At The Horton Hotel, we celebrate the intersection of art and community, and we invite our guests to explore how Boone has become a true haven for artists, makers, and visionaries.

Art, Then and Now

Boone’s creative roots go back generations. Long before galleries lined King Street, art thrived in the form of quilting circles, woodcarving, pottery, and music. The Appalachian craft tradition, passed down through families, formed the foundation of Boone’s artistic culture—built not just for decoration, but for storytelling, connection, and purpose.

By the mid-20th century, Boone saw the emergence of more formal artistic expression. The presence of Appalachian State University played a key role in cultivating a culture of creativity, with its growing art department, student exhibitions, and collaborations between faculty and local artisans.

A Walkable Art Scene

Today, downtown Boone is alive with artistic expression. Public murals brighten alleyways, local galleries showcase mountain-inspired works, and the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts—just steps from The Horton—offers rotating exhibits from regional, national, and international artists. Whether you’re into contemporary sculpture or traditional craft, you’ll find something to stir your imagination.

We always encourage guests to check out:

• Turchin Center for the Visual Arts – A free-admission gallery space with thoughtful exhibitions and community events.
  
• Hands Gallery – An artist cooperative featuring handmade jewelry, textiles, and fine crafts.
  
• Jones House Cultural Center – Housed in a historic home, it serves as both a gallery and a music venue.
  

A Hotel That Honors the Arts

From the design of our boutique rooms to the local art featured throughout the hotel, The Horton pays homage to Boone’s creative spirit. We actively support works by local artists and collaborate with community groups to support the arts however we can.

In Boone, art isn’t just seen—it’s felt. In the rhythms of a bluegrass tune. In the texture of a handwoven basket. In the bold colors of a mountaintop sunset.

Whether you’re here to explore galleries or simply find beauty in the everyday, we invite you to discover the art of Boone—past, present, and future—right outside our doors.