wild west themed park that features a variety of amusement rides, live shows, a zoo and other attractions for the whole family! Take the 3 mile ride on one of Tweetsie Railroad's two historic narrow-gauge steam locomotives.
13 minute drive for Kilkelly’s
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Grandfather Mountain
The iconic mountain named for early pioneers who recognized "the face" of an old man on one of the cliffs. Explore the family-friendly park that provides access to the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, wildlife habitats and nature museum. Included in the park is Forrest Gump Curve, the scene of one of the locations where Tom Hanks' character runs in the movie Forrest Gump.
The drive includes going on the famous Linn Cove Viaduct! One of the prettiest drives we have ever been on.
45 minute scenic drive to get to the top of the park.
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High Gravity Adventures
A family-friendly zip line adventure located next to Tweetsie Railroad. Explore the treetops before sailing across the valley on a 1,000ft express zip line or try the 3-person, 4-story Giant Swing, and pull the ripcord to start your 45ft plunge!
Ages 7+
Visit their website and explore all the adventure packages here
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High Mountain Expeditions
Love the water? You’ll love High Mountain Expeditions! Offering white water rafting, river tubing, canoe and kayak rentals, and even caving adventures! Experience the beauty of the New River with options for the whole family! Its truly one of the best summer adventures in the high country!
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Rock Dimensions Climbing Tower
An exciting 40 foot outdoor climbing tower, located at Rock Dimensions and Footsloggers Store in downtown Boone. (Rock Dimensions are also outfitters for guided rock climbing and rappelling instruction in the North Carolina mountains, including beginner trips and instruction). When you’re all done, explore the best of downtown Boone’s shops and food!
16 minute drive from Kilkelly’s
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App Ski Mountain
Visiting during the snowy months? App Ski mountain is the first choice for most locals! With 10 slopes, 3 terrain parks and a panoramic outdoor ice arena, there is an adventure waiting for every member of the family, even if your idea of adventure is shopping or dining slopeside by a roaring fire. With a season lasting from mid-November to late March, Appalachian also offers night skiing seven nights a week.
When you’re all done, head back to the Kilkelly’s and enjoy a nice fireside cocoa!
15 minute drive from Kilkelly’s
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Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
Modeled after popular European coasters, you’ll navigate the 3,160 feet of track that weaves and dips through the forest in individual carts that are designed to accommodate one adult or one adult and a small child.
Each ride begins with a cable-pulled ascent of 770 feet to the top. At that point, the alpine coaster differs from a roller coaster because the remainder of the ride is gravity-fed with the rider grasping two handles that serve as brakes. Riders can use as little or as much braking as they like.
35 minute drive from Kilkelly’s
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Mysterium Escape Room
An immersive and interactive escape game with fun storylines with theatrical elements including video, lights/sounds, effects and more! Each game is about 1 hour long and fun for the whole family! If you love puzzles and riddles, this is a great option for any rainy day during your stay!
18 minute drive from Kilkelly’s
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Foggy Mountain Gem Mine
Mine for real gems in the region known for underground treasure. The mountains of western North Carolina are famous for turning up emeralds, garnets, sapphires, and more. No matter what you find, its a fun and immersive experience for all ages!
15 minute drive from Kilkelly’s