Boone, NC
A work of art in itself, artists and art lovers alike can‘t help but draw inspiration from the breathtaking mountain scenery of Boone, NC. Alive with art galleries, activities and events, visitors of Boone will find a perfect balance of excitement mixed with small town friendliness and charm. Take a stroll downtown to find an amazing assortment of art galleries, street musicians, antique stores and independent retail shops. Highlights of your trip should include:
Art Supply Stores
Don‘t wait until you get home to capture the extraodinary images of Boone. Everything you need for painting, drawing or keeping a journal is right here.
Art Mart – Owner John Bond is proud of his reputation for customer service and product knowledge. His store includes ample space for classes for all ages in all mediums.
Art Purveyors – Funky downtown shop with a little bit of everything. Owner Mike Hill also does custom framing. http://www.artpurveyors.com
Cheap Joes – Owner Joe Miller has made Cheap Joes famous for their catalogue and annual "Boone in June" consumer show. Workshops are held all year long in the ample classroom space adjacent to the Outlet Store. http://www.cheapjoes.com
Attractions
Turchin Center – http://www.turchincenter.org/
The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts fulfills a long-held dream for Appalachian State University, as great works of art - as well as the artists who create them - find a new home and gathering place within the spectacular Rosen Galleries, as well as the studios and outdoor sculpture gardens of this magnificent building in the heart of downtown Boone.
The Turchin Center’s exhibitions focus on a blend of new and historically important artwork and features works of nationally and internationally renowned artists, as well as many of the finest artists of the region.
With its multi-faceted Community Art School, the center is a dynamic, living, breathing presence in the community, creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the power and excitement of the visual arts.
Don’t forget to visit the Art-O-Mat machine before leaving the Turchin Center. Art-O-Mat is a retired cigarette machine, repurposed to dispense small, original works of art. Find out more about Art-O-Mat at http://www.artomat.org.
Boone Drug
A trip to Boone wouldn‘t be complete without the experience of stepping back in time at Boone Drug. Founded by Dr. George Kelly Moose in 1919, the pharmacy is still located in its original building on King Street. Open for breakfast and lunch, the shop‘s soda fountain and grill is a popular hangout for local regulars.
Joe Miller became a partner of Boone Drug in 1963, having had a special connection with the pharmacy. He was born in a car in front of the store because his parents couldn’t make it to the doctor’s office upstairs in time.
Along with the typical medicines and household items, Miller started selling art supplies in the pharmacy, which became a predecessor for his now famous Cheap Joe’s store (see above).
Visit http://www.boonedrug.com for more history, pictures and locations.
An Appalachian Summer Festival
If possible, visit Boone in July for An Appalachian Summer Festival. This month-long festival features the finest in music, dance, theatre and visual arts, and has been named one of the "top 20 events in the southeast" by the Southeast Tourism Society for many years. The Turchin Center sponsors visual arts workshops for all ages.
Highlights from 2006 included Broyhill Chamber Ensemble, Doc Watson and the Sam Bush Band & the Pilobolus Dance. Call 1/800-841-ARTS or visit http://www.appsummer.org for more information.
