The Appalachian Best of Boone 2026

BEST OF BOONE? WHAT IS

After months of scheduling, meetings, designing, promoting and creating, The Appalachian finally presents Best of Boone 2026.

For 11 years, The Appalachian has curated our readers’ choice edition to help you discover the Best of Boone: the best places to eat, hike, shop and much more. With approximately 60 categories and over1,500 votes this year, we help you find everything from the best late-night snack spot to the best tattoo artist to guide your way through your time in the High Country.

This issue is divided into four main sections for your convenience: Best of Food, Best of Lifestyle, Best of Campus and Best of People. In each category, our

survey includes both multiplechoice options and write-in options to provide a wide enough sample to then tally up as a team.

This year’s Best of Boone is different from past editions in that the 2026 edition is the first on glossy paper and the first to remain on stands throughout the calendar year as opposed to just in the month of April.

From writing, photography and graphic design to social media marketing, advertisement sales and translations, every part of our newsroom is inextricably linked with the Best of Boone process.

Meg Frantz Editor-in-Chief, 2025-26

THE APPALACHIAN

MEG FRANTZ

LEIGH TAUSS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MATT HOWE NEWS EDITOR

COLIN WISHNESKI ASSOC. NEWS EDITOR

HALEY DIFRUSCIO POLITICAL EDITOR

KATHERINE AGUILAR TRANSLATIONS EDITOR

ADVISER editor@theappalachian.com business@theappalachian.com

adviser@theappalachian.com

MADALYN EDWARDS

OWEN MARCELLINO A&C EDITOR

MAX SCHWANZ SPORTS EDITOR

EDITORIAL VISUALS

ALLISON LEHAN OPINION EDITOR

ALEX WALLIN ASSOC. A&C EDITOR

TESS MCNALLY ASSOC. SPORTS EDITOR

ANNA KATE MOCK ASSOC. OPINION EDITOR

BROOKLYN SMITH CHIEF COPY EDITOR

EMMA CLAIRE BROOME ASSOC. CHIEF COPY EDITOR

CHLOE POUND

VISUAL MANAGING EDITOR

AVA ANZALONE PHOTO EDITOR

SYDNEY WILLIS ASSOC. PHOTO EDITOR

BUSINESS MANAGER MANAGING EDITOR

RIAN HUGHES GRAPHICS & LAYOUT EDITOR

ANDREW REAGAN ASSOC. GRAPHICS EDITOR

BUSINESS

ASHLEY HERRERA

KAT WOODRUFF-CARTER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

AARON TARTEVET ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MARKETING & AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

EMILY PICCA DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

LIZ TOWNSEND HEAD CONTENT CREATOR

The Appalachian is the award-winning, independent, student-run news organization at Appalachian State University, published since 1934. The student staff maintains all editorial discretion, and there is no prior review by university faculty, staff or administrators. The Appalachian strives for accuracy in news gathering and reporting. If you think we have made an error, email: editor@appalachianonline. com. Participation in The Appalachian is open to all current full-time students at the university. For more information about joining, email: outreach@theappalachianonline.com. The opinion pages of The Appalachian are open public forum. Contributions are welcomed via email to editor@ appalachianonline.com. Opinions expressed are those of individual columnists and do not necessarily reflect the views of the news organization overall. Unsigned editorials represent the collective opinion of The Appalachian editorial board.

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BEST PizzA

MELLOW MUSHROOM

Walking into Mellow Mushroom, customers will find a stone oven in the back, quilting the entire restaurant with the distinct smell of pizza, a fullystocked bar to their right with local craft beers and a dynamic atmosphere all around.

Front-of-house manager Desirae Luddeke has

been with the franchise’s location at 805 W. King St. since it opened in 2011. She described the style of Mellow Mushroom pizza as “unique” and one that sets the franchise apart.

“It has molasses in the crust, so it lends itself to a sweeter taste, very different,” Luddeke said.

Their pizza is also cooked in a stone oven,

BEST WiNgS

RIVERS STREET ALE HOUSE

really good.”

Rivers Street Ale House, the reigning champion of Best Wings, has taken the crown for the fifth time in a row. With an inviting fireplace and neon TVs lining the walls with sports and entertainment, the bar located at 957 Rivers St. continues to be a staple of Boone’s bar scene.

With 16 flavors to choose from and weekly specials, Ale House’s wings are the perfect partner for any patron or sports fan.

“Best wings in town for sure. We have a bunch of different flavors,” said Josh Lamont, a manager at Ale House. “Our guys in the kitchen have a good process of making them. They bake off the wings first and then chill them and fry them later, so it makes them come out

Luddeke said, as opposed to the typical brick oven or convection style, and cornmeal is used instead of plain or all-purpose flour.

“You know when you take a bite of an authentic Italian pizza, and it has that flour on the bottom, kind of a little bit of a drier taste?

Cornmeal holds that moisture in, so it’s a moist, sweet crust,” Luddeke said.

The usual atmosphere of a Mellow Mushroom is enhanced by being in a college town, Luddeke said.

“We have a really upbeat, young, energetic staff, primarily all college students,” Luddeke said. “So yeah, we have a lot of fun. And I think the youthfulness of the town and the energy behind the university is really helpful for that.”

trivia, bingo and DJ nights, as well as live music on the weekends.

for

Lamont, an App State alum with a bachelor’s degree in business management, has been working at Ale House since 2018, originally starting as a busser, then moving up the ranks to a managerial position.

“It’s fast paced, high energy, and it’s a lot of fun. There’s a lot of excitement to the job,” Lamont said.

Alongside its impressive display of never-ending sports television, Ale House hosts a number of weekly events, such as

Its musical events offer a wide range of genres from country to rock to grunge to hip-hop and anything in between. Ale House invites well-established Boone artists like Chandler Carpenter & The Reckless Souls, who specialize in country and rock, to play at its venue, but it also opens its stage to new voices.

Whether people go to Ale House for its music, sports programs or to just let loose, one can see from its long-standing Best of Boone reign that its wings are a must-have.

“We’re super excited to have won Best Wings again,” Lamont said.

BEST CoffEE

Alyssa Burke | Reporter

Like a warm embrace, you are welcomed by the low buzz of coffee machines and calm chatter from fellow customers as you enter Espresso News. A longtime favorite in the Boone community, Espresso News has now earned Best Coffee a total of nine times in Best of Boone.

Uijin Park, owner of Espresso News, said the key to keeping customers hooked is high-quality goods.

He added that they take their time in preparing baked goods and roasting their coffee.

Customers know what they are getting when going to Espresso News: quality drinks and good service. Espresso News prides itself on the shop’s environment, knowing that’s what keeps regulars coming back. As

BEST LoCAL ProduCE ESPRESSO NEWS

a Boone staple for several decades, it has curated an energy any visitor can feel.

“It’s just nice to have a good environment and setting, just a nice vibe that we have here, and everyone kind of reflects that: the people that work here and also the people that consume,” Park said.

Located at 267 Howard St., Espresso News is tucked right in the heart of downtown. The drink menu ranges from steamy to freezing beverages, guaranteeing a treat for everyone. The cozy ambience serves as a space to simply chat with friends or focus your energy on a big project.

From the bright windows to the cozy furniture, Espresso News has a unique feeling that fuels both body and mind. The space is versatile, inviting anyone to pay a visit

or simply drop in.

“There’s no judgment here,” Park said.

The most popular drinks since last year have been the drip coffee and chai cider. Espresso News manages to introduce a fresh flair while still sticking to what customers know and love. Keeping up with trends can be difficult, but Espresso News combines style with consistency.

“Our manager Kathleen does a really good job keeping up with those kinds of things; she actually keeps everything fresh,” Park said.

A consistent Best of Boone winner, Espresso News provides a cozy nook for Boone locals to refuel and refocus. With consistent service, delicious goods and comforting ambience, it remains the most beloved coffee shop among Boone locals.

WATAUGA COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET

The trees are budding, warmer weather is on the horizon and the Watauga County Farmers’ Market opening day is just around the corner on April 4, 2026.

The farmers market has inhabited Boone since 1974 and is the winner of this year’s Best Local Produce.

Boone can soon welcome spring by indulging in fresh herbs, leafy greens, vibrant root vegetables and delectable berries. Open on Saturdays until the end of November, the farmers market additionally has a diverse selection of meats, dairy products, eggs and local arts and crafts.

Michelle Dineen, the farmers market’s manager, said in a phone interview that it is a “producer-only market,” meaning all the products are homegrown or homemade by the farmers market’s more than 50 local vendors.

Dineen said local produce keeps dollars circulating in the local community, thereby strengthening it. It also preserves farmland and creates community resilience.

“But beyond economics, it builds connections. And when you know who grows your food, it really changes how you value it. Plus, it’s just healthier and tastes better,” Dineen said.

The farmers market has plenty of events planned for

this coming season, including the “Hip Hop Hurray, It’s Opening Day” event, which kicks off the season with Easter-themed festivities, including an egg hunt across the farmers market for all ages.

In the summer, the farmers market will have its “Pollination Celebration” to support pollinator habitats and beekeeping education. There will be fun activities in its “kids’ corner” and a vendor bouquet contest, which customers will vote on.

“It’s a celebration of all things flower and honey,” Dineen said.

At the end of August, the farmers market will hold a fundraiser for Hispanic

Heritage Day, partnering with Q’Pasa Appalachia and the Immigrant Justice Coalition. There will be tamales, live music, local dance performances and other cultural festivities. Toward the end of the season, there will also be an apple pie competition, as well as a Halloween pumpkin

carving contest and costume event.

Throughout the season, expect live music, community contests and cooking demonstrations almost every Saturday.

The farmers market is located at 591 Horn in the West Drive.

Country Construction Company with a Legacy of Artisanal Craftsmanship

Known for 40 years for its artisans and craftsmen, Mountain Construction Enterprises, Inc. is ready to pass the torch to the next generation of Mountain Craftsmen. This fully-equipped and operating business is geared for a graceful transition. A new business owner will have an opportunity to lease the approximately 2,500 SF o ce and workshop space. Tools and equipment are included in the sale, with a website, and a solid 40-year reputation.

“...There is only one way to express the feelings I have about our home: You designed and build my soul into my new home! I feel it! Thank you so much for all that you did for me and for us.”

“Any time a potential client wants a reference, send them to us. And show our home to your prospective customers whenever it helps. We’ll also STRONGLY RECOMMEND Mountain Construction to anyone we come in contact with who might be interested in building.

“Building that house has been such a fun project. Mountain Construction is the absolute BEST!”

Discuss this business opportunity with your potential associates, Building/Real Estate company associates, and faculty advisors and contact our real estate agents to arrange an o ce visitation to review 1) company assets and 2) o ce/shop/rental space.

WILDWOOD COMMUNITY MARKET

Brooklyn Smith | Chief Copy Editor

Wildwood Community Market acts as the calm amid the chaos of construction on Howard Street. With a variety of options, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free substitutes, Wildwood has something for everyone.

Sara Russell, an owner of Wildwood, joked that the sandwich shop’s marketing manager, CJ Jeffries, has tried converting construction workers on Howard Street into tofu lovers.

According to Russell, Wildwood’s most popular vegetarian dish is the Chick-Fil-AIN’T. Served on a Stick Boy Bread Co. bun, it is furnished with organic

house-marinated and handbreaded fried tofu, tomatoes, pickles, organic spring mix, microgreens and vegan dill tzatziki.

Russell’s personal favorite vegetarian option on the menu is the Fantastic Falafel. It features falafel with the same toppings as the ChickFil-AIN’T and is served on a flour wrap or Stick Boy bun.

Wildwood does its best to utilize local produce.

“If we can get it locally, we do,” Russell said.

The sandwich shop is highly community oriented and works to support the

town, according to Russell, who said receiving support back from Boone by winning Best Vegetarian Option means a lot to the store’s staff.

“It’s nice to be supported by the community in that way,” Russell said.

Wildwood is located at 182 Howard St.

BEST MExiCAN-INSPirEd CuiSiNE

LOS ARCOIRIS

Wishneski | Assoc. News Editor

Los Arcoiris, the familiar Mexican food joint off of Blowing Rock Road, strives for culinary and cultural excellence. In its 30 years of service to Boone, the restaurant known colloquially as “Los” to its devotees has seen the town grow and change, yet it has remained a constant through it all.

“This is home to me,” said Jair Alvarez, a 23-year-old restaurant employee and the son of owner Alfredo Alvarez. “I pretty much grew up in this restaurant. I’ve lived through the whole process.”

The biggest change Jair Alvarez has seen has been Los Arcoiris’ expansion into its bar annex. Adorned

with murals, mosaics and handcrafted barstools from friends in Mexico, the colorful space represents everything there is to love about Los Arcoiris.

Los Arcoiris’ most recent development at the bar is its margarita menu. They have been experimenting with new, unconventional flavors, including a cider margarita, which, according to Jair Alvarez, tastes almost like an apple pie.

“The new margarita menu has been popular, especially with college students,” Jair Alvarez said. “They love to see the new flavors.”

Los Arcoiris also started its food truck, Los Express Tacos Y Más, in the aftermath of

Hurricane Helene in order to provide aid to displaced people and their families.

As Boone has returned to a sense of normalcy, the food truck has allowed Los Arcoiris to expand into the rest of Watauga County and develop a new wedding catering service.

“We strive to be the Mexican restaurant that locals know to go to,” Jair Alvarez said. “We’ve been here for 30 years, but we’re constantly trying to be better.”

Los Arcoiris is located at 168 Boone Heights Drive.

BEST ASiAN-INSPirEd CuiSiNE

MINT INDIAN CUISINE

Juliet Coen | Reporter

When you think of beloved food in a mountain town, images of smalltown diners and good-old Southern cooking might flash through your mind. But at Mint Indian Cuisine, the smell of bacon and biscuits is replaced with the smell of curry and freshly-baked naan.

Since 2012, Mint has been a staple for students, tourists and residents alike who crave fresh, authentic Indian flavors.

General manager Aman Hans said one thing that makes the food at Mint so special is that it is made traditionally, the same way it is made in Punjab, India.

Hans credits Mint’s success to the staff who

are dedicated to providing excellent service.

“We treat our customers very well,” he said.

Fans of the restaurant can look forward to the opening of its second location in downtown Boone, Chai and Chutney. The new restaurant will be located at the former site of Melanie’s Food Fantasy on King Street and will offer Indian street food. Initially set to open in the summer of last year, the owners now hope to open in early April.

Mint is located at 203 Boone Heights Drive.

Cook Out at 1179 Blowing Rock Road serves as a place for people to have fun at night: to get food, to spend time with people, to try new shakes and for customers and staff to reflect one another’s high energy.

“I would say it’d be abnormal if the weekends were not crowded,” said employee Hayden Hopkins. He said sometimes the line reaches from the drive-thru to the main road, but he sees this as a good thing.

“If you see a bunch of people crowded at that window, it means a bunch of people are hanging out tonight; a bunch of people

needed somewhere they could walk to to get food, and Cook Out’s still open,” Hopkins said.

No matter the hour of night, the Cook Out experience is lively and active, with friend groups chatting beside the window, music playing from cars and conversations sprouting between strangers in unlikely circumstances.

“I was changing the reader board earlier today, and there were dudes eating in the bed of their truck, and I was chatting with them while on top of a 15-foot ladder,” Hopkins said.

Hopkins describes the workers’ side of Cook Out

as equally lively, with inside jokes and playfulness. He says they create “callouts” for specific orders and try not to let customers hear them.

“It’s almost like trying to keep a secret between all of us. It’s like, ha ha ha, we all know what this is, but y’all don’t know what it is,” Hopkins said.

However, some things about Cook Out are not secrets, including the fact that there is no limit to how many ingredients you can order in one shake, and that floats are the same price as other drinks.

Farm to Flame’s spin on a classic Margherita pizza rests next to a glass of A.T. Amber Lager on one of the many outdoor tables outside of AMB on March 5. AMB’s food truck offers quick bites and a variety of freshly baked pizza just steps away from the brewery.

Juliet Coen | Photographer

THE SOCIAL

Across from Jones House Cultural Center and above what used to be Doe Ridge Pottery, lies the winner of Best New Restaurant, and the younger sibling of The Local, The Social.

The Social and The Local are owned by the same Boone-based family. The Social offers a diverse menu, including items such as Peruvian Chicken, Bahn Mi and Korean corndogs. It also offers simple meals such as pastas, salads and sandwiches.

Although The Social has seen nearly a year of success, it had to overcome struggles before it even opened.

Alaina Walker, one of the owners of The Social, said the idea of opening a second restaurant was always in the family’s mind. When offered to buy the building from the previous owner, the family was pleased by the idea, but they did not have anything

set in mind for it.

Due to circumstances such as COVID-19, a lack of employees and structural issues, the restaurant’s development was pushed back a few years. The physical location had its own problems due to renovation issues in the building above it, ruining some of the restaurant’s flooring.

Despite these setbacks, The Social was able to open in April 2025.

“I just want this place to be where you come and you get some drinks and some food with your friends, and then you celebrate birthdays and graduations,” Walker said.

The Social is for the same crowd as The Local, but it is meant to be more “upscale and worldly,” according to Walker.

“Having great food doesn’t mean that the space needs to be stuffy,” Walker said. “I still want people to be able to laugh really loud.”

Being located in a college town, and with appreciation towards college students and

their energy, The Social tries to maintain fair prices with the consideration that many students may be on a budget.

Walker says some entrees can be a tad expensive for a student, but the price for its burgers is “less expensive than most other restaurants.”

The Social also has a bar. It offers several different wines, beers and cocktails. Walker recommends the house punch, which is specifically geared toward affordability.

For the future, Walker hopes to maintain a good number of employees, which helps with the local economy.

“We put it back; we donate to the local economy. We are owners that live here. Your money stays here,” Walker said.

Despite the small space, The Social continues to boom and hopes to continue attracting new customers. The owners hope people have a good meal and a good time.

The Social is located at 585 W. King St.

BEST SPoT for rECrEATioN

THE GREENWAY TRAIL

Chris Aguilar | Reporter

For many App State students and Boone residents, the outdoors is a perfect escape from classrooms or everyday life. The Greenway Trail, located near the Watauga Recreation Center and just along the South Fork of the New River, offers a nice and quiet place to get away from it all.

Stretching to 4.75 miles through Boone, the core of the trail is mostly flat and consists of paved and gravel paths. The trail also connects with many parks and features picnic areas, open meadows and scenic views to enjoy.

The trail is very popular for those who enjoy walking, running or biking trails. Many students visit the trail to unwind, relax and enjoy nature.

Sophomore advertising major Logan Amigo, who is fond of the outdoors, said one of the most appealing parts of the trail is its peaceful atmosphere.

“My favorite part of the trail is the section with the evergreen trees,” Amigo said. “It reminds me a lot of the Smoky Mountains and the outdoors around Boone. It is also a very peaceful place.”

Amigo said the trail can also be a great area to visit for students who are new to Boone, such as freshmen or transfers from other schools, because it offers a glimpse of the scenery around the High Country.

Beyond recreation, the Greenway plays an important role in connecting the community with the outdoors.

“The trail is important to the Boone community because it allows people to spend leisure time outside,” Amigo said. “It’s very accessible and close for many people and creates opportunities for connection and enjoyment of nature.”

BEST PLACE To Work ouT

STUDENT RECREATION CENTER

Max Schwanz | Sports Editor

When most people work out, they train three to five times a week. No one’s workout is the same, and choosing between cardio workouts, weight training and how often you train can be difficult. However, the Student Recreation Center makes it easy, which is why it was chosen as Best Place to Work Out.

The SRC, located at 150 Bodenheimer Drive, has a wide variety of workout equipment, such as a 50-foot climbing wall, an Olympicsize swimming pool, four full-size basketball courts, a weight-lifting gym and cardio areas.

“Whatever recreationwise they want to do, we try our best to accommodate it,” said Riley Shrum, a graduate

assistant of sports programs who majors in public administration.

The climbing wall has different routes based on climbers’ skill levels and includes a bouldering area for those not looking to belay. All climbing equipment is provided free of charge, and there are climbing orientations available from the operators.

The swimming pool offers unique recreation opportunities. There are open-lap swim times for a different cardio and resistance training experience. It also offers paddleboard dodgeball and yoga if you are looking for interesting activities.

The weight-lifting gym is a place where you can work out on your own if you

are experienced. However, if you are new to working out or new to this specific equipment, personal training is available starting at $15 per session for students.

The SRC also provides free group fitness classes Monday through Thursday. Some of these activities include pilates, cycling and dance.

The SRC is also where many of the intramural sports play, including volleyball, basketball, indoor soccer and dodgeball. Students are able to form teams and compete against their peers in casual or competitive leagues. These leagues also range from men’s, women’s, co-ed or fraternity and sorority.

Shrum enjoys intramural sports, and the SRC staff is even allowed to play.

BEST LoCAL fESTiVAL

“My favorite is the intramural sports because we have a lot to offer, and we take feedback from the students of what sports they would like to see,” Shrum said.

The SRC helps students exercise outside the gym with equipment rentals from the Outing Center. Equipment can be rented through both appointment and walk-ins. The equipment available helps prepare people for camping and hiking trips, such as tents, stoves, backpacks and climbing shoes.

Shrum understands the wide range of activities the SRC offers can be

overwhelming and gives very simple advice:

“Walk around, go upstairs to each floor, see what we have,” Shrum said.

BEST THrifT ANNA BANANA’S

Whether it’s through offering a wide array of clothing items or creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere inside its store walls, Anna Banana’s has been the go-to thrift store in Boone for over a decade. The fine consignment shop has won various Best of Boone categories 12 years in a row.

Nestled in the Boone Mini Mall at 641 W. King St., Anna Banana’s is all about curating positive vibes and smiles. Energetic music, friendly staff, stylish mannequins, unique decorations and a 10% discount for dancing are just some of the ways it accomplishes this.

“We’ve always tried to have a fun space in here,” said Anna Roseman, the owner of Anna Banana’s.

“We’re not scared to be silly, be cheesy, be who we are and encourage others to do the same. I can’t stress enough how much we’re about the human experience here. That is the number one goal, and the clothing is the way to do that.”

Anna Banana’s sells vintage, modern and handmade clothing and accessories and has an upcycling department in “the back,” which Roseman says is being improved and hopes will draw more creators — and customers — to the High Country.

Tess McNally | Assoc. Sports Editor

From Harry Potter to Hannah Montana trivia, FizzEd makes you feel like you’re at a family gathering in your own living room. In this environment, it’s not about the perfect score, it’s more about the perfect company.

FizzEd began weekly trivia shortly after it opened in November 2023. Trivia host Lindsay Fulp started last summer. FizzEd at 260 Howard St. hosts a familyfriendly round at 6:30 p.m. on Sundays followed by a late-night version beginning at 9:30 p.m.

“The family-friendly one is honestly really fun because there’s been a lot of groups that have come back, and I have made friends with them,” Fulp said.

The late-night trivia has more up-beat music and

BEST TriViA SPoT

FizzEd

dimmed lights, shifting the energy from the previous family-friendly round.

Each trivia session consists of five rounds of general knowledge trivia and is followed by an equalizer bonus round, which can drop first place players to last place.

“I think it’s really fun to see who can actually get the challenging ones,” Fulp said.

Trivia hosts like to theme their trivia based on what is going on during the month or the season: Grinch night, International Women’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and more all play a part in the process of bringing the fans back for more each Sunday.

Fulp appreciates input and trivia ideas from customers on a genre they would like to play.

“I think serious trivia is boring,” Fulp said. “You’ve got to have some fun for the people too, not just for all the academics.”

Not only is the service and environment comfortable and inviting, but the winners of family-friendly and latenight can both receive a $20 gift card.

“It’s nice to win, if you do, but I’d rather you want to play to have fun than play to win,” Fulp said.

Aside from niche trivia questions, you can find yourself humming to retro hits mixed with classic pop that keeps the momentum of the game moving.

As FizzEd continues to grow its Sunday trivia tradition, there is always a spot for everyone at the table to test what you know.

“The reason that we’ve won is because of how we’ve categorized it, and the style that we do,” Fulp said.

BEST CoSMETiC SALoN CANVAS BEAUTY BAR

BEST dATE NigHT SPoT Cobo SUSHI BISTRO AND BAR

BEST LoCAL BouTiQuE THE HAPPY PLACE

Eli Pauca Reporter

From men’s and women’s clothing to jewelry, backpacks, posters, tapestries and so much more, The Happy Place is a onestop shop for anything you may need or want.

When you walk into The Happy Place, located at 641 W. King St., you’re immediately greeted with smiling faces on the walls and bright, beautiful colors that make the room glow. It’s as if you stepped back in time to Woodstock with the bright, hippie-like colors and welcoming atmosphere. This store has it all from jewelry and accessories to graphic design hoodies and anything in between.

When asked about the store’s success and what makes it a vital part of the High Country community, employee Ella Hardy said, “The owner, Krista, is a part of it; she’s a very important part of the community.”

Since the shop has been in Boone for so long and living up to its name, it’s not a shock that The Happy Place was voted the Best Local Boutique in Boone.

BEST PiErCiNg ELEVATED BODY ART

Voted Boone’s Best Piercing Shop, Elevated Body Art at 740 W. King St. continues to stand out for its focus on customization and client care. Open since 2017, the studio has grown from a piercing-only space into a larger shop that added tattoo services over two years ago.

Piercer Jacob Campbell has worked alongside the shop’s owners since 2014 and returned shortly after Elevated first opened.

Pricing for most piercings falls between $40 to $60, depending on the jewelry, but Campbell said he enjoys doing more custom work, including larger gauge

piercings and specialty projects, which require more experience.

Campbell has seen trends evolve. Earlobes and helix are usually consistent, while nostril and septum piercings continue to rotate in popularity. Many clients are recommended to get piercings in certain locations, like the navel, during the winter, so they have time to heal before summer.

Elevated treats the healing process just as importantly as prepping.

“The body treats a piercing like a splinter; it notices the jewelry as a foreign object and heals around it,” Campbell said.

Elevated uses materials

like titanium, which help prevent irritation or rejection. Since everyone heals differently, clients are encouraged to come back for checkups and downsizing.

“Safety comes down to following the same step-bystep procedures every time and keeping things clean, making sure every client has a comfortable experience from start to finish,” Campbell said.

Elevated’s focus on safety and custom designs is one example of why it was voted Boone’s best piercing shop.

BEST LoCAL NoNProfiT FARM CAFE

Ella Smith Reporter

FARM Cafe provided 22,531 meals in 2025, with 39% of those meals being served at no charge. The nonprofit was established 14 years ago with the goal to “Feed All Regardless of Means” and provide a safe, inclusive environment for those unable to have easily accessible food.

For the second year in a row, FARM Cafe at 617 W. King St. has won Best Nonprofit Organization.

FARM Cafe uses a pay-what-you-can system. Through volunteering to wash dishes, helping prepare food or paying any financial amount, customers are able to pay for their meals regardless of means.

“We believe that how much money in your pocket

shouldn’t determine your ability to access healthy, nutritious food,” program director Shane Hillman said.

For some people, FARM Cafe provides their only hot meal of the day. For the meals that are provided, the nonprofit works with the nutrition department at App State to make sure meals are nutrient-dense and supplied through local sources.

Hillman describes FARM Cafe as a place where customers are met with an overwhelmingly welcoming community. Like him, many customers have found this community through eating meals with and interacting with strangers.

“We offer people not only a healthy meal, but a place to eat that together,” he said.

BEST AuTo gArAgE BILL’S GARAGE

Madalyn Edwards & Brooklyn Smith Managing Editor & Chief Copy Editor

Known for its towing enforcement signs scattered throughout Boone, Bill’s Garage is much more than a towing service.

This year’s winner for Best Auto Garage is a family-owned business that started in1990 with two locations. Co-owner Will Hennessy operates the Boone location, and his father Bill Hennessy, who is the business’ namesake, operates the West Jefferson location.

Aside from the garage’s 24/7 towing services, Bill’s also offers auto repair services Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., including tire and brake maintenance, oil changes and parts replacement. At the Boone location, located near

campus at 167 W. King St., a team of approximately 10 strives to offer quality repairs.

Will Hennessy said repairing things has always been a hobby for him.

“It’s nice to be able to come to work and do that same thing,” he said.

Will Hennessy and his son are continuing the father-sonduo legacy. His son goes to “work” at the other location.

“He’s only three, but you know, he’s the boss,” he said.

At the end of the day, Will Hennessy said one of the best things about the garage is aiding in the customer’s journey home.

“It’s always good to get people home,” he said.

Tiffany Leonard, leasing and marketing director at The Winkler Organization in her office on March 6. The Winkler Organization rents out various properties around Boone including the 1850, the Heights, Boone Hall, Holmes View manor, Wilcox Warehouse lofts, Steeplechase Wood Circle and the Vineyard. Mady Helt | Photographer

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BEST HouSiNg WiTH AMENiTiES THE FINMORE AT 241

The town of Boone has plenty of options for college students if they want to live off campus. Houses and apartment complexes shared between friends are all over; but many don’t have the features of The Finmore at 241 Shadowline Drive.

Located in the center of town, the Finmore is just a short drive from campus and has easy access to numerous businesses and stores located right off of U.S. Route 321. Wolfgang Enders is a graduate student business administration major and appreciated its location when finding a place.

“We looked at, like, three places and this one had good bus routes, that’s most of what I was looking for,” Enders said. “The rent is high, but for what we got, I felt like it was decent value.”

Walking into the Finmore for the first time may seem overwhelming, but the amount of amenities both in the rooms and outside of them will make you wish you stayed longer. Never having to worry about renting or buying furniture and coming home to a fully furnished apartment at the end of a long day is a friendly reminder of why you might choose to rent there.

The Finmore makes things easy, which is important for college students worrying about school and their future, something that senior computer science major Tony Samson was looking for.

“I liked it being furnished. Yes, the main thing for all the other ones were like $100 cheaper, but I would have to buy furniture,” Samson said.

The furnished apartments aren’t the only thing the

The Finmore on March 5. Some of the Finmore’s amenities include a large rooftop hot tub, fireplace, cardio and weight room, grills, a pool table and many other games.

Finmore offers, with 55-inch televisions in every unit and each bedroom providing a private bathroom. It’s friendly for people who prefer spacious but private living.

“The actual room itself, it’s pretty massive for a college apartment,” Samson said.

Whether it is the petfriendly rooms or the spacious apartments, the Finmore has something for everyone and is the winner of Best of Boone’s Best Housing with Amenities.

BEST PLACE To Work AS A STudENT

Trey Blake | Senior Reporter

A shiny shell and warm biscuits and gravy on your plate bring locals and tourists alike into Troy’s 105 Diner located at 1286 NC Highway 105, but the homey feel and relationships made while on the clock drive students who need some extra cash during the school year to work at the famous breakfast location.

Winning the second-ever Best Place to Work as a Student award, Troy’s prides itself on helping early-rising App State students get accustomed to food service either at the table or on the kitchen line. Crispy bacon and soft pancakes are nice, but the vibe behind the counter is what brings

AS A LoCAL ALuM TROY’S 105 DINER APP STATE

smiles and laughter to the restaurant.

“No matter if I’m working a morning or night shift, I know I’ll be surrounded by people who support me and make my day better,” said employee Reese Hancock, a senior psychology major at App State. “They have become more than coworkers; they are friends. That kind of environment makes coming to work something I look forward to.”

Those smiles don’t stop when the open sign turns off; a real family resides behind those old-timey metal doors.

Blasting music before those early morning shifts or joking around when closing time hits, the staff’s love for each other is felt in every bite.

“I always recommend Troy’s to other students and classmates. It’s not just a great place to work, but a really understanding place to work as a student,” Hancock said. “They’re flexible with schedules, respectful of school work and supportive of things like research conferences. They recognize school comes first, which makes a huge difference.”

The diner is only a fiveminute drive from campus, and the second you clock into your shift there Is a family-oriented feel you cannot ignore — it’s clear why Troy’s is the vote for Best Place to Work as a Student.

BEST

PLACE

To Work

Brett Salisbury | Reporter

While a scenic campus and wonderful town draw students to App State, the community is what gets them to stay.

“I had great advice and leaders that saw potential in me to give back to the institution as a staff member,” said Jonathan Reeder, App State’s deputy athletic director. He attended App State from 2002 to 2007, earning a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems while pitching for the baseball team.

Reeder immediately became the director of baseball operations when he graduated. He slowly

worked his way up through the ranks of the school’s athletic department, becoming deputy athletic director in 2019.

Reeder credits the connections he built through involvement in App State Athletics with making the transition easier. When the opportunity came up for Reeder to work at the school, he didn’t hesitate to take it.

“I’m very thankful and honored to work for and represent an institution that helped me grow into a professional as well,” Reeder said.

e best of Boone? e students.

Congratulations to our App State alumni carrying that spirit forward at Wake Forest School of Business.

ACCELERATED MASTERS PROGRAMS:

MS IN ACCOUNTANCY

MS IN BUSINESS ANALYTICS

MS IN MANAGEMENT

“Students and professors alike make the MSA program a supportive environment with real connection and purpose”

-Will, App State ‘25, Wake Forest MS in Accountancy ‘26 Continue your journey.

“Wake Forest took my ambitions seriously and helped me build a real path to get there.”

BEST ACAdEMiC MiNor

PSYCHOLOGY

Alayna Day | Reporter strictly business relationship. Formerly a psychology major, Zwaryczuk finds the minor enjoyable and more suited to her specific tastes.

“It is just something that inherently speaks to students. We’re all humans, we all interact with other humans, so we like to understand that,” said nine-year psychology department chair Rose Mary Webb regarding why so many students are drawn to psychology at App State.

With 471 students currently enrolled in the program, psychology is the university’s largest academic minor and 2026 winner of Best Academic Minor for Best of Boone. It offers a glimpse into the human mind and a field that is beneficial to a diverse range of majors.

“Psychology overlaps so much with so many other disciplines that it

complements the instruction that they get in their majors,” Webb said. “It adds another layer of understanding.”

Sarah Zwaryczuk, a junior digital marketing and sales major and psychology minor, agreed, as she is interested in how the study of the human mind can advance her marketing and connection-building skills.

“I want to learn about the psychology behind decision making, and I believe that will be very beneficial to being able to sell people different products and market my business,” Zwaryczuk said.

Though Zwaryczuk values her psychology minor for what it adds to her major and future career, she and the program do not have a

“My classes are more electives than the majors take, which are super fun, and the professors are great,” Zwaryczuk said.

Conversely, Webb finds that the psychology minor at App State is a pathway to a major. She believes that the classes are intriguing and informative, opening students’ minds to careers they had not considered before.

Webb also affirms that the psychology minor is equally informative to faculty members. With the faculty working so closely with psychology majors, the range of students’ interests is

often limited to direct career paths, but the minor widens it to other disciplines.

“I think it keeps our faculty aware of what the full student body at Appalachian is interested in,” Webb said. “It helps us stay connected to the rest of the university.”

Supporting students and inspiring curiosity are key goals of the psychology minor, and Webb is hopeful that the department will continue to meet student needs educationally and beyond.

BEST ELECTiVE CLASS SNOWBOARDING

Maddie Parkes | Reporter

With App State tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the promise of snowfall every year, it makes sense that roughly 1,200 students per semester choose snowboarding as their elective class.

Edgar Peck, App State PE director and organizer of the class, said it was the highest-enrolled class in the Beaver College of Health Sciences. The high enrollment and campuswide student enjoyment has made it this year’s Best Elective Class for Best of Boone.

Meeting during the first half of each spring semester, Intermediate Alpine Snowboarding consists of six weeks of instruction — one on-campus session and five out on the slopes.

Peck said the goal for beginners is to get more comfortable on the slopes and familiarize themselves with the lifts. When it comes to intermediate-level students, Peck said their journey is like any other sport.

“They already have maybe some of the basics down, but how can you give them some tasks and drills and feedback to improve what they’re doing already,” Peck said.

Peck attributes the class’ success to the number of students registering each year.

“If students didn’t feel like it was a valuable learning experience, they wouldn’t register for it, right?” Peck said. “There’s 150 other PE classes they could sign up for.”

Being a Mountaineer and snowboarding have proven to go hand in hand with the popularity of Intermediate Alpine Snowboarding.

Peck also touched on the rarity of the class due to the location.

“I think geographically it’s something that, you know, you maybe can only do here or a few other places,” Peck said.

BEST rESidENCE HALL NEW RIVER

BEST SidE of CAMPuS WEST

Windows of New River Residence Hall on March 15. This residence hall houses up to 737 residents and has both apartment and suite-style rooms within its walls.

Mady Helt | Photographer

BEST ProfESSor PABLO CHIAVLO

Department of Biology lecturer Pablo Chialvo on March 20. Ava Anzalone | Photo Editor

One of the many App State ducks on March 15. The ducks are a staple of the west side of campus and can often be seen crossing the walking paths between students.

Mady Helt | Photographer

BEST STudENT CLuB

APPS

Grace Phillips | Reporter

Lights dim for movie nights, skates hit the floor and students cheer at Battle of the Bands as the Appalachian Popular Programming Society creates memorable experiences that bring the campus community together.

APPS president and senior sustainable development major Maggie Ballard said the organization is committed to a sense of community by hosting events that feature a diverse mix of music, movies and event nights like skating. Behind the scenes, each of their six councils cover a different aspect of student engagement. They work to plan events up to six months in advance, ordering decorations, supplies and coordinating volunteers.

“From Destress Yosef’s therapy dogs to our Live in the Solarium local shows to Fiddles n Fixins and FidCon, I’m always impressed by our chairpeople’s ability to put on such amazing events,” Ballard wrote.

Ballard said her role as president has focused on supporting members and helping them grow.

“To be voted as Best Organization for the second year in a row is exciting and an absolute honor!” Ballard wrote. “APPS is devoted to delivering a variety of events to any individual in our campus community, so thank you for trusting us to be your primary source of entertainment and fun on campus.”

WILLY

B’S

Nathaniel Eaton Reporter

Besides fast food, there aren’t many places to go and refuel for late-night study sessions once it hits midnight; that is, until Willy B’s Grill opened.

The food truck is readily accessible from campus, located off of Howard Street and open until 2 a.m. from Thursday to Saturday.

Willy B’s opened Aug. 8, 2025, and has operated at 363 Howard St. since. Working out of a food truck, the focus has been on serving smash burgers and becoming a staple in Boone’s community.

Willy B’s is run by senior Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute culinary student William Barnes, who loves food and cooking for others. The food truck is a way for him to show his passion for the culinary arts and has become something he takes pride in.

“I’m most proud to be able to show my work and share with my community, and am very proud of all the friends I’ve made doing it!” Barnes wrote.

Though the food truck has been a success, it also has had its challenges.

From managing student life to keeping the business running, it has been a difficult endeavor for the young business owner.

“It’s definitely been extremely busy being a student and running a food truck at the same time,” Barnes wrote. “I get somewhat tired of going from one kitchen to the other and doing constant dishes but I’m learning more than ever.”

The challenges haven’t stopped Barnes, however, as the community has rallied behind him, helping him push past harsh weather and other struggles.

“I’ve been able to be very welcomed by the community here in Boone,” Barnes wrote. “Whether I’m serving students coming out of class or going out late night I see a lot of the community in Boone at the foodtruck.”

Willy B’s has quickly become a staple in Boone and is only growing further. From serving excellent smash burgers to being involved with the community, Willy B’s is the 2026 Best of Boone Student-Owned Business.

Sigma Kappa

President Sloan Stubbs poses for a photo on March 16. Stubbs is a junior risk

BEST frATErNiTy

orgANizATioN

BEST SororiTy orgANizATioN

Beatrix Johnson | Senior Reporter

Personal growth, friendship, service and loyalty are the four core values of App State’s Sigma Kappa chapter. Guided by these values, the sorority has continued to make a mark on Boone through community outreach and campus involvement, winning it Best Sorority Organization for Best of Boone this year.

Established at App State in 1985, the sorority has continued to grow over the years, marking a total of 148 members as of March 2026.

The chapter works with five different philanthropic

PI SIGMA EPSILON SIGMA KAPPA

Alex Wallin | Assoc. A&C Editor

Pi Sigma Epsilon is a coed business fraternity open to all majors and the winner of Best Fraternity Organization for Best of Boone. The Chapter currently has 59 members, with 12 prospective members, said Abby Rini, a sophomore business management major and president of the fraternity.

“I love how diverse we are. We have so many different people, so many different personalities, so many different perspectives on things; it’s a really good group,” Rini said.

The organization focuses mainly on sales and marketing with numerous hands-on opportunities such as marketing events and professional workshops to help build members’

professional development skills.

Each academic year, Pi Sigma Epsilon competes both regionally and nationally against other university chapters through events including sell-a-thons, interview competitions and marketing competitions.

Rini said the chapter will be taking its largest group ever to nationals this year with 28 participants — an immense increase from the 10 members who were able to attend the previous year’s competition.

“The professional side is the biggest part that sets us aside from other fraternities,”

Rini said. “Other fraternities usually just have a social side, but we kind of have both, so it’s like the best of both worlds. It’s like developing

ourselves professionally and personally, which is awesome.”

Rini said the leadership opportunities that Pi Sigma Epsilon offers prepare members for the real world and help build lasting relationships with people of similar interests.

“The relationships that I’ve built in PSE mean so much to me; it’s just an extremely supportive and motivating community. We’re all just there for each other, trying to help each other grow, trying to help everyone better themselves,” Rini said. “We’re all very tight; we’re like a big family.”

organizations, which coincidentally spell out SIGMA: the Sigma Kappa Foundation, Inherit the Earth, gerontology, Maine Seacoast Mission and the Alzheimer’s Association. Of these, the group works predominantly with the Alzheimer’s Association, raising over $10,000 for the organization at its annual Silent Disco event, said senior global studies major Alli Ozboz, who is the chapter’s vice president of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

In April 2025, sorority member Mallory Mayor was struck by a car while leaving a music festival. In October,

The President of Pi Sigma Epsilon, Abby Rini, poses for a photo before a chapter meeting on March 3. Kendall Fields | Photographer

the chapter collaborated with Alpha Phi, hosting Miles for Mallory to raise money for Mayor’s expenses.

“We all realized we need to be here for each other,” Ozboz said. “We don’t just wear these letters just to wear the letters.”

Ozboz emphasized this sense of family is built on inclusivity, growing connections between members and an inviting sense of welcomeness.

“What brings us together is not our similarities or differences,” Ozboz said. “Every single person in Sigma Kappa is so different, and that’s what makes us a whole big community.”

June 8th - June 12th

Anna Kate Mock Assoc. Opinion Editor

Florals, retro cat clocks, nostalgic cartoons, the scary and the eclectic — Sloan Blinsink can do it all. Now a fourth-time winner of Best Tattoo Artist, Blinsink’s art is a staple in Boone, and for

good reason.

Blinsink said she believes what sets her apart from other tattoo artists in the area is that her art is undoubtedly a reflection of others. She emphasizes the importance of continually learning and exchanging tips

or artistic styles with those surrounding her.

As an artist at Elevated Body Art, Blinsink said she is proud to be as integrated within Boone’s tattoo scene as she is, and her love for Boone and the community is palpable in her words.

Blinsink states that her intentions as a tattoo artist lie in making her community ties stronger and approaching her clients on a personal level. She acknowledges the way in which she feels fully “integrated in the community, especially with younger people.” But more broadly, Blinsink sees her ability to find similarities instead of differences with every individual she interacts with as a main strength of hers.

What Blinsink most aspires to be known as is someone people can be comfortable with. She said that she is never going to judge anyone for being nervous or for changing their mind, because in the end, she wants people to get exactly what they came in for.

Blinsink loves pursuing art as a collective. In

response to the ways in which she pursues art outside of tattooing, she spoke lovingly about painting skateboards in collaboration with Friendship Tattoo in Mooresville. When on the topic of her favorite recent tattoo moments, she laughed while detailing a recent Valentine’s Day event where she got the name of a stranger in the community tattooed on her leg.

Blinsink said she was proud of her evolution over the past few years, tracking her transition in art from being more detailed and pastel into more exaggerated cartoons. In totality, she said she loves “making something complicated look simple.”

If you want to follow Blinsink’s tattoos, you can find her on Instagram @naols.

Allison Lehan Opinion Editor

On any given weekend in the High Country, a live music venue like FizzEd, Boone Saloon or Betsy’s Barn is bound to be alive with the evidence of creativity and community: booming instruments, buzzing conversation and often, the wonderfully wild visuals of a liquid light show.

The psychedelic spectrum of splotches and flowing patterns that routinely illuminate stages across town belongs to Splat Daddy, this year’s Best of Boone winner for Best Visual Artist.

First popularized in the 1960s, liquid light shows emerged as a counterculture art form. It evolved from concentrated projections on the walls of art galleries and jazz clubs to immersive accompaniments for the sets of exploratory electronic bands of the time. In an effort to help bring the cooperative practice back to the contemporary live music

scene, Splat Daddy is lighting up the High Country through his own interpretative lens.

“I started doing it regularly because I love seeing live music, and I wanted to be involved,” he said. “Just getting this kind of exposure to all different genres, that’s probably the best part. Bringing the vibes.”

Describing his work as “experimental” and “collaborative,” Splat Daddy’s practice combines traditional light show techniques using glass plates and dyed liquid with video editing software to develop fresh experiences for modern audiences.

Since starting in 2017, his attitude toward art as a professional path is largely optimistic.

“The world could use more visual artists. Musicians are so appreciative of someone wanting to help elevate their craft,” he said. “More people should consider going full-in on the arts.”

In addition to light shows, Splat Daddy explores screenprinting as a way to collaborate with other creatives in the Boone community. He is a vendor at the Crop & Trade Co-op, where his designs for local band merchandise can be bought alongside his paintings.

Splat Daddy looks forward to growing his practice in the future, working with new artists and music genres. People are likely to find him at Betsy’s Barn in Todd in spring 2026 joined by Boone bands like Peach Candy Nut Boys to create unique audiovisual experiences for his fellow live-music lovers.

Anyone looking to learn more about his work or upcoming shows can visit his Instagram pages @splat.daddy and @splatdaddyprints.

BEST ALuMNi CHAPTEr

BEST STudENT ATHLETE ALEXXIS GALLAGHER

Tierney Drake & Emma Claire Broome Reporter & Assoc. Chief Copy Editor

When you watch the App State cheer team perform, your eyes might understandably be drawn to the people flying through the air and landing flawlessly, but if you look lower to the few people supporting the flyers, you’ll see the smiling face of Alexxis Gallagher.

Gallagher, a junior accounting major, has been cheerleading since she was three years old. Though her mother initially introduced her to cheerleading, Gallagher grew to love the sport over the years.

“It’s been like a constant in my life. I’ve been doing it for so long,” she said. “I feel like it’s a part of who I am, but I feel like it’s built me as a character, as a person, and has helped me grow along the way.”

Gallagher and her teammates have contributed to some of the best memories for many students,

encouraging them to root for their athletics teams and represent App State’s community. However, some of the team’s most impressive achievements have come from its standalone moments.

In January, App State’s cheer team qualified to compete at the Universal Cheerleaders Association College Nationals, where the team advanced to the final round after placing second in the semi-finals.

“We huddled up, and I looked around at each of my teammates’ faces, and I could see the fear, I could see the excitement, I could see the anticipation of going out onto the stage for the first time,” Gallagher said. “I knew in that moment that this team was going to make program history, because I knew that we were all so confident in each other, that we were gonna go out there and put out the best routine that we possibly could — and we did.”

Gallagher said making the cheer team freshman year felt like an incredible achievement in her athletic career. Her favorite part about being on App State’s cheer team is performing on the field at football games with her squad.

“There’s nothing that can compare to a football game in Kidd Brewer,” she said.

When asked how she felt about winning Best Student Athlete, Gallagher described it as “crazy.”

“I didn’t believe it at first, because as a cheerleader, I feel like people don’t really think of us as athletes right away,” she said. “To be chosen as an athlete of the year, as a cheerleader, just means a lot to me that I can represent my sport in that way.”

Route buses run from 6:45 a.m. to 10:20 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:50 a.m. to 5:20 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 8:15 p.m. on Sunday.

Ava Silva Reporter

AppalCart isn’t just a way to get around town — it’s the heartbeat of a community on the move.

This year, the Red Route was voted as the Best AppalCart Route for Best of Boone. Traveling from the east side of campus to the Watauga Medical Center, the Red Route treats its passengers to a wide array of stops and walkable locations.

As one of AppalCart’s

longer routes, buses on the Red Route arrive every 15 minutes, with multiple buses running at a time during the day.

“The Red Route serves a variety of different population groups; it’s not just a student route,” said Craig Hughes, AppalCart’s director.

The path the bus follows is unique and hits many different services, making it one of the most useful and versatile routes. The Red

Route helps students and locals get to areas otherwise inaccessible without means of personal transportation.

Many people, not just students, are without access to a car, and AppalCart provides transportation to all, including those with mobility limitations. In the future, AppalCart is looking at altering the Express and Pink routes to be more efficient, as well as addressing peak travel times due to overcapacity.

Owen Marcellino | A&C Editor

Originally from Greensboro, junior music performance major Ellie Kontogiorgos, known as Ellie K, is here to remind audiences punk is alive.

After posting her song “Am I Killing You?” on Instagram in 2025, Ellie K connected with her classmate Jacob Gillis, a senior music industry studies major, who quickly became her producer and bandmate.

Ellie K wasn’t originally sure how to break into the Boone music scene, but after working with Gillis, she took to social media again, this time in search of band members. While the performing band behind her has changed over time, its leading lady remains front and center.

As a classically trained vocalist, Ellie K often has a hard time fitting into the Boone music scene — one she claims is dense with folk-rock jam bands.

“There are a few alternative bands that are popular here or are from here,” she said. “And it’s

really nice; I feel like I’m not the only one.”

Aside from her genre, Ellie K stands out from her contemporaries as she fronts one of the few women-led bands in Boone.

“It’s really important to me, as a female-fronted band, to play with other femalefronted bands or bands with girls in it,” she said. “Boone has a wonderful music scene, but there are not a lot of women.”

Ellie K not only takes this into consideration when booking shows but when writing her music as well, attributing much of her inspiration to her identity and lived experiences.

“I especially like to sing about and focus on females being legit in the punk scene ‘cause the punk scene, in North Carolina at least, is male-dominated,” Ellie K said. “You’re kinda a poser if you’re a girl, just because you’re a girl.”

However scarce and male-dominated punk may be in Boone, Ellie K is carving a clear space for it. Whether this space inspires someone to scream their heart out or

join the mosh pit, her main concern is making music that means something to someone beyond herself.

“Now that I’ve been doing this for a while, everything is about just waiting and making sure everything’s perfect,” Ellie K said.

This perfection and patience go hand in hand, something Ellie K occasionally finds difficult when growth can appear static in a career reliant on audience engagement.

“I know it’ll become something, and no matter

how big it becomes, it’s just, it’s really fun to do,” she said. Even in a small scene, Ellie K’s message is evident, something she makes clear with every creative decision: “Punk is where my heart lies.”