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This Western NC town is one of the 25 best travel spots in the world for 2025, AFAR says

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This Western NC town is one of the 25 best travel spots in the world for 2025, AFAR says

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Along with places like Chios, Greece; Guyana; and Aotea Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, a Western North Carolina town has made it onto AFAR magazine’s 25 picks for best places to travel in 2025.

AFAR, a travel media brand that produces digital stories, a print magazine, podcasts and videos, previously praised Black Mountain as the “most charming” town in N.C. This time, Boone caught writers’ attention.

Here’s what it said about the town, plus the rest of its 2025 list.

More: 200-year-old Black community near Boone resilient after Tropical Storm Helene disaster

What to do in Boone

“Come for the scenic trails; stay for the Gilded Age history, flourishing creative arts scene and river snorkeling,” said AFAR writers on Boone’s appeal.

Writers went on to highlight several areas of attractions in Boone. First, they discussed outdoor options:

  • Hiking trails of Grandfather Mountain.
  • Scenic drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
  • Tubing, kayaking and fishing in the New River.
  • The Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail, particularly for diverse freshwater fish species and the hellbender.

Writers also mentioned River Girl Fishing Company for seasonal guided fly-fishing and other water sports along the South Fork of the New River, though the company is currently closed due to damages from Tropical Storm Helene. Their website suggests donating to the Boone community at blackburnschapelumc.com.

AFAR also mentioned some less outdoorsy options, including the following businesses and events:

As for lodging, AFAR mentioned in particular the Westglow Resort and Spa, a Greek revival mansion built in 1917 by Elliott Daingerfield with a recently redesigned restaurant and added piano bar.

Though Boone is open for visitors post-Helene, AFAR writers also mentioned the importance of checking on any locations you’re hoping to visit, providing the town’s tourism website at exploreboone.com as a resource.

Best places to travel in 2025

AFAR’s full list of 25 best locations for 2025 travel included:

  • Aotea Great Barrier Island, New Zealand
  • Belgrade, Serbia
  • Benin
  • Bold Coast, Maine
  • Boone, North Carolina
  • Chios, Greece
  • Columbus, Ohio
  • Costalegre, Mexico
  • Danish Riviera
  • Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
  • Guyana
  • Jordan
  • Karakoram Mountains, Pakistan
  • Lititz, Pennsylvania
  • North Wales
  • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  • Oxfordshire, England
  • Palau
  • Patagonia Azul, Argentina
  • Prince Edward County, Canada
  • St. Vincent
  • Sumba, Indonesia
  • Toyama, Japan
  • Western Australia
  • Wild Coast, South Africa

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.

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