Ep 4. Boone

Beyond Your Backyard is a captivating travel documentary series that takes viewers on a journey to popular and lesser-known destinations across the United States. In season 2 episode 4, titled "Boone," host Erik Hastings explores the picturesque town of Boone, North Carolina.

The episode opens with Hastings driving through the winding roads of the Blue Ridge Mountains, en route to Boone. Located in the heart of the Appalachians, Boone is a quaint mountain town with a rich history and culture. The first stop on Hastings' itinerary is the Appalachian State University, where he meets with Dr. Willard Watson, a professor of Appalachian Studies. Dr. Watson gives Hastings a brief history of the region and explains the significance of the Appalachian culture in the area. He also introduces Hastings to a group of local musicians who play traditional Appalachian folk music.

Next, Hastings visits the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, a recreated 18th-century homestead that showcases life in the early days of Boone. Hastings meets with costumed interpreters who demonstrate traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, weaving, and candle making. He also learns about the daily routine of early settlers in the area and the challenges they faced in the harsh mountain terrain.

Hastings then heads to the Daniel Boone Native Gardens, a naturalistic garden that features over 200 species of native plants. The garden is named after Daniel Boone, a legendary frontiersman who explored the Appalachian Mountains and helped settle the region. Hastings explores the tranquil paths of the garden and learns about the medicinal and culinary uses of many of the plants.

After a busy morning of exploration, Hastings takes a break and visits the famous Mast General Store. The store has been a fixture in the town since the late 1800s and offers a wide variety of old-fashioned candies, clothes, and practical goods. Hastings meets with the store's proprietor, Lisa Cooper, who shares the store's unique history and talks about the community's deep connection to the store.

The next stop on Hastings' itinerary is a visit to the Mystery Hill attraction, a popular tourist site that has been drawing visitors for over 60 years. Hastings explores the unusual phenomenon of the "gravity hill," where objects seem to defy the laws of physics by rolling uphill instead of downhill. He also visits a room that distorts one's sense of balance and a water fountain that runs uphill instead of downhill.

Finally, Hastings rounds out his trip to Boone with a visit to the Tweetsie Railroad, a Wild West theme park that features a 3-mile train ride through the beautiful mountains and a variety of rides and attractions. Hastings hops aboard the authentic steam locomotive and takes in the stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as the train winds its way through the park.

Through the course of the episode, Hastings shows viewers the beauty, history, and culture of Boone, North Carolina. The show is sure to leave audiences feeling inspired and eager to pack their bags and embark on a similar adventure.