Golf

The Boone Golf Club, U.S. 321/221, Blowing Rock Road (tel. 828/264-8760), an 18-hole, par-70 course designed by Ellis Maples, is 6,400 yards long from its longest tees. It's the standard against which all High Country public courses are measured. Opened in 1958, with its natural routing and electrifying greens, it remains a perennial favorite. Greens fees from May 25 to October are $31 to $36 Monday to Thursday, rising to $36 to $41 Friday to Sunday. Professional instruction costs $40 to $50 per hour, and clubs are available for rent at $20 for 18 holes. A pro shop is on-site, and there's a restaurant at the clubhouse.

Rafting & Other Sports

Wahoos, on U.S. 321 between Boone and the Tweetsie Railroad Theme Park (tel. 800/444-RAFT or 828/262-5774), is the best all-around center to connect you with outdoor adventures, ranging from white-water rafting to tubing. Tours are available for all ages. The office is open daily 8am to 8pm in summer.

Nolichucky River rafting is for those 6 years or older, costs $75 to $95 per person, and lasts 4 to 5 hours, including transportation and lunch. Watauga River rafting, for those 3 and older, lasts 2 hours and costs $50 to $65 per person, including lunch and transportation. Tubing ($15), canoeing ($25), and kayaking ($30) are all possible in the New River, with three 1- to 3 1/2-hour excursions. Wahoos can also make reservations at local campsites.