Banner Elk, NC Town Overview
It's known as the Christmas Tree Capital of the World, but that's not Banner Elk's only claim to fame. Perhaps, just as exciting is the Woolly Worm Festival held the third weekend of October. This annual festival, now in its 30th year, is enjoyed by over 20,000 visitors who enjoy food, crafts, games, caterpillar races, and brilliance of the autumn October setting. In the winter, Banner Elk is transformed into a major ski resort. Three of the best ski areas are nearby, including Beech Mountain, the highest town east of the Mississippi; Sugar Mountain, with its adventurous slopes, trails and snowboard park; and Hawksnest, the local college favorite. Average snowfall is 100 inches a year, so this spread out over a five month period creates ideal skiing conditions.
History: Originally inhabited by the Cherokee Indians who used the area as hunting grounds. The first white settlers came in 1825 even though the rugged terrain made travel tough. Residents were self sufficient and supported themselves with the farming of vegetables. Tourism came to town in 1892 when the Banner Elk Hotel was built and people flocked to the area to escape the hot and humid southern climate.
Banner Elk Population: 976
Avery County Population: 18,217
Elevation: 3,739 ft.
Climate:
Month
Avg. High
Avg. Low
January
40°F
19°F
February
44°F
22°F
March
51°F
28°F
April
59°F
36°F
May
67°F
45°F
June
73°F
53°F
July
77°F
57°F
August
76°F
55°F
September
71°F
50°F
October
62°F
38°F
November
53°F
30°F
December
44°F
23°F
Median Home Price: 236,900
Property Taxes: Millage Rate- .39 per 100
Local Airports: Beech Mountain Airport
Resourceful Websites:
