Boone Packages/Deals & Travel Agents Near Me

Overview

Introduction

A short drive north of Des Moines, Boone makes a nice day trip from the capital. The Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace offers a look at the house where the former first lady lived until age 10, complete with period furnishings. Ledges State Park, just outside town, has intriguing sandstone ledges in an area near the Des Moines River.

Rail buffs have several reasons to visit Boone. One is the Kate Shelley High Bridge, said to be the highest and longest double-track railroad bridge in the U.S. Another is the ride on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, which is powered by a steam locomotive on its weekend runs. Finally, the Kate Shelley Park and Railroad Museum offers exhibits on rail history. Kate Shelley, whose name was given to the bridge and museum, was a 15-year-old girl who crawled across a bridge during a rainstorm in 1881 so that she could warn a passenger train about a collapsed bridge ahead on its route. Pufferbilly Days, a railroad heritage celebration, is held every September in Boone. 50 mi/80 km north of Des Moines.

Overview

Introduction

Situated 190 mi/306 km west of Raleigh, Boone, North Carolina, was named for Daniel Boone, who blazed a wilderness trail through the area in the late 1700s.

Located just north of the resort town of Blowing Rock, Boone is a bustling place. It's the largest town in the area and is home to Appalachian State University—and it can get tied up in major traffic jams in the peak travel season (summer and during the fall-color season).

The area is great for families, with attractions such as Tweetsie Railroad in nearby Blowing Rock, hiking at Howard Knob Park, and mining for gemstones at Foggy Mountain Gem Mine. https://www.foggymountaingems.com.

The region's history, especially the exploits of Boone, is the subject of The Horn in the West, an outdoor drama staged late June to mid-August. https://www.horninthewest.com.

Overview

Introduction

Running in a north-south direction from the Tennessee border to Interstate 64 in northeastern Kentucky, this beautiful and rewarding forest is filled with rivers, lakes, waterfalls, natural bridges and mountains. It truly has changed little since it was first settled more than 200 years ago.

We recommend seeing several areas of the forest. Those with lots of time and a penchant for roughing it could see all of the park's major scenic attractions by hiking the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, which runs 255 mi/410 km along the whole length of the forest. Those on a limited schedule should take time to hike at least some part of the trail. Before setting off, check locally to see which sections are used by off-road vehicles; we found sharing a footpath with motorcycles to be nerve-wracking.

Be sure to see the Red River Gorge Geological Area, which has more than 80 natural arches, including the Natural Bridge (15 million tons of ancient rock suspended across a mountainside). Natural Bridge State Resort Park, which is within the national forest and part of the geological area, has breathtaking views. The gorge area draws rock climbers from all parts of the world with set routes on both public and private land. There's a lodge at the park, and other activities include camping, fishing, hiking, swimming and tennis.

Cumberland Falls earned the nickname Niagara of the South because it's the second-largest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains after Niagara Falls. Located near Corbin in the national forest, Cumberland Falls is said to produce the only "moonbow" in the Western Hemisphere—a radiant prism produced by mist and moonlight. It's an awe-inspiring sight, but you'll have to time your visit exactly right: It only occurs when the moon is full and at its peak brightness just after the winter thaw when the water level of the falls is at its highest. And if you want a photo, you'll need a tripod and multiminute time-exposure setting to capture even a glimpse of the phenomenon.

Nearby Cumberland Falls State Resort Park has plenty of activities for visitors, including hiking, rafting, swimming and camping (there's also a lodge). Just below the park are more falls at the Beaver Creek Wilderness. Daniel Boone National Forest begins approximately 60 mi/95 km east of Lexington.