Attending Appalachian State University has it's benefits, especially being in the mountains, but sometimes it can be difficult to find things to do around here to occupy your free time in a cost-friendly manner seeing as most of us are classified as "broke college kids". Here is a list of cost-friendly things you can do in and around Boone.
1. Go on a hike
Yes, this is an obvious one, but there are so many different trails of varying levels of difficulty at so many different locations such as Grandfather Mountain, Linville Falls and Howard's Knob. It doesn't cost you a thing and you get to experience the beauty that is living in the mountains.
2. Visit the Turchin Center
I didn't know about this amazing place until a class I was taking made me go here for a writing assignment. You will get to see so many different art exhibitions that are changed or added to periodically, and there isn't a price to do it, unless you have an extra dollar or two as a donation. They also have a lot of classes you could take there if you happen to come across one you wouldn't mind paying for. It's also extremely close to campus (it's on King Street), you can walk through campus and end up at the back of the Turchin Center.
3. Daniel Boone Native Gardens
This is a place where history and nature combine. You can walk through these gardens that have a lot of the native plants, flowers and trees, although it'll cost you two dollars. Its definitely worth it to see such a beautiful place.
4. Drive through the Blueridge Parkway
I did this a few weekends back and found myself relaxing after a stressful week. I drove my car all along the parkway, stopping at anywhere I wanted, took pictures, and just enjoyed being surrounded by the beautiful views and the calming vibes.
5. Tubing
There are several different places you can go tubing (or do other water activities) in and around Boone. Wahoo's Adventures is one of them and a single run that takes about three hours costs you twenty dollars. To tube all day you pay about twenty-five dollars depending, on the tube you want.
6. Take a Walk on King Street
I have done this several times, especially when it is nice outside. I love walking down King Street and exploring all the little shops, even if I don't buy anything. There's also bound to be a dog or two someone will let you pet, so there's that as well.
7. Swimming Holes
There are quite a few swimming holes around here such as The New Hole and Trash Can Falls. You can jump off of a cliff into a swimming hole or simply wade into the water from the shore. The Appalachian Online has a nice guide for all the best swimming holes here in Boone and describe places with varying degrees of scary cliff-jumping. Or, you can just swim and enjoy the surrounding views.
8. Paint Pottery
If you're a creative person, this may be something you're interested in. Paint Your Wings is a pottery place that allows you to buy a piece of pottery to paint. They provide the brushes and paint, and also glaze it for you when you are done. They have mugs, plates, bowls and other things that you could put your own personal touch on. It's a great way to de-stress and let your creative juices flow.
These are some things that I have done (and some I have yet to experience) that neither I, nor people I hang out with, knew existed before. I hope this helps you get rid of some possible boredom of feeling like you are stuck on campus, simply because everything is so expensive. I wish everyone a great time exploring!
