Volume 10 • Issue 5 June 2015
Blowing Rock Country Club The
100 Year Evolution
of a National Treasure
Welcome Back Summer Residents
Mark Harrill’s Echota Terry Brewer’s Gardens and Our Bucket List For Your Summer June 2015
High Country Magazine
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Daine Davant
DI A N N E DAVA N T & A S S O C I AT E S EXCELLENCE BY DESIGN SINCE 1979
B A N N E R E L K , N O RT H C A R O L I N A P O RT S A I N T L U C I E , F L O R I D A
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High Country Magazine
June 2015
Is finding the right mortgage one big BRAIN TEASER?
At Piedmont Federal, we specialize in a home loan process with NO SURPRISES. Few things are as exciting as a new home. Some would tell you that few things are as complicated as a new mortgage. We work with our customers to keep the process simple. A great rate is just the beginning. Our loan officers do not receive commissions; their responsibility is to help you get the right mortgage with no surprises or hidden fees. On top of that, we never sell or transfer your mortgage. So the same team that helped in the beginning is available to help down the road. We can help you put all the pieces together. Give us a call and see how easy it can be.
• Home Mortgages (Serviced here / not sold)
• Online Banking
• Mobile Banking • Checking / Savings / CDs • E-Accounts
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MEMBER FDIC ©2015 Piedmont Federal Savings Bank High Country Magazine
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June 2015
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June 2015
High Country Magazine
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C O N T E N T S
16 Bucket List
Just like summer seems to fly by, life passes us by as well. That’s one reason we created a summer “Bucket List,” where we challenge folks to experience several of the amazing activities, adventures and performances the High Country offers.
Century of Golfing in 40 ABlowing Rock
40
The public nine-hole Green Park-Norwood Golf Course was the beginning of the 18-hole course at the Blowing Rock Country Club. This year, the golf course celebrates its 100th birthday.
60 The Mountain Dream
A developer with an unmatched ability to visualize a future development on raw land, Mark Harrill sketched out the 300-acre Echota community on a sheet of paper in a matter of minutes.
70 Partners Through and Through
Wayne and Terry Brewer, partners in life and business, celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary this year. In the mid-‘80s, the Brewers, owners of Mountaineer Landscaping, started selling plants in a parking lot of a gas station in Beech Mountain.
80 The State’s Oldest Attraction
60
The Blowing Rock attraction is steeped in mystery and folklore. Located above the John’s River Gorge, there is a place where it snows upside down and where a Native American love story is set.
on the cover Todd Bush The Blowing Rock Country Club was the setting for this year’s June cover. Todd Bush was behind the camera again this year and Karen Lehmann modeled for us. This year’s photo was taken on the 13th fairway and captures our tribute to the 100th anniversary of the club’s golf course.
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High Country Magazine
June 2015
READER SERVICES ABOUT US
The first High Country Press newspaper was published on May 5, 2005, and the first issue of High Country Magazine went to press in fall 2005. In March of 2012 the newspaper made the transformation to an online newspaper at our new website: www.HCPress.com. Our new “webpaper� is still packed with information that we present and package in easy-to-read formats with visually appealing layouts. Our magazine represents our shared love of our history, our landscape and our people. It celebrates our pioneers, our lifestyles, our differences and the remarkable advantages we enjoy living in the mountains. Our guiding principles are twofold: quality journalism makes a difference and customer care at every level is of the greatest importance. Our offices are located in downtown Boone, and our doors are always open to welcome visitors.
G A L L E R Y
&
F R A M E M A K E R S
ADVERTISING & MARKETING
Our magazine is a wonderful way for businesses to advertise to our readers. Our magazines tend to stay around for a long time, on coffee tables and bed stands, and shared with family and friends. To find out about advertising, call our offices at 828264-2262.
BACK ISSUES
Back issues of our magazines are available from our office for $5 per issue. Some issues are already sold out and are no longer available.
Unpar alleled Vision | William dUnlap
June 3 - 14
Conversations and Cocktails with William Dunlap Sunday June 14, 2 - 4pm
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography and page reprints are available for purchase. For sizing, prices and usage terms, please call our office. Some photos may not be available and some restrictions may apply.
FREELANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Writers and photographers may send queries and samples to the editor at hcmag@highcountrypress.com.
Contact us at:
High Country Press/Magazine P.O. Box 152 1600 Highway 105 Boone, NC 28607 www.hcpress.com info@highcountrypress.com 828-264-2262
Three perspecTiVes
Margaret Salisbury, Scott Boyle and Tim Ford June 17 - 27
Saturday Coffee Talks | June - August | 10 to noon artcellaronline.com | 828-898-5175 | info@artcellaronline.com 920 Shawneehaw Avenue, Hwy. 184, Banner Elk June 2015
High Country Magazine
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FROM T H E PU B L ISH ER
A Publication Of High Country Press Publications Editor & Publisher Ken Ketchie Art Director Debbie Carter Contributing Writers Jessica Isaacs Harris Prevost Bernadette Cadhill
What’s on Your Bucket List for Summer
A
s time flies by, there comes a point when you start thinking about all of things you probably won’t get around to doing. This, of course, is the opposite of what we think about in our youth – all of the adventures and opportunities in front of us. You go from seemingly having all the time in the world to that gloomy realization of, yikes, there may not really be that much more time left. So you start seriously thinking of things that you really want to do. I guess that’s why somebody came up with that “bucket list” idea. You can say the same thing about summer time in the High Country. We have plenty of time through the fall, winter and spring to think about all the things we want to do in the summer - and suddenly it comes and then goes so fast you never get around to doing all of those things that makes it so special to live up here in the High Country. And so, as we’ve been doing for a number of years in our June issues that kick off the summer season, we like to remind our readers what’s going on out there. Every year, we use a little different tack to introduce our readers to different things that go on in the summer. This year we give you 10 ideas to think about . . . and we up the ante by setting the stage to “challenge” you to think about making a checklist to tick off. We call it our “Summer Bucket List.” All the items on the list are familiar. They are things we all think about but rarely get around to doing like taking a hike, attending one of those outdoor summer concert series, making it to the farmers’ market and so on. An Appalachian summer is on its way – and before we know it we’ll picking out pumpkins and the cornstalks will be brown. So let’s enjoy this picture perfect weather we have in the High Country and experience an adrenaline rush during an outdoor adventure or pique your creative side and visit the many surrounding art galleries. Or try a local craft brew and wine made at several of our fabulous local breweries and wineries that span West Jefferson to Linville. You could even take a short trip to Valle Crucis and have Dutch Creek Ice Cream at the Mast General Store or head on over to Abingdon, which is home to the famous Barter Theatre and the Virginia Creeper Trail. The activities, performances and adventures are endless, all situated in the various nooks and crannies of the beautiful High Country. So, this summer we challenge you to not let life pass you by, get out there and enjoy, before this summer kicks the bucket! 8
High Country Magazine
June 2015
Jesse Wood Contributing Photographers Todd Bush Sarah Weiffenbach Advertising Director Jeffrey Green
SHARE WITH FRIENDS You can share our magazine with friends that are out of town by sending them to our website. Just click on “Magazine” in the Menu Bar and that will take you to our online magazine where you can flip through an issue online - just like you would with a printed copy.
www.HCPress.com HIGH COUNTRY MAGAZINE P.O. Box 152, Boone, NC 28607 828-264-2262 Follow our magazine online where each issue is presented in a flip-through format. Check it out at:
HighCountryMagazine.com Reproduction or use in whole or part of the contents of this magazine without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Issues are FREE throughout the High Country. © 2013 by High Country Press. All Rights Reserved.
June 2015
High Country Magazine
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Calendarof Events JUNE 2015
90th Annual Singing on the Mountain Grandfather Mountain, June 28
1-14
Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-2013
A Taste of Avery, Best Western Banner Elk, 828-898-5605
4
4-7
Charity Horse Show: Saddlebred Division, Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve, 828-295-4700
5-6
Black and Gold Alumni Reunion Weekend, Appalachian State University, 866-756-2586
5
First Friday Art Crawl, Downtown Boone, 828-268-6280
5
Guided Tours of the Land of Oz, Beech Mountain, 828-387-9283
5
Watauga Wanderings Digital Project, Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, 828-295-9099
5-14
Day Out with Thomas, Tweetsie Railroad, 828-264-9061
19-21
6
New River Canoe Race, New River State Park, 336-982-2587
Nickelodeon’s Team Umizoomi, Tweetsie Railroad, 828-264-9061
6
Spring into Summer Arts Fest, Watauga Arts Council, 828-264-1789
Mountain Home Music: Jeanne Jolly Band, Harvest House, Boone, 828-364-3392
20-21
6
Family Outdoor Movie Night, “The Muppet’s Most Wanted,” Honey Bear Campground, 828-963-4586
Roan Mountain Rhododendron Festival, www.roanmountain.com
7
Annual Membership Meeting and Ice Cream Social, Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, 828-295-9099
Family Outdoor Movie Night, “Over the Hedge,” Honey Bear Campground, 828-963-4586
20-28
12
Cork and Canvas, Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, 828-295-9099
Ensemble State Presents: The Love List, Blowing Rock, 828-414-1844
Watauga Humane Society Annual Rummage Sale, Boone Mall, 828-264-7865
High Country Trolley Tours: Art Galleries and Wineries, Avery County, 828-898-5605
25-29
12-13
20
20
25
“The Wiz” (Musical Version of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”), Ashe Civic Center, www.ashecivic.org
13
Watauga Humane Society: Art in the Park Adoption Event, Blowing Rock, 828.264.7865
13
Watauga Riverfest, Valle Crucis Community Park, 828-264-3061
26
13
Art in the Park, Downtown Blowing Rock, 800-295-7851
Beauty of the Night Guided Hike, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-2013
27
13
Black and Blue Double Century Bike Relay, Riverside Restaurant, Todd, 336-877-8888
Blood, Sweat and Gears Full Century Bike Ride, Valle Crucis, www.bloodsweatandgears.org
27
13
Boone Country Dancers Contra Dance, Valle Crucis Apple Barn, boonecountrydancers.org
Mountain Home Music: Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, Harvest House, Boone, 828-364-3392
27
13
Family Outdoor Movie Night, “Wreck It Ralph,” Honey Bear Campground, 828-963-4586
Family Outdoor Movie Night, “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” Honey Bear Campground, 828-963-4586
17
Animal Birthday Party, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-2013
28
91st Annual Singing on the Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-2013
10
High Country Magazine
June 2015
26-7/3 Lees-McRae Summer Theatre, Oliver!, Lees-McRae College, 828-898-8709
DON’T FORGET
EVENTS
Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation
Celebrating the Rhodo If you have been out and about in the High Country, you’ve probably already noticed the gorgeous rose-lavender blooms of the Catawba Rhodendron. Each year, Grandfather Mountain and the Roan Mountain State Park host a two-week long “ramble” and a two-day festival, respectively, showcasing the pretty bush. The Roan Mountain Rhododendron Festival, which features traditional music, handmade crafts and old-time demonstrations, takes place on June 20-21. Grandfather Mountain hosts the “Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble,” which is filled with special programs, guided walks and other activities, from June 1-14. For more information, click to www.grandfather.com and www.roanmountain.com.
Ensemble Stage Co. The Ensemble Stage returns to Blowing Rock for another exciting summer season of professional theatre in the village. The 2015 season kicks off on June 20 with the spicy comedy by Norm Foster titled The Love List, which is about a bachelor who hires an old gypsy woman to find the perfect woman for him. The bachelor soon realizes that his list needs a few revisions. The show runs through June 28. Other Ensemble Stage productions include the suspense thriller, Killing Time (July 11-19); the heartfelt comedy, I Ought to be in Pictures (Aug. 8-16); and a political drama called Ears on a Beatle (Aug. 29 – Sept. 6). The shows take place in the Blowing Rock School Auditorium. For more information, call 828-414-1844 or click to www. ensemblestage.com
Honor and purpose don’t end with retirement. In fact, they become more important than ever. That’s why I chose Well•Spring. I had the privilege of leading our men and women in a variety of assignments, including Corps Commander, Commandant of Cadets at West Point, and in Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Germany. When my wife Marty and I chose Well•Spring it would be our thirty-third home! Here we found a welcoming, active, and caring community, perfectly suited for a comfortable and productive retirement.
STARTING JUNE 20
www.well-spring.org 4100 Well Spring Dr., Greensboro, NC 27410 (800) 547-5387 • (336) 545-5400 A member of Well•Spring Services, Inc.
CARF/CCAC ACCREDITED SINCE 2003
LIEUTENANT GENERAL. US ARMY, RETIRED
Walter F. Ulmer, Jr. Resident since 2010
June 2015
High Country Magazine
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mountain
echoes
The Lucky Strikes Add Two Musicians for Summer
O
ne of the great things about summer in the High Country – besides the excellent weather after a seemingly endless winter – is the outdoor concerts and musical performances that take place throughout the region. This year, High Country Magazine spotlights The Lucky Strikes Orchestra, which is an expansion of The Lucky Strikes, a band that has played in the area for several years now. Jim Fleri, who plays piano, bass and sings, formed the The Lucky Strikes in 2007 with Doug Brantz. Fleri’s father was a professional jazz drummer, entertaining audiences in New York, Miami and Western North Carolina. When Fleri decided to get into music, he picked up the drums so he could gig with his father. Fleri said he worked as a professional drummers for “gosh, many years” before he formed The Lucky Strikes. The Lucky Strikes features Fleri, Brantz, Steve Roark and Jamie Blanton. While Rusty Blanton and Wes Saylors are new members for the The Lucky Strikes Orchestra, they have all known each other for years – as they all grew up in Watauga County. “What’s really wonderful about this is we are all friends and have been friends for a very long time. We went to school
together at Valle Crucis and Hardin Park,” Fleri said. “And the youngest member of the band is our drummer, Rusty Blanton. He’s the son of one of the new members. I’ve literally known him all of his life.” This summer, The Lucky Strikes Orchestra will play about two dozen shows at various venues including Alpen Inn at Beech Mountain, The Bayou in Banner Elk, Chetola Resort and The Best Cellar in Blowing Rock. This is an addition to other performance for Music in the Valle, Newland Riverwalk Concert and West Jefferson Centennial. From classic jazz standards, big band and bossa nova to early rock ‘n roll favorites, Motown, beach and soul music, The Lucky Strikes Orchestra has expanded its repertoire with the addition of Blanton and Saylors. Fleri said that with two more musicians in the mix, the band is more flexible with a bigger sound and is able to cover larger arrangements that a quartet normally couldn’t do effectively.
Here is where you can see The Lucky Strikes playing in June: • Sunday, June 7 (5 to 8:30 p.m.): Alpen Inn, Beech Mtn • Tuesday, June 9 (5:30 to 8 p.m.): The Bayou, Banner Elk. • Sunday, June 21 (5 to 8:30 p.m.): Alpen Inn • Friday, June 26 (6 to 9 p.m.): Newland Riverwalk Concert In addition to the numerous public concerts this summer, The Lucky Strikes are available to play private parties, wedding receptions, corporate functions and more. For more information, click to www.luckystrikesjazz.com. By Jesse Wood
2015 trunk shows
Gabriel Ofiesh
July 23 - 26 Thursday 1 to 5, Friday 10 to 6, Saturday 10 - 6 and Sunday 1 to 4
biJOUX De Mer
August 21 - 22 Friday 10 to 6 and Saturday 10 to 6
Gabriel Ofiesh
September 24 - 26 Thursday 1 to 5, Friday 10 to 5 and Saturday 10 to 5
hardinfinejewelry.com | 828.898.4652 | hardinjewelry@gmail.com 12
High Country Magazine
June 2015
Celebrating the
Lees-McRae Summer Theatre The Moses The Moses The Moses Cone Story Cone Story Cone Story
June 263-26 July - July 3 3 June 26June - July
July 15 -15 19- 19 July 15July - 19
a musical a musical a musical
August August 1 -August 7 1 - 71 - 7
EMPOWERMENT OF FEMALES through Fashion for
GR-EIGHTEEN YEARS! 1977-2015
RSummer Summer Summer Theatre Theatre Theatre The Dande Lion, The Dande Lion, eady to see some incredible talent,
have aLees-McRae good laugh and sing along to 2015 2015 Lees-McRae College College 2015 Lees-McRae College
the sounds of musical theater? Then don’t miss the exciting performances that Hayes Auditorium, Auditorium, Broyhill Broyhill Theatre Theatre HayesHayes Auditorium, Broyhill Theatre Adult Adult Tickets Tickets $35$35 - 40 | Student/Child | Student/Child Tickets Tickets - 20- 20 Adult Tickets $35 - 40 |- 40 Student/Child Tickets $18 -$18 20$18 Lees-McRae Summer Theatre has to offer PO PO BoxBox 128128 | Banner | Banner Elk,Elk, NCNC | 828.898.8709 | 828.898.8709 | lmc.edu/summertheatre | lmc.edu/summertheatre PO Box 128year. | Banner Elk, NC | 828.898.8709 | lmc.edu/summertheatre this As one of the High Country’s premier summer theater programs, the series of performances hosted by Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk will lift your spirits and keep you singing for days. The season opens with a presentation of Oliver! The Musical. This family-friendly comedy brings a lot of laughs to a story with big heart that addresses a serious issue--the social conditions and poverty that plagued London in the 19th century. Based on Charles Dickens’ classic tale Oliver Twist, this award-winning musical is sure to be a blast for guests of all ages. Get ready for a lot of laughs when you get your tickets to see Lend me a Tenor. This sidesplitting tale shares the plight of famous opera star Tito Morelli, a last-minute understudy and a Shakespeare classic gone awry. This one is sure to be fun for the whole family and was called “one of two great farces by a living writer” by the New York Times. Based in part on Phillip T. Noblitt’s book A Mansion in the Mountains, The Denim King: The Moses Cone Story will bring the history of one of the High Country’s most prominent families to life. First produced by the Blowing Rock Stage Company, The Denim King quickly became a popular and well-attended production. This musical tells the story of Moses Cone and his brother Caesar as they build a fortune in the textile industry. Get your family and friends together to see these fantastic shows. You’ll be glad you did! For show times and tickets, call the box office at 828-898-8709 or visit www.lmc.edu/ summertheatre. Adult tickets are $35-40 and student/child tickets are $18-20. By Jessica Isaacs
Inc.
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THE iPAD YOU WANT FOR $0 DOWN Certain restrictions apply. See store for details. June 2015
High Country Magazine
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mountain
echoes
Bush’s Latest Book Captures Blowing Rock at its Finest
W
hether its breathtaking landscapes of the John’s River Gorge, iconic attractions on the Blue Ridge Parkway or flower gardens along Main Street, Todd Bush has captured amazing images that depict the quaint village of Blowing Rock for more than 30 years. The best of these images are featured in the 160 pages of Bush’s latest coffee-table book, Blowing Rock – Crown of the Blue Ridge. Chapters include “In the Neighborhood: Around Town and Beyond” and Adventurous Peace: Fun in the Sun.” Bush and his wife, Lorie, first visited and honeymooned in Blowing Rock in 1981, then in the mid-80’s came back for stargazing parties at Julian Price Memorial Park and eventually moved to the High Country for good in 1987.
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High Country Magazine
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Since then he has been commissioned to do photos for all sorts of individuals, organizations, businesses and more. Along
CARLTON GALLERY Celebrating 33Years
The Landscape – Masculine &Feminine Kevin Beck and Amy Sullivan
Spring Group Exhibition
May 23 – July 15, Opening Reception May 23, 2-5pm
From a Textural Point of View
Andrew Braitman and Toni Carlton
Mid-SummerGroup Exhibition
July 25 – September 15, Opening Reception July 25, 2-5pm PAINTINGS • CLAY • GLASS • SCULPTURE • WOOD • FIBER ART • JEWELRY Located 10 Miles South of Boone on Hwy. 105 Grandfather Community
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“Let us make your garden successful” Custom Planted Containers • Landscape Installation Garden Consultation and Design 5589 Highway 321 South • Blowing Rock • 828-295-4585 Monday - Saturday 9am-6pm www.themustardseedmarketnc.com
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with all of his clients, Bush particularly thanked his publisher Don Iverson, The Blowing Rock; Chamber of Commerce, TDA, Historical Society & Town. The book depicts Blowing Rock in all four seasons and Bush has spent many sunrises and sunsets, the most photogenic parts of the day, in pleasant weather and also some “super frigid” conditions during the middle of winter in an attempt to uniquely capture Blowing Rock at its finest. Bush described the process of creating the book as a “labor of love” and an opportunity to present so many photos that were just “sitting around.” The book came out last June, and 1,000 copies were printed – half of which are sold. “It’s been very well received and our biggest draw came from [vending in] Art in the Park,” Bush said. “The many fans of Blowing Rock have really seemed to appreciate it and that was exactly what I was going for when I put this together.” Bush printed a similar coffee-table book showcasing Banner Elk prior to this endeavor, and he mentioned that it looks like a series is evolving around the towns in the High Country. For more information about Bush or to purchase his latest book, click to www. bushphoto.com or call 828-898-8088. By Jesse Wood
High Country Magazine
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High Country Magazine
June 2015
Our Challenges ❑
T
here’s a lot to love about North Carolina’s High Country — breathtaking mountain views, rich history, vibrant culture, great people, comfortable weather, fresh food, plenty of shopping, an exuberant music scene and countless outdoor activities. In fact, there’s enough adventure waiting for you here to make every trip the trip of a lifetime. You’re on top of the world in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and incredible season of fun in the sun is right at your fingertips. As summertime lingers in the air, and with so many memorable experiences in store for you, we have just one question — what are you waiting for? Grab your shades, bid farewell to your routine and get ready to make the most of your time in the High Country. Gone are the days of wasted opportunity, because we’ve got something that will keep you on your toes this summer! When you turn the page, you’ll find your High Country Bucket List — a collection of awesome ventures we’ve handpicked just for you. Packed with ideas for trying new things or revisiting old favorites, there’s something for everyone on our list. Check it out and let us know — are you up for the challenge? Cut out the list, hang it on the fridge and get started today. Cross them off the list as you complete each item and we promise you’ll find even more to love about the High Country! After all, life is just too short to let summertime pass you by.
Reach New Heights - Hike to the Top of Grandfather Mountain’s Calloway Peak
❑
Sounds of Summer - Try Out Each of The Outdoor Concert Series
❑
Changing Perspectives - Attend an Artist’s Reception at a Local Gallery
❑
Adrenaline Rush - Adventure Through the Great Outdoors
❑
Experience Culture - Attend Art, Dance, Theater & Music at Appalachian Summer Fest
❑
Shop Local, Eat Local - Buy Groceries for a Week from the Farmers’ Markets
❑
Walk Down Memory Lane - Enjoy the Nostalgia of the Mast General Store
❑
Drink and Be Merry - Tour a Local Brewery
❑
Day Tripping - Visit the Historic Town of
or Winery
Abingdon, Virginia
❑
Give Back - Help a Local Nonprofit Support the Community June 2015
High Country Magazine
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Challenge No. 1:
Reach New Heights
Hike to Grandfather Mountain’s Highest Peak - Calloway Peak
C
lose your eyes, take a deep breath and imagine that you’re on top of the world. You’re standing with arms outstretched as the summer sun awakens your senses, and you soak it up as time stands still. You look out at a sea of Mother Nature’s greatest treasures, her favorite colors carefully painted on an endless, sweeping canvas that stretches for miles and miles. It may sound like a dream, but a trip to one of the highest peaks on the East Coast can make that breathtaking experience a reality. The unobstructed, panoramic views of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains beckon to you as summertime settles in the High Country. With such natural beauty in your own back yard, it only makes sense to take your bucket list to new heights. This is your ultimate High Country bucket list challenge: trek up to Calloway Peak. Sitting high atop Grandfather Mountain at 5,946 feet above sea level, it’s the tallest point in Watauga County. If you spend a lot of time in the area, you’ve probably already tackled some of the hiking and nature trails that meander through Grandfather Mountain State Park. But have you ever reached the top? Few things rival the spectacular view from Calloway Peak, and there’s no time like the present to lace up your boots and add “mountain climber” to your resume. The backcountry hiking trails that will lead you to Calloway Peak include a rigorous trek across rugged terrain. These hikes are challenging, so dress appropriately, be prepared and make sure you grab a trail map before you get started. If you’re not an experienced hiker but still want to see that knock-out view, opt for visiting the Grandfather Mountain attraction and take a look around from the mile-high Swinging Bridge. There’s something for everyone on the mountain, and one thing’s for sure — no matter how you get there, you’re going to love what you see from the top.
Download the Trail Map
Make sure you have a copy of the trail map before you set out on this adventure! You can download one online at www.grandfathermountain.com. Under “Things to Do,” select “Walking and Hiking” and then “Download the Trail Map.” This brochure will tell you more about the hikes and help you prepare for the trip. 18
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Reach New Heights - Hike to the Top of Grandfather Mountain’s Calloway Peak
Three Ways To Get To Calloway Peak
From the east side of mountain, the west side and along the ridge from a parking area a top Grandfather Mountain. There’s 3 ways to reached the 6103 foot Calloway Peak
TAKE THE WEST SIDE TRAILS:
Begin at the trailhead parking area located 0.7 miles north of the intersection of N.C. Highways 105 and 184. Follow the 3.1-mile Profile Trail, then connect with Grandfather Trail to continue up to Calloway Peak. The lower portion of the Profile Trail is an easy out-and-back stroll, although the upper part is steep, strenuous and rocky.
TAKE THE EAST SIDE TRAILS:
Begin from the Boone Fork Parking Area on the Tanawha Trail (which parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway). Follow the moderately strenuous 3-mile white-blazed Daniel Boone Scout Trail up to Calloway Peak for an approximately 4.5-hour round trip.
TAKE THE CREST TRAILS:
Begin at the trailhead by the Swinging Bridge and follow the blue-blazed Grandfather Trail along the crest of the mountain for 2.4 miles for a 5-hour round trip to Calloway Peak. A true alpine trail, Grandfather crosses the entire summit ridge. It’s very strenuous, frequently requiring the use of cables and ladders to maneuver across rock walls and pinnacles. To avoid a few of the ladder climbs on MacRae Peak, split off onto the yellowblazed Underwood trail near the half-mile marker, then rejoin Grandfather in about one mile at MacRae Gap. This steep, rocky loop goes under the crest line around Raven Rock Cliffs. It’s still a difficult hike, but it’s a more sheltered option for reaching the top that includes a few less ladder climbs.
Safety Check List
Please remember that the rugged terrain Grandfather Mountain can be dangerous. The mountain can also host the region’s most severe weather, including electrical storms and winds over 100 mph. Falls, lightning, heart attacks and exposure are all potential dangers. Visit www.grandfathermountain.com to review a safety checklist that will help you prepare. Under “Things to Do,” select “Walking and Hiking” and then “Trail Safety.”
Other
POPULAR TRAILS on the Parkway
For a moderate trip that’s suitable for many hikers, try these popular trails off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visit www.blueridgeparkway.org to download a trail map and find your way following the mileposts. Remember, milepost numbers increase as you travel south on the BRP.
THE MAZE: Parkway MP 294
Find the Maze Carriage, Horse and Hiking Trail near the Moses Cone Manor House at milepost 294. This moderate 2.3-mile switchback trail can be accessed from the Bass Lake Loop near the Bass Lake entrance on the BRP or by the Apple Barn near Black Bottom Road.
FIRE TOWER: Parkway MP 294
To reach the observation deck known by locals as “the fire tower,” begin at milepost 294 on the opposite side of the parkway from the Cone Manor House. Follow Flat Top trail, which first heads north and then leads to the Cone Cemetery. From the cemetery, continue following Flat Top Road for 1.9 miles before reaching the “fire tower” observation deck (Flat Top Tower).
PRICE LAKE LOOP: Parkway MP 297
For a comfortable walk around the beautiful Price Lake, start at milepost 297. This moderate trail leads you for 2.3 miles, looping around the lake.
ROUGH RIDGE: Parkway MP 302.8
A short section of the Tanawha Trail, the clifflined alpine leads you on a sharp climb up to a scenic boardwalk view. Start at the Rough Ridge Parking Area on the Tanawha Trail and follow this moderate walk, with some steep steps and rocky tread. Part of the Grandfather Mountain Biosphere Reserve, Rough Ridge is named for its jagged rock formations that are estimated to be between 750 million and one billion years old.
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Challenge No. 2:
Sounds of Summer
Try Out Each of These Outdoor Concert Series
N
othing says summer in the mountains of North Carolina quite like a comfortable spot under the shade of an old tree, an ice cold drink in your hand and live music in your favorite local park. Concerts are a great way to let loose, unwind and live in the moment — that’s why we think you’ll love this challenge. The High Country is home to many active communities that believe it’s important to come together, get outside and enjoy more of life’s simple pleasures. Now that summertime is underway, most of them host recurring outdoor concerts that bring you new sounds each week and give you numerous opportunities to connect and have fun with your friends and neighbors.
If this isn’t your first summer in the area, you may have tried these concerts out before; and if you live here, there’s likely one in your own backyard. But how often do you try something new and visit a neighboring community? We think that every spot in the High Country is worth exploring, and that every local band is worth checking out. So break out your lawn chairs, grab your shades and pack the cooler — we challenge you to try a different one of these concert series each week until you’ve been to all of them at least once. We bet you’ll make new friends and add to your list of favorite bands, and we know you won’t regret it!
Music IN THE VALLE
The “Music in the Valle” Concert Series at Valle Crucis Community Park happens each Friday evening through September 5th. Admission is free, but a $5 donation to the park per person is recommended. Bring a chair or a blanket and a picnic, as food generally is not available for sale. DATES: June 5: Rescue Jack Music • June 12: Letters to Abigail • June 19: The Swing Set • June 26: The Neighbors • July 3: The Lucky Strikes • July 10: The Sheets Family Band • July 17: Steph Stewart & the Boyfriends • July 24: Maybe, Maybe Not • July 31: The Worthless Son-in-Laws • Aug. 7: The Major Sevens • Aug. 14: Dashboard Hula Boys• Aug. 21: Surefire• Aug. 28: The Mountain Laurels • Sep. 4: Zoe and Cloyd • Sep. 11: Folk and Dagger
Fred’s sunday concerts Travel way up in elevation to 5,506 feet, and you will find Fred’s General Mercantile in scenic Beech Mountain. Now in its 36th year of serving the High Country, Fred’s will continue its annual tradition of hosting Summer Sunday Sunset concerts at the Gazebo. Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. DATES: July 12: The Cockman Family • July 19: Mountain Home Bluegrass Boys July 26: Strictly Clean and Decent • Aug. 2: TBA Aug. 9: Watauga Community Band
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Sounds of Summer - Try Out Each of The Outdoor Concert Series
A One NIGHT STAND
SYMPHONY BY THE LAKE The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce will host its annual “Symphony by the Lake” event at Chetola Resort on July 24. Named as one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society, this elegant get-together is Blowing Rock’s social event of the season. Dinner and fireworks will lend to a fantastic evening, but a performance by Symphony of the Mountains will certainly steal the show. This year’s “Lights, Camera, MUSIC!” theme will bring you sounds from iconic movies. Visit www. symphonybythelake.com or call 828-295-7851 for more information. 20
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Jones House Concerts on the Lawn
Banner Elk Concerts in the Park
In the heart of downtown Boone, nestled behind beautiful trees and a lush, green lawn, sits the Jones House. On Friday evenings, hundreds fill the front lawn to listen to free concerts of popular regional acts and local favorites. Dates: June 5: The Lazybirds • June 19: Doc Watson Day (starts at 4 p.m.) • June 26: Songwriter Showcase • July 3: Soul Benefactor • July 10: Sound Traveler, Steve and Ruth • July 17: Jazzfest • July 24: Hard Cider, Claybank Bluegrass • July 31: Swing Guitars, John Stickley Trio • Aug. 7: Amantha Mill • Aug. 14: Adam Pope Band, Buck Haggard Band • Aug. 21: Marcy Marxer and Cathy Fink, Tellico • Aug. 28: Strictly Strings, Spencer Branch
The Tate-Evans Park, nestled in beautiful Banner Elk, has an outdoor amphitheater where every Thursday afternoon a free concert takes place. Everyone brings a lawn chair and a cooler to listen to popular local music groups. DATES: June 25: Smokey Breeze • July 2: Extraordinaires •July 9: Soul Benefactor • July 16: Jocassee with Wilson Braswell and Hope Harvey • July 23: Buick Mackane • July 30: The Sharkadelics • Aug. 6: The Lucky Strikes • Aug. 13: Wolf Creek • Aug. 20: The DeLuge • Aug. 27: The Flying Saucers • Sept. 3: The Whip Daddies
Best Cellar Music on the Lawn
Todd Summer Music Series
Enjoy Music on the Lawn at the Best Cellar in Blowing Rock. On Friday evenings, the lawns fill up with folks for a truly great social event with wonderful music, a great outside bar and plenty of room to wander around. DATES: June 5: Supa Tight • June 12: Soul Benefactor • June 19: The Harris Brothers • June 26: Smokey Breeze • July 3: The Harris Brothers • July 10: Soul Benefactor • July 17: Soul Purpose • July 24: The Nautical Wheelers • July 31: Drive South • Aug. 7: King Bees • Aug. 14: Soul Benefactor • Aug. 21: The Harris Brothers 8 • Aug. 28: Possum Jenkins • Sept. 4: Smokey Breeze • Sept. 11: Soul Benefactor • Sept. 18: The Harris Brothers • Sept. 25: Lucky Strikes • Oct. 2: Worthless Son-In-Laws Oct. 9: Soul Benefactor
Home to the New River, historic Todd also has free music concert series at Cook Memorial Park. Grab a lawn chair, a blanket or sit on the grass to enjoy the fresh air and free tunes featuring local bluegrass, blues and folk rock. DATES: June 20: Buck Haggard • July 4: New River Boys (after parade and King Bees) • July 18: Amantha Mill • Aug. 1: Barleyjuice • Aug. 15: The Tillers • Aug. 29: Melissa Reaves
Music at Linville Falls Winery
Bayou Concert in the Courtyard
Home to the New River, historic Todd also has free music concert series at Cook Memorial Park. Grab a lawn chair, a blanket or sit on the grass to enjoy the fresh air and free tunes featuring local bluegrass, blues and folk rock. DATES: June 6: Steve and Lorrie Barker w/Kent Dowell • June 13: Clay Lunsford & Friends, June 20: Darlyne Cain, June 27: Donna Hughes, June 28: The Harris Brothers , July 4: Cane Mill Road, July 5: Darin & Brook Aldridge, July 11: Drayton & The Dreamboats, July 18: Elkville Stringband, July 25: Clay Lunsford & Friends, July 26: Bear Wallow Bluegrass, Aug. 1: Gatorbone Band, Aug. 8: Wayne Taylor, Aug. 15: TBA, Aug. 22: Blue Grass Blend, Aug. 29: Clay Lunsford & Friends, Aug. 30: Andy Ferrell, Sept. 5: TBA, Sept. 12: Andy Ferrell, Sept. 19: Sound Traveler Band, Sept. 26: Wayne Taylor
The Bayou Smokehouse and Grill, 130 East Main Street in the Village Shops in Banner Elk, kicks off its Tuesday concert in the courtyard series on June 2. New this year, the Bayou will also be participating in the town wide Banner Elk Second Saturday event series. DATES: June 2: Courtyard concert with DC Crew • June 9: Courtyard concert with The Lucky Strikes • June 13: Second Saturday courtyard concert with Peter Brown, Wine Tasting in the Bayou General Store • June 16: Courtyard concert with DC Crew • June 23: Courtyard concert TBA • June 30: Courtyard concert with DC Crew
June 2015
High Country Magazine
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Challenge No. 3:
Changing Perspective
Attend an Artist’s Reception at a Local Gallery
E
ver wanted to see the world through someone else’s eyes? North Carolina’s High Country is home to many art museums and galleries that will give you an opportunity to do just that. Home to a vast array of creative minds, the area offers residents and visitors a chance to delve into the art world one piece at a time. These places celebrate local and regional artists throughout the summer with various exhibitions and programs. Whatever your interest — painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, glass, wood, photography, pottery, fiber art or others — there’s an art
carlton art gallery July 25: Mid-Summer Group Exhibition Opening Reception, 2-5 p.m.
ALTA VISTA GALLERY
June 27: Joan Sporn: 20 New Colorist Oils July 25: Sheila Hancock: Impressionist Oils of the High Country Aug. 22: Bob Francisco: Realism of the Mountains
gallery in the High Country that offers just what you want to find. Gallery receptions bring artists together with patrons, collectors and enthusiasts for eye-opening discussions and an exploration of the world and the people in it through expression and interpretation. They’re also a great opportunity for you to meet and greet with friends and kick off a night on the town by soaking up some of the local culture — that’s why, this summer, we’re challenging you to attend at least one of those receptions. Get to know the artist, find out what drives them to do what they do and enjoy their unique creations.
ARTIST receptions
Sep. 26: E. Jean Pollock: Mountains and Gardens Oct. 24: Amos Westmoreland: Colorist Palette Knife Oils Alta Vista Gallery’s 25th Anniversary Party Nov. 28: Annual Christmas Open House, featuring award-winning plein air painter Jeremy Sams
Tim Ford, Margaret Salisbury, 5-6:30 p.m. July 10: Wine Flight Night with Gregory Smith, 5-6:30 p.m. July 24: Wine Flight Night with Jane Jaskevich, Lisa Joerling, Tim Turner, 5-6:30 p.m.
art cellar
BLOWING ROCK FRAMEWORKS & GALLERY
June 14: Conversations and Cocktails with William Dunlap, 2-4 p.m. June 26: Wine Flight Night with Scott Boyle,
June 5: George Snyder, 5-8 p.m. Aug. 15: Jason Drake, 5-8 p.m.
Blowing rock frameworks & GALLERY
DOE RIDGE POTTERY
In Blowing Rock Established by Tim Miller in 1994 to bring the finest art in the Southeast to Blowing Rock, this gallery features internationally recognized artists. Now celebrating more than two decades of business, it also offers art placement and hanging services. 828-295-0041 • www.blowingrockgalleries.com
In Boone Is there a better way to learn about art than to meet the artist behind it? We don’t think so. That’s why we hope you’ll stop by Doe Ridge Pottery for a visit and watch artist Bob Meier at work. His fully functional stoneware is made on site, blending an “old time” professional pottery skill set with a contemporary design aesthetic. Located in downtown Boone, his working studio gallery offers pieces that are food safe, as well as dishwasher, oven and microwave safe. Meet the man behind this beautiful pottery and watch as he puts his talents to work. 828-264-1127 • www.doeridgepottery.homestead.com
SHOWS: June 5-20: George Snyder: Oils from the High Country July 1-31: Group Show of the North Carolina Mountains Aug. 10-28: Jason Drake: Beautiful Oils from the Heart
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Summer SHOWS CARLTON ART GALLERY
Originally opened as a weaving studio in 1982, the gallery itself is as beautiful as the artwork inside. This unique building holds a large and varied selection of fine art and handmade crafts by more than 300 local, regional and nationally recognized artisans.
Mid-Summer Group Exhibition July 25 - September 15
828-963-4288 • www.carltonartgallery.com.
Carlton Gallery in the Grandfather Mountain Community ALTA VISTA GALLERY
Created in 1990, Alta Vista Gallery is more than art — it’s an experience. Just a 10-minute drive from Boone, Alta Vista’s beautiful property on Broadstone Road Valle Crucis is on the National Register of Historic Places. Sit on the porch swing or purple rockers to enjoy the gorgeous mountain views. Inside, there are hundreds of paintings in various styles and mediums, featuring more than 100 artists including. Some featured artists include: Will Moses, B. Jean Baird, Joan Sporn, Tonya Bottomely, Jean Pollock, Ron Skelton, William Mangum, Bennette Rowan, Dean White, Frank Wilson, Shelia Hancock, Amos Westmoreland, Bob Francisco and Jeremy Sams. Check out one of its newest artists, Mike Flanigan, whose hand-turned wood designs, created from trees that have fallen here in the High Country, would make exceptionally lovely gifts. Flanigan gives the wood a new life by turning dead trees into beautiful, gleaming bowls! 828-963-5247 • www.AltaVistaGallery.com
Alta Vista Gallery in Valle Crucis ART CELLAR
The Art Cellar Gallery in Banner Elk features painting and sculpture by regional, national and internationally acclaimed artists. This summer, the gallery will host six two-week exhibitions featuring 10 artists, two onemonth group exhibitions, five Friday Flight Night wine events and coffee talks every Saturday.
JUNE 3-14: “Unparalleled Vision” with William Dunlap JUNE 17-27: “Three Perspectives” with Scott Boyle, Tim Ford and Margaret Salisbury JULY 1-11: “New Views” with Gregory Smith, JULY 15-25: “Speaking Figuratively” with Jane Jaskevich, Lisa Joerling and Tim Turner JULY 29-AUG. 8: “Where Hills Meet Sky” with Tony Griffin AUG. 12- 22: “Composed Realism” with David Birmingham and Loren DiBenedetto, AUG. 26-SEP. 26: “Works On Paper” AUG. 26-OCT. 10: “Fall Colors and Vistas”, 828-898-5175 • wwwartcellaronline.com.
Art Cellar in Banner Elk June 2015
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Challenge No. 4:
Adrenaline Rush
Adventure Through the Great Outdoors
N
o summer in the High Country is complete without the excitement of an outdoor adventure. Lucky for you, nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains are countless opportunities to try something new, tackle your fears and take a walk on the wild side. Nothing is more liberating than escaping the monotony of your everyday routine and enjoying what Mother Nature has to offer. That’s why these mountains are a perfect place for you to take on this bucket list item. We challenge you to let go of stress, channel your inner daredevil and conquer one of the area’s exciting outdoor activities. Satisfy the thrill-seeker within you as a zip line tour whisks you away on a journey through the treetops. Take on the rapids as you navigate the nearby rivers on a whitewater-rafting trip. Go kayaking, canoeing or tubing to cool off in the water and soak up that glorious summer sun. Hit the trails and tackle the terrain on a mountain biking adventure through Beech Mountain’s newly renovated Emerald Outback. Reach new heights and push your limits in a rock climbing challenge. Go gem mining to search for hidden treasures and take a closer look at the natural beauty of the mountains. Cast out your worries and reel in the fun on a guided fishing trip, or hit your favorite spots on your own. Take in the scenery and check out the wildlife on a guided hike or nature walk through Daniel Boone Native Gardens or one of the area’s state parks. Whatever adventures you’re looking for, we guarantee that one of the High Country’s specialty outfitters has the trip of a lifetime in store for you.
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Adrenaline Rush - Adventure Through the Great Outdoors
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Local Outfitters Ready To get outdoors
ZIPLINING HAWKSNEST
Seven Devils. Hawksnest has the longest ziplining tour on the East Coast with 20 cables, four of which are known as mega zips. 800-822-HAWK • www.hawksnestzipline.com
SKY VALLEY
Blowing Rock. With 10 zip lines, a cliff jump, a swinging bridge and more, enjoy a treetop vista from every corner of Sky Valley . 855-475-9947 • www.BooneZip.com
GEM MINING DOC’S ROCKS GEM MINE AND FOSSIL MUSEUM
Blowing Rock. Run by geologists and trained specialists, Doc’s Rocks will teach you all about gems found in Appalachia. 828-264-4499 • www.docsrocks.net
FOGGY MOUNTAIN GEM MINE
Boone. At Foggy Mountain Gem Mine, the friendly staff does all the hard work for you. Simply buy a bucket filled with gemstone ore and sift. 828-963-4367 • www.foggymountaingems.com
GREATER FOSCOE MINING COMPANY
fishing
RIVER SPORTS
Boone. Elk Creek Outfitters strives to exceed your fishing-adventure expectations whether you are a novice or an expert angler. 828-264-6497 • www.ecoflyfishing.com
Banner Elk. For 33 years, Edge of the World has guided rafting and kayaking trips down the beautiful Watauga River. 800-789-EDGE • www.edgeoworld.com
FOSCOE FISHING COMPANY
GRANDFATHER TROUT FARM & GEM MINE
ELK CREEK OUTFITTERS
Foscoe. The only Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing guide service, Foscoe Fishing Company has all the essentials for fishing in mountain streams. 828-963-6556 • www.foscoefishing.com
GRANDFATHER TROUT FARM AND GEM MINE
Banner Elk. Grandfather Trout Farm has two ponds stocked with trout, and you just pay for what you reel in. 828-963-5098 • www.grand-fathertroutfarm.com.
RIVER GIRL FISHING CO.
Todd. River Girl Fishing offers friendly, personalized instruction, high-quality rentals, and a sense of adventure from its staff. 36-877-3099 • www.rivergirlfishing.com
WATAUGA RIVER ANGLERS
Boone. Looking for a rewarding and memorable time on the water? Stop by Watauga River Anglers. 828-963-5463 • www.wataugariveranglers.com.
Foscoe. The Greater Foscoe Mining Company offers gem cutting right on site after you find your gem treasures. 828-963-5928 • www.facetsofffoscoe.com
EDGE OF THE WORLD
Banner Elk. Grandfather Trout Farm has two ponds stocked with trout, and you just pay for what you reel in. 828-963-5098 • www.grandfathertroutfarm.com
HIGH GRAVITY ADVENTURES
Blowing Rock. High Gravity Adventures is a new aerial adventure park that is located right next door to Tweetsie Railroad. 828-386-6222 • www.highgravityadventures.com.
HIGH MOUNTAIN EXPEDITIONS
Boone. Experts in rafting, tubing, hiking, caving and biking, High Mountain Expeditions has guided adventurers for more than 25 years. 1-800-262-9036 www.highmountainexpeditions.com.
ROCK DIMENSIONS CLIMBING & ADVENTURE GUIDES
Boone. Rock Dimensions offers climbing and caving trips, but it also has a 40-foot climbing wall in downtown Boone. 828-265-3544 • www.rockdimensions.com
WAHOO’S ADVENTURES
Boone. Voted two-time “Outfitter of the Year” by Professional Paddlesports Association, Wahoo’s is in its 35th year 828-262-5774 or 800-44-RAFT www.wahoosadventures.com.
SUGAR CREEK GEM MINE
Banner Elk. Sugar Creek Gem Mine considers its expert and enthusiastic staff to be among the best in the industry. 828-898-GEMS • www.SugarCreekGemMine
climbing HIGH GRAVITY
Biking
Blowing Rock. High Gravity Adventures is a new aerial adventure park that is located right next door to Tweetsie Railroad. 828-386-6222 • www.highgravityadventures.com
MAGIC CYCLES
Boone. Magic Cycles is your one-stop shop for biking. It also has a shop atop Beech Mountain, which has a ski lift-supported trail system. 828-265-2211 • www.MagicCycles.com
ROCK DIMENSIONS CLIMBING & ADVENTURE GUIDES
Boone. Rock Dimensions offers climbing and caving trips, but it also has a 40-foot climbing wall in downtown Boone. 828-265-3544 • www.rockdimensions.com June 2015
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Challenge No. 5:
Experience Culture
Attend At Least One Event in Every Field at App Summer Fest
T
here’s no doubt that summer is a great time to experience concerts and performances. But what if, all in one place, you could watch eye-opening films, hear from up-andcoming musicians, check out dance and theater performances, see the work of local and regional artists and enjoy concerts from popular bands? If you’re ready to pack your summer with a variety of arts and entertainment programs, look no further than one of Appalachian State University’s most exhilarating celebrations. Every year, the university’s department of arts and cultural resources brings “An Appalachian Summer Festival” to the campus, filling the summer months with opportunities for students, local residents and High Country guests to soak up the area’s rich culture one performance at a time. It’s a series that you definitely don’t want to miss, so we’re adding it to your bucket list. We challenge you to attend at least one program in each of these fields — art, music, theater and dance. Don’t worry, there are plenty of performances and events for you to choose from, and, once you get started, you just might want to see them all!
Check out timeless tunes from The Beach Boys at Holmes Convocation Center, hear the pop-country sounds of Nashville’s Kacey Musgraves at Kidd-Brewer stadium in an outdoor fireworks concert and enjoy many other genres that will be featured during this year’s events. App Summer Fest has been recognized nationally as an outstanding multidisciplinary arts festival, and was even named by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast.” That’s why we can say, without a doubt, you’re going to love this challenge. In addition to its exciting performances, the festival incorporates a plethora of educational experiences to help you learn more about the artists and performers being featured. Committed to offering a lineup that blends well-known names with up-andcomers, App Summer Fest truly has something for everyone. The university’s Turchin Center for Visual Arts also offers a variety of hands-on workshops that will give you a perfect opportunity to get in on the excitement. Tickets for each event range between $5-$50 and are on sale now at the University’s Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. You can also call the Schaefer box office at 828-262-404
AN APPALACHIAN SUMMER FESTIVAL 2015 LINE-UP June 27: Outdoor Fireworks Concert at Kidd Brewer Stadium: Kacey Musgraves, 7:30 pm July 1: The Helene and Stephen Weicholz Global Film Series: “Pride” (2014) at the Schaefer Center, 7 pm July 3: Visual Arts: Turchin Center Summer Exhibition Opening, STREAM: Razi Projects, the Collaborations of Suzi Davidoff and Rachelle Thiewes at the Turchin Center, 6-10 pm July 7: Classical Music: Broyhill Chamber Ensemble at Rosen Concert Hall, 8 pm July 8: Lunch and Learn Lecture: STREAM: Razi Projects with Mary Anne Redding in the Turchin Center Lecture Hall, noon to 1 pm July 8: The Helene and Stephen Weicholz Global Film Series: “GETT: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem” (2014) at the Schaefer Center, 7 pm July 9: Classical Music: Broyhill Chamber Ensemble at Rosen Concert Hall, 8 pm July 10: Theatre and Dance: Parsons Dance at the Schaefer Center, 8 pm July 11: Schaefer Popular Series: Brian Stokes Mitchell with the Winston-Salem Symphony at the Schaefer Center, 8 pm July 12: Eastern Festival Orchestra with Music Director Gerard Schwarz featuring pianist Awadagin Pratt and harpist Amber Carpenter at the Schaefer Center, 4 pm 26
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July 13: Appalachian Energy Summit Keynote Address with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., 7:30 pm July 15: The Helene and Stephen Weicholz Global Film Series: “The Hunt” (2013) at the Schaefer Center, 7 pm July 17: Schaefer Popular Series: The David Grisman Sextet featuring special guests Bryan Sutton Band at the Schaefer Center, 8 pm July 18: Schaefer Popular Series: The Beach Boys at Holmes Convocation Center, 8 pm July 19: Rosen-Schaffel Competition for Young and Emerging Artists at the Schaefer Center, 1 pm July 21: Classical Music: Broyhill Chamber Ensemble at Rosen Concert Hall, 8 pm July 22: Lunch and Learn Lecture: Hank Foreman at the Turchin Center Lecture Hall, noon to 1 pm July 22: The Helene and Stephen Weicholz Global Film Series: “Twenty Feet from Stardom” (2013) at the Schaefer Center, 7 pm July 23: Schaefer Popular Series: “Twenty Feet from Stardom”’s Lisa Fischer and Grand Baton at the Schaefer Center, 8 pm
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July 24: Theatre and Dance: In/Visible Theatre Presents “Without Words” at the Valborg Theatre, 8 pm July 25: Theatre and Dance: In/Visible Theatre Presents “Without Words” at the Valborg Theatre, 8 pm July 25: The 29th Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Walk at the Schaefer Center, 10 a.m. July 29: Lunch and Learn Lecture: How to See Dance with Ray Miller at the Turchin Center Lecture Hall, noon to 1 pm July 29: The Helene and Stephen Weicholz Global Film Series: “Valley of Saints” (2012) at the Schaefer Center, 7 pm July 30: Classical Music: Broyhill Chamber Ensemble at Rosen Concert Hall, 8 pm July 31: Schaefer Popular Series: Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox at the Schaeffer Center, 8 pm Aug. 19: The Helene and Stephen Weicholz Global Film Series: “Reaching for the Moon” (2013) at the Schaefer Center, 7 pm Aug. 26: The Helene and Stephen Weicholz Global Film Series: “Oranges and Sunshine” (2010) at the Schaefer Center, 7 pm
Experience Culture - Attend Art, Dance, Theater & Music at Appalachian Summer Fest
M U S I C • DA N C E • T H E AT R E • V I S U A L A RT S • F I L M
AN APPALACHIAN SUMMER FESTIVAL 2015
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS: Outdoor Fireworks Concert:
Kacey Musgraves JUNE 27 Parsons Dance JULY 10 Brian Stokes Mitchell JULY 11 Eastern Festival Orchestra JULY 12 David Grisman Sextet JULY 17 The Beach Boys JULY 18 Twenty Feet from Stardom’s Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton JULY 23 In/Visible Theatre: WithoutWords JULY 24 & 25
Plus chamber music, global cinema series, visual arts exhibitions, workshops and more!
appsummer.org 800.841.ARTS
BOONE, NC
Parsons Dance Photo by Lois Greenfield
S U M M E R E X H I B I T I O N C E L E B R AT I O N
TURCHIN CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS
Summer Exhibition Celebration Friday, July 3 6pm-10pm
Suzi Davidoff and Rachelle Theiwes are artists from very diverse disciplines who found common ground in their shared interest in the landscape, pattern, light and one’s perception and navigation of the natural world. They focus on human interaction with the environment.
STREAM: RAZI Projects, the Collaborations of Suzi Davidoff and Rachelle Thiewes
tcva.org
Celebrate summer and join us for live music and a chance to meet the artists!
828.262.3017
June 2015
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Challenge No. 6: Shop Local, Eat Local Buy Your Groceries for a Week from the Farmers’ Market
W
ho doesn’t love local food? It’s good for you, it’s always fresh, it tastes great and it supports farmers, growers and craftsmen who work hard to bring it to us. What if we told you the social event of the season happens every week here in the High Country? If you’re looking to lead a healthier, happier life and get connected with the community, you’ve come to the right place — and there’s no better place to start than your local farmers’ market! Many small farmers and entrepreneurs call North Carolina’s High Country home, and they make their high quality, homegrown products available to us on a weekly basis at farmers’ markets throughout the area. Sure, you could count on a grocery store to help you stock the pantry, but how can you be sure that what you’re buying is delicious and healthy? We believe that supporting local economy is just as important as eating well, so we hope you’re up for this challenge — buy all of your groceries for one week at the farmers’
Watauga County Farmers’ Market
Horn in the West, 828-355-4918 • Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon Known in the community as “Boone’s Town Square,” this seasonal market is held at Horn in the West Drive every Saturday. The open-air market features 65 local vendors, live music, kids programs, cooking demos and more. . In addition to the access it provides to fresh local foods, this market serves as a popular social event in the High Country and gives friends and neighbors a chance to catch up on the weekends. Visit www.wataugacountyfarmersmarket.org for more information.
Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market
Park Avenue, 828-298-7851 • Thursdays, 4-6 p.m. Hosted by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, this market is held every Thursday afternoon on Park Avenue in downtown Blowing Rock off of Main Street near the chamber’s office. It’s held rain or shine through October and offers fresh fruit, veggies, whole foods and meats from local farmers. Don’t miss this market for a chance to enjoy downtown Blowing Rock and see what local growers have to offer. Visit www.blowingrock.com/farmersmarket for more information. 28
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market at least once this summer. No matter where you are in the High Country, there’s a farmers’ market nearby that is ready to help you make a commitment to shopping locally. Not only do these events give you access to food, plants and products of incredible quality, they’re also a great way to see your friends and catch up with your neighbors on a beautiful day in the mountains! A longstanding tradition in the area, the Watauga County Farmers’ Market in Boone brings a large crowd every Saturday morning. Get there early, because everything goes quick! Markets are offered on Thursday afternoons in Blowing Rock and in Banner Elk, and on Saturday mornings in West Jefferson. You don’t want to miss these great weekly get-togethers — crossing an item off of your bucket list has never tasted so good!
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Shop Local, Eat Local - Buy Groceries for a Week from the Farmers’ Markets
Avery County Farmers’ Market
Historic Banner Elk School, 828-898-8395 • Thursdays, 4:30-7 p.m. Held in years past on the campus of Lees McRae College, the Avery County’s farmers’ market now takes place at the Historic Banner Elk School, 185 Azalea Circle. The new location offers ample parking space and plenty of room for vendors, who show up in growing numbers every week to reach the community. This market is held from 4:30-7 p.m. on Thursday afternoons throughout the summer in Banner Elk. Visit www.averycountyfarmersmarket.net for more information.
Ashe County Farmers’ Market
Downtown West Jefferson, 336-877-4141 • Saturdays, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Held on downtown West Jefferson’s Backstreet, the Ashe County Farmers’ Market takes place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through October. Beginning in July, a Wednesday afternoon market is offered for the remainder of the season. Market Manager John Smyre posts signs by the road to help visitors find the market with ease. This market offers a great opportunity to enjoy West Jefferson and shop for local products. For more information, visit www.ashefarmersmarket.com.
TANNER-DONCASTER OUTLET
Women’s Apparel & Accessories Blowing Rock, nc 537 N. Main St. - Across from Chetola Resort (828) 295-4200 BanneR elk, nc Grandfather Center 3990 NC Hwy. 105 South, Suite 8 (828) 898-2155
Exclusive styling that takes you from work to evening & into the weekend June 2015
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Challenge No. 7: Walk Down Memory Lane Spend Some Time in the Nostalgia of the Mast General Store
T
he summer months are a great time to take a step back from our busy routines, slow things down a little bit and really enjoy the simple things in life. North Carolina’s High Country offers so many ways to do just that, and you can start with a trip back in time when you visit one of the area’s greatest treasures — an old country store that’s been serving locals and visitors for more than a century. Tucked into the quaint mountain town of Valle Crucis, the Mast General Store opened in the early 1880s and was purchased by the W.W. Mast Family in 1913. Although it’s changed hands a few times since then, it has been known all along as “the store that has everything.” Over time, it grew to become an abiding Standard Oil (now Exxon) retailer, a place where folks could trade things they had for things they needed and the hub of a treasured community. Employee owned since 1995, today’s Mast General Store offers anything and everything you could possibly want or need to enjoy life in the mountains of North Carolina. True to its traditions, the store still offers just about anything you might need — an colossal variety of menswear, womenswear, accessories, outdoor gear, kids’ clothes, pet products, natural beauty and personal care products, books, music and travel gear, to name a few. For the home, you’ll find furniture, kitchen tools, cleaning products, gardening supplies, country décor, pottery, cookbooks and more. For the kids, nostalgic toys, dress-up clothes, puzzles, games, crafts and even musical instruments. Of course, we can’t forget their massive collection of old-fashioned candies. Whatever your preference — sweet, sour, chocolaty, salty, fruity, chewy, crispy or crunchy — you won’t regret picking up your favorites or trying something new. It’s said that the store has always fit the saying, “if you can’t buy it here, you don’t need it,” and we think the old adage lives on. The store now has locations in downtown Boone, Hendersonville, WinstonSalem, Asheville and Waynesville in North Carolina; Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina; and Knoxville, Tennessee. But you’re in luck, because a quick trip How to find it: to Valle Crucis is the only way for you to experience the splendor and charm of The original store is located on N.C. Highway 194 in Valle Crucis. If you’re the original store — an enduring piece of history that will keep you coming back, traveling with a GPS, use the following address: 3565 N.C. Highway 194, Sugar Grove, 28679. Call the store at 828-963-6511 with questions. The again and again. No summer in the High Country is complete without a trip (or several) to Annex is located just two-tenths of a mile down the road. the original Mast General Store. That’s why we’ve added it to your bucket list! We challenge you to spend a day perusing through the Enjoy the wide variety of gifts, supplies and more that you can find at the Boone or original Valle Crucis locations. You’ll love taking this stroll down Nostalgia of the Mast General Store memory lane!
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Walk Down Memory Lane -
Located right behind the original Mast General Store building, Has it been awhile since your last visit? Stop by and let the the Little Red Schoolhouse adds to the nostalgia and charm that memories come flooding back. Stroll through the store, pick the mercantile brings to the community of Valle Crucis. out your favorite candy and grab a few things for the house. 30
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When you stop by to shop the Mast General Store, you may even find some local musicians pickin’ and singin’ on the porch. Don’t be shy, jump right in and sing along!
Stone Cavern
All Work Guaranteed!
TILE & Stone Showroom
828-963-8453
The High Country’s One-Stop Location for Sales • Design • Installation of Tile & Stone
TILE & STONE FOR ANY BUDGET
Design Consultation 25 different floor displays to help you visualize your tile dreams Installation Services Available
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828-963-TILE • CALL FOR MONTHLY SPECIALS • WWW.STONECAVERN.COM June 2015
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Challenge No. 8:
Drink and Be Merry
Take a Tasting Tour of a High Country Brewery or Winery
W
ith summertime officially underway, you may be ready to kick back, relax and enjoy the scenery. You’re getting settled in for the season and you’re looking for a way to unwind, right? In that case, you’ve come to just the right place. What’s better than an ice-cold beer or great glass of wine? One that comes from local craftsmen, of course! With a number of brew-houses and vineyards on the rise, the High Country’s beer and wine scene offers residents and guests a chance to enjoy great tasting products that perfectly complement the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Call up your friends and get ready for a good time — we challenge you to tour one or more of the area’s local breweries or wineries. Find out what these brew masters and winemakers are up to and see what they have in store for you this season. Give them a try and let us know what you think! Do you love craft beer? Tap into something new at one of the area’s breweries, most of which are committed to making high quality products using local ingredients and sustainable practices. Ask for a tour so you can learn what goes into their brews, try one for yourself and meet the folks behind the beer. Would you prefer a glass of wine? The High Country has a lot to offer you, too. Connoisseurs and newcomers alike will appreciate a trip to one of its beautiful vineyards, which serve up beautiful mountain views, summer fun and delectable wine by the glass or bottle. With a glass in your hand, the sun in the sky and your friends all around, you’re well on your way to making great summer memories!
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Blowing Rock Ale House and Inn
Lost Province Brewing Company
Drink and Be Merry - Tour a Local Brewer y or Winery Blind Squirrel Brewery
Linville Falls Winery 32
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Grandfather Vineyards
Our Favorites
seasonal awakenings!
BLOWING ROCK ALE HOUSE AND INN
BLOWING ROCK. Born in Boone, the Boone Brewing Company takes pride in offering the High Country’s own Blowing Rock brand of beers to Mountaineers and to fans of the Blue Ridge Mountains! Premium American beer dedicated to suit the tastes of both casual beer drinkers and true beer connoisseurs. Discover the perfect balance between hops and malt in a recipe that local business professionals, Todd Rice and Jeff Walker perfected. At the Blowing Rock Ale House in downtown Blowing Rock, which houses a brewery for the company, test out their craft beer in a warm and fun atmosphere that features a long copper bar and a European parlor styled area for large groups. 828.414-9254 • www.blowingrockalehouseandinn.com
a wine Tastings a special events a festivals
GRANDFATHER VINEYARDS
BANNER ELK. Grandfather Vineyard was founded in 2003 when Steve and Sally Tatum, in search of a hobby, planted a small block of wine grapes for some home winemaking. After a few years they realized the High Country of North Carolina had a similar climate as many of the famous grape growing regions around the world. In 2005 Steve and Sally tripled the size of the vineyard. His hobby then became more than just a hobby. After years of hard work, they opened their doors in May of 2011. Grandfather Vineyard is a terraced mountain-side vineyard located at the base of Grandfather Mountain right on the Watauga River. At the bottom of the vineyard is the tasting room and winery. They’re open Monday thru Saturday noon to 6:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. 828-297-3296 • www.grandfathervineyards.com.
LINVILLE FALLS WINERY NEWLAND. Family owned and operated, Linville Falls Winery is the culmination of a life-long passion for wine by owner, Jack Wiseman. Wiseman has dreamed of growing grapes and opening a winery for more than 25 years, and now he and his family are pioneering a new High Country wine in Linville, North Carolina. Nestled in the lower end of Avery County near the Blue Ridge Parkway is a state of the art tasting room on a 40 acre farm with its staple grapes Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon, blueberries and raspberries. The winery is perfectly situated at 3200 feet with warm days, cool nights and minerally balanced soil. This magical combination of high elevation and microclimate terra produces a wine unique to the region with complex flavors creating award-winning wines. The Tuscan-inspired winery and vineyard has tasting room that features a Crabapple stone patio. Sit and relax or take a stroll through the many trails on the 40-acre farm. We’re open for tastings 7 days a week from noon – 6 p.m. 828.765.1400. linvillefallswinery.com. See ad on page 59
BLIND SQUIRREL BREWERY
PLUMTREE. A brewery, winery, lodge, restaurant, banquet hall and gift shop all situated in the historic Vance Toe River Lodge between Newland and Spruce Pine in Plumtree? Sounds like a great time. A disc golf course and a deck overlooking the river? Even better. Blind Squirrel Brewery is now open year round on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Weekday options are available for private parties of 30 or more. The craft breweries motto? “We’re nuts about beer!!” 828.765-2739 or 828-765-9696 • www.blind-squirrelbrewery.com
LOST PROVINCE BREWING COMPANY BOONE. Lost Province Brewing Company is downtown Boone’s only brewery and is a destination for anyone that frequents this area. Discover meticulously brewed craft beers, wood fired fare with local ingredients, and live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings starting at 8 p.m. in a relaxing atmosphere that is friendly for all. Now serving brunch Saturday and Sundays starting at 10am. At Lost Province, you can truly Find Yourself Here. A family-owned enterprise, Lost Province Brewery features two levels of seating, including an outdoor patio, and a lengthy bar where you can enjoy a brew and watch the giant wood stove cook your pie to perfection. 828.265-3506 • www.lostprovince.com
9557 Linville Falls Hwy. • 828.765.1400 Open 7 Days Weekly • 12-6pm linvillefallswinery.com US 221 north of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 317 June 2015
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Challenge No. 9:
I
Visit the Historic Town of Abingdon, Virginia
t’s no secret that we think the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina are the best place to spend the summer, but there are some interesting sights to see in some of our neighboring states, too. We want you to open your eyes, your heart and your mind to as many experiences as you can this season, so we suggest hopping in the car and taking a day trip to another one of the region’s hidden gems. Your next challenge: visit the historic small town of Abingdon, Virginia. Steeped in a culture of arts and history, this charming little spot boasts a population of less than 10,000 and was named for the ancestral home of Martha Washington. Approximately 130 miles southwest of Roanoke, it’ll take you just under an hour and a half to get there from Boone. Nestled along what was once a well-traveled wilderness route that led pioneers through the Blue Ridge Mountains, Abingdon, too, has strong ties to early American history. It’s said that Daniel Boone gave the town its original name, “Wolf Hills,” in 1760 after wolves attacked his hounds and horses there. The Tavern Restaurant is Abingdon’s oldest building, and has been serving patrons since 1779. Its Martha Washington Hotel and Spa was built as a stately residence in the early 1830s. Later converted into the Martha Washington College for young women, it was once used as a temporary hospital for confederate troops during the Civil War. Known now as “The Martha,” this hotel will give you a quiet retreat and a trip back in time to the 19th century America. While you’re there, you definitely can’t pass up a chance to see a show at the town’s treasured Barter Theatre. The State Theatre of Virginia, Barter has been bringing guests from around the world to enjoy captivating performances for more than 80 years. This year-round theatre pulls in more than 160,000 visitors this year, and many classic industry veterans got their start at the Barter, including: Gregory Peck, Elizabeth Wilson, John Spencer, Patricia Neal, Ernest Borgnine, Hume Cronyn, Ned Beatty, Gary Collins, Frances Fisher, James Burrows, Wayne Knight, Larry Linville and Will Bingham. Want to enjoy the great outdoors, too? Access the rails-totrails Virginia Creeper Trail from downtown, or take the shuttle to White Top and take the 35-mile downhill trip back to Abingdon by bicycle. Thanks to its historic sites, vibrant arts and culture, regional attractions, shopping, dining and lively music scene, you’ll fall in love with Abingdon right away. If one day’s just not enough, stay the night at one of the town’s delightful cottages or bed and breakfasts and head back to the High Country in the morning. This is one little getaway that you’ll remember for a lifetime! 34
Day Tripping
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Day Tripping - Visit the Historic Town of Abingdon, Virginia
Abingdon’s famed Barter Theatre started as a church, later became a Temperance Hall, then housed City services and the Opera. Becoming the Barter in 1933, patrons could barter food for tickets.
The Barter Theatre 2015 Schedule
Southern Fried Nuptials: A Comedy of Epic Proportions, opens June 4 Old Turtle & the Broken Truth, opens June 4 Keep on the Sunny Side: The Songs and Story of the Original Carter Family, opens June 10 The Marvelous Wonderettes, opens June 11 Stonewall Country at the Tent, opens June 18 The Jungle Book, opens June 23
The Understudy, opens July 1 Rapunzel, opens July 21 An Evening with Mark Dawidziak, Aug. 5 Spit Like a Big Girl, opens Aug. 12 The Blind Man’s Tale, opens Aug. 12 The Boy in the Box opens Aug. 13 Shake, Rattle and Roll: A Rockin’ Tribute to the King, opens Aug. 27
Kuester C O M P A N I E S
Serving the Carolinas since 1976
June 2015
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Challenge No. 10: Give Back! Help a Local Nonprofit Support the Community
W
hen the frenzy of our busy, everyday routines gives way to anxiety and stress, it’s easy to complain about the things and the people around us, or to feel like life is just not fair. But when we’re completely honest, we have more to be thankful for than we realize. No matter what we’re going through, it’s always important to step back, take a deep breath and count our blessings. If you prefer to stay active in your community, you may already be working to help other people. But even if you’re new to it, there’s no time like the present to start giving back. That’s why we’re wrapping up your bucket list with something that we hope you’ll learn to love. This summer, we challenge you to get involved with one of your local nonprofits and help them serve your neighbors in-need. Whether you’re interested in donating money, lending your hand as a volunteer, organizing a fundraiser or spreading awareness for a cause you support, there’s a nonprofit in the High Country that needs your help. The community offers countless opportunities for you to make a difference, but here are a few suggestions on how to get started. Someone who needs it will appreciate every little bit of effort you contribute, and we promise you won’t regret the experience.
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Give Back - Help a Local Nonprofit Suppor t the Community
The Children’s Council of Watauga County
High Country United Way
Boone, 828-262-5424 • www.thechildrenscouncil.org Focusing on early education, this nonprofit agency offers programs to children up to age 12 and their parents that help them prepare for a successful experience in school as they grow. Established in 1977, the Children’s Council of Watauga County believes that every child is important and invests resources, information and training to build upon the strengths of children, families and educators in the area. Visit the organization online or give them a call to learn how you can host a diaper drive, collect other needed items, make a financial contribution or find other ways to help.
Habitat for Humanity of Watauga and Avery Counties
Newland, 828-733-1909 • www.averycohfh.org Boone, 828-268-9545 • www.wataugahabitat.org While they operate independently, these two agencies are both branches of the international Habitat for Humanity ecumenical organization that works to move hardworking families from overcrowded, unsafe living conditions into clean, comfortable, affordable homes. Newly constructed homes are sold to these families at affordable mortgage rates, and Habitat makes no profit from the sales. These agencies also run ReStore locations that sell new and consigned items to raise fund for building costs. Check out your local Habitat office to make donation or volunteer to work on a build site. 36
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Boone, 828-265-2111 • www.highcountryunitedway.org The High Country United Way serves Watauga and Avery counties as network of resources, connecting people in need to the programs and agencies that can help them. It’s “Give, Advocate, Volunteer” mantra helps rally groups and establishments throughout the area to raise funds to support community partner organizations that serve people in the area in a variety of ways through health and human service programs. For more information on how the HCUW works, read more about its community partners or get involved in fundraising, visit the organization online or contact the office.
The Hospitality House Boone, 828-264-1237 • www.hospitalityhouseofboone.org As a nonprofit agency, the Hospitality House serves people living in crisis, poverty and homelessness in seven western North Carolina counties rebuild their lives one step at a time. Established in 1984, this organization is committed to offering a hand up, not a handout, to people in need. It aims to empower adults and children with the skills they need to transition from crisis and poverty into sustainability and self-sufficiency. To volunteer or contribute, visit this organization online or give the office a call.
The Humane Societies of Watauga and Avery Counties
Boone, 828-264-7865 • www.wataugahumanesociety.org Newland, 828-733-2333 •www.averyhumane.org Although they’re separate entities, these two organiza-
tions share a common goal. Your local Humane Society organizations are committed to providing food, shelter, medical care and endless love to homeless animals as they await adoption into forever homes. The hardworking people behind these agencies provide assistance with unwanted animals to the public, offer low-cost spay and neuter services and help the community better understand how to be responsible pet owners and animal caregivers. Make a financial contribution, host a fundraiser, donate pet food and care items, walk or spend time with adoptable pets or volunteer to help them achieve their goals. Give them a call or look them up online to get started!
Hunger and Health Coalition Boone, 828-262-1628 • www.hungerandhealthcoalition.com The Hunger and Health Coalition meets emergency needs and helps people find more permanent solutions. It provides food and pharmacy assistance to low-income families in the area and its work relies heavily on its volunteers. Visit the agency online to find out how you can help and how to make a contribution. For volunteer information, contact the director at hungerandhealthcoalitionboone@gmail.com.
OASIS, Inc.
Boone, 828-264-1532 • www.oasisinc.org OASIS (Opposing Abuse with Service, Information and Shelter) has been working tirelessly since its foundation in 1978 to end the cycle of violence in Watauga and Avery Counties. It offers 24-hour crisis lines in both counties for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. It’s other services include confidential emergency shelter, short-term crisis counseling, safety planning, information and referrals to other community resources, case management, judicial systems advocacy, medicinal advocacy, educational programs and services in Spanish. To make a donation, volunteer your time or contribute items from the organization’s growing needs list, give the office a call or read more about its mission online.
Don’t turn the page
if you can’t keep a secret...
The representations contained herein are subject to change and may not be relied upon as a complete, accurate or final description of the lots or their size. Tanawha, LLC. June 2015
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Cottages of Tanawha Coming Soon
Cottage Under Construction to be Completed by mid-Summer TOM EGGERS CONSTRUCTION, LLC
Call for Details
828-963-7000
Custom homes built by Tom Eggers Construction, LLC. 828-898-3210 Lots Available 38
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June 2015
Incredible Views From Every Window
HAWKSBILL • GRANDFATHER • TABLEROCK • GRANDMOTHER
Tom Eggers Construction, LLC Office -828-963-7000. cell- 828-898-3210. email- tomeggersconstruction@gmail.com tomeggersconstruction.com June 2015
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Blowing Rock Country Club The
100 Year Evolution of a National Treasure
Photo by Todd Bush Blowing Rock’s clubhouse was built in 1975, one year after the previous clubhouse, built in 1941, burned to the ground. This view overlooks the third green.
By Harris Prevost
T
his summer, the Blowing Rock Country Club celebrates its 100th birthday. The journey began as a nine-hole course in 1915. courses’ designs, but there is no Although the design and conmystery about the beauty, qualstruction of the course was assigned ity and enjoyability of the Blowto the Green Park Hotel’s landscape ing Rock Country Club today. supervisor instead of a golf architect, Club president Larry WatHead professional Wayne Smith and he did a very good job. The course, son, from Blowing Rock, said, course superintendent Ben Barnes built to accommodate guests at the “We are very proud of the rich hotel, has now become a great 18-hole course whose design has history of our golf course. It has given us a lot of pleasure over national significance. the years. The course has gone through many iterations in its 100 The story of Blowing Rock is actually an evolution of at least years, and in the next century, we look forward to continually four different golf courses: the first nine holes, 18 holes based at improving the course. More importantly, we look forward to enthe Green Park Hotel, 18 based at the clubhouse, and 18 with four joying it with our families.” holes replaced with new ones. There is a strong possibility one In this anniversary year, a look back at a century of progress more variation of the course is to come. will bring a special feeling of satisfaction to all who have been a The story also includes a name change. A mystery surrounds the part of the Blowing Rock Country Club. 40
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An aerial view of the original clubhouse and much of the course shows the teeing area for the first hole is where the current putting green is and the 18th green is at the base of the hill to the right of the putting green. The first tee used to be where the green was for the fifth hole of the original nine-hole course (14th hole on the original 18-hole course). There was no clubhouse then and the tee for the following hole was where the clubhouse is. Postcards from Web Alexander Collection & Company, which operated a stage line from Lenoir to Blowing Rock for many years. They also owned livery stables in the larger towns in the North Carolina foothills. Most, if not all of the shareholders, had Blowing Rock homes.
In The Beginning
“The beginning” of the events leading to the golf course can be traced to pre-Civil War days when the Green family, all seven brothers and seven sisters of them, left North Carolina’s Piedmont and purchased land that now includes Green Park Hotel The Blowing Rock (the namesake for the town), the golf course Gets A property and Green Park Inn Golf Course property. The inn and surroundAn account of the fiveing hillside are named after the The original fourth tee required a straight drive into a narrow landing area. Any tee shot short or to the right ended up in a creek. month old Blowing Rock family. The original undeveloped, Development Company’s natural area became known as Later the creek was piped and covered up. February 1914 meeting, held Green Park. in Statesville, included a stateIn 1891, the Green Park Improvement Company, made up of three men from Lenoir, built ment about the company’s future plans: The improvements to be made for the next season are but a the hotel and purchased 325 adjoining acres. In September 1913, the company sold its holdings to the Blowing Rock Development beginning, it being the purpose of the company to make Blowing Company for $30,000. There will be several confusing “improve- Rock, not only one of the most popular summer resorts in the state, but the most popular in the South. Nature has done about all ment” and “development” companies in the story! The majority of the Blowing Rock Development Company’s that could be done in the way of climate and scenery. The hotel improvements mentioned in 1914 as “but a beginning” stockholders were from Statesville. They included four members would include the building of a nine-hole golf course the following of the Steele family, who were engaged in manufacturing. A major year. The stockholders authorized spending at least $15,000 to build stockholder was James William Cannon Sr., head of Cannon Mills a “modern golf course” they would name Green Park-Norwood. in in Concord. The leaders of the company, though, were David A couple of Watauga Democrat’s “Blowing Rock Breezes” colCraig and Columbus Vance (C.V.) Henkel, partners Henkel, Craig June 2015
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The first hole was a short par 4. The tee was located were the parking area across the street from the Green Park Inn is today. The green can be seen from the road to the Blowing Rock attraction.
The original finishing hole, which is now the fourth hole, is an example of a square-edged green, a frequent Seth Raynor design feature.
umns in fall 1915 stated that Lute Nelson was in charge of laying out the golf course, and that he “has charge of the vast work planned and being executed by the Green Park Hotel Company, which is having a golf course made, shade and ornamental trees and shrubbery set out to ornament and beautify the already handsome grounds, other improvements contemplated.” Construction of the course was completed in 1916. Rufus Patterson, a wealthy mechanical engineer and inventor who led the automation of cigarette production for the American Tobacco Company, owned 130 acres adjacent to the hotel. Five holes of the golf course would be on his land. Patterson had purchased the property, the summer estate of John Boyden, in 1912. It was one of the largest tracts of land between Green Park and the village of Blowing Rock. The community of Patterson, located between Blowing Rock and Lenoir, is named after his family. The Blowing Rock Development company owned the remaining four holes of the golf course property. Patterson and the development company agreed to jointly supply the land and pay for the golf course construction on their respective holes. Profits from the course operation were divided 5/9th to Patterson and 4/9 to the development company. The parties also agreed to build another nine holes if the initial nine was a success. Green Park-Norwood proved to be very popular. So was the area’s other golf course. Linville’s Eseeola Inn had a 14-hole course (first nine built in 1895, five added in 1900--four holes played twice to make 18 holes) called Tanglewood. The courses were too popular for the liking of the Rev. Edgar Tufts, an influential Presbyterian minister. Tufts founded several churches in the area as well as Lees-McRae College, Grandfather Home For Children and Grace Hospital (now Cannon Memorial Hospital). Apparently, too many members of Tufts’ congregation were on the golf course instead of in church so, in 1917, Tufts got legislation introduced in the General Assembly to outlaw the playing of golf in Caldwell, Watauga and Avery counties on Sundays! (Part of the Green Park course was located in Caldwell County.) Fortunately for some, the legislation was not adopted.
Green Park-Norwood Becomes 18 Holes
The green for the third hole was relocated from where the current parking area is to its current location when the clubhouse was built.
The second green when the original 18 hole course was built.
Postcards from the Web Alexander Collection 42
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June 2015
The Green Park Hotel faced a challenge in the early 1920s. In 1917, Charlotte developer Walter Alexander began a residential resort community in Blowing Rock called Mayview Park. It included a grand hotel, cottages for lease and lots for sale. Alexander’s ambition was to make Blowing Rock “the greatest summer resort and playground in the mountains of western North Carolina.” His Mayview Manor hotel quickly replaced the Green Park Inn as the social center of Blowing Rock. Alexander felt the one thing he lacked to fulfill his dream was a golf course. At that time, the immortal Bobby Jones captured the imagination of the country with his accumulation of major championships and his charismatic personality. His popularity resulted in thousands upon thousands of people taking up the game. The United States had 1,900 golf courses in 1923, and by 1929, it had 5,650, an average increase of 625 per year. And that was when the country’s population was a little more than one-third of what it is today. The 1920s were roaring! In 1923, Alexander followed through with his golf course idea. He wanted his course to be one of the growing number of new courses. He commissioned the famed architect Donald Ross to build a nine-hole course on his property, located where the present horse show grounds are. The terrain turned out to be unsuitable for a decent course. Despite Ross’s efforts to build the best course possible, it didn’t work. The course closed after a year. The Blowing Rock Development Company saw Alexander’s aggressive plans as a threat to the Green Park Hotel. In 1922, they decided to trump him with a card he couldn’t play, an 18-hole golf course. Patterson and the
Blowing Rock Development Company agreed to build the second nine. Patterson’s property would include the land for the first four holes and the last four (15-18 then, first four holes today). His property also included land on and around the site where the current clubhouse is located. In the second agreement (the first being for the original nine holes), Patterson asked for annual golf memberships for 20 people, instead of a share of the profits, in exchange for the use of his land for the new course. Patterson was an avid golfer! The development company covered the cost to build the second nine as well as the course’s operating costs. The company also agreed to make the course public and affordable. In 1923, the development company spun off the hotel and incorporated it as the Green Park Hotel Company, with basically the same ownership. The 1922 agreement spelled out that a “golf architect” would be the designer, which probably means the owners felt the original nine wasn’t deWhen the Club built its clubhouse in 1941, holes were resigned by a true golf architect. The mystery part of Blowing Rock Country numbered to begin and end at the clubhouse instead of at Club’s history begins to come into play now. Who designed Blowing Rock the Green Park Inn. The first tee was approximately where Country Club’s first 18-hole course? the practice putting green is now. Was it the great Donald Ross? Or the creative Seth Raynor? Or did both have a presence? The best guess is that in 1922, Ross designed the renovation of the existing nine, plus nine new holes. Those holes probably weren’t built. A March 1923 Statesville newspaper account said that Raynor was designing the course. Most likely, Raynor became the final designer of the course. He probably followed Ross’s routing for the added nine holes. The course was under construction in 1925, and when Raynor died of pneumonia in January 1926, his assistant Charles Banks completed the course. (See accompanying story for Ross/Raynor arguments as the designer.) How significant is it for a golf course to be designed by an elite member of the Golden Age of designers? The Golden Age of golf course architects ranged from the 1910s through the 1930s. In GOLF DIGEST’s 2015-16 The original fourth green doesn’t exist today. listing of its “Top 100 Courses In America,” every one of the top ten courses in America, and 13 of the top 14, were designed during the Golden Age. More specifically, three of the top 10 (with a fourth by Raynor’s mentor C.B. Mcdonald) had Seth Raynor’s involvement. Ross designed three of the second 10 and Mcdonald, one. The trend in modern golf design is twofold: One, to bring classic courses by great designers back to their original designs; and two, to create new courses to reflect those same architectural principles of the Golden Age. Courses by traditional designers today like Coore and Crenshaw, and Tom Doak, are the type courses that are rapidly moving to the top echelon of GOLF DIGEST’s “Top 100 Courses in America.” Architects are designing courses that are pleasing to the eye and enjoyable to play, courses you would be happy playing the rest of your life, courses just like Blowing The fourth green several years earlier. Rock. By the mid-1920s, the health of C.V. Henkel, who was president of the Blowing Rock Development Company since its inception in 1913, had seriously declined. Without Henkel’s leadership, the Development Company was vulnerable. Walter Alexander passionately wanted a golf course to complete his vision of Blowing Rock being the playground of the South. In 1924, he purchased the Blowing Rock Development Company’s 281 acres, its share of the golf course, and the Green Park Hotel. Continuing his expansion, Alexander later purchased the Chetola resort. Alexander died unexpectedly in 1926. He ran out of money in 1925, primarily from building two golf courses, his nine-hole Mayview course in 1923-24 and the addition/renovation of Green Park-Norwood in 1925-26. Without Alexander, his over-extended empire came crashing down. His companies became insolvent. Their assets were put into the hands of receivers with orders to carry out a court-directed liquidation auction. The par 4 eighth hole on the original 18 hole course today, The Blowing Rock Improvement Company was formed in 1926, spe- it is the longer par 5 14th hole. June 2015
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The Original Nine-hole Layoutt The original nine-hole layout is shown over the top of this aerial view of the current golf course (in red). The first hole was a short par four that began in the parking lot across US 321 from the Green Park Hotel (called an “inn” later). The elevated tee shot for the second hole cross US 321 (called “the Turnpike”). There was very little traffic on the road at that time. The first through fourth holes are no longer in play. The club still owns the property, except for the first hole. The fifth green was where the current putting green is today and the sixth tee was where the clubhouse is. The sixth is a short par four down the right side of the current first fairway to a ridge surrounded by trees. The seventh was a difficult uphill par three, and its tee was between the current first and third fairways. The eighth was similar to the present third, except longer. Its green was where the lower parking lot is today. Back then, there was no Country Club Drive. The ninth tee was also in the lower parking lot, making the hole a par five. Goforth Road crossed the fairway about 140 yards in front of the green at that time.
cifically to reacquire the hotel, golf course and acreage. It had many of the same principals from the Blowing Rock Development Company, plus the addition of George Penny, a real estate speculator, as its largest stockholder. The development company’s president, C.V. Henkel, had died in January of 1925, and since it sold all its property to Alexander, it had no further activities. It was officially dissolved in 1928. In 1938, C.V. Henkel Jr., Gwyn Harper and Richard Finley as a group purchased all of Patterson’s Blowing Rock property, to include his share of the golf course.
The Blowing Rock Country Club Is Established In October 1939, the Blowing Rock Country Club was formed. Two years later, the club built a beautiful clubhouse on the site where the present clubhouse is located. The Blowing Rock Country Club, which was strictly a private social club, and the golf course were totally separate entities. The strong
The 18-hole course in 1940 was a year before the original clubhouse was built. The first tee had been moved across the road and the hole shortened to a par three. The 17th hole (current third) was moved up to its present location in anticipation of the building of a clubhouse. The 18th (current fourth) tee was also moved up to its present location out of where the parking lot would be built. 44
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social traditions of enjoying friends and family, that were created 65 years ago with the club, remain just as important today. In 1950, the club expanded its activities and leased the course from its owners for 20 years at a cost ranging from $5,000 to $7,500 per year. As part of the agreement, Blowing Rock Country Club gave assurances the course would be semi-private, remaining open for public play. When the Blowing Rock Country Club built its clubhouse in 1941, the routing of the Green Park-Norwood Golf Course was changed to have the first and 18th holes begin and end at the clubhouse. Space for a pro shop was provided by the club. At the beginning of the lease, the club’s maintenance equipment was in disrepair. Seventeen members prepaid their annual dues for the next 10 years to raise $17,000 to purchase and repair equipment. In 1955, some members prepaid their dues to raise an additional $17,600 to build a swimming pool. Under the direction of A.C. Lee, a member of the club and a Charlotte construction engineer and contractor, new tees and greens were built, existing tees and greens rebuilt, an irrigation system installed, and trees planted to separate fairways. Those trees are fully grown today. Through a 1952 agreement between the Blowing Rock Improvement Company (the owner of the golf course) and the North Carolina Highway and Public Works Commission (NC DOT now), the club gave the state the right-of-way to relocate US 321 (called “the Turnpike” in the early days) to the southeast of the Green Park Inn. In return, the state built a bridge over US 321 for golfers playing the sixth hole (original second hole). The bridge was torn down in the mid-1990s sometime after the fifth through the eighth holes (old 1-4) were taken out of play.
In January 1973, the Blowing Rock Country Club purchased the course from the Blowing Rock Improvement Company and the other individual owners. The Improvement Company’s holdings included the maintenance shed plus enough property to build four new holes with 15 large residential lots bordering the holes. The club paid $600,000 for its purchase. It later purchased property for its practice range from Lee Warnock and others for $75,000. The sale of the lots helped recover most of the club’s cost of building the new holes and practice range. The purchase was part of a long-range plan to eliminate the fifth through eighth holes because carts had to cross US 321 to reach the fifth tee, and golfers hit their tee shots across US 321 to play the par four sixth hole. US 321 had become a high-traffic route, and crossing it by land or by air was dangerous. The club contracted with Greenville, S.C. golf architect Tom Jackson in 1974 to design four new holes to replace the fifth through the eighth across US 321 and up Green Hill, and to renovate three other holes. A major tragedy put those plans on hold for over a decade. On Sept. 21, 1974, the clubhouse burned to the ground. Its swimming pool was filled with dirt and debris from the fire, and it became part of the employee parking lot. The club’s new focus became building a new clubhouse, which was completed the next year; and paying for it, which took about 10 years. Jackson restarted his design work in 1985, and the new and renovated holes began play in 1988. The current 10th through 13th holes are new, and holes five, six and 18 were renovated. Except for some lengthening, major tee renovations and continuing enhancements, no major changes have been made to the course.
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Today’s clubhouse was built on the same site as the one that burned down in 1974.
After 100 Years, The Club Looks To Its Past To See Its Future
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In anticipation of Blowing Rock Country Club’s 100th birthday, the club’s leadership has been busy working on a master plan for the future. A major part of the plan is to bring the course back, as much as possible, into conformance with Seth Raynor’s original design. The renovation will involve re-routing and changing some greens to better reflect Raynor’s design philosophies. Kris Spence, a North Carolinabased golf architect who specializes in restoring classic golf courses, has been engaged to provide a master plan to bring the course back to an authentic Seth Raynor golf course. The club will decide soon if it will implement the recommendations of Spence’s master Wayne Smith, head golf professional at Blowing plan. Rock, has been at the club for over 30 years. Spence has received multiple Smith, who loves the course like its his own, is an awards for his restorations. He special- avid historian and his research has provided valuizes in restoring courses by the great able information into how the course came to be. architects of the game such as Donald Ross, Ellis Maples and Seth Raynor. Spence thoroughly researches each course before he begins any design work. Some of his restorations include Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, Cape Fear Country Club in Wilmington, Roaring Gap Club, Gaston Country Club in Gastonia, Mimosa Hills in Morganton, Grove Park Inn in Asheville, Lake Toxaway Country Club and Raintree North in Charlotte. With Spence’s passion for tradition, and with his desire to be true to the original architect’s design, what is now Blowing Rock’s outstanding golf course could evolve once more over its 100-year life. But this time, ironically, it will go back 90 years into the future, into the Golden Age of golf course architecture, to rediscover a hidden treasure buried in the ground. That treasure is the only Seth Raynor golf course in North Carolina. ♦
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High Country Magazine
June 2015
The Mystery of Who Designed The Blowing Rock Golf Course
B
ecause the club lost all its records in the 1974 fire, and those involved in the 1920s are no longer around, there is no definitive answer to who designed Blowing Rock’s 18-hole course. Detective work continues, and new information is surfacing about how Blowing Rock’s 1925 golf course came about. Wayne Smith, Blowing Rock’s long-time golf professional wrote an article titled “Golf at Blowing Rock; A Brief History.” It mentioned claims that Donald Ross remodeled the original nine holes and added a second nine in 1922. That course was a par 69, measuring 5,700 yards. As a result of discoveries in recent years, Smith’s article also mentioned that there were other claims that Seth Raynor designed the course built in 1925-26. Those claims and counterclaims add to the intrigue and excitement about the course. After examining all information available, following is what is known. First, native son architect Rick Robbins of the golfing Robbins family (Spencer is his father and Grover Robbins Sr., father of tourism in Blowing Rock, is his grandfather) and Geoffrey Cornish and Ron Whitten in their book, The Golf Course, provide insight into how the golf course design process took place in the “Roaring 20s.” It was a time when designing golf courses became a full-time profession for many, and a time when the number of golf courses exploded.
On September 21, 1974, this was the scene at Blowing Rock Country Club. All the club’s records were destroyed, leaving future generations to speculate on who played a role in the design and building of its 18-hole course. The mystery continues to this day. Robbins said, “One of the most critical differences between the old days and now is that almost all courses back then were built for a specific demand for golf and not as a means to sell real estate. The architects of the 20’s era did not have to consider housing frontage values, where all the road crossings need to be and all the other things that go with development type golf. “Basically, the architects would often be sent a rough topographic map of the property, and they would lay out a routing that seemed to fit the site. They would often provide notes on strategy of bunker placement, greens shapes, and so on. Often they would do this layout directly on the ground by walking the
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Golf course clearing is taken place in the mid 1920’s tp prepare for the construction of Blowing Rock’s second nine holes. The picture on right is the seventh hole today
site and placing stakes in the ground to mark feature locations. Most of the rest of the design was left to the builder to decide. This builder often was an associate of the architect and he understood what was wanted by the architect.” Usually a professional designer would visit the property for one or two days. Sometimes during that time he would inspect the land, route the course, prepare sketches and diagrams of the holes and instruct the members on how to construct and maintain the course. Often, those courses didn’t turn out like the architect envisioned.
Sometimes the architect never set foot on the land. That was true for James Baird when he remodeled America’s first golf course, St. Andrews Golf Club in New York. Actually, Baird never even came to America. He did all his work from Scotland! In the best cases, the architect would remain after designing the course or leave an experienced superintendent to make sure the course was properly built. The architect would periodically visit the site to inspect the evolution of his design and make needed adjustments. ♦
A Time Line of Events Helps Frame the Discussion 1922 - A contract to design the course was signed in Blowing Rock and New York City. Since Rufus Patterson owned about half the course, he had to sign the contract, too. If he lived in New York, that’s were he signed it and mailed it back to Blowing Rock. The contract could have been for Ross to design the course, or Raynor. The fact Patterson knew Raynor and liked his work doesn’t mean it was a Ross or Raynor contract. Several sources indicate Ross was on the property at that time, and that he renovated the original nine and added nine more holes. However, approximately 1/4 of Rossdesigned courses were never built. This could be one of those. 1923 - Donald Ross designed the Mayview Park nine-hole golf course for Walter Alexander. If he actually started the design in 1922, perhaps he did Mayview and Green Park-Norwood at the same time. C.V. Henkel and David Craig, the leaders of the Blowing Rock Development Company, were said to be working with Raynor on the course’s 48
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design according to a Statesville newspaper article.
1924 - The Blowing Rock Development Company sold the golf course to Walter Alexander. That put him in charge of the course’s design and construction moving forward. Since the Raynor design was probably completed and the course was beginning construction, Alexander probably let it continue under Raynor. On the other hand, Alexander knew Donald Ross well and liked him, so he could have replaced Raynor with Ross. Then again, Alexander took a bath on the Ross designed Mayview course, which closed soon after opening, so he may have soured on Ross. 1925 - Most likely, the course was being built by Raynor and his assistant, Charles Banks. According to Kris Spence, Raynor liked to build a course without many of its bunkers (and probably other features), and come back in a couple of years to see how it was playing before completing the construction.
1926 - Alexander died, and the Blowing Rock Improvement Company (most of the same principals from the development company) purchased the course back from the courts. Raynor died in January with his course not completed. Charles Banks completed eight of Raynor’s courses that were in the design or construction phase when he died. Most say that Blowing Rock was one of the eight. Banks knew exactly how Raynor wanted to course to be.
1927 - A scorecard dated in 1927 showed the first hole exactly like it was in 1915, a short par four with the second hole approached from a tee between the first and third fairways. 1928-31 - The first hole was made into a par five and the second tee was located behind the first green. Banks died in 1931 so the change must have taken place during this time frame
Who designed the Blowing Rock golf course? Donald Ross? Seth Raynor? Both? The best guess is that Donald Ross designed the renovation of the existing nine, plus nine new holes in 1922. Those holes probably weren’t built. In 1923, Raynor became the final designer of the course, but he probably followed Ross’s routing for the added nine holes. Because of Raynor’s untimely death in January 1926, his assistant Charles Banks completed the construction of the course.
D
The Donald Ross Side
avid Craig Jr., son of one of the founding leaders of the Blowing Rock Development Company, wrote an article for The Blowing Rocket in 1980 about the course’s designer. He said that based on Ross’s work on the Charlotte Country Club in 1922, his work at the Mayview Park course in Blowing Rock in 1923, and his work at Linville in 1924, that, “In the absence of proof to the contrary, the reasonable conclusion is that Donald Ross was the golf course architect employed to design the additional nine and changes in the original nine at Blowing Rock.” Ross kept extensive records of his work. The Donald Ross Collection in the Edgar Tufts Archives at Pinehurst’s public library keeps a file on every Donald Ross designed course. The Ross Collection even includes the layout of Blowing Rock’s Mayview Park Golf Course. The Ross Collection file on Blowing Rock includes no record of any design. However, the Blowing Rock Country Club file does contain a page of North Carolina Ross-designed courses from a booklet titled “A Directory of Courses Designed by Donald Ross,” compiled in 1992 by Pete Jones, who was Secretary of the Donald Ross Society in the 1990s. Jones says Ross remodeled nine holes at Blowing Rock and added nine in 1922. Where did this list come from? Could it have come from Ross
himself? The extensive information on the list seems too specific to be hearsay. A collection of commentaries, written by Donald Ross about golf and golf courses, titled Golf Has Never Failed Me, was discovered after Ross died. They were published in 1996 with an introduction by Ron Whitten, the GOLF DIGEST senior editor of architecture. In the back of the book is a list of courses Ross designed, and Blowing Rock is included. Many people assume that was Ross’s list, claiming he designed Blowing Rock. Most likely, the list was one Whitten got from Jones’ Donald Ross Society list. One fact supporting Ross was that he was known to be in the area in the early 1920s working on Mayview and Linville, and also on the Green Park-Norwood Golf Course property at that time. Noted golf writer Bill Hensley, wrote an article titled “The Mystery of Blowing Rock” in the fall 2013 issue of the Carolinas Golf Association’s “Carolinas Golf.” In it, he stated, “The late Anna Boyce Lineberger of Belmont, who first came to Blowing
Rock in 1922, recalled several years before her death that nine holes were added that year. She recounted meeting Ross that year when he visited her home. She also remembered that longtime member and one of the club’s founders, David Craig, entertained Ross in the 1920s when he was working on the Linville course--an indication that a friendship existed.” Another clue: Ross believed a round of golf was 18 holes, not nine, and he preferred not to bring the ninth hole back to the clubhouse unless directed otherwise. The ninth hole in the new course did not return to the Green Park Inn. Audrey Moriarty, keeper of the Ross Collection in Pinehurst, said that in the 1920s, Ross still lived in Massachusetts in the summer and Pinehurst in the winter. She said Ross hated to travel (back then by train). When he did design a course, he tried to do several in the same general area at the same time. Linville, Mayview, Charlotte Country Club and Biltmore Forest in Asheville were designed about the same time as his possible Blowing Rock design. ♦
T
ed here within the next few days to confer with local citizens interested in a golf course for Statesville. Mr. Raynor will be driven over the surrounding country and will advise on the property best suited for golf links. A nine-hole course is contemplated. D.J. Craig and C.V. Henkel, who obtained Raynor’s services for laying off the course at Blowing Rock, wired him Tuesday evening to come here . . .” Raynor probably was coming to States-
ville from Chattanooga, where he was designing the Lookout Mountain course. H.O. Steele, also a Blowing Rock Development partner and Statesville resident, was part of the group. A 1938 booklet titled “Golf in North Carolina” was written by famed golf writer and Bobby Jones’ biographer, O.B. Keeler. Keeler said: Blowing Rock presents another golf course, Green Park-Norwood, on which it is more than usually difficult to keep your eye on the ball, by reason of ecstatic scenic surroundings. The course is 6,170 yards in length, and originally was designed by the late Seth Raynor, who created such lovely
The Seth Raynor Side
he proof that Seth Raynor designed the course is becoming more substantial. Even though Raynor was a notoriously poor record-keeper, there are independent references saying he designed the Green Park-Norwood Golf Course. A March 1923 column in the Statesville Record & Landmark titled “Local Men Take Steps Looking to the Establishment of a Golf Course for Statesville,” said: “Seth Raynor, of New York City, a golf architect of national reputation, is expect-
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the great par three 15th hole at holes as the Cape, the Alps and North Berwick Golf Club in East the Eden. Lothian, Scotland. Keeler would have met and A Redan green is elevated conversed with the Green Parkwith the surface partially or fully Norwood golf professional blind to the golfer. The green George Blagg, who was its pro angles diagonally away from the from 1923 to 1948. Blagg was tee box with the left side further there at the time of Keeler’s away than the right. The green visit and, more importantly, has a challenging slope from top there at the time the course was to bottom, and from right to left. expanded to 18 holes. Blagg It is usually guarded by a bunker would have been the one who or other obstacle somewhere in told Keeler the course designer was Seth Raynor. Another inter- The current par three second (old seventh and 16th) is Blowing left front of the green. This deesting fact is that Rufus Patterson Rock’s “Redan” hole. This type hole is considered one of the scription perfectly fits Blowing was a member of the National greatest designed holes in golf. Seth Raynor tried to include one Rock’s challenging second hole, making it one of the true gems in Golf Links, designed by Raynor’s in all his golf courses. Photo by Todd Bush all of golf. mentor Charles Blair Mcdonald. Patterson also purchased an esIn Conclusion?? tate on Long Island that had a three-hole There are a lot of “most likely” So, we are left with some convinccourse designed by Raynor. and “possibly” type qualifiers in ing evidence claiming that Ross designed Finally, “proof is in the pudding (or in Blowing Rock, and some equally convincthe golf course),” as they say. Ross was a the Ross/Raynor mystery seging arguments that said it was Raynor. Is minimalist in his designs. He moved very ment of this article. As much there enough evidence to convince a jury? little dirt--he brilliantly used the slopes as we all enjoy a good mystery, Unfortunately, there are no documents Mother Nature provided. That was the that would give us positive proof one way case in the construction of Ross’s Linville those who love Blowing Rock’s or the other. course. The late Hugh Morton, owner golf course and who are fasciJan Ludwig, current secretary of the of Grandfather Mountain, remembered Donald Ross Society, who says his position seeing the course his family owned being nated by its history, hope that means he is “keeper of the list” of Ross debuilt in 1924 when he was a boy. He said someone can come forward this signed courses, addresses the mystery best. in a letter many years later, “Husky work “I don’t know that there is any way to settle horses pulled pans to move dirt in the days anniversary year with definitive the extent of Ross’s and Raynor’s involvebefore bulldozers and other heavy equipdocuments to solve this one! ment at Blowing Rock without documents. ment . . .” We have nothing in the Ross archives that That was not the case with Raynor. course, found multiple examples of a Seth settles the question. I believe, as do most He and his top assistant, Charles “Steam Shovel” Banks, moved a prodigious amount Raynor course. Early photos showed a people, that both Ross and Raynor had of dirt for that era. Several holes at Blow- number of square-front greens, a Raynor something to do with the course. “As to Ross and Raynor collaborating ing Rock have Seth Raynor written all over trademark. Raynor followed his mentor them because of the dirt moved to create C.B. Mcdonald in designing copies of great on the design of Blowing Rock, I don’t see them. Examples are the current first, sec- holes that Mcdonald had seen on his trips that,” Ludwig continued. “They would ond, ninth and 16th greens. According to an to Scotland and England. The holes were have worked independently, working on early scorecard, the Raynor course played given names, and several of Blowing Rock’s the course at different times.” Jim Dodson, golf historian and the to a par 71 and was approximately 6,170 holes fit Raynor’s favorite hole names. One in particular is the present sec- writer of Blowing Rock Country Club’s ofyards long. It was different from the 5,700 ond hole. It is called a “Redan,” meaning ficial history, said, “I believe the two knew yard, par 69 routing attributed to Ross. Kris Spence, in his examination of the a formidable fortress. It is patterned after each other, but they were friendly rivals,
If Wayne Smith, Jay Ludwig and Jim Dodson’s conclusions are correct, the Blowing Rock Country Club is the product of two of the greatest golf architects of all time, Donald Ross and Seth Raynor (plus Charles Banks, who was an excellent designer in his own right). Blowing Rock is truly a nationally significant course that could be the only one in America with this pedigree. Seth Raynor was mentored by C.B. Mcdonald, called the “Father of American Golf Architecture,” and Donald Ross was mentored by Old Tom Morris, the “Father of Modern Golf.” With that kind of influence imbedded in the Blowing Rock Country Club, well, it doesn’t get any better than that! 50
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jockeying to design the same new courses. I think they shared ideas in common with their design philosophies, but they didn’t collaborate. “There is a good chance Ross designed a course for Blowing Rock that was never built,” Dodson continued. “For many of his designs, he visited the site once, or not at all, instead designing from topographical maps. Of those, it is estimated that approximately 100 were never built.” According to other sources, Ross designed 399 courses and made on-site visits to approximately 300 of them--260 one-time visits and 40 multiple visits. Ross leaned heavily on his two associate designers, Walter Hatch and J.B. McGovern, who knew exactly what he wanted. Ellis Maples’ father, Frank, built many of Ross’s North Carolina courses. In 2014, George Bahto, who wrote Charles Blair Mcdonald, The Evangelist of Golf, was asked his thoughts abut the Ross/ Raynor mystery. He responded not long before he died: Historical information is sketchy, but in a few years, Seth Raynor was called in to once more redesign the course. Given the Ross date of 1922, unless some disastrous event took place (lost greens, storms, washouts), the Raynor design may not have been completed until 1925, or into 26 or 27, and perhaps completed by Banks, who was building a course in nearby Statesville, N.C. (This was Raynor’s nine-hole course. It no longer exists.) ♦
Who Is Seth Raynor? S
eth Raynor graduated from Princeton University in 1898 with a degree in civil engineering. He was quite content in his job, but 10 years later, he was assigned to survey the land on which C.B Mcdonald’s National Golf Links of America would sit, and his world changed. Raynor and Mcdonald hit it off, and the “Father of American Golf Architecture” asked the young civil engineer to change careers and come work with him. Mcdonald taught Raynor everything he knew about designing and building golf courses. Raynor didn’t even play golf, so Mcdonald had a clean slate to work with. Raynor soaked up every word Mcdonald said. Raynor did take up golf later in life, but he never took the sport seriously. On the other hand, Mcdonald studied at St. Andrews University, played the Old Course and knew Old Tom Morris. He also knew
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The great architects all the best courses in Scotof the Golden Age wrote land, England and Ireland. In The trend in modern golf design is two-fold: One, extensively about their America, he was the first U.S. designs and their design Amateur champion. bring classic courses by great designers back to theories, but Raynor wrote From his vast golfing extheir original designs; and two, create new coursnothing, and he didn’t keep perience, Mcdonald came to records. The only thing we the conclusion that every golf es to reflect those same architectural principles of can learn from Raynor is course he designed should the Golden age. Courses by the traditional deobserving the courses he include several variations of designed. his 25 “ideal holes,” the best signers today are the type courses that are rapidly It turns out Raynor was of the best that he played. a very creative, playful arHe normally didn’t exactly moving to the top echelon of GOLF DIGEST’s “Top chitect. Banks, being an duplicate the holes in his lay100 courses.” These courses are pleasing to the English professor, helped outs; he adapted their design fuel Raynor’s creativity. features into what the terrain eye and enjoyable to play, courses you would be Playing a Raynor course provided. happy playing the rest of your life, courses just is definitely an interesting Raynor learned well from and unique experience! the master, and he incorlike Blowing Rock. During that era, clubs porated Mcdonald’s same often named the holes on philosophy in his designs, their courses. Augusta Naincluding his “ideal holes” framework. Six years after joining Mcdonald, and at the age tional has names for every hole. Linville’s Tanglewood course of 38, Raynor designed his first course. The next year, in 1915, had names, not numbers. Mcdonald grew tired of having his clients interfere with his Unfortunately, Raynor died of pneumonia at age 51 while in design work, so he turned his golf course architecture business Palm Beach, Fla., for the opening of one of his courses. Despite over to Raynor. Mcdonald helped Raynor on several of his de- designing courses for only a dozen years, he had over 60 courses signs and he told Raynor’s clients to trust him and let him do (some say as many as 100) to his credit. Golfweek magazine ranked his work. America’s Top 100 greatest After designing the classic courses--those built wonderful Yale University before 1960--and Raynor course (with Mcdonald’s designed 11 of the 100. help) in 1923, Raynor Raynor was known was asked to design a for his square greens, nine-hole course for a deep bunkers, variations private prep school loof Mcdonald’s 25 “ideal cated 60 miles away from holes” and for the moveYale. The school assigned ment of massive amounts one of its English profesof earth to create his sors, Charles Banks, to be courses. Charles Banks their contact person with became Raynor’s buildRaynor. Banks had zero er, and he was known as golf design background, “Steam Shovel Banks” for but he, like Raynor, fell in the earth-moving work love with the work. He left he did. Banks, through his 15-year teaching job to his Raynor and McdonThe par three 16th green shows that a lot of dirt was moved to level out the ald mentoring, became be Raynor’s assistant. Just as Mcdonald taught Raynor green on the right side and build it up on the left side. This “earth moving” a very good designer in the business, Raynor taught was a trademark of Seth Raynor designs. Photo by Todd Bush his own right, designing Banks. or remodeling about 30 The two proceeded to courses before dying of a build Fishers Island (a GOLF DIGEST Top 10), and Camargo heart attack at age 48 in 1931. in Cincinnati and Yeamans Hall in Charleston, S.C. (both Top Raynor laid out Cypress Point, the third ranked course in 100). Many others are well-known, well-loved courses such as America. Alister Makenzie finished it in 1928, after Raynor Mid-Ocean in Bermuda, Augusta Country Club (borders Au- died. He also designed the fourth ranked Shinnecock Hills on gusta National), Deepdale (with Mcdonald) on Long Island, the Long Island, but William Flynn had to remodel the course afEverglades Club, Greenbrier (with Mcdonald) in West Virginia, ter Raynor died because a new road took part of the existing Kapalua in Hawaii, Charleston (SC) Country Club and Lookout layout. Raynor didn’t complete Lookout Mountain or BlowMountain in Chattanooga in 1925. It is believed that Raynor ing Rock, but Charles Banks completed those as part of eight traveled to Blowing Rock directly from Lookout Mountain af- Raynor courses that were either in design or construction. ♦ ter he visited there in early 1923. 52
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Members at Blowing Rock Country Club are excited about their 100th anniversary. Here Carolyn and Bud Walker, and Homer Ketchie display the centennial pin flags being used this year. Photos by Todd Bush
NOTES:
The author has many sources and helpers to thank for the writing of this article. Sources include early Blowing Rocket (and Jerry Burns) and Watauga Democrat reports, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet, Kris Spence’s Restoration Master Plan Report for Blowing Rock Country Club, and Golf Course Architecture. Friends who helped immeasurably are Wayne Smith and Ben Barnes of the Blowing Rock Country Club; Ginny Stevens of the Blowing Rock Historical Society; Anthony Pioppi, Executive Director of the Seth Raynor Society; Kellen Short of Grandfather Mountain for editing, and especially, Web Alexander, who provided the old post card photos. Jim Dodson, one of golf ’s greatest contemporary writers and the author of many best-selling books on the sport, is writing the definitive history of the Blowing Rock course in honor of its 100th birthday. The book should be out in August in time for the club’s 100th anniversary gala. It will go into much more detail than this article. Dodson’s book will be a keepsake for any golfer’s library, or for that matter, anyone who is a resident of Blowing Rock!
Open for Public Play!
Book Online Now
LinvilleLandHarbor.com
L I N V I L L E L A N D H A R BOR
18 hole golf course with two distinctly different 9’s • A new fleet of golf carts for 2015 1665 Goose Hollow Road • Linville, NC • 828.733.8300 June 2015
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“
Read All About Local Shopping Here
”
You should enjoy this – a special section we’ve put together to showcase local retail shops. It’s a well-written look at your friends and neighbors in business. Check ‘em out! Make some of your summer shopping local this year. THE ART CELLAR BANNER ELK. Tis the season…for art, and The Art Cellar Gallery & Frame Shop is celebrating its 20th anniversary in the High Country. From fine art to folk art, from metalwork to glass, from pottery to paintings, The Art Cellar has that unique, treasured gift perfect special occasions, Hanukkah, Christmas and the Winter Solstice for the art lover and the artist within. Established in 1993, The Art Cellar began as the lifelong vision of Pamela McKay, who focuses on showcasing the artwork of those indigenous to the mountains of Western North Carolina, which has had an impact on so many in the arts. Whether it is fresh from the painter’s easel, potter’s wheel, sculpture studio or workbench, The Art Cellar has grand sculptures, ceramic serving pieces and the perfect coffee cup, glass bowls, ornaments, small paintings and much more – including gift certificates for art or framing. The Art Cellar is located at 920 Shawneehaw Avenue on N.C. 184. 828-898-5175. www.artcellaronline. com. See ad on page 7 54
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blowing rock estate jewelry BLOWING ROCK. Blowing Rock Estate Jewelry and Antiques, located on Sunset Drive is your local avenue for beautiful jewelry and antique finds. A family owned and operated local store, they have a huge selection of platinum and 14 and 18 kt fine and estate jewelry. They specialize in diamonds, various precious colored gemstones and unique heirloom jewelry of all kinds. Since 1988, Blowing Rock Estate Jewelry has been providing fantastic service to patrons all across the High Country. Make your way in today to see what you can find. You may find your next family heirloom. 828-295-4500. See ad on page 65
Blowing rock frameworks & GALLERY blowing rock. In 1994, Tim Miller envisioned bringing the finest art in the Southeast to Blowing Rock. Thus, Blowing Rock Frameworks and Gallery was created. The gallery has grown into a growing core of internationally
recognized artists, setting the standard in the in the High Country for Fine Art for first time visitors and seasoned collectors. Blowing Rock Frameworks and Gallery also offers art placement and hanging services as well as custom picture framing and finishing. n 828-295-0041. www.blowingrockgalleries.com. See ad on page 45
BOONE MALL BOONE. With an varied mix of stylish, name-brand establishments, such as Belk, JC Penny, TJ Maxx, Panera Bread Company, Game Stop, Bath and Body Works, Radio Shack, Old Navy, Black Bear Books and much more, it’s no wonder Boone Mall is called “The Hub of the High Country.” With ample parking and long hours of operation, the Boone Mall is the one-stop shop for all your holiday needs and basic necessities. Need your hair styled or nails cured? Check out Regis Hair Salons and Le’s Spa & Nails; Shoes? The Shoe Department; Glasses or contacts? Blue Ridge Vision; A smart phone? AT&T; Jewelry? Saslo Jewelers; A four wheeler? Brushy Mountain Motorsports. The
list is endless. Where else can you do all of that and grab a bite to eat? What other fantastic shops are there? Well, there’s Claire’s, Cookies ‘n Cream, Gigi’s Uniforms, GNC, Hallmark, Maurice’s, Primo’s Pizza Pasta Subs, RUE-21, Sagesport, Sears, Super Clips, South’s Clothiers, Sports Fanatic, Tucker’s Cafe and much more. The Boone Mall is centrally located with entrances off of N.C. 105 and U.S. 321. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Don’t forget to catch Santa this holiday season, too. 828-264-7286. www.booneshoppingmall.com. See ad on page 56
it’s all about the Love...
CARLTON GALLERY BANNER ELK. One of the most established fine art galleries in North Carolina, Carlton Gallery features a spirited collection of artwork in a casually elegant atmosphere. Celebrating nearly 30 years of business in the High Country, owner Toni Carlton selects creations from traditional to contemporary and features a wide variety of fine art and upscale handmade crafts by over 200 local, regional and national artisans. From extraordinary blown glass and exceptional pottery to designer jewelry and original paintings in oil, watercolor, acrylic and mixed media, we offer an array of exceptional gift ideas for visitors and collectors, alike. Workshops are conducted by gallery artists in oils, acrylics, watercolor, drawing, expressive and intuitive arts and mixed media collage. These workshops include traditional and abstract landscapes, still life, figurative and visionary. The Carlton Gallery is located at 10360 on N.C. 105 in the Grandfather Community. 828-963-4288. www.carltonartgallery. com. See ad on page 15
CONSIGNMENT COTTAGE WAREHOUSE NEWLAND. Owned and operated by Shannon Seiz, Consignment Cottage Warehouse, is the High Country’s most unique shopping experience. They specialize in previously-loved upscale furniture and home décor. Their inventory arrives at the store from homes, estates, and interior designers from all over the High Country of Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee, and is well displayed for maximum exposure on the showroom floor. Because their inventory changes regularly, so does the layout and selection in the store. All items are clean and complete as possible with covers, hardware, brackets, etc. All furniture is previewed and accepted before it is delivered to The Consignment Cottage Warehouse. Because The Consignment Cottage Warehouse reserves the right to refuse any item, they feel their jury system provides for the very best in fine furnishings; it is their goal to consign and sell only high quality pre-owned furniture and accessories. Every visit to Consignment Cottage Warehouse is a new adventure in consignment furniture shopping. Stop by regularly and take a look around to see what’s new. 828-733-8148. www.theconsignmentcottagewarehouse. com. See ad on page 75
The dande lion BANNER ELK. The Dande Lion, Inc., established in 1997, is near Banner at the Shoppes of Tynecastle, which is across the street from Lowes Grocery Store shopping center. The store has grown from its first small (really small!) location up the road on Highway 105, to a quaint location in Foscoe, to our latest location at The Shoppes of Tynecastle in Banner Elk. The goal of The Dande Lion has always been to provide a wonderful shopping experience for each woman who passes through the
Old World Galleries helping You create special Memories!
FINE JEWELRY TRADITIONAL, VINTAGE & ANTIQUE JEWELRY CUSTOM DESIGN & REPAIRS ON PREMISES FINE ART LOCAL ARTIST GALLERY 697 WEST KING STREET BOONE, NC 28607 828-264-6559 OLDWORLDGALLERIES.COM June 2015
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door; it is our desire to provide the best shopping experience in the mountains. We want each woman to walk away with more than a shopping bag of new clothes. We specialize in personal shopping, assessing the preferences of each customer and then creating an outfit that fits their personality and body perfectly. Jane, the store owner and buyer, works very hard to create outfits from head to toe. At markets, she works diligently to find the perfect handbag, jewelry and shoes to match every outfit! For a truly uplifting experience, please visit the store. The beautiful clothing and ambiance coupled with the wonderful staff will certainly make you glad you did! 828-898-3566. www.dandelionstyles.com. See ad on page 13
Boone Mall
DEWOOLFSON FOSCOE. When you spend one-third of your life sleeping, a quality down pillow, comforter and/or feathered bed is one of the best investments for a rejuvenating, restful sleep. DeWoolfson is a High Country business, born and bred. Although DeWoolfson imports a variety of fabrics and goose down fills from Eastern Europe, the business’s office, store and factory are located in Foscoe, supplying European-
NOT JUST A BIRD STORE
FUDGE!
Wild Bird & Gift Store
BOONE. The reasonably-priced pottery is stunning, the form and color exceptional. Bob Meier fell in love with pottery in 1973 after taking a ceramics course on a whim to fill his class schedule at ASU. In 1988, he initially established his studio out of his home on Doe Ridge Road, and since then, Doe Ridge Pottery has moved to a few different locations in Boone. Today, the workshop/gallery is located in downtown Boone and hundreds of beautiful pieces decorate the gallery, which is home to 14 other talented artists - from functional pieces that are safe for food, drink, ovens, microwaves and dishwashers to home decor such as lamps and vases. Also, several specialty items exist, such as handmade sinks and the unusual vegetable steamer. A trip to the gallery sometimes feels like a field trip. The studio is visible from the gallery, and if you walk in at the right time, you
Maw’s Produce
Fresh Produce • Locally Made Baked Goods • Moravian Pies • Quiches Boiled Peanuts Pickles • Jams • Honey Cheese & Crackers • Artisan Crafts Unique Gifts • Furniture
WingN’It
441 Shawneehaw Avenue (Hwy 184)
828-898-5008
www.wingnitnc.com High Country Magazine
DOE RIDGE POTTERY
Don’t wait for SaturDay! Every day is a Farmer’s Market at Maw’s!
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influenced down and products and fine linens to the world’s most comfortable sleepers. Custom comforters and the other products are made to order and shipped within 24 to 48 hours all over the High Country, nation and world. DeWoolfson also stocks one of the largest selections of luxury European linens found anywhere – from France, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, and other locales. These include well-known names such as Abyss and Habidecor, Matouk, Sferra, Yves Delorme and many more. Good night and sleep tight. 800-8333696. www.dewoolfsondown.com and www.dewoolfsonlinens.com. See ad on page 46
June 2015
Visit us at 7918 NC Hwy 105 S. Foscoe, NC Hours: 10 am- 5 pm closed on Mondays Please be our friend on Facebook!
may see potters in action, throwing clay on the wheel, entranced in that “Zen-like state.” “I enjoy the process of making things in series where you’re making the same thing over and over again,” Meier said. “You can almost let your mind wander and it’s like a mantra. You get into a zone or Zen-like state. It’s a nice place to be because you get into this rhythm of work that creates a calming, metaphysical zone.” Doe Ridge Pottery is located at 585 West King Street below The Bead Box. 828-264-1127. www.doeridgepottery.homestead.com. See ad on page 56
Hardin FINE Jewelry BANNER ELK. Hardin Jewelry in scenic Banner Elk is a must for any lover of fine jewelry, or for anyone who is just curious about beautiful pieces. This local jewelry destination specializes in unique gems, dazzling diamonds and eclectic gifts for that special someone. It is also a must see shop if you just feel like indulging yourself a little! Their elegant jewelry showroom showcases the best in fine gems. Featured at the shop are rare, precious and semi-precious gemstones in exquisite settings. This lovely little shop, located just down the road, is the perfect place to find just what you’ve been looking for in a new piece of fine jewelry. 828-8984653. See ad on page 12
Lilian Jade BOONE. Consign … If it’s collectable, whimsical, exceptional or valuable and you’re not using it, we probably have a customer for it. All we ask is for your items to be clean, in good condition, and look like new. That’s what you would want, right? We can arrange for pick up of your furniture and larger home accessory items. This is not “thrift” shopping. Lilian Jade is the crème de la crème of designer recycled furniture and home accessories. n 828-355-9995. See ad on page 59
MAST GENERAL STORE BOONE & VALLE CRUCIS. Imagine downtown Boone or Valle Crucis without a Mast General Store. It’s almost inconceivable. The store is a tour de force. Whether snow is on the ground or the leaves are green, yellow red or orange, more visitors pack into the Mast General Store locations in the High Country than they do The Rock during an ASU football game. The stores are packed with the highest-of-quality goods that range from rugged apparel and gourmet kitchenware to old-fashioned toys and women’s fashJune 2015
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ions that it is also inconceivable to leave the store empty handed. Oh, and don’t forget about the Candy Barrel. During the holiday season, prices are slashed to accommodate next year’s inventory, so if you are looking for a special gift for a special somebody (even if that person is you!), be sure to stop in on your next visit to the High Country. It’s an experienced guaranteed to be pleasing. Not only has Mast General Store revived the downtowns that it inhabits, but the Mast General Store Family has been good stewards of the High Country and good neighbors to the so many that call the High Country home. Two locations exist on N.C. 194 in Valle Crucis. 828-963-6511. www.mastgeneralstore. com. See ad on page 9
MONKEES BLOWING ROCK. Monkee’s of Blowing Rock is a ladies store beyond your “girlie” imagi- nation, known to carry the finest lines in shoes, clothing and accessories. You can be assured, if you find it at Monkee’s, it’s the most “in” thing. At Monkee’s you will ex- perience boutique shopping as it is meant to be – fun and personal. Their associates have an incredible eye for style and are dedicated to delivering world-class customer service. Beautifully renovated in January 2013, the locally owned boutique is all about helping ladies walk out feeling beautiful and looking their best. So come by Monkee’s in Blowing Rock to enjoy a truly personal- ized shopping experience in one of the High Country’s most beautiful shopping districts. You’re sure to find that unique piece for your wardrobe or that perfect gift for someone special. 828-295-0708. www.monkessofblowing rock.com. See ad on page 3
MOUNTAIN DOG
FOSCOE. Mountain Dog is dedicated to the health, happiness, and well being of dogs and cats. We’re easy to reach from anywhere in the Boone area, below Grandfather Mountain in the stately stone house in Foscoe. The store’s diverse brands of foods, treats, and nutritionals are human grade and contain no harmful ingredients or undigestible fillers. Mountain Dog is an environmentally oriented store with certified organic, recycled, and fair trade products. We carry toys, grooming supplies, a wide variety of unique beds, bowls, travel accessories, outdoor gear for the mountain dog-owner lifestyle, and many other products not found in the
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average “pet store.” 828-963-2470. www.mountaindogandfriends.com. See ad on page 57
old World galleries BOONE. Beginning with a few hundred dollars and a dream a few decades ago in Blowing Rock, Charlie and Joy Travis of Old World Galleries quickly established themselves as the go-to experts for clients in the High Country for estate jewelry, custom pieces and repair and appraisal. After taking a decade off from the retail side of things, the Travis’ have finally returned to the High Country to help keep up their established relationships and forge new friendships as well at their new location in downtown Boone. Come find out what has made Charlie and Joy Travis synonymous with quality, service and satisfaction and visit Old World Galleries in Boone for all of your jewelry needs. Their new showroom and friendly service will ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for, from a family heirloom estate piece to a beautiful gift for that someone special on your list. 828-264-6559. www.oldworldgalleries. com. See our ad on page 55
perry’s gold mine WEST JEFFERSON. Within a week of a chance visit to West Jefferson, a Charlotte Jeweler of over 32 years, Coleman Perry, bought a building on Main Street to house the second location of Perry’s Gold Mine. They specialize in Diamonds, Antique and Estate Jewelry at 40-70% off retail prices. They carry a large selection of loose diamonds in all carat sizes as well as semi-mounts, diamond bands, pendants, wedding bands, bracelets, diamond earrings, brooches and more. Colored stones, watches, pearls, karat gold and sterling silver are also part of the extensive inventory selection. They buy Gold, Silver, Platinum and Estate Jewelry daily. Consignments and layaways are available. Next door to the West Jefferson showroom is their auction house which conducts regular auctions during the season. Check their website at www. perrysgoldmine.com for details. The West Jefferson store is open Thursday thru Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm in the summer and most days Coleman himself, who loves the mountains, is on site to provide friendly, knowledgeable, professional service and advice. 336846-2274. www.perrysgoldmine.com. See ad on page 87
Serves you right blowing rock. One of Blowing Rock’s largest and most diverse stores. Gifts and essentials for entertaining. They have the area’s funniest cards, beverage napkins ,novelties and books. Beautiul dinnerware and serving accessories, plus a BBQ, picnic and tailgate department. SYR’s new division: Their Cutique.. Infant & Children’s Boutique with exceptional quality gift, games, books, toys and cool kid favorites..a Grandparent’s mecca! Featuring the biggest selection in the mountains of paper, party goods for entertaining, gifts & essentials for kitchen, table and bar. Famous names such as Herend, Glen, Melissa and Doug, Root Candles and more. n 800-825-1828 or 828-295-4438. See ad on page 73
THE SHOPPES AT FARMER’S HARDWARE BOONE. Some places in downtown Boone are iconic and provide a link to the past. Think Boone Drug, Appalachian Twin Theater and Farmer’s Hardware. All three, which have been quintessential to downtown for decades, have had to adapt to the changes and pressures of technology and big-box stores. Farmer’s Hardware, which originally opened in 1924 as a hardware retailer, closed its doors in 2004, changed its business model and reopened the next summer as an eclectic emporium called The Shoppes at Farmer’s Hardware. In 1924, Clyde Greene opened Farmer’s Hardware at the current Boone Bagelry location. Soon, Farmer’s moved to the corner of Depot and King streets, where it stands, albeit in a different form, today. It’s still a local, family business, though, with Greene’s descendents running the show and providing a 21stcentury vision for Farmer’s. The Shoppes at Farmer’s Hardware has more than 100 shops and features a wide variety of merchandise including jewelry, handbags, totes, footwear, apparel, baby gifts, handcrafts, framed art, home décor, furniture, toys, stringed instruments, kitchenware, birdfeeders and much more. 828-2648801. www.shoppesatfarmers.com. See ad on page 57
SUPERIOR SPAS BOONE. “Your backyard specialist.” A Jacuzzi 5 star dealer and a top Connelly Billiards Dealer. We also carry Big Green Egg Grills, game tables, pool chemicals, pool, spa and billiard accessories. We pride ourselves with our service and our customers tell us we do an excellent job at it. “Excellent service from the moment we walked through the door. Not pushy which was very important to us. Great service in delivering spa. We have called with umpteen questions and are treated with the same level of attention.” 828-963-6624. www. superior-spas.com. See ad on page 51
Enjoy our CoffEE Bar
Tatum Galleries BANNER ELK. A fresh, new vision for your office or home– that’s what Sally and Steve Tatum have, for decades, offered the High Country with their “Home Décor Center,” known as Tatum Galleries in Banner Elk. Since it opened nearly 30 years ago, the showroom has expanded to 6,000 square feet and includes indoor and outdoor furniture, bedding, floor, wall and window treatment and a huge collection of lamps, artwork, decorative accessories and other unique furnishings. With a seasoned interior design team, the staff offers years of experience and a variety of styles and choices that can accommodate all design needs and budgets – not to mention great service! The vast collection that Tatum Galleries offers will accentuate your home with timeless furnishings. Whether you need a little direction or a complete revamping, Tatum Galleries can help. Let their beautifully decorated showroom spark your imagination and introduce you to the possibilities that await you inside your home. Tatum Galleries is located at 5320 N.C. 105 in Banner Elk. 828-963-6466. www.tatum-
Select Designer Clothing, Accessories, Jewelry, Home Furnishings, Kitchen Wares & Seasonal Sporting Goods
galleries.com. See ad on this page 5
WINGn’IT BANNER ELK. WingN’It is “Your Local Wild Bird & Gift Store” with an eclectic mix for indoor and outdoor decorating! We have the largest collection of wild bird houses, feeders and bird baths in the mountains. BUT, we’re NOT JUST A BIRD STORE! From wind chimes on the porch, to flags in the garden, whirligigs in the yard, and a balancer or two bobbing across the lawn - we are your source! Think of us first for all your GIFTS!! And, don’t forget the CREAMY FUDGE!! Located in “The Little Red Caboose,” Downtown Banner Elk. 828-898-5008. www.wingnitnc.com. See ad on page 56
STORE HOURS: Tuesday-Friday 11-5, Saturday 12-5 Consignment by Appointment Only 196 Perkinsville Drive, Boone, NC • 828.355.9995 consign@LilianJade.com June 2015
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Mark Harrill & Echota The Visionary of a Peaceful Haven By Jesse Wood
A
s kids, Jay and Brad Harrill grew up on the Echota community located in and along the ridges between Foscoe and Valle Crucis. They spent many days playing on the big construction equipment and digging in the dirt as children. Now as teenagers, Jay, 19, and Brad, 16, want to be a part of the family enterprise and carry on – when that time comes – the legacy of their father, Mark Harrill, who sketched the layout of the entire development on a piece of paper in a matter of minutes. “That’s every parents dream when you own a business. What’s been very cool is to see their interest level grow as they’ve gotten older. They grew up coming to work with me and didn’t know any other life. They grew up playing on bulldozers and running in the dirt,” their mom, Missy Harrill, said. “They’ve been exposed to it forever. It’s very cool to see them want to become involved.” 60
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Brad and Jay, the sons of Mark and Missy Harrill, play on construction equipment and the raw land in the initial stages of Echota’s development in the early 2000’s.
Echota developer Mark Harrill has a skill that is unrivaled. “He has an exceptional ability to look at a piece of raw land and literally visualize a finished development,” said Will Sears. “Mark’s vision for Echota was extraordinary.” And the scale of his vision is just as impressive. Echota consists of condos, townhomes and home sites for hundreds of residents on more than 300 acres that was constructed in three different phases over the past 15 years – the last of which is still being completed. As Missy recalled him sketching out the property, she added, “He knew immediately how he wanted to layout the development. The finished product is very close to what he had in his mind originally.” Mark says this talent comes from his mother, Lois E. Harrill, who grew up in the hollers of Eastern Kentucky and would walk around her parent’s old farm with grand ideas for the homestead. Mrs. Harrill was the The Harrills in 2015: Brad, Missy, Mark and Jay. Photo by Sarah Weiffenbach original director of the Project on Aging and her name graces the senior center in Watauga County today. Mark’s father, Dr. James Harrill, on the other hand, was a psychological counseling professor at Appalachian State University, which might explain his mastery of negotiation and the sales process. The college campus is practically where Mark grew up as a child. Mark was 2 years old when the family moved to Boone in 1961. He was raised on Stadium Drive and spent quite a bit of his youth playing basketball on the hardwood of Broome-Kirk Gym, portions of which he actually installed in his basement when the old gym was demolished in 2005. After Mark graduated from Watauga High School, he decided to leave the High Country for college. “I needed to get out of town, grow up a little bit,” Mark said. He went to Southern Wesleyan University in South Carolina to play basketball and also High Point University. But when Mark was 20 years old, his mother Mark Harrill and his dad, Ed, in 2004
Mark and Missy Harrill in 2008
Family Christmas in mid-’60s: Lois, Myra, Mark and Ed Harrill June 2015
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Photo by Mark Mooney
An aerial view of Echota on the Ridge, which features sweeping views of Grandfather Mountain to the southwest and the Watauga River Valley to the north.
The office of Foscoe Companies, which is the umbrella that houses Foscoe Construction, Foscoe Realty and Foscoe Rentals, and the main entrance to Echota is located off of N.C. 105 in Foscoe. was killed by a drunk driver. That’s when he moved back home and attended Appalachian State University. One of his buddies he played hoops with was doing quite well as a real estate agent. So after watching his friend’s success and realizing this might be his best opportunity to make a living in the High Country, Mark learned a bit in a nowdefunct real estate program at Appalachian State University in the ‘80s. His “first big break” in the business came about when the courts ruled that Sugar Top Condominiums financing was such that buyers could walk away from their agreements. “Then they had a lot of units come back to the lender and I got a contract to work that out,” Mark said, adding that this is when he started selling condos. Soon, he found an area outside of the 100-foot well radius of Sugar Top and built seven little cottages known as Sugar Cottages. From there, he made his way from Banner Elk to Foscoe – with a pit stop in between at Seven Devils. Mark established Foscoe Realty and Development in 1987. With an old office where Glen Davis Electric currently operates off of on N.C. 105, Harrill said he had the best of both worlds: a well-located office where he could develop from scratch. Along with the 11 log cabins that make up Hemlock Village in Foscoe, he also worked extensively up the road in Seven Devils, where he built and sold properties consisting of the Lakes Community, Hawk’s Peak Condominiums and The inn at Seven Devils. 62
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Developing a Peaceful Haven
During this time, though, Mark had his sights set on what would become the Echota property. Missy said that when the original property – what would become the first phase of Echota – became available, the process moved very quickly. He brokered a deal with Mark Atkins, the owner of the land. Shortly after purchasing the property in 2001, Mark and Missy closed on the largest loan that BB&T had granted west of Winston-Salem in North Carolina. During that first year, Echota closed on 45 sales and thereafter the sales department gradually worked its way up to roughly 175 closings per year, Harrill once told Western North Carolina edition of Builder/Architect magazine. Metro Magazine reported that Echota was the top-selling community, one with a “magic formula” that sold 450 properties from its founding in 2001 to June 2009, when the publication was printed. That same article noted the success of Echota during the Great Recession when the sales department welcomed 220 families and generated more than $70 million in sales from January 2007 to the summer of 2009. More recently, there have been 48 sales in all of Echota during the past 12 months with 17 from Echota on the Ridge, 18 from the lower Echota and 13 from Chalakee. Those sales ranged from $157,500 to $770,000 – with an average sales price of $338,000. At this time there are 55 properties on the market that range from $194,900 to $664,900.
Before Echota, Mark Harrill developed a number of other communities and had an office where Glen Davis Electric is currently located in Foscoe on N.C. 105, which is just a short drive from the main entrance of Echota. Other properties Harrill developed include Elk Creek Mountain in Todd, Hawks Peak Condominiums and the Lakes Community, both of which are in Seven Devils, and Hemlock Village in Foscoe.
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Photo by Mark Mooney
Echota on the Ridge during construction in the mid-2000s. Just one of the sites in the Echota community that makes you feel like you are on top of the world.
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All the condominiums, townhomes and custom single-family homes are built in the Adirondack vernacular with heavy timber ascents, open floor plans, vaulted ceilings and spacious balconies that feature stunning views of the High Country, according to marketing pamphlets. New condominiums and townhomes are priced in the $200,000 range. Single-family homes, on the other hand, range from $400,000 to $800,000. Customization of new residences is part of what attracts buyers to Echota. As High Country Home magazine once wrote, “… Echota has emerged as the High Country’s most sought after community. It’s easy to see why. The secret behind Echota’s success is the extraordinary value and uncompromising quality you’ll find within its gates. It’s the best value in the High Country – a beautifully planned, exquisitely maintained, amenity-packed community with a rich variety of housing options at attractive price points. Not to mention some of the most spectacular views in the Carolina mountains.” With sweeping views of Grandfather Mountain to the southwest and the Watauga River Valley to the north, Echota is a beautiful tract, or has Mark has said before, “This property is just special.” Echota, which means “peaceful haven” in Cherokee, was developed in three phases – Echota, Echota on the Ridge and Chalakee, the last of which isn’t quite finished. The development also features two clubhouses for community events and celebrations that feature fitness facilities, backyard amenities, an indoor and outdoor
High Country Magazine
June 2015
Here is a townhome in the Echota community. This home features the Adirondack timber accents and is nestled in the existing natural landscape – like all of the residences.
Mark Harrill, the visionary behind Echota, always says he’s helping people achieve their dream of living in the mountains and, in particular, the Echota community. This is something Will Sears, former Vice President of Development and Director of Sales for Echota, pointed out, too. Sears noted that many of the clients want to get away from the rat race of life and relax with their family. Sears recalled taking potential buyers to the top of the mountain to see the stunning views. Their “stress level,” Sears said, would then drop from 100 to 2 when they realized they could wake up to these views every morning. Photos by Todd Bush
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Many of the residences that make up the Echota community feature stunning views of Grandfather Mountain. Photo by Todd Bush
poor, a putting green, croquet, bocce ball and more. Across from the street of the main entrance off of N.C. 105 is a 25-acre conResidents can access all of the established amenities including two clubhouses, fitness servation easement. The Watauga River runs facilities, river park, indoor and outdoor pools and backyard amenities such as bocce ball, through this piece of property and it features croquet and a putting green. walking trails, picnic shelter and a cleared All of the residential units in Echota feature Adirondack vernacular with heavy timber accents, acre for residents of Echota to enjoy. open floor plans, vaulted ceilings and spacious balconies. In the very beginning, Harrill and Mike Wilson, who worked for Brown Brothers Contracting for many of years and has consulted Harrill throughout his career, “belly crawled” the entire property to dodge all of the meddlesome rhododendron in order to visualize the lay of the land. Wilson also helped visualize the roads. The miles of roads and multiple entrances connecting the various home sites and condominium communities seamlessly flow with the topography and contour of the land. Characteristic for the area, gigantic boulders dot the mountains and roadsides, and not one boulder had to be blasted when the roads were paved. Harrill credits Wilson with the same praise that folks credit Harrill: that ability to see raw land and a finished development all at once. “He makes it work,” Harrill told the High Country Press in 2006.
Living the Dream
Mark has always been fascinated by the art of negotiation or the art of the sale. Before Mark and his wife, Missy, married in December of 1991 – and even later for their honeymoon and on other vacations before their two children were born – Mark would drive her to a car dealership. The husband-and-wife duo would play opposite roles – one wanted the car while the other acted as if they didn’t. “Mark loved a good sales presentation, and he learned something from other sales people. He would pick up things, pick up ideas or a great line they would use,” Missy said. “He loved to do that.” As for Mark, he says that he’s selling a “dream” to individuals and families that want to live in the mountains. “You don’t pitch. You listen. You find out what they need, what they want, what excites them and you try to fill those holes and if you can do that, you 66
High Country Magazine
June 2015
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Mark and Missy Harrill pose on a balcony of an available condo that features a spectacular view of Grandfather Mountain in spring of 2015. Photo by Sarah Weiffenbach
ents talk about the family business. In third grade, Jay said he had can be successful.” This is something that Will Sears, the former Vice President of a reading log and one time, his teacher walked up to him and was Development and Director of Sales for Echota, alluded to as well. a little perplexed because this youngster was reading a book about “You really are helping dreams come true for so many people,” negotiation. In sixth grade, Jay had to sell raffle tickets for a school Sears said. When he worked at Echota for nearly seven years, he fundraiser. He sold $6,000 worth of tickets, while the second-place recalled welcoming potential buyers hoping to escape the rat race students sold about $200. “I just kind of took it on as a mission and and taking them to the top of the mountain where a potential blew everyone else at school out of the water,” Jay said. “My mom and dad have always said I could home site or condo was located. sell ice to an Eskimo” “As future owners would visit Brad, who is 16, is currently Echota, you could see their stress a sophomore at Watauga High level start to drop as they expeSchool, set to graduate a year rienced the mountain views. You early after his third year in school. would notice that their stress meHe is believed to be the youngest ter would go from 100 to about student ever from Watauga High 2,” Sears said. “I think that is what School to achieve a certification in Mark created-- a place for famiwelding. He loves working with lies to reconnect and decompress his hands and has an aptitude towhile spending meaningful time ward the construction trades. with each other. Mark’s Echota Brad’s skills mesh with the family creation has changed the lives of business especially well because over 500 families in a very posithe Harrills have three sets of tive way and will continue to do companies that fall under an umso for many years into future.” Missy and Mark Harrill on their honeymoon. brella of Foscoe Companies: FosThe Harrills married in December of 1991. The Next coe Construction, Foscoe Realty Generation of and Foscoe Rentals. The Harrills also own part of Harmony Timberworks, which supplies the timHarrill’s ber frames for all of the townhomes, condominiums and custom On April 1 after receiving his realtor’s license, Jay started making phone calls and talking to clients. It must be in his blood be- homes built by Foscoe Construction and sold by Foscoe Realty. cause he is off to an awfully good start. From the beginning of April “Brad is really good at welding and loves construction,” Jay said. to mid-May, Jay had four sales under contract and a fifth one was “We’re always joking around. You build ‘em and I’ll sell ‘em.” To hear his kids talk like this and to see them excel in hopes of on its way to closing. “In today’s market with a first-round starter, taking over the family business one day, Mark tears up. “It makes that’s incredible,” his dad, Mark, said. Jay can recall sitting around the dinner table listening to his par- me cry. I am proud of both my sons.” ♦ June 2015
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Growing Dream Gardens By Jessica Issacs
T
day,” she said. “We hree decades ago, High started going steady Country husband-andon Nov. 12, 1972.” wife duo Wayne and Terry The high-school sweetBrewer set out to make the world hearts were married on a more vibrant and colorful place Sept. 13, 1975 one garden at a time. Just as they Mountaineer Landdo with the plants in their greenscaping began with houses, they’ve patiently and Wayne, an outdoorswholeheartedly nurtured their man with an affinity family, and their business, over for business, and Terry the years. later joined him as his The Brewers started their business partner. As business, Mountaineer Landscapthey worked to expand ing, from the ground up in the their work in the folmid ’80s. Their hard work and lowing years, they built commitment have taken them a family, too. from humble beginnings to a sucTerry Brewer is shown recently enjoying the colorful varieties in her greenhouse In doing so, the cessful operation that serves loat Mountaineer Landscaping’s full-service design center and flower shop Brewers enjoyed some cals, summer residents and visiof life’s greatest blessings — a strong marriage, a bright future tors to North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains year-round. Now approaching their 40th wedding anniversary, Wayne and and a growing family. But, as many of us do, they also endured Terry have built a life together doing what they love to do, learn- challenges that would test their commitment, their relationship ing and growing every step of the way as partners in business, and their faith. The couple’s daughter, Eva Marie, was an only child for 16 in marriage and in life. Their story is one of adversity, strength, years when the next child arrived. Because of her age, the docconviction, endless love and unwavering faith. tor didn’t think Terry would be able to have any more children. That’s why, on January 29, 1994, they were ecstatic to learn that RAISING A FAMILY “We make a good team,” Wayne said. “That’s what happens she was pregnant with their son, Greg. The excitement and joy behind the good news was interwhen you’ve been together your entire lives.” Since the day they met in high school, he and Terry have been rupted, however, when Wayne was diagnosed with cancer on the exact same day. by each other’s sides through all of life’s challenges. “They gave him five to seven years to live and told us there “We’ve been together since two weeks before my 15th birth70
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Building a Life and a Business was nothing they could do about it,” Terry said. After a devastating initial prognosis, they were determined to overcome the life-threatening disease. The Brewers sought out another oncologist who believed, just as they did, in aggressive treatment and relentless optimism. “He treated Wayne with chemo, and over the next few years we had three bouts with lymphoma,” Terry said. “Doctors said he would die with it, but not from it, and he’s been in remission for 11 years now.” Despite the difficult challenges that were set before them, both husband and wife agreed that they were meant to encounter life’s ups and downs as one. “I wholeheartedly believe that the Lord put us together, even before we knew He was working in our lives,” Terry said. “Our faith brought us through Wayne’s cancer and the pregnancy. We didn’t think we would have another child, but we did — it was amazing.” The powerful experiences they shared along the way brought them closer together with time. As their family continued to grow, so did their business. Wayne and Terry Brewer are shown celebrating as high school sweethearts at prom.
BUILDING A BUSINESS In the beginning, Wayne sold plants from a small garden center in the parking lot of a Texaco gas station on Beech Mountain with his partner, Jim Gale. At the time, Terry worked selling properties and homes in the High Country. After putting in her hours during the day as a local realtor, her love for making things grow often led her to find peace and tranquility in her own tiny garden in the evenings. Eventually, Wayne noticed her affinity for the craft. By 1992, Terry joined the business and they were working side-by-side on landscaping jobs. “I would come home and work by the front porch light in my garden, and Wayne saw that I could really make ‘em grow. I was going to the books for references and studying, and he saw that I had a pretty good feel for it,” Terry said. “So he asked me to start doing the flowers for his business — and let’s not forget, he needed office help. That whole winter I studied and studied so that I’d be prepared and able to help.” While the reference books helped her learn more about the
Wayne and Terry Brewer enjoy each other’s company on their wedding day, Sept. 13, 1975
Wayne Brewer, spending time with their daughter, Eva Marie, and their son, Greg, in the mid ’90s
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The vibrant greenhouse at Mountaineer Landscaping in Linville offers an impressive array of plants and flowers, spanning all the colors of the rainbow, as well as some of Wayne’s beautiful water features. flowers she was planting, Terry said it was learning from Wayne’s expertise that made her the capable garden designer she is today. “There’s not enough information in books,” she said. “He shared his experience and knowledge with me, and over time we became a landscaping team.” As they grew their reputation in the community, the Brewers moved their business to Newland, where they opened their first gift shop, The Yellow House, and later to Banner Elk. Despite how much she enjoyed running the gift shop, Terry had her hands full as a mother, a wife, a landscaping professional and an entrepreneur. So, when they had the opportunity to lease their current Linville location in the late ’90s, they closed the gift shop and focused their efforts on the future of their business.
FULFILLING DREAMS The Brewers worked to enclose what was once a hotel, investing their time and money into building the storefront they’d always wanted. Step through the front doors of Mountaineer Landscaping’s full-service garden center and floral shop today and you’ll find yourself in a garden of dreams. A stroll through the adjacent greenhouse will take you into a world filled with countless varieties of flowers and plants that encompass every color in the rainbow. Peruse through the storefront and you’ll find a sea of whimsical yard art, high quality furniture and one-of-a-kind home décor pieces. There’s even an entire room dedicated to items used in creating fairy gardens — popular planters that incorporate small-scale furniture, figurines and embellishments that have become a favorite among gardeners of all ages. In addition to the beautiful flower shop, the Brewers offer high-quality landscape design services that are second-to-none in the High Country. When a homeowner approaches them for a landscaping project, Wayne and Terry begin a comprehensive process to which they bring invaluable expertise, years of experience and an unparalleled level of customer service. “We meet our customers, get their ideas and find out what they like,” Wayne said. “Sometimes we take them to other yards to show different possibilities, and help their imagination open up to the images for their own property. Once we get on the same page as the customer, we can do just about anything they want. “Terry and I work as a team, taking their ideas and ours and putting them together. We do our best to create a design plan that will meet all of our customers’ desires.” The Brewers agreed that they enjoy having the homeowners with them as they complete each project, even when they’re planting and working in the gardens. “We work with them every step of the way,” Wayne said. “Even if they can’t be there while we’re working, we send them pictures and emails.” Wayne and Terry love to see their customers happy, whether they’re approving the finished product at their home or they’re leaving the store with precious treasures they love. 72
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“We really enjoy the relationships we have with our customers. We get to be close friends with them. They know they can depend on us. We may not see them every day, but they know they can call us anytime.” – Wayne Brewer “In the store, our customers are thrilled with their purchases when they’re getting into the car, whether its plants and flowers or garden décor,” Terry said. “We help them by selecting the perfect things for them. We try to be as warm, inviting, informative and helpful as we can.” Working closely with customers allows them to develop new friendships every day. “We really enjoy the relationships we have with our customers. We get to be close friends with them,” Wayne said. “They know they can depend on us. We may not see them every day, but they know they can call us anytime.”
Serves You Right’s!
BEAUTY ON DISPLAY The Brewers also use their own home to display their work, showing customers and friends what their creative ideas can yield when they’re brought to fruition. “Our first home in Newland was designed to display Wayne’s landscape work,” Terry said. “Our front yard was shaded and the Toe River ran right by our back yard.” She remembers how welcoming the landscaping appeared as she pulled into the driveway. “Wayne created a Koi pond with a small waterfall and gazebo,” she said. “Ferns, perennials and shrubs were selected to enhance the shaded area.” It wasn’t long before building waterfalls became a strong focus for the company, and they quickly became a leader in the area for designing and building beautiful water features. “Wayne had been raised in Newland, where we built our first home and spent lots and lots of time on Toe River — swimming, fishing and even boating after floods.” Terry said. “I think his natural expertise with water falls and landscape design came from his experience with the outdoors as a child. “When we moved on top of the mountain, off of Spanish Oak Road, there was no water anywhere. We really missed the tranquil sound — it was so soothing. Within a The Brewers converted this building, which was once a hotel, into the storefront of their dreams to house Mountaineer Landscaping’s full-service design center and flower shop.
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Terry is pictured with store employees Glenna Ollis (center) and Kenzie Thomas (right), who bring bright smiles and a lot of personality to the shop. couple of years, Wayne fixed the problem and now we have a wonderful water feature in our own yard. It looks so natural that you’d think it just started at the top of the mountain on it’s own. I believe it’s the best one he’s ever built.” The Brewers enjoy their gardens daily on early morning strolls and in afternoon relaxation. “Beautiful long-range views along with cool shaded areas by the waterfalls are just like heaven,” Terry said. “We feel close to God there, and know that He hears our prayers as we relax, trust and pray.” While visiting the landscape display at their home, Terry said you’ll find whimsy everywhere you go. “Fairy gardens, arbors, garden ornaments and more surprise you along the paths, making you look for the next treasure to bring a smile to your face,” she said. “It’s almost magical.” Using their home as stunning display of their work, they often bring customers by to help them explore ideas for their own landscaping dreams. “People have a really hard time envisioning things, just as I do. If you know what you’re doing, that’s great. But if not, there’s a lot of room for error,” Terry said. “Wayne studied at Mayland Technical College for carpentry and learned to draw building plans. The training was utilized into his landscape career, allowing him to share his plans with the clients.” The two agreed that the ultimate goal of every project they take on is to make each yard as beautiful as it can be. “You take a raw piece of land and make it gorgeous. That’s the case for every yard we do, small or large,” Wayne said. “We want you to walk in and say, ‘Oh, I love it!’ We want breathtaking — we want the “Ahh” factor.”
SHARING THEIR PASSION There’s no doubt that years of working together and learning from one another has made the Brewers a couple of expert gardeners. Throughout their time as husband and wife, and as business partners, they’ve learned a few things from each other. Terry said she’s even picked up some of Wayne’s habits and appreciates how much he cares about his work and the customers’ property. She recalled many times that she found weeds, grass and twigs in his pockets as she did the laundry. She would ask him to “get rid of the mess,” and Wayne would explain, “you just can’t throw it on the ground when you’re walking around the customer’s property.” “Then, the next thing I know, I’m walking around customers properties and be74
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Interested in building your own fairy garden? This popular concept, which brings miniature garden art pieces together for a whimsical look, gives an added element of fun to the gardening process. The Brewers offer an entire room full of fairies, small-scale furniture and little works of art that would make a great addition to any fairy garden. If you’re working on one now or ready to get started, stop by and see their collection!
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“It becomes something special when you’re making something grow, whether it’s your family, your marriage or your garden.” – Terry Brewer gan to notice that I, too, was putting the same stuff in my pockets,” she said. “When you’re walking and talking about the properties’ needs, you see everything — even the smallest imperfections.” The two say they make a good team because they complement each other with different talents and individual knowledge, and they realize it takes both of them to get the job done right. “When you’re working together, there are different views and thoughts in your mind. It draws you closer as you share your visions,” Wayne said. “If I go on a job by myself, I think, ‘What would Terry do? How would she do this different than I would?’ I always have two perspectives when I’m working on a job.” Terry said Wayne is exceptional with people and she really appreciates his character. “He’s taught me how to deal with our customers, other people and life circumstances with a lighter heart. Wayne’s personality is welcoming and open,” she said. “You don’t often see him when he isn’t smiling or laughing. I’m blessed to call this man my husband.” Today, they’re even sharing their knowledge and their business with their son, Greg. “Greg is really strong-willed and he’s learning,” Wayne said. After working with his parents for several years, Terry said Greg has gotten his hands dirty and knows the ropes well. “He enjoys getting the feel of what it’s like owning your own business,” she said. Husband and wife agreed that gardening and growing have always been a part of their lives. They believe they are truly blessed to be able to do what they love, and to do it together. “I think it’s just the way we were raised. I was raised in the mountains and have always loved nature,” Wayne said. “I love being outdoors and I think it’s just part of who we are.” “It becomes something special when you’re making something grow, whether it’s your family, your marriage or your garden.” 76
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The Brewers are pictured at their home with their son, Greg, who is now learning all there is to know about the landscaping business from his parents.
The Brewer’s home serves as an example of what their hard work and creativity can accomplish. Its beautiful mountain views create the perfect backdrop for Wayne and Terry’s craftsmanship.
As a display of their work and eye for landscape design, the Brewers’ home, and its breathtaking panoramic views, bring guests and visitors on a regular basis. They often bring their customers by to help them explore the options they have for projects in their own yards. The folks of the Linville Ridge Garden Club and the Linville Ridge Photography Club are shown enjoying an afternoon and the outdoors by the pool on the Brewer’s beautifully landscaped property.
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Terry said her earliest gardening experiences began when she was just seven or eight years old. She remembers pulling sandspurs on her hands and knees with her dad and brothers when they lived in Florida.
A NEW SEASON IN THE HIGH COUNTRY Now that their favorite season is underway, the Brewers say they look forward to working with other people who share their interest in gardening. “Perennial collectors are like antique collectors. You go from nursery to nursery until you find something wonderful. Then you wait for it to come up in the spring,” Terry said. “It’s like seeing your children come home to visit. When the plants come up, you’re so excited that they’ve made it through the winter and look forward to the beautiful blossoms. “Everyone that loves their garden is going to get in there and get rid of the weeds. Its therapy to spend time weeding and deadheading. Then you can sit back while you’re having dinner out on your deck and look at the flowers, benefiting from all your hard work. You know you have made something wonderful happen.” The Brewers said they have a lot of advice to share with folks in the area, but the most important thing to remember is that the High Country climate is very unique. In planning out a yard, Terry advises gardeners to take into consideration that not every plant will thrive in this environment. “When people come in the store and they want to plant shrubs they’ve never seen before in Florida, we get out the zone map and show them what hardiness zone they are in and which plants are compatible with it,” she said. “We don’t want them to buy something up here that’s going to die when they take it home. “Height, spacing, light, colors and different textures are important in your garden. It’s important to plant flowers at the appropriate times so you can enjoy them in full bloom.” Following those suggestions will allow each plant to in the garden to stand out individually with stunning charm, with plants blooming all the way across the perennial bed and bringing blossoms throughout the summer. The Brewers invite you to stop by Mountaineer Landscaping in Linville and enjoy a walk through their greenhouses and store, where their staff members are also a part of the family. “We wouldn’t want do to this job without them,” Terry said. “The team at the store and in the field are knowledgeable and determined to provide the best information and support possible to help you build the garden you’ve always wanted.” In the summer season, Wayne and Terry also work with college students, who often go on to start their own careers in the field. They’re definitely busy this time of year, but the love they share for each other and for growing beautiful things keeps them going as they carry out their dreams. “We’ve always loved to share beauty and make things pretty, haven’t we?” Wayne said to his wife. “That’s why I’ve got you.” Mountaineer Landscaping is located at 387 Linville Avenue on Hwy 105. ♦ 78
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HCPress.com “I heard a guy once explain the beauty of a newspaper. The newspaper, he said, was an adventure through your hometown, and as you flipped through the paper you never knew what you might find on the next page. That’s what made the local paper a part of your life, and that’s what we hope our website can still be – a window to our local communities where our readers are always finding something new as they scroll down our front page.” – Ken Ketchie
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The View From Standing On The Blowing Rock - 3900 Feet Above Sea Level and 2000 feet from the valley floor, The Globe
Hawksbill
Table Rock 4101 Feet
4049 Feet
Mt. Mitchell
6683 Feet
Grandfather Mountain
5945 Feet
The Gateway to the Getaway T he Blowing Rock’s Spectacular Views and Fascinating Mysteries By Bernadette Cahill | Photography by Ken Ketchie
T
here’s a scene in the powerful 2008 movie Goodbye Solo where Solo stands on a rock hanging over a deep, deep gorge bristling with trees as far as the eye can see. A howling wind tosses fall leaves around him and glimpses of mountains etched against the far sky appear through a swirling mist. Moviegoers wait edgily for what happens next, yet the setting almost steals the scene. The movie ends in a mist, but not just for its story. That scene is set in a place vibrating with mysteries. Goodbye Solo climaxes at the Blowing Rock – an odd rocky overlook from time immemorial and a tourist attraction for the past 80-plus years, which today 80
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is being revitalized under the direction of the third generation of the family that originally saved it from trashing, protected its beauty and maintains it as the intriguing oasis it is today. Charlie Sellers, however, who became the latest proprietor of the attraction on January 1, 2014, was surprised to find out how low-key the Blowing Rock was. While tourists would generally visit it as an afterthought, many locals hadn’t even seen it. “Last year I was amazed how many people who work in downtown Blowing Rock didn’t know how to get here,” he said. “At the Business After Hours that we hosted on March 17, more than 180 came and numerous people said they hadn’t been here before or
Town of Blowing Rock
Beech Mountain
5506 Feet
North Carolina’s Oldest Travel Attraction had only visited 20 or 30 years ago.” Raising the Blowing Rock’s profile among both locals and visitors is his current mission. The Blowing Rock is found at a powerful place: the Eastern Divide where close by two springs release their waters, but in different directions: one to the Atlantic Ocean, the other to the Gulf of Mexico. It is on Rock Road off Highway 321 out of Lenoir – a left turn at the edge of Blowing Rock, the premier getaway village of North Carolina. If you pass the Green Park Inn, you have driven too far. The Rock is 1,055 million years old, estimates the United States Geological Survey. Officially called the Blowing Rock Gneiss, its birth almost falls off the far edge of time for the forces of great upheavals that formed it did so when the earth was young – long before erosion exposed it to the elements to create the striking promontory that it is today. Mysteriously, when the wind blows in from the northwest, snow and light objects often sweep up from below – the reason for the odd name. This is the setting for that scene in Goodbye Solo. Not surprisingly, the Rock comes with a Native American mystery too. It is located in the Green Park Historic District, “a place where natural features play as great a role as man-made … [including] the Blowing Rock itself, an unusual jagged rock formation … which forms a cliff overlooking the Johns River Gorge nearly three thouJune 2015
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Photo by Greg Williams
The Blowing Rock’s story tells of a Native American Princess who prays to the Great Spirit for help after the love of her life, torn between love and duty, threw himself off the Rock to his death. The mighty wind from deep in the gorge brought her love back alive and well – hence the name, The Blowing Rock.
RIGHT: Although a café and observation tower already operated at the Rock in the early 1930s, members of the public would wantonly trash it. With the Town of Blowing Rock unable to assume public responsibility for it, Grover Robbins Sr. suggested making a private-enterprise travel attraction at the locale, which would protect it from abuse. The family still leases The Blowing Rock from Bernhardt family more than 80 years later. sand feet below; ... [where] the rocky land is softened and enhanced by the presence of a thick covering of rhododendron along with such evergreens as firs and white pines,” records an official record. Both an historical and a natural anchor to the area, the Blowing Rock is the vantage point for assessing how close to the heavens the route of the historic turnpike from Lenoir has climbed, the place to discover the story of the Rock, the place to find out more about the High Country and its amenities – all the factors that make a holiday not just memorable, but unforgettable. The fact is the Blowing Rock is the true gateway to its town, so Charlie plans to alert visitors to it as the starting point of their trip to the High Country. He is also transforming it into a destination for private functions and for music lovers. But the Blowing Rock is remarkable firstly for what you can see from it. “The view here is phenomenal because you have the western view to Grandfather Mountain and on the east side on a really
Courtesy of The Blowing Rocket
ABOVE: Charlie Sellers took over the reins of The Blowing Rock business on January 1, 2014 – the third generation of his family to operate it. Under his direction, the attraction today is becoming known as the gateway to the town that bears its name.
clear day you can see the high rises of Charlotte,” said Charlie. This is somewhat of an understatement, for the view actually takes in a grand circle of the major landmarks of the Blue Ridge, from Grandfather to Grandmother, to Table Rock and Hawksbill with, depending on the weather, Beech Mountain and Mount Mitchell thrown in for good measure. Each alone is special. Combined, they make up what could be the most outstanding profile of any range of mountains, not just in the Blue Ridge, but anywhere. Those distinctive peaks, visible from afar, are also gems close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which allows great close-ups of them, leads to hiking opportunities and presents several communities and other attractions to explore. The view from the Blowing Rock, therefore, is also how visitors can orient themselves to the wonders of an area where a sense of direction is lost when serious driving among the mountains begins. Charlie’s plan since taking the helm of North Carolina’s oldJune 2015
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Top left: A primitive observation tower operated at The Blowing Rock before the Robbins family took over the site and created the travel attraction that operates today. Left center and below: Striking geographical features like The Blowing Rock attracted many a daredevil in the olden days. Above: The Blowing Rock is well signposted, while an historical marker recognizes its importance geologically and culturally. While some sources estimate the Rock to be older than this marker notes, they all agree that it is very, very old. 84
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“The view here is phenomenal because you have the western view to Grandfather Mountain and on the east side on a really clear day you can see the high rises of Charlotte.”
P
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– Charlie Sellers
est scenic attraction has been to make it more attractive than ever. “My first memory of it, I must have been about three or four years old,” he said, recalling its development over time. “That was before they did the renovations in the 1970s; the building was a gift shop and a soda shop. The grounds were planted, but kept very restricted. The 1970s brought the garden areas.” The landscape remained understated, in tune with the town at that time. “I do remember growing up in Blowing Rock, there was not much focus on the general color and aesthetics of the area; not a lot of planting being done. Most of what I remember was the mountain laurel and rhododendrons.” For more than a year now, Charlie has been introducing more plantings within the rocky settings and emphasizing indigenous plants. “We are trying to focus on them,” he said, “while [also] highlighting the grounds and flowers that are more seasonal. We are following the same scheme as the other attractions and hotels downtown,” he said, referring to the colorful floral displays that sprout everywhere in Blowing Rock in springtime. The landscape’s low stone walls, informal gardens, bridge, terraces, waterfall
Linville Village Suite 9, Linville, NC 828.733.1529 • www.triciawilsonlaw.com
2015 West Jefferson’s Arts District
Gallery Crawl Historic Downtown West Jefferson Galleries, Unique Shops & Restaurants
Second Fridays • 5-8pm June 12 • July 10 • August 14 September 11 • October 9
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Paintings, Pottery, Photography Stained Glass, Quilts & Fiber Arts, Jewelry Weavings, Furniture, Barn Quilts Fine Arts and Master Crafts
336-846-ARTS www.AsheCountyArts.org June 2015
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SEVEN DEVILS DISCOVER OUR POSITIVE ALTITUDE!
Play tennis, hike, shop, tube, zipline or just relax while enjoying some of the best views around! From nature lovers to adrenaline junkies, there is so much to do and see in the area, and staying in Seven Devils makes everything easily accessible from our great central location. You will find an array of lodging choices... whether you stay for a weekend, a season or a lifetime!
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For Information on the Town of Seven Devils: 828/963-5343 • www.SevenDevils.net Ad Sponsored by the Seven Devils Tourism Development Authority
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and overlooks have always been inviting, but today trails with handrails and stairs are now solidly refurbished and lead past viewpoints and outcroppings of rock including the Blowing Rock. The observation deck, with its viewfinders, gives panoramic views. The attraction is the perfect place for a picnic, for many convenient tables dot the grounds, while a concession stand sells refreshments and ice cream. The enhanced attraction is the site of a new event, inaugurated in September, 2014: an Americana Music Festival of The Blowing Rock, which brings in many attractive craft booths and separate music stages for contrasting music, one in the parking lot and one close to the Rock itself, all providing a day’s fun in a spectacular setting. The most prominent man-made feature at the Blowing Rock is the historic 1935 structure that Charlie’s grandfather, Grover C. Robbins, Sr. built as the entryway and gift shop. Old postcards show it as a tavern at one point. Today, the lower section of the annex building with inviting arched entryway and a huge stone chimney recently opened as a photo gallery. The rooms exhibit new and historic photos of Blowing Rock village and tourist attractions. “We want to attract people who wouldn’t necessarily stop here [like] day trippers from Charlotte and the numerous people from over the state and out of the country,” said Charlie. “We want people coming up that mountain [aware that the] first place they should stop is here. The new gallery is educational. It aims to spark an interest in the downtown area in people who have never been there [and] get to know the place more deeply.” A 1933 building, part of which is the original refreshment stand that Charlie’s grandfather and his then partner built to begin the Blowing Rock enterprise, was extended in the 1970s. Recently refurbished, it now serves as a shop for local crafts, while small corporate meetings and special events like family reunions take place there. Charlie took up the reins of the Blowing Rock where his mother, Peggy Robbins Sellers, left off. She and her three brothers had all worked at the attraction as teenagers and the boys took over on their father’s death in 1956. When Peggy returned in 1972 from living in Birmingham her brothers roped her into the business and she remained there, mostly in what is Charlie’s job now, until he took
The most prominent man-made feature at the Blowing Rock is this historic 1935 structure that Charlie’s grandfather, Grover C. Robbins, Sr. built as the entryway and gift shop.
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Delicious Espresso & Coffee Drinks Homemade Baked Goods Breakfast, Lunch & Soup Items Cozy Mountain Setting Free WIFI
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Proprietor of The Blowing Rock attraction, Charlie Sellers, shows off the recently-opened photo gallery which exhibits new and historic photos of the town of Blowing Rock and other tourist attractions. over last year. Grover Robbins Sr. was the man with the foresight to showcase the Blowing Rock, providing a private-enterprise solution to something the community didn’t feel financially equipped for. In 1932, local surveyor and engineer, John Ford operated the Cloudland Café and an observation tower at the site, related author Barry M. Buxton in A Village Tapestry, but there was nothing to stop just anyone driving up to the Blowing Rock itself to climb onto it and see the view. Responsible people simply enjoyed it, but by the early 1930s, too many day trippers casually dropped litter there.
Others, with no sense of wonder “would drive onto the rock in their Model Ts with trash and dump it,” said Peggy. “It was just a garbage dump.” In sum, in 1932, the beauty spot was an eyesore. The Bernhardts of the furniture company owned the site and they offered to donate it to the town of Blowing Rock, but the town didn’t want the responsibility or the cost. Well, said Peggy, “Father had a great talent for seeing something that could be developed as a tourist area and be profitable to the town. He went to the Bernhardts with a proposal to build an attrac-
The viewfinders at this viewing area allow close-ups of faraway places like Hawksbill and Table Rock mountains and, weather permitting, Mt. Mitchell – the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.
$3.00 Mondays Double Discount Tuesdays 1/2 Price Kids 13 & Under Wednesdays 1760 blowing rock road boone, nc 28607 828.386.1765 (Across from Lowes)
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The heart-stopping views over the Johns River Gorge from The Blowing Rock are so photogenic that it is impossible to mess up a shot. tion. That’s how the Blowing Rock got started. He began developing it in 1933. “Dr. [C.H.] Berryman went into it together with him. On July 14, 1938, my father bought Dr. Berryman’s interest out. Since 1938 until today, we have leased the attraction from the Bernhardts.” And the idea that Grover Robbins Sr. had come up with effectively ended the abuse of the memorable site. Yet, the Blowing Rock’s proposed new lease on life initially hit a hitch – a dispute with the state over the Bernhardts’ ownership, the
Watauga Democrat reported on October 31, 1935. The Department of Conservation and Development challenged in court the Bernhardts’ right to charge entry fees, but withdrew its case when title searches demonstrated their clear ownership. The Blowing Rock was the only scenic attraction open to the public in Western North Carolina at that time, said Peggy and the success of the business that grew from the 1933 startup shows that Grover Robbins’ far-sightedness equaled the view that stuns visitors. But another chord that
strikes them is the haunting legend. Once upon a time, a Native American Princess and the love of her life, a Brave from another tribe, found that their elders kept them apart. They did sneak some memorable times together, but too soon the Brave’s responsibilities to his own people called. Torn between love and duty, he threw himself off the Rock to his death. Distraught, the Princess prayed to the Great Spirit for help, and a mighty wind from deep in the gorge brought her love back alive and well.
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Adult Tickets $35 - 40 | Student/Child Tickets $18 - 20 PO Box 128 | Banner Elk, NC | 828.898.8709 | lmc.edu/summertheatre June 2015
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This observation deck allows visitors to walk out over the edges of space and time for views of The Blowing Rock’s setting with little obstruction.
Scientists prosaically report that the gorge channels the wind upwards, but this legend tells a story that advances not just a poetic but a spiritual interpretation of the phenomenon. The legend, therefore, may represent what author Page Bryant calls earth energies, which would make the site sacred in ancient wisdom. In her book, The Spiritual Reawakening of the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryant says that the Blowing Rock is a place that uplifts the human spirit, while a profound sense of harmony emanates from the surrounding vista, benefiting anyone in its field. Perhaps, therefore, it’s not just the view that is so stunning: it is also how the earth here makes people feel, which itself is a profound mystery. The mists that often envelope the Blowing Rock, when the land appears and disappears before the eyes, also often introduces another mystery here. But the mysteries do not end there. The Rock belongs, according to the United States Geological Survey, to a category of geographical feature commonly known as Lover’s Leaps, of which some forty-eight exist in nineteen states. Mark Twain mentioned fifty of them along the Mississippi River alone. Most of such stories end with the characters jumping off the cliff, usually dying. One folklorist noted long ago that worldwide, “striking geographical features are frequently the subjects of [such] local legends.” Only in the United States, however, do Native American Princesses and Braves appear. But suicidal behavior does not fit in with Native American culture, say several authorities. Where such stories come from, therefore, is actually another mystery. Even more strangely, however, the Blowing Rock is one of the few Lover’s Leaps with a happy ending. Here, the couple lives happily ever after and this twist in the tale stamps the attraction with As this old shot shows, the view from The Blowing Rock has thrilled many a tourist down the years. Long, long ago, however, the story goes, the Rock became one of many Lovers’ Leaps found the world over. The Rock’s legend of the brave who jumped off the cliff in despair stands out because it is one of the few such stories with a happy ending. Here, through the upside-down wind, the Great Spirit returned the young man to his grieving princess and they both lived happily ever after. (Courtesy of Blowing Rock Historical Society)
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Pictured from left: Sarah Kandybowicz, Ruth Bullock and Allie Serniak Entrance to the Blowing Rock costs $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and military, $2 for kids 4 to 11 years of age and free for children 3 and under. Group discounts are available as well. Operating hours are as follows: January through March (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Thursday through Monday (weather permitting, call ahead) April and May (8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.) Open Daily June through October (8:30 a.m. to 7p.m.) Open Daily The Blowing Rock is located at 432 Rock Road off of U.S. 321. Look for the attraction sign across from Green Park Inn. For more information, call 828-295-7183 or click to the attraction’s website. magic and romance. All things combined – the view, the legend, the landscaping, its spectacular beauty – makes it a special place for a special day. Appropriately, therefore, Charlie began in 2014 to promote the Blowing Rock as a wedding venue, for there can be no better place for tying the knot than some-
November and December (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Open Daily (weather permitting, please call ahead)
where whose story ends in a couple’s long happy life together after they transcend all obstacles. In fact, given the Blowing Rock’s uplifting tale, it seems no wonder that at least a dozen couples have celebrated their engagement there in the past eight months, while eight weddings are sched-
uled for this year, following four others in 2014. It is as if the legendary Princess and Brave and the Great Spirit are smiling down on the happy couples – and on the family that took a risk eighty years ago to protect from abuse this unusual and spectacular place on the earth. ♦
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Welcome Back
Summer Dining Guide
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PLACES TO DINE THIS SUMMER It’s the height of the summer dining season in the High Country, and there’s no better time to enjoy a casual lunch, a relaxing brunch or a romantic dinner. For your culinary inspiration, you’ll find dozens of fine establishments in the following pages. BOONE BAGELRY BOONE. Boone’s oldest bagel shop serves 17 types of freshly baked bagels and hundreds of other menu items. Boone Bagelry is a full-service restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch all day. Patio dining is available, and Boone Bagelry also offers eat in, take out or delivery options. Now with two locations to serve you. Original Location - 516 West King Street. NEW Location by Studio West Apts - 125 Graduate Lane. n 828.262-5585 or 828-262-1600. www.bonebagelry. com. See ad on page 101
CAFÉ PORTOFINO BOONE. For a lovely night out with the family or a fantastic evening on the town, look no further than Cafe Portofino. Café Portofino offers a casual atmosphere and truly 5-star dining. Located on Rivers Street, the self-described “Garlic House” menu is a creative mix of Thai, Eurasian and Italian influences. Enjoy daily culinary specials and fresh seafood every day. An eclectic blend of sandwiches, pastas and more, Cafe Portofino has something for everyone. For after-hours entertainment, check out the adjoining taproom featuring billiards and darts, and try out one of fifty bottle and draft beers from around the world. Don’t forget to stop by on Wednesday nights for trivia, prizes and drink specials every week. Tuesday features half-price bottles of house wine, and kids under ten eat free on Wednesdays with the purchase of an adult entree. n 828-264-7772. www.cafeportofino.net. See ad on page 95
Bob Timberlake
Bonfire Nights Jazz Night Oyster & Shrimp “Knight”
Tim Knight’s Famous Fried Oysters or Shrimp
Steak on the Lake Serving Breakfast daily. Dinner served Thursdays - Saturdays through May 27; nightly after May 27.
Canyons Blowing Rock. Located just off of the scenic, winding highway 321 in Blowing Rock, this historic restaurant and bar is well known all over the High Country for its spectacular and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, its scrumptious southwestern choices and unique takes on classic American food or dishes. All dishes on the menu are freshly prepared in house with the finest ingredients available. Canyons in Blowing Rock regularly offers a wide variety of seasonally fresh items, so ask about the fantastic nightly specials in addition to the daily menu selections. Every Sunday, enjoy a delicious brunch accompanied by live jazz music. Canyons also offers a diverse selection
828-295-5505 | www.Chetola.com June 2015
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SUMMER DINING GUIDE of domestic and imported wines and a large selection of beers chosen to complement the items on the menu. Just ask a member of the friendly staff for a recommendation, or try something new. n 828-295-7661. www.CanyonsBR.com. See ad on page 95
CASA RUSTICA BOONE. Conveniently located right off of Highway 105, Casa Rustica offers some of the finest Northern ItalianAmerican cuisine in the High Country accentuated by a cozy, fireside atmosphere. Dishes on the menu from the crisp salads to the scrumptious pastas are adapted from old family recipes that have been handed down for generations. The chefs and owners at Casa Rustica are also committed to offering local beef in their cuisine and proudly offer homestyle meals made with love and meticulous care. Casa Rustica’s extensive wine list is updated every 30 days to include interesting vintages and new organics for guests to try. Enjoy live jazz every Thursday night and classical guitar eve-
Yum-Yum Cafe co f f e e s h o p • b a k e r y bagelry • creamery Banana Split - $3.50
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• Trout • Beef • Chicken • Pork Open Daily Serving Lunch & Dinner
Try our specialties: Fried Trout Wings Fried Brussels • Blackened NC Catfish 16-hr Smoked, Texas Style Brisket NC Trout Six Ways to Sunday
2968-A Hwy 105, Boone, NC • 828.386.1457
ry Sunday. The restaurant also features a full bar and fantastic drink selections to delight even the pickiest patron. n 828-262-5128. www.casarustica1981. com. See ad on page 98
CHESTNUT GRILLE AT GREEN PARK INN BLOWING ROCK. Taking local and sustainable to new heights, the Chestnut Grille restaurant maintains its own 1/3 acre garden on site, which supplies the kitchen with a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs throughout the summer and fall seasons. We offer contemporary American fare that’s unique, yet familiar, in a warm, and casual setting. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free guests will find the menu, and our chef very accommodating. We offer an extensive and thoughtful wine list along with a selection of seasonal and local craft beers. Located just inside the Green Park Inn. Listed on the National Historic Register. Patio dining is offered seasonally. Live piano music in our lobby Friday and Saturday nights, year round, and
Enjoy 5 Star Dining (without the prices) in our historic 100-year old railroad repair station! live music on the Veranda, seasonally. n 828-414-9230. www.greenparkinn.com. See ad on page 97
DIVIDE TAVERN & RESTAURANT BLOWING ROCK. Located in the lobby of the Historic Green Park Inn, the Divide Tavern sits directly astride the Eastern Continental Divide. Long a gathering place for Captains of Industry, Heads of State, and celebrities from authors to actors, the Tavern offers unique pub fare, as well as chef designed pub classics. Experience a less formal dining alternative while still enjoying delicious fare, all set in the ambiance of a bygone era. Local, craft and draft beers, seasonal and specialty cocktails offer guests a tempting twist alongside classic cocktails. We also offer an impressive selection of wine by the glass, or the bottle. Enjoy live Sunday music on the veranda (seasonally) and live piano in the lobby Friday and Saturday nights, year round. n 825-414.9230. www.greenparkinn.com. See ad on page 97
970 Rivers Street, Boone | 828-264-7772 | CafePortofino.net
EAT CROW BANNER ELK. Eat Crow is a wonderful little cafe specializing in fresh baked, delicious goods including a large variety of baked pies and cakes. These delectables are offered by the slice, or you have the option to order a whole one to take home and enjoy. We also offer fresh made sandwiches at lunch time that can not be compared to any other “sandwich shop” in the area. Since we know life can be very hectic, for your convenience we prepare whole meals and fresh soups daily that are ready for you to take home and heat up for your family. These entrees vary daily. We are always creating something delicious! All sandwiches are served on farmhouse or whole wheat bread. Choices of sides include fresh fruit, firecracker coleslaw or chips. We are open Tuesday Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and are located near Foscoe on Hwy. 105 between Boone and Banner Elk. n 828-963-8228. See ad on page 96
The Eseeola Lodge linville. Guests enjoy breakfast and dinner daily as part of their accommodations package, but all High Country visitors are welcome to enjoy the finest cuisine. Spend a leisurely morning with us, or grab a quick bite on your way out for the day. EiJune 2015
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EAT CROW SUMMER DINING GUIDE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE
Sandwiches
ther way, an outstanding breakfast awaits you each morning in our dining room. Then enjoy lunch at the Grill Room in the Linville Golf Club, where resort casual wear is appropriate for daytime meals. For the evening meal, select your choice of seven meticulously prepared entrees crafted by Chef Patrick Maisonhaute at the helm of your culinary experience. The menu changes daily, and also offers an extraordinary seafood buffet every Thursday evening with seatings at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Reservations are required, and gentlemen are required to wear a coat for the evening meal. n 800-742-6717. www.eseeola.com. See ad on page 100
(Served on our homemade bread)
Pies • Cakes Shepherd’s Pie Steak & Ale Pie Chicken Pot Pie English Specialties Catering (On Request)
Serving Dinner Twice Monthly Call or Check our Website for Dates & Menu
828.963.8228
F.A.R.M. CAFÉ
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EAT CAKE EAT CAKE EAT CAKE EAT CAKE EAT CAKE EAT CAKE
Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm 9872 Hwy. 105 S. in Foscoe (across from Mountain Lumber)
boone. In May 2012, F.A.R.M. Cafe opened its doors with our mission to build a healthy and inclusive community by providing high quality & delicious meals produced from local sources, served in a restaurant where everybody eats, regardless of means. Our meals are nutritious and delicious! Some
meals include items with meat, some are vegetarian and/or vegan. Our menu changes daily and is served by our volunteers and staff. F.A.R.M. Cafe tries to have something for everybody each day, so we also always have gluten free and dairy free items. Our daily menu can be viewed at www.farmcafe.org/menu or on Facebook or Twitter. We are located in beautiful Downtown Boone. n 828-386.1000. www.farmcafe.org. See ad on page 96
Gamekeeper Blowing Rock. You haven’t fully experienced the region until you’ve dined at The Gamekeeper. It’s a true gourmet restaurant, with the perfect blend of upscale elegance and simple mountain charm. The Gamekeeper is famous for Southern favorites - ultimate in comfort food - prepared with creativity and originality, offered through an evolving seasonal menu that blends the traditional with the exotic, satisfying both the meat lover and the vegetarian. Housed in a 1950s stone cottage, The Gamekeeper is an upscale restaurant
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The F.A.R.M. Cafe is revolutionary and delicious! Yelp Review
617 W. King St., Boone 828.386.1000 Monday - Friday 11:00 am until 2:00 pm www.farmcafe.org 96
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Specializing in scratch-made baked goods, Specializing in scratch-made bakeddesserts, goods, desserts, salads, salads, quiches,quiches, soups&&sandwiches...and sandwiches...and sides. soups sides. Itemsalso alsobybybulk bulksizes sizesand and party platters. Items platters. Private lunches & small parties. Private lunches & small parties. Beer/wine/mimosas.....noliquor. liquor. Beer/wine/mimosas...no Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch Breakfast & Lunch Opening May 15
Lunch-Wed-Sun: 11-3 • Breakfast-Sat/Sun: 8-11 Lunch Wed-Sun 11-3 Available for private events Breakfast Sat & Sun 8-11
142142Main Elk MainSt.St.East, East, Banner Banner Elk www.sisterlees.com • 828-898-4000 sisterlees@bellsouth.net 828-898-4000 Like us on Facebook
June 2015
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that offers an eclectic mix of Southern foods and mountain cuisine, offering a selection of unique meat dishes including mountain trout, buffalo rib eye, ostrich, duck and beef tenderloin. The friendly staff literally waits on you hand and foot, assuring that you’ll leave happy and satisfied. The restaurant is located off Shulls Mill Road near Yonahlossee Resort. n 828-963-7400. www.Gamekeeper-NC.com. See ad on page 100
grandview restaurant foscoe. Grandview Restaurant is located below Grandfather Mountain, and while the view of the iconic ridgeline is awesome, the food is even better. Grandview Restaurant has been a staple in the Foscoe and Banner Elk communities since 1977. As the locals know, you don’t have wake up at the crack of dawn to have breakfast as Grandview serves up the eggs and bacon all day – and serves it up well. As for lunch, you’ll always see sandwich specials, burgers and chicken, salads and wide array of complimentary sides. Grandview is located at 10575-1 N.C. 105 and is open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. n 828-9634573. www.grandview-restaurant.com. See ad on page 94
JOY Bistro Boone. Joy Bistro is known all over the High Country as the resident purveyors of Fine Food & Drink. Chefs and Owners Melissa Joy and Gary Claude welcome you to come in and enjoy delicious, unique food selections and delightful cocktails in a casual, warm and inviting setting. Enjoy a relaxed and inviting atmosphere while you experience their unique, handcrafted cuisine. Exclusively fresh and always seasonal ingredients are expertly utilized in their many nightly specials as in all of the daily items in their superb menu. Enjoy scrumptious selections like the famous firecracker shrimp, the unique blood orange salad, local meats and pasta options, and a wonderful dessert like creme brulee or espresso torte. The friendly staff is always on hand to assist you with expert recommendations for dining selections and wine pairings for your choices. Joy Bistro also serving lunch this summer and offers a full bar, an extensive wine list, & craft beers for guests to enjoy. n 828-265-0500 www.joybistroboone.com. See ad on page 96
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN Casual Mountain Dining
New Seasonal Menu Including Chicken Spatzle..............................13
Grilled Salmon ..............................16
Achiote Braised Short Rib ..............16
Grilled Lamb Chop ........................24
Roasted Chicken, House made Spatzle Pasta in a Pepper Cashew Sauce with Spinach
Braised red cabbage, Pickled Apples and Herb Butter Sauce
Mashed Yukon Potatoes, Scallions, Red Wine Jus
Mushroom Medley, Risotto and Fig Jus
Grilled Bistro Filet .........................18
Chicken and Grits...........................12
Bacon Braised Broccoli Greens, crispy Shallot and Chestnut Barbeque
Grilled Chicken Breast, Bacon, Stewed Tomatoes, Thyme Chicken Demi and Goat Cheese
Pan Seared Trout ...........................16
Crispy Braised Pork........................12
Crispy Yukon Potatoes, Wilted Spinach, Toasted Cashews and Chimichurri sauce
Slow braised pork shoulder, Roasted Carrots with Caramelized Red Onion and Bacon Jus
Under New Culinary Management in 2015
Wednesday Wine Down 50% Off All Wine Bottles
MuSiC oN The VeRANdA eVeRy SuNdAy FRoM 5 - 8 PM www.greenparkinn.com | 828.414.9230 9329 Valley Boulevard, Blowing Rock June 2015
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THE LOCAL BOONE. a place to enjoy a fresh meal, crafted in-house from local High Country ingredients. Serving traditional southern favorites, she-crab soup and shrimp & grits, as well as grass-fed beef burgers, specialty sandwiches, unique tacos, wood-fired flatbreads & pizzas, quinoa bowls, steaks, seafood and plenty of gluten-free and vegan choices. The Local also features 20 taps, serving mostly local and regional beers, as well as national favorites. At The Local you can enjoy drinks & appetizers while relaxing on comfortable leather couches in the lounge, play a game of billiards, or watch your favorite sports event on large flat screen TVs. The Local is also the place to be for Live music performances on Friday and Saturday nights. Experience Local. Open Daily 11am. Sunday Brunch 11am-4pm. n 828-266-2179. www.TheLocalBoone. com. See ad on page 99
menchies frozen yogurt Boone. Self-serve frozen yogurt with over 100 rotating flavors and more than 70 rotating toppings! After making your perfect mix, the yogurt is weighed and paid for by the ounce. Menchie’s uses only high quality frozen yogurt and offers non-fat, low carb, nondairy, no sugar added, and gluten-free soft serve options. Celebrate a special Birthday at Menchies! We offer three party packages full of fun & smiles. n 828-386-1765. See ad on page 88
Chef and Owner David Bartlett Is Celebrating His 30th Year In Blowing Rock
It’s Always Trout Season In Blowing Rock!
At The Corner of Main Street and Hwy. 221
World Famous for His Trout Dishes Prepared 5 Different Ways
SERVING A VARIETY OF FRESH SEAFOOD, LOCAL MOUNTAIN TROUT… Served 5 different ways, ANGUS BEEF, SARA’S BABY BACK RIBS
With A Wide Variety of Made Fresh Daily Side Dishes
AS WELL AS THESE SPECIALITIES Paul Tate Filet Mignon • Sara’s Baby Back Ribs Fresh Gulf Oysters & Shrimp • Seafood Dishes And, of Course, Much More! Serving Lunch & Dinner 7 Days a Week 98
David Bartlett’s
SPECKLED TROUT CAFE Always Fresh Seafood
High Country Magazine
& Oyster Bar
June 2015
We also have
Breakfast Buffet on Weekends... Enjoy Our Air-Conditioned Dining Room All youPatio can eat or Our COVERED 9am-Noon At the Corner of Main St and Hwy 221 • 295-9819 ••On$7.95 Facebook
MAIN STREET BLOWING ROCK, NC
SPECKLED Open for Dinner TROUT 5:00-9:00 Always Fresh
& Oyster Bar
Red Onion Café Boone. Established in 1985 as one of the classic restaurants in Boone NC, the Red Onion Café opens daily at 11am and serves continuously to hungry guests well into the evening. The Red Onion Café has created its niche in the High Country for more than 30 years by offering customers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere and an extensive menu at affordable prices. The café has something for every member of the family, including burgers, sandwiches, wraps, pizza, pasta, fish, steak and delicious homemade desserts. Look for weekly dinner specials and the kid’s menu items as well. The Red Onion Café also offers several of the region’s top beer and wines to compliment any meal as well
as friendly staff on hand to assist with your choices from the extensive menu. The outside patio is perfect for a comfortable outdoor lunch or for a cozy dinner on warm evenings. n 828-264-5470. www.theredonioncafe.com. See ad on page 101.
river dog coffeehouse & cafe linville. Located in Linville, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Offering delicious espresso drinks, coffee, homemade baked goods, soups, breakfast and lunch items. Cozy mountain setting with free Wi-Fi. n 828-733-9333. www.theriverdogcoffeehouse.com. See ad on page 88
sister lee’s
Blowing rock. In 2001 Six Pence opened in Blowing Rock, North Carolina and has been a Blowing Rock staple for visitors and residents alike ever since. Known all over the High Country for establishing itself as a fine example of British fare, the friendly staff, delicious food and extensive beer and wine selection make this local watering hole a local favorite. From traditional British favorites like Shepherd’s Pie and fish and chips to American-style burgers, house made soups and salads, this eatery and bar alleviates everyone’s hunger pains and provides a unique dining experience right on beautiful Main Street. Who knew that one could find such exceptional British cuisine in the heart of the High Country? The pub now proudly features a new patio so guests can choose to sit outside and enjoy their meals and enjoy the beautiful views of Main Street. Or step inside to the air conditioned interior to beat the heat this summer season. n 828-2953155. www.sixpencepub.com. See ad on page 99
Six Pence
A Taste of England here in Blowing Rock & Friday and Saturday until Midnight Full Bar (open until 2am) 14 Beers on Draught focused on Imports and Micro Brews
Restaurant & Pub
R
six pence pub
R
banner elk. Specializing in scratchmade baked goods, desserts, salads, quiches, soups and sandwiches. Bulk size and party platters. Private lunches and small parties. Beer and wine served. Lunch Wednesday thru Sunday. Breakfast Saturday and Sunday. n 828-898-4000. www.sisterlees.com. See ad on page 96
Featuring British & American Fare
828.295.3155 } } 1121 Main Street, Blowing Rock, N.C. June 2015
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WE’RE SERIOUS ABOUT GOOD GRUB AAA FOUR DIAMOND RATING NINE YEARS RUNNING
YEARS
AND STILL DOIN’ IT. BLOWING ROCK, NC • 828-963-7400 RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
O U T D O O R D I N I N G • B AR / LO U N G E • C AT ER I N G • PR I VAT E FU N C T I O NS
The High Country's Sweet Spot
Locally Sourced, Farm-Fresh Cuisine Thursday Night Seafood Buffet Superb Selection of Fine Wines, Craft Beers and Cocktails
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Call Today For Reservations: 828-733-4311 www.Eseeola.com
Speckled Trout Café Blowing Rock. When you come to Blowing Rock, look around, see the sights, do some shopping, then come down the quaint downtown street until you reach the corner of Main and Highway 221. It’s on this corner that you will find the Speckled Trout Cafe and Oyster Bar. Since 1986, the Speckled Trout Cafe & Oyster Bar has been pleasing both locals and visitors every evening with its exquisite choices for dinner. The house specialty is smoked rainbow trout which is fished from local waters, but the extensive menu covers everything from terrestrial meat choices like steak and ribs to fresh seafood and so much more. The Speckled Trout is also pleased to be serving lunch for patrons to enjoy either inside the restaurant or for easy take out for a picnic on the Parkway. The restaurant also proudly features a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking Main Street for guests to enjoy their meals in the beautiful outdoors as well as an air-conditioned interior to beat the heat this summer season. n 828-295-9819. www.speckledtroutcafe.com. See ad on page 89
timberlake’S RESTAURANT AT CHETOLA RESORT BLOWING ROCK. On July 28, 2012, Chetola officially opened Timberlake’s Restaurant in the historical building, with a menu inspired by world-renowned North Carolina artist and designer Bob Timberlake’s culinary favorites. The restaurant features three dining rooms, an intimate wine room and waterfront dining on the Patio. The charming and warmly outfitted Headwaters Pub is just inside Timberlake’s main entrance. Bob Timberlake, who is known for creating things of exceptional artistry and imagination, used his deeply rooted love of food as the impetus behind the distinctive menu. From Mesquite-dusted shrimp and salads of mountain-grown spinach, to Carolina-raised trout and roasted Carolina quail, each dish will be one worth savoring. A mouth-watering array of brick-oven pizzas, tender Angus beef filets, seafood, poultry, and an inspired selection of health and wellness dishes will also tempt palates of all tastes. n 828-295-5505. www.chetola.com. See ad on page 03
TROUT AND BARREL BOONE. With a stage for live music, a great selection of beer and an excellent menu,
Boone’s newest restaurant and bar, Trout & Barrel, is off to a great start as glowing reviews abound on those online rating sites. While fried trout wings are signature Trout & Barrel, other specialties include fried brussels, cast iron blackened North Carolina catfish, 16-hour smoked Texas-style choice beef brisket and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Trout & Barrel is located at 2968-A N.C. 105. n 828-386-1457. See ad on page 94
vidalia Boone. Centrally located on King Street in downtown Boone, Vidalia is a casual, upscale restaurant featuring “creative American cuisine.” Featuring creative menu items for lunch and dinner, it offers daily specials, various events, wine tastings and special nights. Famous menu items include the apple and gorgonzola salad, shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles and mushroom ravioli, with finishing choices like stone ground grits and cheddar mac n’ cheese. All of these choices come to you from the culinary mind of Chef Samuel Ratchford, who also owns the restaurant with his wife Alyce. Taking pride in the local community, the restaurant is proud to offer various local ingredients and choices to patrons who are looking to try local fare. Vidalia holds all ABC permits and has an extensive wine list which routinely features over 60 different wines which can be expertly paired with meals by the staff, a large selection of craft beers, martinis, whiskeys, scotches and cordials. Vidalia’s menu changes twice a year to keep it seasonal and practices farm-to-table food, using local vendors as much as possible. n 828-263-9176. www.vidaliaofboone.com. See ad on page 94
YUM-YUM Cafe Banner elk. Yum-Yum Café is a coffeehouse, creamery, bakery and bagelry all wrapped in one atop the village of Sugar Mountain in Avery County. It’s open for breakfast and lunch. Described as a rustic and homey café, fare includes biscuits, muffins, cookies, Danish pastries and more for breakfast and/or treats. For lunch, owner and chef Lee Ball prepares soups, mac-and-cheese, chicken pot pies, corndogs and much more. YumYum Café is located at 3440 Tynecastle Highway from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. n 828-897-1798. See ad on page 94
Boone Bagelry’s
Water Wheel Cafe
Hours: Mon. - sat. 6:00am - 5:00pm sun. 7:00am - 3:00pm
Family Owned & Operated Serving Breakfast & Lunch All Day Serving All Your Old Favorites from the Original Bagelry With Some NEW Menu Items Turkey, Apple Grilled Cheese, Fresh Chicken Salad w/Blueberry Balsamic, and our New Lox Hash Fresh Baked Bagels Vegetarian & Gluten Free Options
Family Owned & Operated since 1988 Serving Breakfast and Lunch All Day 14 Varieties of Freshly Baked Bagels Gluten Free Options Available Free Delivery Deli Sandwiches, Omelettes, Flavored Cream Cheeses, Salads, Burgers Vegetarian Options Members of the Boone Independent Restaurant Association
Hours: Mon - sat. 6:00 am - 3:00 pm sun. 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
• Home of the Famous Bagelicious • Featuring Bald Guy Brew Coffee
Come Enjoy our Coffee Lounge featuring Bald Guy Brew Coffee
Old dOwntOwn lOcatiOn
at the 105 waterwheel
516 West King St. • 262-5585 www.boonebagelry.com
125 Graduate Lane • 262-1600 www.boonebagelry.com
Over 32 Years in Boone!
Casual sophistiCation
Cajun ChiCken FettuCini • pesto • ChiCken Fajitas wrap southwestern wrap • Chinese ChiCken salad • lasagna low CountrY salMon • ChiCken pesto pizza tusCan red pepper ChiCken BourBon glazed Center Cut riBeYe artiChoke dip with toasted garliC FrenCh Bread soup & quiChe oF the daY... Outdoor Covered Patio Dining 227 Hardin Street in Boone
We have Wi-Fi!
828/264.5470 theredonioncafe.com
serVing lunCh & dinner June 2015
seVen daYs a week High Country Magazine
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ADV E R T I S E R S I N D E X Please patronize the advertisers in High Country Magazine, and when you purchase from them, please be sure to mention that you saw their ad in our pages. Thank them for their support of this publication by giving them yours! Without their support, this magazine would not be possible. To all of our advertisers, a most sincere thank you.
All Area Codes are 828 unless noted. ADVERTISER
PHONE
PAGE
A Cleaner World............................................... 265-1888 �������������������������� 47 Abingdon, Virginia....................................... 888-489-4144........................ 67 An Appalachian Summer Festival................. 800-841-2787 ����������������������� 27 Appalachian Blind & Closet Co........................ 264-1395............................. 2 Art Cellar......................................................... 898-5175 ���������������������������� 7 Ashe County Arts Council............................. 336-846-ARTS........................ 85 Automatic Door Company, Inc................ 297-1694 & 963-3127................. 63 Banner Elk Realty............................................. 260-1550........................... 64 Barnette Builders.............................................. 898-2378........................... 77 Bart Long Auctions..........................423-733-4073 & 423-383-3339.......... 91 Barter Theatre.............................................. 276-628-3991........................ 87 Blind Squirrel Brewery............................ 765-2739 & 765-9696................. 65 Blowing Rock Estate Jewelry............................ 295-4500........................... 65 Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery................ 295-0041........................... 45 Boone Bagelry......................................262-5585 and 262-1600.............. 101 Boone Mall...................................................... 264-7286........................... 56 Café Portofino.................................................. 264-7772 ������������������������� 95 Canyons.......................................................... 295-7661 ������������������������� 95 Carlton Gallery................................................. 963-4288 �������������������������� 15 Carolina West Wireless................................. 800-235-5007 . ..................... 13 Casa Rustica.................................................... 262-5128 �������������������������� 95 Chestnut Grille at Green Park Inn...................... 414-9230........................... 97 Consignment Cottage Warehouse..................... 733-8148........................... 75 Dande Lion...................................................... 898-3566........................... 13 DeWoolfson Down ...................................... 800-833-3696 ���������������������� 46 Dianne Davant & Associates . .......................... 898-9887 ��Inside Front Cover Doe Ridge Pottery............................................ 264-1127 �������������������������� 56 Eat Crow.......................................................... 963-8228........................... 96 Echota......................................................... 800-333-7601 ��������� Back Cover Eseeola Lodge.................................................. 733-4311......................... 100 F.A.R.M. Café.................................................. 386-1000........................... 96 Gamekeeper..................................................... 963-7400 ����������������������� 100 Grandfather Vineyard & Winery......................... 963-2400............................. 5 Grandview Restaurant....................................... 963-4373........................... 94 Hardin Fine Jewelry.......................................... 898-4653 �������������������������� 12 Isley Construction Company................... 898-7544 & 898-7119................. 74 JoLynn Enterprises, Inc.................................... 297-2109........................... 64 Joy Bistro........................................................ 265-0600 �������������������������� 96 Kuester Companies.......................................... 262-3434........................... 35 Lees-McRae Summer Theater........................... 898-8709........................... 89 Lilian Jade Fine Consign.................................. 355-9955........................... 59
ADVERTISER
PHONE
PAGE
Linville Falls Winery......................................... 765-1400........................... 33 Linville Land Harbor......................................... 733-8300........................... 53 Local, The........................................................ 266-2179........................... 99 Mast General Store .....................................866-FOR-MAST ������������������������ 9 Maw’s Produce................................................ 963-8254........................... 56 Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt.................................. 386-1765........................... 88 Monkees of Blowing Rock................................ 295-0708............................. 3 Mountain Dog & Friends.................................. 963-2470........................... 57 Mountain Land............................................. 800-849-9225 ����������������������� 51 Mountain Tile................................................... 265-0472 �������������������������� 68 Mountaineer Landscaping................................ 733-3726 ������������������������ 103 Mustard Seed................................................... 295-4585........................... 15 Old World Galleries.......................................... 264-6559........................... 55 Perry’s Gold Mine........................................ 336-846-2274........................ 67 Piedmont Federal Bank..................................... 264-5244............................. 1 Red Onion Café................................................ 264-5470......................... 101 River Dog Coffeehouse & Café......................... 733-9333........................... 88 Serves You Right’s! Cute-tique........... 800-825-1828 & 295-4438.............. 73 Seven Devils.................................................... 963-5343........................... 86 Shoppes at Farmers Hardware.......................... 264-8801........................... 57 Sister Lees Café............................................... 898-4000........................... 96 Six Pence......................................................... 295-3155........................... 99 Speckled Trout Cafe......................................... 295-9819........................... 98 Stone Cavern................................................... 963-8453 �������������������������� 31 Sunalei............................................................ 263-8711.... Inside Back Cover Superior Spas.................................................. 963-6624........................... 51 Tanawha of Blowing Rock................................. 898-3210........................... 35 Tanner-Doncaster Outlet................................... 295-4200........................... 29 Tatum Galleries & Interiors............................... 963-6466 ���������������������������� 5 Tim Turner Pottery............................................ 260-6016........................... 74 Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola................... 295-5505........................... 93 Todd Bush Photography................................... 898-8088 �������������������������� 14 Todd Rice Real Estate....................................... 263-8711........................... 91 Tricia Wilson Law Firm..................................... 733-1529........................... 85 Trout & Barrel Restaurant.................................. 386-1457........................... 94 Turchin Center for the Visual Arts...................... 262-3017........................... 27 Vidalia Restaurant............................................ 263-9176........................... 94 Watsonatta....................................................... 264-4540............................. 4 Wellspring Retirement Community............... 800-547-5387........................ 11 WingN’It.......................................................... 898-5008........................... 56 Yum-Yum Café................................................. 897-1798........................... 94
www.HCPress.com
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People’s Choice
Winner In Recognition of Excellence
• Licensed Pesticide Sprayer • Septic Tank Installation • Hydro-Seeding • Excavating • Boulder Walls • Waterfalls
Hwy. 105 in Linville at the foot of Grandfather Mountain 828.733.3726 | Design • Installation • Maintainance Member: NC Nursery & Landscaping Association June 2015
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Parting Shot...
For
Boone
Victor Ellison
Photos courtesy of Mast General Store
Community Pride Earns National Recognition
B
oone recently participated in Outside Magazine’s “Best Towns 2015” online voting competition. We didn’t win the top spot in the country, but something beautiful unfolded right before our eyes. In April, Outside’s editorial team in Santa Fe handpicked Boone as one of 60 communities across the U.S. to participate. Towns were chosen for their “great access to trails and public lands, thriving restaurants and neighborhoods and, of course, a good beer scene.” A wildcard round of early online voting added four more contenders. Through spirited online voting, one of the 64 would be named “Best Town Ever” and receive a feature story in the September issue of Outside. Our friends at the Mast General Store were selected to lead Boone’s campaign. Right away, they teamed up with local establishments and community leaders to help spread the word. In four five-day rounds of voting, we achieved some incredible numbers for a town our size in the bracket-style tournament. We defeated Ocala, Florida (pop. 57,486) and Savannah, Georgia (pop. 142,772), earning more votes than any other participating town in round two and advancing to the sweet 16. A strong lead over Athens, Georgia (pop. 120,266) in the third round led us into the top eight, where we faced our toughest challenge. We didn’t surpass Chattanooga, Tennessee or advance to the final four, but we showed up in great numbers, and this match-up pulled in more than 80,500 total votes. More than nine times our size, Chattanooga, which won the same competition in 2011, prevailed with just 50.99 percent of the votes. They won the fourth round with 41,093 — but by those numbers, less than 25 percent of its population (173,366) voted against Boone. 104
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We earned a total of 39,499 in the final round. That’s more than two votes per citizen, and it was all thanks to a phenomenal response from our community! Had Chattanooga earned as many votes-per-resident as Boone, they could have earned more than 374,470 votes. So, how did Boone make it so far in a tournament against much bigger cities? It’s simple, really. As the competition got tough, our community pride grew stronger. We took the high road and led an all-positive campaign. Our online community was flooded with words of encouragement. In the end, we pulled off something we can all be proud of, even if we didn’t beat Chattanooga. Here at High Country Press, we extend our deepest gratitude to our friends and readers in Boone and across the state who showed unwavering support. We are grateful for everyone who helped us advance to the top eight, pulling in more than 81,900 votes in just four weeks. We are grateful to our friends and neighbors who helped spread the word — the Mast General Store, the Mast Farm Inn, RaysWeather.com, Go Blue Ridge, the Appalachian State community and many, many others. Even without the feature article, Boone will be highlighted in the September issue and will receive national recognition as a great place to live, work and play. This accomplishment will surely encourage more people to move to or visit our town, which relies heavily on revenue from travel and tourism. Thank you for reading, thank you for voting and thank you for being a part of our community! By Jessica Issacs
Get away from the crowds in the mountains. With over 300 of the original 1,000 acres having been designated Sunalei as a permanent natural preser ve, Sunalei is truly a community within a park and not a park within a community. Sunalei, a place for your family to gather. A place to be infused with a mountains’ presence. A place to be inspired. A place to protect. Estate tracts 2 to 20 acres Custom homes $749,000 to $1,175,000
THE SHELTER RECREATION CENTER HIGH MOUNTAIN CAMP CLUBHOUSE TENNIS COURT PUTTING GREEN FITNESS CENTER CONSERVANCY LANDS
828.263.8711 • BOONE, NC
HIKING TRAILS ADJOINS ELK KNOB STATE PARK 20 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN BOONE
June 2015
SunaleiPreserve.com BlueRidgeRealty.net High Country Magazine
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