The Appalachian Best of Boone 2022

2022

BEST WINGS rivers street ale house Aubrey Smith | Incoming Editor-in-Chief

Samuel Cooke

Whether you’re craving lunch or a midnight snack, wings from Rivers Street Ale House make for the perfect meal. Located at 957 Rivers St., the restaurant is open 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and until midnight on Sunday, so there’s plenty of time in the day to stop by and order a basket of wings. You’ll never have to worry about a limited number of options — Ale House has 16 wing flavors ranging from mango habanero to lemon pepper, bourbonglazed and more. It offers both traditional and boneless wings, and you can order either eight, 12, 16, 24, 48 or 96 wings. Need something to pair with your meal? You can add a side of fries for $2.45 or order one of Ale House’s many beverages to wash your wings down.

BEST SANDWHICH our daily bread Mayesivy Carlson

best pizza lost province brewing co.

Maggie Watts | Reporter One brick building on Depot Street houses a destination microbrewery and wood-fired gastropub. Home to craft beer and Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas, Lost Province Brewing Co. opened its doors to Boone in 2014. The two-story historic building at 130 N Depot St. once housed an automobile showroom and later a local newspaper office. This eatery is family-owned and operated, and the ingredients are locally sourced by High Country farmers. Local musicians may perform there on the weekends as customers enjoy any of the 13 unique specialty homemade pizzas. Customers can also build their own pizza, with a choice of three sauces and over 25 toppings. Lost Province is open from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. There are dine-in and take-out options.

Camryn Collier | Reporter The first bite of a sandwich after a long day is one of the best things in the world. It’s comforting and reminds us of the joy in simplicity. In 1984, the owners of Our Daily Bread recognized this and opened up the comfortable, wooden yellow-hued shop at 627 W King St. The mission of Our Daily Bread is highlighting simplicity by staying ingredient-focused, according to their website. The shop showcases 22 sandwiches with a variety of standout, fresh ingredients. Some menu highlights include the Cali Croissant, featuring avocados, tomatoes and fresh spring greens. The Fresh Basil Press is another star, with roasted red peppers, basil leaves and mushrooms. With great simplicity comes great responsibility, and Our Daily Bread offers options for all dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and vegan sandwiches.

Need more than a sandwich? Don’t worry, the sides include the Southern potato salad, kettle chips, marinated veggies or Zapp’s Voodoo chips.

Finally, if you’re hoping to end your

Samuel Cooke

day with something a little more decadent, Our Daily Bread offers large pieces of cake with various flavors throughout the week. So, if you want to sit back, relax and enjoy some time for a simple staple, check out Our Daily Bread. They’re open Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and closed Sundays. Find a time to stop by, it’s guaranteed you’ll find something to enjoy.

BEST MEXICAN-INSPIRED CUISINE los arcoiris Savannah Brewer | Reporter

BEST BREAKFAST melanie’s

Chelsea Jeffrey

Gabrielle Troutman | Incoming Managing Editor

Look no farther than the unsuspecting brown, red and green of Los Arcoiris’ brick exterior for an authentic Mexican-inspired dining experience. Situated right off of Highway 321 at 168 Boone Heights Drive, Los Arcoiris boasts a bustling atmosphere with enticing smells and unbeatable prices. It has served Mexican-inspired cuisine to the High Country since 1991, and it continues to impress. In 2021, it celebrated its 30th anniversary. The interior of Los Arcoiris features wall-to-wall art and decor, including a larger-thanlife mural of Frida Kahlo. Its menu is extensive with classic burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas and tacos. The restaurant

also features other options such as Higado Ranchero, El Sinaloense, Pollo a la Mango and 10 different ACP options.

The restaurant features a lunch menu with prices starting at $5. You can find specials and updates on Los Arcoiris’ Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.10:30 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday. Whether you are planning a date night, a family dinner or even a night in with the restaurant’s DoorDash options, Los Arcoiris is the place to eat.

Founded in 1991, the corner where King Street meets N Depot Street nestles a fan favorite for breakfast and lunch items filled with locally sourced items. From Stick Boy Bread and Hatchet Coffee to farm-raised eggs and homemade apple butter, be sure to stick around and see why Melanie’s Food Fantasy maintains its three-year winning streak for best breakfast.

Mismatched cloth napkins and random mugs give you the perfect accompaniment to your delectable Stuffed French Toast or hearty Truckers Breakfast. Whether seated outside, surveying King Street’s bustling activity or sitting inside in the cozy atmosphere, it’s no secret Melanie’s, open from 8 a.m.-2 p.m every day at 664 W King St., is the breakfast and brunch place to be. Perhaps not Boone’s best-kept secret, you’ll likely have to wait a decent amount to get in, but it earns its accolade for a reason.

BEST SWEETS appalachia cookie co.

Jacqueline Behringer | Reporter

Taylor Ward Located at 208 Faculty St., the overwhelmingly popular Appalachia Cookie Company has retained the title of Boone’s best sweets for another year. Founded in 2012 by former App State student David Holloman, App Cookie Co. offers what every college student craves when their sweet tooth suddenly hits: a wide variety of delicious cookies, all baked from scratch and made with fresh, ingredients. The flavors App Cookie Co. offers range from the traditional chocolate chip to flavors like cheesecake, maple bacon

bourbon or a decadent brownie cookie. There is something for everyone, even for those with dietary restrictions. The company’s inclusive menu also boasts vegan, gluten-free and keto options. All cookies are available for purchase singularly, as well as in bulk. App Cookie Co. also has its own local, late-night delivery service, which brings customers a bottle of ice cold milk with their box of cookies. Sunday through Thursday its normal hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays its hours run from 11-12:30 a.m.

Sam Byrd

BEST BBQ the pedalin’ pig Asher Davidson | Incoming A&C Editor Dominating the best barbeque category for three years in a row, The Pedalin’ Pig remains on top in this year’s Best of Boone. The comfy and cozy barbecue joint first came to the High Country in 2014, opening its first location in Banner Elk. In 2015, the restaurant announced its second location in Boone. The Pedalin’ Pig offers a gourmet splash of flavor to already cherished High Country and southern dishes. In both locations, customers can choose from a plethora of delicious meal options. All meats are smoked “low and slow” for 16 hours and customers can choose to top them with any of the restaurant’s eight sauces made in-house. The sweet potato fries and macaroni and cheese are also a must-try. On a sunny day, customers can enjoy an outdoor meal at the Banner Elk location. Both locations are open Monday through Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. No matter which location you go to, there is always something tasty to eat at The Pedalin’ Pig.

Aldo Sarabia

BEST BURGER/BEST TAKE-OUT come back shack Meredith Smith | Reporter

Jaclyn Bartlett | Reporter

Born in Boone, Come Back Shack has been a local hot spot since opening in 2011, so winning best burger for the third year in a row is no surprise. It is not a chain or franchise, but a family-owned and operated restaurant with only two additional locations in North Charleston, South Carolina, and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. But that’s not all that sets it apart. Come Back Shack is known for its “fresh-never-frozen,” locally sourced ingredients. Its burgers are made from fresh beef blended using chuck, round and sirloin. Its local burgers are made from grass-fed beef that comes from a local family farm and are pattied in-house every day. Also made fresh, in-house every day is its Come Back Sauce, ranch dressing, cole slaw and pimento cheese just to name a few. There’s also its handcut fries made from Idaho potatoes. The menu has many burgers to choose from such as the Come Back Burger, Steakhouse Burger and Fried Green Tomato Burger. Customers can also build their own sandwich, choosing from their variety of toppings from mayo, ketchup and lettuce to jalapenos, pineapple and avocado.

If burgers aren’t your thing, Come Back Shack offers other options. It boasts a large menu with nearly 50 items ranging from Blackened Tuna Salad to a Cinnamon Toast Crunch Milkshake. Come Back Shack is located at 1521 Blowing Rock Road and is open from 10:30 a.m-9 p.m.

Maria Smith

BEST INTERNATIONAL CUISINE mint cuisine of india Erin Isley | Reporter

For nine years, Mint Cuisine of India has transported the flavor and richness of Indian cooking from southern Asia to the town of Boone. Located at 203 Boone Heights Drive and open Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. then 5 p.m.-10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. then 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Mint is this year’s best international cuisine winner. Whether you’re inclined to the sweet, salty, sour or spicy, Mint has the perfect dish for you.

If you crave the robust flavor of Indian specialties like basmati rice, tikka masala, tandori chicken, shrimp biryani or fresh naan, look no further. Wanting to try something a little on the spicy side but not too far out of your comfort zone?

Don’t worry. Mint can alter entrees to your liking with its one to five spiciness scale. The menu also features a section of specialty diet options, including the vegan eggplant bharta and vegetarian paneer tikka masala. Alongside the excellent food, Mint’s interior ambiance can set the mood for a quaint date night or a pleasant family outing with its warm natural lighting and inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for some exceptional Indian cuisine or are just in search of a new restaurant venue, Mint Cuisine of India should be your next stop.

Evan Bates

Taylor Ward

BEST ASIAN-INSPIRED CUISINE cobo sushi bistro and bar Brionna Dallara | Reporter From its cocktails to candlelit meals, CoBo Sushi Bistro & Bar makes for an elegant dining destination.

Located at 161 Howard St., CoBo opened in May 2013 and offers the best of both worlds when it comes to traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes. CoBo offers tasteful starters, like the fried calamari and serves entrees ranging from the CoBo styled hibachi to crispy honey-duck.

The restaurant offers over 29 sushi options, including specialty rolls that are especially tasteful and unique.

Named after App State’s right-hand man and mascot, feel free to treat yo-

self to the Yosef Roll, made with tuna, panko shrimp, crab mix, avocado, nitzume and spicy aioli. Customers can also get a taste of the city with the New Yorker Roll, made with filet-mignon, lobster, asparagus, crispy shallot and the house-made CoBo sauce.

CoBo is open for reservations and dine-in Tuesday through Thursday from 4-9 p.m. or Friday to Saturday from 4-10 p.m. CoBo is available for take-out and customers can tune in on Thursdays to CoBo’s new Sushi Tracker livestream on the restaurant’s socials from 5-7 p.m. to see chefs preparing to-go orders.

BEST VEGETARIAN/VEGAN OPTIONS coyote kitchen Ansley Pucket | Outgoing Managing Editor Known for their Southwest and Caribbean food, including burritos, tacos, soup and more, Coyote Kitchen has been a go-to for Boone vegans and vegetarians for 19 years.

Located across from Walmart at 200 Southgate Drive and open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Coyote Kitchen offers favorites like chicken sandwiches and burgers but with a meatless twist. Vegans and vegetarians can dine with their

Taylor Ward

omnivore friends while choosing from diet-friendly protein options like tofu and tempeh and dairy-free plates like the Nomad Bowl. While lacking actual coyotes, the local restaurant makes up for it with starters like chips n’ dip, fried plantains and homemade french fries. It also offers a variety of side items like beans, coconut rice and salsas. With choices for every diet, vegans and vegetarians won’t miss out on options at Coyote Kitchen.

BEST DELIVERY SERVICE boone delivery

BEST FOOD TRUCK el taccoriendo

BEST GROCERY STORE publix

Rachel Rodgers | Reporter

Torri Marshall | Reporter

Lily Kincaid | Outgoing Associate A&C Editor

Evan Bates

Maggie Busch

Whether you’re craving a late-night snack or simply don’t want to cook dinner, Boone Delivery is there for you. Boone Delivery is a fast and easy delivery service that works hard so you don’t have to go through the hassle of going out. Hours range from 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m Monday to Saturday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sundays. Partnered with over 40 restaurants in the Boone area, it can bring any of your favorite meals right to your door. So sit back and relax, and soon enough you will have a car with the Boone Delivery sign at your front door. From fast food chains to local restaurants, it offers a variety of places to order from, meaning you can enjoy grub from places such as Mint Cuisine of India or McDonald’s without ever leaving your room.

When walking on King Street and window shopping at local businesses, you can definitely work up an appetite. Satiate your hunger by stopping at the best food truck in town: El Tacorriendo a.k.a. The Running Taco. Alejandro and Ashley Leon started this Best of Boone winning food truck in August 2019. While this restaurant on wheels can go anywhere within Boone, it is commonly found on West King Street in the lot next to Blue Deer Cookies.

If your pockets are hurting after a successful run to Appalachian Antique Mall, Common Good Co. or Footsloggers, then El Tacorriendo is the perfect place to be. Its menu has a wide variety of meals, including but not limited to, churros, tacos, quesadillas, tortas and its one-of-a-kind ACP wraps. These prices range from $2.75 to $11.50 — totally within a college student’s budget. So sit back, eat a beautifully priced taco and enjoy the flavors of Best of Boone’s four-time consecutive food truck winner and also Best of North Carolina three time consecutive best food truck winner.

Keep updated with its Facebook, which has daily updates on its operating hours.

Aldo Sarabia

The first Publix grocery store opened in 1930 in Winter Haven, Florida. A few years later in 1940, Publix expanded with its first supermarket. In 2017, Publix opened a store in Boone at 1620 Blowing Rock Road, adding another branch to the thousands of stores across the country.

The store curates weekly ads with deals on both name brand and Publix brand items and is open every day from 7 a.m9 p.m. It’s known for its buy one, get one free deals, fresh-baked goods and old-fashioned lemonade. If you get hungry while you’re shopping or if you’re looking for a quick bite, stop by its deli and hot bar to get anything from subs to egg rolls to fried chicken. Publix has dinner style catering options to make family meals, parties and potlucks simpler

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BEST OFF-CAMPUS COFFEE espresso news Ansley Puckett | Outgoing Managing Editor

Taylor Ward

BEST OFF-CAMPUS SMOOTHIE juice boone Asher Davidson | Incoming A&C Editor Opened in 2016, Juice Boone is making its debut as winner of the best off-campus smoothie. Juice Boone uses all local, organic and vegan ingredients.

The tasty smoothie cafe is also the only smoothie joint in Boone that cold presses their smoothies to be environmentally friendly. Juice Boone’s mission is to give the people of Boone organic, cold-pressed, raw, superfoods benefiting the body, mind, and spirit, according to their website.

Paula Medley, a certified juice therapist and holistic practitioner, owns Juice Boone. She provides customers with juice cleanses with hopes to help them achieve their wellness goals. Inside Juice Boone, there is a welcoming atmosphere meant to induce relaxation in all patrons. Small potted plants line the left wall as you walk in, and the entire room is minimalistic with white walls, floors and furniture. For those looking to relax and enjoy great, healthy smoothies, head over to Juice Boone, open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. at 240 Shadowline Drive. Suite AAB.

Hidden at 267 Howard St., Espresso News is Boone’s worst-kept secret and best off-campus coffee shop. Easily recognizable by the concerned looking woman as its logo, E-News, as it’s been coined, is tucked between Footsloggers and occupies an old auto repair shop. Since its opening in 1993, it has been a staple in Boone and campus life. The small but cozy cafe is the perfect place to walk from campus to study or meet for a coffee date. Grab a latte, cappuccino or an Americano and get comfy in its upstairs or downstairs seating. The iconic coffee shop also offers non-coffee options like smoothies, hot chocolate and chai, as well as food choices like soup and pastries. Using “art and science” to roast their beans, E-News has made a name for itself with its fresh, daily roasting and distinct flavor and atmosphere. Espresso News is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Maggie Busch

BEST LOCAL BREWERY booneshine brewing company

BEST BAR lily’s snack bar

Briley Turpin | Reporter

Denise Casalez | Reporter

Chelsea Jeffrey

If you’re looking for a nice, locally brewed beer after a long day in the outdoors, Booneshine Brewing Company, located at 465 Industrial Park Drive, may be perfect for you. Nestled by the South Fork New River, Booneshine offers a rotating menu of freshly brewed beers as well as a food and snack menu sure to satisfy everyone in your group. Whether you find yourself hanging out on the patio, enjoying a meal in the restaurant area or relaxing in the beer garden, there is no question that your experience will be

fantastic. Beer prices vary depending on the size and type of drink, ranging from $2-$15. The food options include appetizers like soft pretzels and fried cheese curds as well as entrees such as burgers and barbecue. If beer isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Booneshine offers a wine list as well as non-alcoholic drinks. Booneshine is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Jordan Young

Located at 455 Blowing Rock Road, patrons will find Lily’s Snack Bar right next to The TApp Room across from Durham Park.

The bar and sandwich shop combonation brings a positive atmosphere for students and locals alike with tasty drinks, food and entertainment.

Lily’s provides an all-in-one stop for local music and dance parties to customers in Boone.

Surrounded by its funky vibe of vintage posters, jukebox and “A Real Cool Time” neon sign, Lily’s loves to bring the party in a safe environment. It makes sure to state that “Lily’s is not the place for Racism, Sexism, Homophobia, Transphobia, Ableism, or hate of any kind” on signs throughout the bar.

Since its opening in late July 2019, it has served a large variety of food and drinks such as Lily’s Famous Potato Wedges and ‘Smash It Up!,’ a cocktail with bourbon, mint and brown sugar. It also offers vegan, vegetarian and gluten free snacks to suit the dietary needs of all customers.

Lily’s is open Monday through Friday from 3 p.m.-2 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m.-2 a.m. The entire restaurant is 21 and up after 9 p.m. for those who enjoy the nightlife in Boone. It offers indoor dining, patio seating and takeout. Lily’s has everything a patron could wish for: a fun time filled with drinks and food in a safe environment

THANK YOU for choosing University Highlands 3 years in a row for Best of Boone!

Best Off-Campus Housing 2022

The only off-campus community exclusively for Appalachian State Students

289 Ambling Way, Boone, NC 28607 (828) 263 - 0100 www.universityhighlands.com

BEST PLACE TO TAKE YOUR PARENTS blue ridge parkway Kurt Zottl | Reporter The best place to take your parents is the Blue Ridge Parkway, an iconic landmark not just in Boone but across the East Coast.

The Blue Ridge Parkway had 15.9 million recreational visits in 2021, according to the U.S. National Park Service.

Starting near Waynesboro, Virginia, and stretching all the way to the Great Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway totals 470 miles across the East Coast and welcomes millions of visitors each year.

Families can take a hike on the Great Smoky Mountains, swim at the Linville Falls Visitor Center or watch the sunrise at Thunder Hill overlook. And if you want to camp out, there are lots of places to camp in North Carolina close to Boone, including the Linville and Crabtree Falls Campground. But, watch out. On your trip, you may run into the black bears that inhabit along the parkway.

Haley Smart

BEST HIKING TRAIL rough ridge Dan Davidson | Sports Editor For the third consecutive year, voters selected Rough Ridge as Boone’s best hiking trail. The popular pathway is a 0.8 mile long stretch of the Tanawha Trail, which travels over 13 miles from Julian Price Park to Beacon Heights. At its peak, Rough Ridge offers a grandiose view of Grandfather Mountain, Linn Cove Viaduct and even distant views of the Piedmont. The trail is home to a highly vulnerable ecosystem that showcases many rare and ancient plant species. Rough Ridge features stairs, cables and a boardwalk for hikers in order to protect the fragile plant community. Benches along the boardwalk and several large boulders scattered throughout the hike provide spots to rest, where hikers often choose to picnic or take a break on their journey. Its spectacular views and proximity to App State’s campus have earned Rough Ridge widespread local recognition as the best hiking spot in the High Country.

Mayesivy Carlson

BEST OVERLOOK thunder hill Ethan Hunt | Outgoing News Editor Pack a picnic and park the car at this year’s best overlook: Thunder Hill. Located at mile post 290.4, Thunder Hill provides a stunning view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Directly across from the overlook is a scenic pasture featuring rolling hills leading toward the dense forests of western North Carolina. Hop the fence bordering the pasture and take a short trail through rhododendron bushes and hickory trees to a secluded clearing lined with large boulders. Thunder Hill is one of many overlooks that line the 469 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, but it holds a special place in Boone residents’ hearts. Despite many other options, it has won Best of Boone two years in a row. The spot is a favorite for students to take outdoorsy Instagram photos or for parents to bring a stroller and walk beside the view. Whether it’s part of a long parkway drive or just a quick stop to get some fresh air during the day, Thunder Hill is the perfect place to enjoy the immensity of the mountains.

Jordan Young

BEST PLACE TO SKATEBOARD/BEST PLACE TO BIKE greenway trail Mike Garrity | Reporter

Zoey Sigmon | Reporter

The Greenway Trail was voted Boone’s best place to skateboard for the first time in Best of Boone’s new category. And after winning best place to bike in last year’s edition, the Greenway Trail is still the fan favorite for 2022. This three-and-a-half-mile trail offers visitors beautiful views and welcomes walkers, hikers, cyclists, wheelchairs, strollers and skateboarders.

The trail is fully accessible from its two loops and features gorgeous views of Boone’s nature. With paths weaving through meadows and passing under tree canopies, the trail following the South Fork of the New River and Winklers Creek allows for a fully immersive natural experience of relaxation and adventure.

Many people will make an entire day out of their visit to the Greenway. If you start at Casey Lane, which is 3.2 miles from App State’s campus, you can find yourself at Southgate Shopping Center, where people often enjoy refreshments or a family meal. You could complete a seven-mile round trip if you were to take this route.

An alternative entrance you could start at leads to a popular viewing attraction lying 0.6 miles from the Casey Lane entrance. No matter what route you choose to take, the Greenway Trail is a great way to get outdoors.

Hiatt Ellis

Samuel Cooke

BEST SKI MOUNTAIN appalachian ski mountain Cameron Burnett | Incoming Visual Managing Editor Appalachian Ski Mountain, established in 1968, is a ski resort located at 940 Ski Mountain Rd. between Blowing Rock and Boone. Grady Moretz and four partners purchased the land and gave it the namesake it holds today. During the season, the slopes are open 9 a.m.-10 p.m. during the weekdays and are open until 12 a.m. on weekends.

After improvements in 2010, the resort now has 12 slopes, including two terrain parks. Appalachian Ski Mountain uses snowmakers during the season to keep the slopes safe and efficient when the weather doesn’t cooperate, so visitors can still enjoy their experience without the risk of injury.

Alongside the slopes, the main lodge is a 46,000 square foot facility housing a restaurant and free Wi-Fi for visitors to hang out after taking on the slopes. The full experience of the diverse slopes, with options for beginners and experts, with the lodge to rest after makes Appalachian Ski Mountain the premier ski resort in the High Country

BEST SWIMMING HOLE trash can falls Mike Garrity | Reporter With Boone weather warming up in the foreseeable future, Laurel Creek Falls, also known as Trash Can Falls, will become a frequently visited attraction for locals and students in the coming months.

Trash Can Falls is a 15-minute drive from App State’s campus, located on U.S. Highway 321. This scenic destination is filled with an abundance of beautiful trees, which surrounds Trash Can Falls completely. It offers multiple spots surrounding the waterfall for rock jumping, with jumps as short as five feet and as high as 20 feet. There is also a section away from the rock jumping for people who just want to relax. The area is shaded by overhanging trees where visitors often set up their hammocks. Trash Can Falls provides something for everybody and is a must-do activity if you’re in the High Country.

Aldo Sarabia

Hiatt Ellis

BEST LOCAL GYM anytime fitness Ben Brady | Reporter In the category’s Best of Boone debut, Anytime Fitness was voted the best local gym. The club features free weights, cardio and strength machines as well as personal and group training. Other amenities include an optional free fitness consultation, as well as access to any of the other 3,000-plus chains across the world.

The Boone location sits conveniently on 368 U.S.-221 N. NC-105 Ext, next to Appalachian Nails & Co. and across from Reef Magic, Coral Lab. The club’s membership also includes private showers, a private parking lot and tanning booths. The gym is staffed from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon-5 p.m. Friday, noon-4 p.m. Saturday and is unstaffed Sunday but offers 24-hour access and security to all members.

The gym’s website features workouts, diet plans and multiple members’ success stories. Its website also encourages anyone looking to join to visit the gym and tour it themselves before making a decision to join.

Travis Holshouser

BEST WINTER SPORTS SHOP recess skate & snow Alex Urquiza | Reporter Winter time in Boone is an experience like no other, and there’s no better place to shop for winter sport gear than Recess Skate & Snow. They’re open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m and Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Located at 1158 NC-105, you can stop by Recess Skate & Snow and be ready for the snow season. Recess provides shoppers with a wide selection of both snowboards and skateboards, preparing residents for winter and summer alike. If it’s your first time snowboarding, don’t be shy. Recess has welcoming staff that’ll answer all your questions and make sure you make the right choice when looking through its boards. Boards aren’t the only things Recess offers.With merchandise such as hats and hoodies, you’re bound to enhance your wardrobe and leave the store in style. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Recess will make sure you’re ready to hit the slopes.

BEST OUTDOOR SHOP mast general store Cameron Burnett | Incoming Visual Managing Editor Ethan Smith | Reporter This year’s number one voted thrift store resides at 641 W King Street.

Anna Banana’s offers a variety of different trendy styles and special attention to the local fashion scene. Fair pricing as well as a warm and welcoming environment has made the store stand out from the competition. The store even offers a 10% discount at checkout for customers willing to dance before purchase.

For those interested in consigning with the store, Anna Banana’s offers 40% of total resale value within the first 30 days, if all of the items consigned are sold. Anna Banana’s is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

BEST THRIFT STORE anna banana’s

Sam Byrd

Aldo Sarabia Alex McCaskey | Reporter Popular with locals and visitors since 1988, the Boone location of Mast General Store offers customers a variety of outdoor goods for adventures in the High Country. With clothing options from popular outdoor brands, including Columbia and Patagonia, Mast General Store has something for the whole family, including pets. The Candy Barrel, located in the same building, has everything from chocolates to international candies to satisfy your sweet tooth. Gift cards can also be purchased for amounts ranging from $10-$100. The store is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. For customers who can’t make it to the location at 630 W King St., there is the option to shop online. Customers can pick up their online orders in-store, have their order shipped directly to them or ship an order as a gift.

Located at 497 W King St. in Boone, Mountaineer Mania is a clothing store for App State fans to represent their school, especially on gamedays. The store is open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Back in 1981, Bill and Wanda Corriher came up with the idea for the store, and it has stuck for over 40 years. Melody Pineda purchased the store in 2020 but continues the legacy of celebrating App State and their customers. Mountaineer Mania offers a diverse catalog of clothing that evolves throughout the year. The store sells all types of apparel with shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts and pants, but it doesn’t end there.

Mountaineer Mania also sells novelty items like license plates, the classic black and gold overalls students wear at Kidd Brewer Stadium and even App State umbrellas for the unpredictable Boone weather. With affordable prices and an ever-changing catalog, Mountaineer Mania is a store for any fan needing new App State gear.

BEST PLACE FOR APP STATE GEAR mountaineer mania

Maggie Busch

BEST TANNING SALON planet tan Drew Bailey | Reporter Planet Tan has been the go-to place for Boone residents to achieve glowing skin for over a decade. It offers multiple methods to achieve your dream tan with state-of-the-art Genesis tanning beds and relaxing sunless spray tans. After your tan, if you want to take any products home, Planet Tan offers tanning lotions, facial sprays, self-tanners, teeth whitener and eyewear.

Planet Tan is located at 643 Greenway Road Suite C and is open from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. though it closes at 5 p.m. on Saturday and is closed on Sunday.

Its 4.9 star rating on Facebook is also due to the welcoming personality of its employees, not just the quality of its products. It is also a good spot for tan enthusiasts to work.

“To work at Planet Tan is to be a part of a close team and family. I have much love for them,” said Max Shook, a Planet Tan employee.

Haley Smart

BEST NAIL SALON appalachian nails & co.

Maggie Busch

Ansley Puckett | Outgoing Managing Editor After opening in 2020, Appalachian Nails & Co. quickly became a Boone favorite among residents and college students for all their nail-related needs. If you ask someone where they got their nails done in Boone, chances are they’ll say Appalachian Nails. Owned and operated by two sisters and their mother, the Boston native trio has 50 years of experience between them and provides a wide variety of services. Located at 324 NC-105 Extension Suite 6, Appalachian Nails offers gel and dip powder manicures, pedicures, waxing services and more. Choose from its large selections of colors and designs and a wide range of manicure types, including the spa or luxury manicure, to create your perfect nail set. The friendly technicians and inviting atmosphere are sure to bring you back every time, and the salon also offers a 10% discount to students, teachers and military members. Appalachian Nails is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

BEST HAIRCUT haircut 101 Drew Bailey | Reporter Located just off of King Street on 174 Depot St., Haircut 101 has been making a name for itself for over three decades. It is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed Sunday.

Haircut 101 has more than just haircuts. It offers makeup applications, hair coloring and hair removal. With its breathtaking wedding hair stylings, it does all it can to make the special day even more special.

It also makes itself a fun place for its employees, in addition to its customers. If you visit its website, you can view the profiles of its stylists and take a quiz to determine which stylist is right for you.

“You want to give employees the tools to better themselves and create an environment for success for everyone,” John Mena, the owner, said on the Haircut 101 website.

Evan Bates

BEST LOCAL BAND galloway Ben Brady | Reporter Galloway has been named Boone’s best local band for the second time, after also being recognized in 2020. The indie rock/pop group recorded their debut EP, “Think It Over,” in Nashville and released it September 2019. They began playing at local venues and bars such as TApp Room and Boone Saloon before COVID-19 halted live shows. During their hiatus, the band rehearsed at their friend’s house and eventually returned to performing outdoors in June 2020 to uphold social distancing guidelines, according to the band’s Instagram.

Since then, Galloway has increased their following, playing at significant local music shows, including Summaween at the Hillside House June 2021 and various Draba promotions. In February, the group opened for COIN in front of nearly 1,500 concertgoers at the Schaefer Center. The band released their latest single, “Buzzcut,” in October 2020, which has amassed over 30,000 streams on Spotify. Galloway is in the process of recording their next untitled EP.

Jordan Young

Courtesy of Amber Tulino-Cooper

BEST TATTOO ARTIST cutty bage Ben Gosey | Reporter Owner and artist of Hollow Moon Tattoo, Cutty Bage, has been tattooing in the High Country for over 10 years. Known for her illustrative black work, Bage produces some of the highest quality tattoos in Boone. She is a master of portraits with an ability to recreate and reimagine some of the most recognizable characters ever. Bage is only available through appointments, and her waitlist is months long — a testament to her talent. As an artist, Bage is committed to creating the most quality tattoo possible, as she knows how much meaning the tattoos hold to her customers.

“The coolest thing about tattooing is it makes people love their bodies more,” Bage said. “It allows people to feel more like themselves and really express who they are.”

Hiatt Ellis

BEST PIERCING SHOP noble tattoos and piercings

BEST SMOKE SHOP high life

Ella Adams | Outgoing Opinion Editor From septums to helixes, Noble Tattoos and Piercings is the go-to piercing shop for Boone locals and App State students alike. Founded in 2017, Noble has been a trusted establishment for five years. The shop’s convenient location at 432 W King St. in the heart of downtown Boone is only a short walk from campus. Noble’s welcoming staff, alternative atmosphere and popularity make Noble a King Street staple. Noble piercer Chelsea Mauney’s favorite thing about the shop is “getting to take your time” with clients and the custom work the shop offers.

Open Monday through Saturday noon-8 p.m., and Sunday noon-7 p.m., Noble Tattoos and Piercings accepts walk-in piercing appointments. The iconic local shop has Boone covered for piercings of any kind.

Maggie Busch

BEST LOCAL BOUTIQUE boone belles

Ben Gosey | Reporter The best one-stop smoke shop in Boone, High Life, offers everything a smoker could need. From simple rolling papers and vapes to some of the most unique glass pieces in the High Country, customers are guaranteed to find whatever they are looking for. Located at 221 Howard St., the store is easily accessible from both main campus and King Street. The staff makes sure the customer is catered to, promoting an open and chill atmosphere. They want to ensure every customer’s need is satisfied for a low price. High Life continues to grow, with the store bringing in new CBD and smoking products any chance it can. The smoke shop is open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. six days a week and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays. Even with all the competition, High Life continues to blow people away.

THANK YOU FOR VOTING STUDIO WEST BEST PLACE TO LIVE ALONE!

Dan Davidson | Sports Editor Boone’s top local boutique of 2022, Boone Belles, is located at 617 W King St. in downtown Boone. In 2013, Boone Belles opened its storefront in the historic Boone Drug building on King Street. The boutique opened another nearby location in 2014, operating in the Martin House on Main Street in Blowing Rock.

The local boutique is family-owned and run by two sisters. In addition to its two High Country locations, the local boutique offers an online shop, where customers can purchase clothing classified as “classy, fun and cute. Southern chic.”

Boone Belles makes its mission clear on its website, tagging the slogan “empowering confident women” under its title. The boutique provides clothing meant to embolden women of the High Country. Its Boone location is open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.

studiowestapts.com

- Business Center - Free Prin�ng - Free Coffee Bar - Pet Friendly - Free Parking - Onsite Laundry - Appalcart Stop

BEST PLACE TO LIVE ALONE studio west apartments

Chelsea Jeffrey

James Parker | Reporter For the second year in a row, Studio West Apartments is the top choice for those in Boone living alone. Studio West is conveniently located at 1785 NC-105, just over one mile from campus.

The apartments are fully furnished, air conditioned and come with high-speed internet access. A few of the many all-inclusive amenities that residents have access to are a fitness center, a tanning booth and a swimming pool.

According to one review on the Studio West website, the

apartments are “a great find for anyone looking to have their own quiet space in Boone.”

The apartments are located within walking distance of Sunrise Grill and Goodwill. Travel to and from campus is just as easy thanks to two AppalCart stops right at the front of the complex. Studio West Apartments set the standard for being a peaceful and wholesome place for an App State student to live alone.

BEST HOTEL the horton hotel Kurt Zottl | Reporter

Maria Smith

The only boutique hotel located in Boone, The Horton Hotel has won best hotel for the second straight year.

Located in the heart of town at 611 W King St., this 15-room hotel features a rooftop bar, an artisan breakfast bar, downtown Boone parking and other special amenities for patrons. The rooftop bar is open from 4-10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from noon-10 p.m. on the weekends.

The bar offers cocktails, wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages and the sounds of different bands and singers as

you enjoy a scenic view of one of Boone’s busiest streets.

With the bar, the hotel offers a lobby lounge that features drinks and snacks. As described on its website, The Horton “will transport you to a space that will inspire and relax.”

As for the rooms themselves, The Horton offers king and queen size beds in each of the 15 rooms, pet-friendly rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows allowing you access to see Howard Knob and King Street.

Mayesivy Carlson

Opposing Abuse with Service, Information, and Shelter Voted Boone’s best local non-profit.

OASIS, Inc. serves survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault.

Services include: · Confidential, emergency shelter programs for survivors fleeing intimate partner violence and sex trafficking. · Transitional and Permanent Supportive Housing programs. · Crisis support services. · Support and advocacy for survivors through medical & legal processes. · Case management, information, and referrals. · 24/7 Crisis Lines. · Community outreach, education, and prevention programming.

www.oasisinc.org @OASISHighCountry

24/7 Crisis Lines Watauga: 828-262-5035 Avery: 828-504-0911 En Español: 828-504-0800

BEST NONPROFIT/CIVIC ORGANIZATION oasis, inc.

Zach Smith | Reporter OASIS, Inc. was founded in 1978 with a goal of ending domestic violence and sexual assault in the High Country. OASIS, an acronym for Opposing Abuse with Service, Information and Shelter, provides free 24-hour anonymous crisis lines in both Watauga and Avery counties, as well as a separate line in Spanish. Other services provided include free temporary shelter for those fleeing intimate partner violence or sex trafficking.

OASIS provides an eight-week course to local middle schools to hold discussions centered around respect, healthy boundaries, autonomy and relationships in hopes to prevent and educate students about sexual violence.

The English Crisis Line for Watauga County is 828-262-5035 and the Spanish Crisis Line is 828-504-0800. Donations to OASIS are accepted and a list of requested items, as well as other ways to get involved can be found on its website.

BEST PET-FRIENDLY COMPLEX bavarian village James Parker | Reporter For the second time in three years, Bavarian Village Apartments has come out on top as the best place for a Boone resident to live with their furry friend.

At the apartments, residents can have up to two pets for a deposit between $250-$350, as well as a $20-$30 monthly fee. All pets must go through a screening process first and must be under 100 pounds combined. While many apartment complexes have a strict no-pet policy,

Kara Haselton

these apartments not only allow residents to have pets, but they also consider them family, according to its website.

Some of the properties within the complex have its own gardens and outside play areas for residents to bring their pets and spend some time outside. These properties are conveniently located at 314 Meadowview Drive, between the Boone Mall and Walmart Supercenter.

Evan Bates

Aldo Sarabia

BEST OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING COMPLEX university highlands Zach Smith | Reporter University Highlands is the best off-campus housing complex for the third straight year. It has consistently been a student favorite for its lowcost living and many amenities offered.

University Highlands, located at 289 Ambling Way, strives to meet the needs of App State students while remaining affordable. Its allinclusive monthly rent includes fully furnished apartments, all utilities and a convenient location only two miles off campus.

A standout for the Highlands’ is the several amenities it offers. These include a fitness center,

basketball court, covered AppalCart stop, tennis courts, a pool and a clubhouse. Its apartments also feature a monitored security system, standing out from other off-campus housing complexes.

University Highlands offers two and fourbedroom apartments that include utilities like water, electricity, cable TV and Wi-Fi. The Highlands’ furniture includes a couch, entertainment center, full size beds and more.

BEST RENTAL ORGANIZATION winkler organization Noah Cornelius| Reporter Providing affordable housing to the Boone community since 1983, the Winkler Organization tops Boone’s list of rental organizations for the second year in a row.

With more than 25 locations available to rent all within close distance to App State, hundreds of students choose to lease with Winkler for an easy commute to and from campus.

Family is at the center of the Winkler Organization’s efforts as the owners, the Winklers, have served the Boone area for more

than 35 years, according to its website.

Besides housing, the Winkler Organization offers exclusive discounts to 15 local restaurants, as well as complimentary housekeeping and utilities. Backed up by a plethora of five-star reviews, according to its website, the Winkler Organization more than earned its distinction as the best rental organization in Boone.

Write. Edit. Photograph. Video. Audio.

Design. Market. Sell.

All the experience you need, all in one place.

Contact outreach@theappalachianonline.com to learn about joining today!

BEST RESIDENCE HALL thunder hill Will Hofmann | Incoming Enterprise Editor Opened in 2020 and named after a popular overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Thunder Hill Residence Hall is home to 587 students. Its large study spaces, open hallways and the option of suite or apartment-style housing make it a popular residence hall for both returning residents and those fortunate enough to live in it their first year.

The apartment-style dorms have two bedrooms with private bathrooms, full kitchens and built-in closets for each bedroom, while suite-style rooms have two built-in closets, a shared bathroom and a desk for each bed.

Located directly next to Trivette Dining Hall,

Maria Smith

where McAlister’s and a campus market are just a short walk away, residents of Thunder Hill are at the center of West Campus. Residents can easily attend football games at the stadium across the street or listen outside their window.

“I would say Thunder Hill has given residents a place to thrive as students in their home away from home,” said Katrina Nilles, a Thunder Hill resident assistant. “With a more modern environment with proper resources to live comfortably, residents can make the space their own while being able to study and relax.”

BEST ON-CAMPUS LIVING (EAST OR WEST) west side Emily Broyles | Outgoing Editor-in-Chief Students have thrown former winner East Side to the corner: the West Side is where it’s at.

Filled with projects new and old, the west side of App State’s campus offers Mountaineers a mix of innovation and tradition. Home to campus’ recently built and upcoming residence halls, West Side living has upped its game the last four years. It might be a trek from Sanford Mall, but West Side residents relax in hammock stands and lavish green patches, making for a sunbathing experience without the Sanford Mall preacher. On your way to class, say “hi” to the west’s fluffiest residents at Duck Pond and grab some smackin’ hashbrown casserole at Trivette Dining Hall. Let’s also hear it for the West Side McAlister’s, the only one open on campus.

West Side residents can wake up to a front lawn of football tailgating, as Kidd Brewer Stadium is only a couple steps away. West Side also features iconic spots like “Touchdown Yosef,” the Schaefer Center and the many art installations around Wey Hall and Walker Hall. Don’t forget Yosef ’s very own steps leading up Stadium Drive.

West Side might be a hike from the beloved Plemmons Student Union and Roess Dining Hall, but it truly is its own quiet paradise filled with past and present Mountaineer favorites. Goodbye to Bowie and Eggers residence halls, we’ll miss you. Students this year live another day to say, “WEST SIDE, BEST SIDE.”

Maggie Busch

BEST PLACE TO STUDY summit trail solarium Megan Pettey | Reporter

Travis Holshouser

Bringing the tranquil serenity of nature indoors, the Summit Trail Solarium is the perfect place to hit the books while taking in a breath of fresh air. Located in Plemmons Student Union, students and faculty can use the solarium’s tables and chairs to sip coffee and brush up on material before class. Those looking for a break can sink into a plush armchair, pop in some headphones and scroll through TikTok while basking in the natural sunlight streaming through floor-to-

ceiling windows. A multi-purpose stage houses a piano inviting virtuosos to play their latest melody.

When the keys are at rest, one can enjoy the trickling waterfalls regulating the temperature of the room, creating a spa-like ambiance. With flora in bloom all year, the solarium provides the perfect dose of greenery for those looking for a retreat from Boone’s temperamental weather.

BEST ON-CAMPUS COFFEE SHOP crossroads coffee house

Taylor Ward

Georgia Dixon | Reporter Just a few steps from the Summit Trail Solarium and located on the first floor of Plemmons Student Union, the community voted Crossroads Coffee House as campus’s best coffee shop. Crossroads has provided App State students and the Boone community with a unique and comfortable study spot since the 1990s, featuring a diverse menu of caffeinated beverages, Stick Boy Bread Company pastries and other tasteful bites. No matter your reason for entering the shop’s doors, whether it be dedicated work or a little respite, Crossroads molds itself to the occasion.

Settle down into one of the shop’s oversized chairs and crank out that essay, get lost venturing into a book surrounded by soft chatter or meet up with good friends to discuss the goings-on of campus and college life. If you find yourself making the coffee shop your home from sun-up to sun-down, order a drip coffee sourced from Hatchet Coffee or snag a fresh pastry or a campus-menu item. Crossroads is there for you during those rough class days that call for a double shot espresso and those slow, misty mornings, which lend themselves to deep conversations. Crossroads stands ready at the intersection between college life and community cultivation. Crossroads is open 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, is closed Saturday and open Sunday from 4-9 p.m.

Haley Smart

BEST ON-CAMPUS FOOD mcalister’s deli Andrew Rice | Reporter Creamy macaroni and cheese, hand-crafted sandwiches, enticing spuds and sweet lemonade combine to make for an appetizing aroma bringing students, staff and faculty into McAlister’s Deli each day.

Deli favorites like the King Club or loaded spuds ensure McAlister’s provides a good meal after a long day of classes. The location in Trivette Dining Hall is open from 11 a.m.7:30 p.m. McAlister’s provides options for a quick bite to eat throughout the day.

McAlister’s not only has a wide variety of meat and bread options, but they offer a multitude of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free choices so all campus members can enjoy a meal. Although McAlister’s operates nationally, the location on campus has proven to be favorites of students, staff and faculty alike, especially after the Plemmons Student Union location closed indefinitely during the COVID-19 pandemic. After winning Best of Boone for the second year in a row, McAlister’s in Trivette Dining Hall has proven itself to be a student sandwich staple.

BEST STUDENT-OWNED BUSINESS c6 appalachian

BEST STUDENT ORGANIZATION enactus appalachian

Jenna Guzman | Incoming News Editor

Kayla Slade | Reporter

Courtesy of Enactus Appalachian

Jordan Young C6 Appalachian is a student-led business and project created in 2020 dedicated to reducing Boone’s plastic waste and transforming it into “functional and beautiful products,” according to a post on its Instagram account.

Members of C6 collect plastics such as bottle caps from local businesses and participate in community cleanups, utilizing the plastics found by melting them and putting them into molds for future products at its location in Peacock Hall. Some of the products it creates include whistles to be used as a preventative measure against sexual assault, coasters and more. Its goals as a business and project are to “dream creatively, design sensibly and

manufacture sustainably,” according to a post on its Instagram account. Enactus Appalachian members make up the C6 business.

According to its website, C6 won the early stage Enactus competition two years in a row.

The projects did not have to be fully operational to compete, and the business’ project was showcased at this year’s Enactus World Cup. According to its Instagram account, products are not yet available for purchase.

However, it’s in the process of making products available for purchase soon. The products made and bought will allow both the business and customers to unlock “the potential in plastic waste.”

The Enactus chapter at App State, established in 2019, is an organization dedicated to designing “community development projects that put people’s own ingenuity and talents at the center of improving their livelihoods,” according to the chapter’s website.

Enactus is a global nonprofit organization founded with entrepreneurial action and community principles in mind. It allows students to imagine, construct and produce strategies to achieve the United Nations 17 Sustainability and Development Goals, such as quality education and gender equality.

Enactus Appalachian is responsible for

C6 Appalachian in collaboration with the university’s Sustainable Energy Society, a project aiming to address single-use plastics waste by making practical products for everyday use.

Isabella Riley, president of Enactus Appalachian, considers the organization a second home.

“I’ve had the opportunity to meet lifelong friends and learn valuable skills and lessons that I will carry with me through my future,” Riley said. “Being president of this organization has been an amazing honor and will always be held close to my heart.”

BEST ELECTIVE snowboarding & skiing Emily Milano | Reporter

BEST FITNESS CLASS yoga Cameron Stuart | Outgoing Associate News Editor

Evan Bates Snowboarding and skiing is the perfect class for students looking for a lively spring semester elective. Boone’s famous snow makes snowboarding and skiing the obvious choice for students who voted it their favorite elective for the second year in a row. Both activities are a physical education elective offered during the spring semester. Classes meet once a week at Appalachian Ski Mountain from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Appalachian Ski Mountain is a popular place to ski or snowboard outside of

class as it is a 15-minute drive from campus.

Snowboarding and skiing is an elective for students of all abilities since they are placed into three categories: beginner, intermediate and advanced. It makes snowboarding accessible for all skill levels. There is instruction for the first hour of the class and students have the rest of the time to explore their creativity, with the sport, making this the perfect class to learn how to snowboard.

App State students are getting their zen on with yoga voted as this year’s best fitness class. With a wide range of yoga classes offered by University Recreation every week from sunrise yoga to power yoga to intro to yoga flow, there is an option for everyone, regardless of athletic ability or experience. University Recreation also offers stand-up paddleboard yoga for anyone who wants to spice up their practice and work on their balancing skills. Most classes are held in Mount Mitchell on the third floor of Plemmons Student Union, but stand up paddleboard yoga is held in the Student Recreation Center.

Yoga has existed as a practice for thousands of years within many cultures as a way of connecting the breath, body and self, according to the government of India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Though the physical practice of yoga poses, called asanas, is the main form practiced in the U.S. and other western countries and is a great way to practice breathwork and mindfulness techniques while improving flexibility and stamina.

If your priority is improving focus and stretching tight muscles, yoga for athletes is the class for you. If you prefer a more relaxed and slow practice, try out restorative yoga. The student yoga instructors this semester are Mackenzie Bianco, Stephanie Brummond, Isabella Dobbs, Hope Frohock, James Gatlin, Madison Goodwin, Ritesh Sheth, Madeline Tice and Michele Viola.

BEST ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT communication Cameron Marshall | Reporter The Department of Communication, located in Walker Hall, won best academic department for the second consecutive year. The communication department has a variety of majors for students to choose from. From electronic media/broadcasting to public relations to advertising and journalism, the department offers more than one might imagine. No matter what major a student decides on, a communication degree can be a useful tool when seeking a potential career. A minor in communication is also an option that can prove advantageous when seeking a degree at App State.

You can take a class with Volha Kananovich to learn more about journalism or a communication ethics class with Best of Boone favorite Chris Patti, but these are just a few of the several options you have. Along with these great professors, you can find much more within this department.

Evan Bates

BEST PLACE TO ENO sanford mall Hollie Moore | Incoming Associate News Editor With the breeze of a summer morning, the sunshine of a spring day and the company of friends, ENO-ing at Sanford Mall seems to make the world go-round.

Greek life fundraisers, university organization advertisement stands, live bands, voting registration, movie nights and endless food trucks fill Sanford during good weather. Students engage in their own activities like Spikeball, Frisbee and slacklining. With all this going on in the area, some chose to kick back and relax in an ENO hammock with a book, do homework or just sit in the comfort of their thoughts and nature.

Sanford Mall tends to be the first place on and off-campus students gather to soak up the warmer days in the spring and the cooler days in the summer. ENO-ing isn’t new but has become more popular in recent years. In Boone, Sanford Mall serves as a vital spot to take your next ENO adventure.

Taylor Ward

BEST PROFESSOR chris patti Cameron Stuart | Outgoing Associate News Editor Chris Patti, associate professor in the Department of Communication, was voted App State’s best professor for the second year in a row.

The southern California native has taught at the university since 2013 and teaches a wide variety of communication classes, including thinking through communication, intercultural communication, communication ethics and ethnographic storytelling and inquiry.

Patti said he views himself as a non-traditional professor because he was a bad student and didn’t enjoy reading until he took a rhetoric class his junior year of undergrad, which he said “opened up Pandora’s box” in his brain.

Originally a rock, funk and pop musician, Patti began his teaching career in 2005. He still plays music in his free time but said he felt that while being in the classroom, “I got that feeling of sort of being on stage but for a greater purpose.”

Patti said one of his favorite memories of being a pro-

Courtesy of Chris Patti

fessor involves a football player in his introductory communication course a few years ago. The student did not enjoy the difficult course readings at first, but at the end of the semester, he told Patti he could now read his Bible and make meaning from it. While Patti is not a Christian, he said that was a “cool testament to sort of what’s, for me, at the heart of that class.”

Patti is an agnostic Buddhist and has practiced meditation since the age of 19, something he works into all of his classes. Until the pandemic began in spring 2020, he had a meditation club that met once a week to do guided meditations together.

“It’s something that humans have been doing across cultures for four or 5,000 years,” Patti said. “But in an era of endless distractions where our attention is being manipulated and addicted and marketed away from us, I find it’s ever more important in this digital Zoom age to be able to practice that stuff.”

best thing about visiting boone as an alum football games Nadine Jallal | Incoming Associate Opinion Editor If there’s one thing App State students are known for, it’s our dedication and commitment on game days. According to alumni, that commitment never goes away. Current and former students can agree game day is about as good as it gets in Boone. Putting on the black and gold gear and packing The Rock is a tradition sure to stick even after you graduate. The rush of cheering on the Mountaineers from the stands of Kidd Brewer Stadium never gets old.

Led by head coach Shawn Clark, the Mountaineers finished 10-4 last season and are sure to give App State more engaging seasons in the years to come. Students, alumni and football fans packed The Rock for the Oct. 20 Coastal Carolina game, resulting in the fourth largest crowd of 31,061 in Kidd Brewer Stadium history. With the help of alumni and students, the university might break even more attendance records in the upcoming season. Roll ‘Neers!

Max Correa

BEST ALUMNI CHAPTER the charlotte alumni chapter

BEST CITY FOR YOUNG ALUMNI charlotte

Kaleigh Grommon | Reporter

Xanayra Marin-Lopez | Outgoing Visual Managing Editor

The alumni chapters at App State serve as a center for assistance and alliance for more than 139,000 graduates worldwide. Appalachian State University Alumni Association is committed to providing graduates with opportunities to make meaningful business connections, stay involved in the community and reconnect with fellow alumni, according to its Instagram. The Charlotte Alumni Chapter, consisting of more than 8,882 former students, takes this commitment to new heights.

Members of the organization

have access to an abundance of academic, career-oriented and community engagement opportunities, ranging from networking events to holiday parties. Football game viewing parties, networking breakfast events at popular local restaurants and ‘hAPPy’ hour socials are just a few of the engagement opportunities offered to members of the Charlotte Alumni Chapter. All App State graduates are automatically members of the Alumni Association free of charge, so these opportunities are accessible to everyone.

After four years on the mountain, some recent graduates choose the city life once they’ve turned the tassel. What better place to start your career than in Charlotte, the biggest city and commercial hub of North Carolina? Whatever degree you graduate with, you’ll be sure to find your fit in the growing population of over 857,000, according to the 2019 United States Census Bureau. Industries like banking, journalism and medicine excel here in the 16th largest

city of the U.S. Uptown offers many restaurants, parks, museums and more in your free time. Navigating the city is easy with the public bus or the light rail tram system. The nightlife opportunities are also populated with bars, clubs and many other places for a good time. For sports fans, there’s plenty of ways to support local players at Charlotte Hornets games, racers competing in the NASCAR All-Star Race and football games for Carolina Panthers fans.