A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boone vs. Avon for Skiing, Nightlife, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Boone or Avon?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Boone and Avon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Boone

Boone is a charming, relaxing, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Avon

Avon is a active, outdoorsy, and scenic town. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Boone and Avon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Boone or Avon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Boone than Avon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Boone is better known for its museums, nightlife, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Avon is more popular for its resorts. Boone is well known for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm. Also, Boone is famous for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Avon is well known for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort.

How is Boone different from Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Avon and Boone. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Boone or Avon Better for Skiing?

Boone
Avon

Boone and Avon are high quality places to visit for winter sports such as skiing.

Boone draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

Avon is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boone or Avon?

Boone
Avon

Boone is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

Boone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

While most people don't head to Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

Is the Food Better in Boone or Avon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boone
Avon

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Boone and Avon can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Boone is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

Avon offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Is Boone or Avon Better for Nightlife?

Boone
Avon

Boone is notable for nightlife. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Boone has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Avon. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.


Is Boone or Avon Better for Resorts?

Boone
Avon

Avon is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Boone is not a resort destination.

Avon has a few great resort options. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Boone is not a resort destination.

Is Boone or Avon Better for Hiking?

Boone
Avon

Boone is notable for the nearby hiking options. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Boone is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

Avon is a good destination for hiking. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Is the Shopping Better in Boone or Avon?

Boone
Avon

Boone is notable for shopping. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its shopping opportunities.

Boone is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

If you're looking to go shopping, Avon has some nice offerings. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.


Is Boone or Avon Better for Families?

Boone
Avon

Boone is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Boone is a very family-friendly place to visit. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.

Avon is a family-friendly town. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.

Is Boone or Avon Better for Couples?

Boone
Avon

Boone is notable for romance. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Boone is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

Is Boone or Avon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boone
Avon

Boone is a good destination for backpackers. However, Avon is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Boone. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

Avon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers prefer to stay closer to the ski facilities.


Is Boone or Avon Better for Students?

Boone
Avon

Boone is a must-visit destination for students. However, Avon is not popular with students.

Boone is a very popular place to visit for students. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

Avon is not popular with students.

Is Boone or Avon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boone
Avon

Avon is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Boone is not known for its public transit.

While Avon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

Public transit is generally limited in Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.

Is Boone or Avon a more walkable city?

Boone
Avon

Boone is notable for its walkability. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

Boone is very walkable. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

Avon is a somewhat walkable place. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.


For even more information, also check out Is Boone Worth Visiting? and Is Avon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avon or Boone?

How long in Boone or Avon?

It's fun to spend time in either Boone or Avon. In our opinion, Boone has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Boone than Avon. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Boone than Avon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Boone, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Boone than Avon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Boone that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boone than Avon if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Boone.


  • How many days in Boone or Avon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boone 2-4 
    Avon 2-4

One day in Boone or Avon?

Boone is a small town where visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Avon, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this scenic destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Boone or Avon?

Boone is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Avon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Boone or Avon?

Boone is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Avon is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Avon. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Boone or Avon?

Because Boone is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the scenic destination of Avon. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Avon or Boone?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Boone is $173, while the average daily cost in Avon is $277. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Boone and Avon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boone $91
    Avon $177
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boone $182
    Avon $354
Compare Hotels in Boone and Avon

Looking for a hotel in Boone or Avon? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Boone


Hotels in Avon


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Boone Hotel Prices and Avon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boone $33
    Avon $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Boone or Avon?

Prices for flights to both Avon and Boone change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Boone $53
    Avon $67
Typical Food Prices in Boone

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Boone:


  • Restaurant Lunch for 2
    $20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boone $53
    Avon $48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boone $26
    Avon $38


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boone and Avon, we can see that Avon is more expensive. And not only is Boone much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Boone would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Boone and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avon than you might in Boone.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Boone Expensive? and Is Avon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Boone or Avon?

Boone has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Avon. When comparing the sizes of Boone and Avon, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.