Banner Elk NC Travel Guide

The Italian style of cooking is simply great food to be enjoyed and shared with family and friends. Our name, The Italian Restaurant, is simple and that is as it should be. We believe in fresh, premium ingredients prepared with great care to ensure”simple, great food.” We offer savory, tasty appetizers, perfectly cooked pastas and hearty specialty dinners. All menu items are made with the very best products available. Sauces are prepared fresh daily in our kitchen. Traditional Italian pizzas and calzones top the list of favorites. Beer and wine available with your order. Party trays and carry-out are available. So, whether you dine in our restaurant or in your home, it can be said that “simply great food” is to be found in the mountains of North Carolina at the Italian Restaurant. Enjoy! Family owned and operated Celebrating 26 Years 1995-202

The 45th Annual Woolly Worm Festival takes place the 3rd weekend of October, falling on the 15th and 16th in 2022, in the quaint mountain town of Banner Elk North Carolina.  We think it’s the perfect time to share some tips that will make your experience a good one while at the festival and getting to the festival.

• Yes. There is an admission cost to get into the festival because all proceeds are given back to our community to enhance our schools, children’s programs, and to promote businesses and tourism in Avery County.
• Yes. There is ample parking, but the free parking is on a first come first serve basis and non-profit organizations are authorized to charge parking fees for overflow parking.
• Pets are not allowed, other than Woolly Worms.  We regret that Doggie Daycare will not be available. PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR PETS.
• Yes.  VISA and Mastercard are accepted for festival admission.

What a great time to think of the holidays. Purchase great handcrafted wares from our juried artists, ranging from fun items to those for decorating your house with amazing furniture. Who wouldn’t love a nice piece of jewelry or pottery under the Christmas tree? Admission tickets can be purchased online at WoollyWorm.com so there is no need to stand in line as there is a limited number of races, it is important to register to race your worm as soon as you arrive at the festival! Remember, the winning Woolly Worm on Saturday earns the esteemed honor of predicting the High Country’s winter weather and receives a huge pot of $$$ – $1000 to be exact! If you can’t make it to the festival on Saturday – don’t worry – we begin the fun again on Sunday from 9am until 4pm. The fun starts Saturday morning at 9am and the woolly worm races begin shortly after with Mr. Woolly Worm and Merryweather leading the fun! On Sunday at 1:00 is the Corporate Woolly Worm Wace. The winning worm earns a trophy and bragging rights for its business. Call the Avery County Chamber of Commerce at 828-898-5605 for more information.