Sugar Grove

Travel Guide

When thinking of healing modalities of "Appalachia", the first image that often emerges is something that resembles a sort of folk medicine, but merely 6 miles from Boone lies a clinic and school that merges Western medical perspectives with the philosophy and science of Chinese medicine. Sean Marshall created the school in 1997, with the belief that, “ It is as esoteric as any philosophical system could be and, at the same time, as stringent a science as any modern intellectual discipline.” One healing modality, or aspect of what the Chinese call “Zhen-Jiu”, which roughly translates as “Needle (Zhen) – Burn (Jiu)” utilized is acupuncture. This refers to the practice of inserting fine metal needles into specific physical and energetic “channels” to stimulate the body’s own capacity to respond and heal. The other aspect, "Burn” refers to herbs that may supplement the body in the case of deficient energy. #appalachianechoes
This picture was taken in the Original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis. This is probably my favorite photo for this project because I had never been to this store before. I have only been to the new Mast General Store on King Street., but you could feel the history and authenticity in the original store. I was immediately drawn to this wall as I walked through the store because I love how all of the jars are perfectly aligned, and I like the old scale that is hanging from the ceiling. As I walked through and explored the store I tried to imagine how what opening day was like for the store and for the people of Appalachia. I wonder if the owner knew that this 1883 store would be such a historic figure for the people of Boone and such a tourist attraction. #appalachianechoes
The theme I keep returning to is that of modern lifestyles throughout seemingly "old," "rustic," and "quaint" Appalachia. The stereotypical idea is that Appalachia is in itself somehow frozen in the past has been a common thought for a long time. By including pictures that present this on the surface seem to embrace that stereotype. If one takes the time to learn the story behind the picture, the meaning changes. For example, this picture in the Mast General Store has all of the "rustic" ideas incorporated into it. However, there are other things that suggest the existence of the modern lifestyle. At first, it looks just like a bunch of old toys. But then, the new clothes and packaging in the picture suggest something else. The toys themselves even look modern. #appalachianechoes
blue ridge mountains near mount mitchell and cragy gardens
This is a picture of my roommate, Emily looking thoughtfully out the window at the Mast General Store. This picture is one of the more "stereotypical" ones I have taken. It is almost completely "rustic" looking. There is the old, wooden window, with dated valances. There are woven baskets at her feet and the window looks as if it could have been put together by hand. The only modern aspect of this could be Emily herself. She almost looks out of place with her winter coat and leggings. This picture implies to me that the people themselves make Appalachia modern. They shape it into what they want and breathe new life into the region. #appalachianechoes
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Boone University

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Boone University

3 out of 5
165 Highway 105 Extension Boone NC
The price is RM383 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
RM383
RM432 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and wired Internet (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Yes!

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Boone University
Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel

3 out of 5
2419 NC HWY 105 South Boone NC
The price is RM462 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
RM462
RM521 total
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,319 reviews)
Clean, comfortable, friendly staff, great breakfast and coffee

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026

Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Rhode's Motor Lodge

Rhode's Motor Lodge

2 out of 5
1377 Blowing Rock Road Boone NC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM472 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
RM472
RM532 total
6 Apr - 7 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Boone. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fireplace in reception. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (742 reviews)
Overall excellent. No microwave in room.

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026

Rhode's Motor Lodge
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Highlands at Sugar

The Highlands at Sugar

3 out of 5
2173 Sugar Mountain Drive Banner Elk NC
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Banner Elk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (812 reviews)
Excellent Condo. Five minute drive to the slopes. Comfortable. Spacious. We’ll definitely come back.

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026

The Highlands at Sugar
Smoketree Lodge

Smoketree Lodge

3 out of 5
11914 Highway 105 Banner Elk NC
Stay at this aparthotel in Banner Elk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Grandfather Mountain and Sugar Mountain Resort ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (275 reviews)
Very courteous staff. The place is very dated but it's a good value for being so close to Beech Mtn (10 mins) and Sugar Mtn (25 mins) ski resorts. Room was well equipped with a mini kitchen and everything necessary to cook (Stove, pots and pans, boiler, toaster, cutlery, plates, bowls...) Quiet despite ...

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026

Smoketree Lodge
Swiss Mountain Village

Swiss Mountain Village

3 out of 5
2324 Flat Top Rd Blowing Rock NC
Stay at this cabin in Blowing Rock. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a picnic area. Popular attractions Tweetsie Railroad and Moses Cone Manor are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (177 reviews)
Cute place but you can hear traffic on the second floor unit all night making it hard to sleep and had a terrible sprint mattress.

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026

Swiss Mountain Village
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.