No matter your age, there’s nothing quite like a cup of hot cocoa (or another delicious cozy beverage) to warm up a chilly winter’s day. The High Country is full of adventures, and after a day full of fun, hot chocolate can make a good day great.
Here are a few of our favorite spots in the area (just a short walk or drive from Chetola) to cozy up with a warm cup:
Camp Coffee Roasters
Just a short drive or walk from Chetola Resort, Camp Coffee is known for their yummy coffee and delicious pastries, but their cozy hot chocolate will make any cold winter day better. And if you ask, they’ll top your toasty drink with whipped cream and cinnamon!
Bald Guy Brew
Another great spot right in the heart of Blowing Rock is Bald Guy Brew. Offering delicious hot chocolate, a variety of warm coffee brews, and a cozy spot, Bald Guy Brew is a place you’ll want to experience.
Hatchet Coffee
A favorite spot for locals, students, and visitors, Hatchet Coffee, located in East Boone is a must-stop if you’re craving a delicious warm cup of cocoa. Aside from their mouth-watering hot cocoa, Hatchet also has amazing specialty drinks, classic coffees, and yummy snacks.
Local Lion
Although Local Lion is known for its amazing donuts and coffee, they also have heavenly hot chocolate, espresso, and tea for guests to enjoy. And you can enjoy all their drinks inside their wonderful space or take it on the go by picking it up in their drive-thru.
Espresso News
Espresso News is located in the heart of Downtown Boone and in addition to a cozy atmosphere and tasty hot chocolate, Espresso News has a full espresso bar, smoothies, and pastries made in-house daily.
Talia Espresso Boone
Located on King Street in Downtown Boone, Talia’s Espresso offers 3 different varieties of delightful hot chocolate to choose from. And sometimes they have a special seasonal flavor! Besides yummy cocoa, Talia’s has a wide variety of specialty drinks, hot & cold drinks, cozy spots to sit, and serves smoothies and pastries.
Kovu’s Coffee
One of the newest coffee shops in the High Country, Kovu’s Coffee offers a delicious cup of Kovu’s Hot Cocoa which is hot chocolate and caramel with whipped cream. In addition to their delicious hot chocolate, this adorable spot, just a short walk from Appalachian State University also offers coffee, specialty drinks, and a selection of baked goods.
Higher Grounds Coffee Shop
Whether you’re in the mood for a normal cup of hot chocolate or an extra rich Ghiradelli Hot Chocolate, you can’t go wrong with any choices you make at Higher Grounds. In addition to these two amazing hot chocolate options, you can also indulge yourself in one of their espresso creations, specialty beverages, coffee basics, or when it finally gets warmer a cold and refreshing drink.
Mountain Grounds Coffee & Tea Co.
Located at the base of Grandfather Mountain in Banner Elk, Mountain Grounds not only serves delish cups of hot chocolate but also an array of specialty drinks inspired by the season. You can accompany any of their drinks with an array of delicious pastries.
Fred & Larry’s Coffee
A Banner Elk staple, Fred & Larry’s Coffee offers a white hot chocolate and a classic hot chocolate for visitors to enjoy. If neither of those choices entice you, they also offer espresso, lattés, smoothies, kratom, and kava to drink plus live music and local art to enjoy!
Banner Elk Café
Known for their gourmet hot chocolate, the Banner Elk Café has its own espresso bar that in addition to their hot chocolate, serves freshly roasted coffees, hot teas, smoothies, specialty coffee drinks, and fresh-baked bagels and pastries. Feeling a bit peckish? Be sure to also enjoy a delicious breakfast or meal while you’re there.
One Shot Café
Another new coffee spot in the High Country, One Shot Café is located between Foscoe and Banner Elk and serves up yummy, warm hot cocoa as well as other specialty coffees and teas. To make it even more inviting, they have a cozy seating with local goods, pastries, and ice cream.
Little Deer Café
Located in Linville, Little Deer Café is a quaint little spot that offers heavenly hot cocoa alongside fresh, homemade pastries, other specialty drinks, delicious breakfast bites, and savory lunch options.
After a winter day full of fun hot chocolate is the perfect winter drink to warm you up and satisfy your sweet tooth. With so many hot chocolate spots AND fun activities, you’ll never be bored or un-cozy on a trip to Chetola Resort. We hope to see you with a cup of hot cocoa in hand soon!
*If you’re looking for a delicious adult hot chocolate to enjoy, visit us at Headwater’s Pub at Timberlake’s Restaurant for a Toasted Marshmallow cocktail!