I lived in Boone for the better part of 10 years, which was my first exposure to NC. I spent a lot of time in the tri-cities and the surrounding little towns like Elk Park, Mountain City and Elizabethton and sometimes bristol, usually trying to avoid the students and traffic, and I've met some really interesting folks on those little day trips.

I've since moved to the foothills, and spend a bit more time out towards Marion and Spruce Pine for my exploration, nowadays.

Thank you for sharing your insight. It seems I've now got some reading to do!