High Country Visitor's Guide Summer 2017

High Country Press

Visitor Guide Summer 2017 F R E E

The Official Guide for

THINGS TO DO Where to go . . .

This Summer!

Hiking - SHOPPING - Eating

Attractions - Adventures North Carolina’s

H i gvhi sCi to ou rn ’tsr yg uMountains ide summer

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Stay A Few Days With A Rental . . . Or A Lifetime with Your Own Condominium or Townhome

Echota is a community of elegantly crafted, mountain-style condominiums, townhomes and custom homes. Families from all over the Southeast are already enjoying the maintenance-free luxury of Echota with ridgeline views of Grandfather Mountain or the Watauga River Valley. Properties starting from the $200s for breathtaking views and outstanding value – plus innovative features. Come have a look today.

Foscoe Rentals offers Log Cabins, Condos, Townhomes, Vacation Homes for a Mountain Vacation for Any Season.

Visit our Sales and Rental Offices located at Hwy. 105 South near Foscoe ... between Boone and Banner Elk. Call 800-333-7601 to arrange a visit or 800-723-7341 for rentals. Or visit our website at: www.EchotaNC.com for more information.

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Only company that offers FREE transportation!

A qualified guide in EVERY raft!

Guaranteed!

Watauga or Nolichucky Rafting Funyaking on “Wild & Scenic” Wilson’s Caving Expeditions & Hiking Excursions Tubing on the New River

Leave the Driving to Us! BANNER ELK OUTPOST

At Ski Country Sports, 3149 Tynecastle Hwy. across from Sugar Mtn. Entrance

BOONE OUTPOST

At 1st Tracks, Highway 105 South beside Casa Rustica Restaurant

828-898-9786

www.HighMountainExpeditions.com www.RaftingNC.com v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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Summer 2017 7539 Valley Blvd | 828.295.0041

A Group Show Perspectives of Grandfather and Blowing Rock June 5th through June 24th

Robin wellner Blue Ridge Impressions: Brush and Knife July 17th through July 27th

Jason Drake Close to Home August 14th through August 26th For more information and reception times visit our website at www.blowingrockgalleries.com/art-shows/ 4

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Go Here To See Our Guide

ONLINE

www.BooneNCinfo.com High Country Press

Visitor Guide Mobile Phone Friendly .... Just Search

BooneNCinfo.com

Photos by Todd Bush MORE info on:

BooneNCinfo.com

Best Visitor Website!

100’s of Hiking Trails • Places to Go Camping • All The Events • Festival Listings • Fishing Biking • Whitewater Rafting • Blue Ridge Parkway • Attractions • Shops & Restaurants 6

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Prospect for your very own North Carolina Gemstones!

Sugar Creek Gem Mine makes prospecting for gemstones fun and enjoyable for all ages– from the amateur to the advanced rock collector. For beginners, we have a knowledgeable staff that will guide you through the process, and the advanced miners will appreciate our first-class equipment. You’ll find many take-home treasures to last a lifetime.

We guarantee you’ll find precious gemstones in every bucket!

Fun for the whole family!

3045 TYNECASTLE HWY • BANNER ELK www.SugarCreekGemMine.com

828-898-GEMS

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Contents

Welcome To The

Our Cities & Towns

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Parkway Sights

Things to do Outside

22

Wineries & Breweries 60

Whitewater Rafting • Fishing Climbing • Canoeing • Caving & More

Taste The Grapes and Hops of High Country Vineyards And Breweries

Things To Know

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Local Restaurants

64

Area Attractions

26

Shops & Retailers

86

High Country Map

30

A Trip Through The High Country

High Country!

Helpful Information

Vacation Stops Not To Be Missed An Overview Of The High Country

High Country Fishing

34

Biking the Mountains

38

Outdoor Outfitters

40

Ziplining

44

Gem Mining

48

Meet The Professionals Who Help You Have The Adventure of A Lifetime

We Hope You Enjoy your mountain Visit

One Of The Area’s Most Unique And Exciting Adventures

A Broad Range Of Dining Opportunities A Compilation Of Neat Shops And Boutiques

Consignment Stores 100

Check out the Re-Sale Trail

Anglers Let You In On The Local Secrets From The Winding Roads To The Beautiful Countryside

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Favorite Stops And Hikes

Exciting Activity for Kids–Young & Old

Hiking

102

Overviews And Directions To The Region’s Favorite Hikes

Calendar of Events

104-110

The cover picture was photographed on the Appalachian Trail from Carver’s Gap looking toward Jane Bald

High Country Press

Visitor Guide Ken Ketchie PUBLISHER & EDITOR Debbie Carter ART DIRECTOR EDITING Katie Benfield & Jesse Wood photography - Pictures in this issue are from our photo files and include photos from Todd Bush, Randy Johnson, Ken Ketchie, Jim Morton, as well as submitted pictures

Cover Photographer Todd Bush’s studio is in Banner Elk, NC. His photographs have been published on book covers, posters, cards, calendars and in numerous magazines. Todd is available for advertising assignments and offers thousands of royalty free and rights managed stock photography images available for download. Visit www. bushphoto.com | 828.898.8088

High Country Press Publications P.O. Box 152, Boone, NC 28607 www.HCPress.com (828) 264-2262

A Publication of High Country Press Publications For More Information VISIT US ONLINE

For what’s going on right now in the High Country. Check out our website to see what’s happening while you’re here in the mountains.

BooneNCinfo.com THE HIGH COUNTRY www.BooneNCinfo.com

Gather Here.

185 Chetola Lake Drive | Blowing Rock, NC 828.295.5500 | Chetola.com v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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HIGHER EDUCATION in The High Country Education in the High Country is important for the community. Future leaders and innovators can pursue their education, and the schools have a huge impact on the local economy and culture.

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ppalachian State University, founded in 1899, is one of the 16 universities in the University of North Carolina system, enrolls approximately 18,000 students of various identities, beliefs, values and practices, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors. It is known for its low student to teacher ratio and the notorious football team that represents the school’s thriving spirit.

Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk was opened in 1900 and has a beautiful campus with multiple programs of study that students enrolled can participate in, ranging from Criminal Justice to Cycling Studies. Along with this, Lees-McRae has also instated the New Opportunity School for Women, the purpose being to improve the educational, financial and personal circumstances of low-income women in the High Country.

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute has served more than 200,000 students in 50 years of service. The Watauga Campus in Boone is a satellite location of the Caldwell Campus in Hudson.

The Watauga Campus now features six buildings and the most beautiful view of the Blue Ridge that anyone can find in the CCC&TI college program.

Mayland Community College, one of 58 institutions in the North Carolina Community College System, is located on the Avery/ Mitchell county lines right outside of Spruce Pine. This community college has been serving Mitchell, Avery and Yancey counties for over 40 years. The open-door admission policy allows students as young as 14 to participate in the Early College High School and as senior as octogenarians in the Continuing Education Program.

Ready to reach new heights?

VISIT US TODAY WWW.LMC.EDU

Your Future Elevated | Banner Elk, NC | 828.898.5241 10

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The Original Store & The Annex in Historic Valle Crucis (828) 963-6511 Downtown Boone (828) 262-0000 • M A S T S T O R E .C O M • Waynesville • Hendersonville • Asheville • Winston-Salem, NC • Knoxville, TN • Greenville • Columbia, SC

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A Trip Through The High Country Newland

Linville

Boone Grandfather Mountain Seven Devils Sugar Mountain Blowing Rock Banner Elk Sugar Grove Beech Mountain

The High Country name was the result of a marketing effort in the early 1980s aimed at pulling the area together and creating an identity for locals and visitors alike to embrace. The area’s Watauga and Avery counties are home to the heart of the High Country -- and the towns of Boone, Blowing and Banner Elk. It stretches from Mitchell county in the west over to Ashe, Alleghany and Wilkes counties in the east.

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Avery county

very County was the last of North Carolina’s 100 counties to be formed in 1911. It was named for Waightstill Avery, a colonel in the American Revolution. The county has a total area of 247 square miles and is extremely rural and mountainous, with all of the county’s terrain located within the Appalachian Mountains range.

The county contains local attractions such as Grandfather Mountain, Grandfather Mountain State Park, Linville Gorge Wilderness, Linville Falls, Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway, all of which attract large numbers of visitors.

In October, the annual “Woolly Worm” festival at the old school in downtown Banner Elk draws visitors from around the world. The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games is held each year the

W

WATAUGA county

atauga County was formed in 1849 and named for its Watauga River. It is said that the name originates from a Native American word, various translations of which include “beautiful water,” whispering waters,” “village of many springs” and “river of islands,” to name a few. With a total of 313 square miles, Watauga County is extremely mountainous. All of its terrain is located within the Appalachian Mountains and its highest point is Grandfather Mountain’s Calloway Peak. It’s county seat and largest 12

first full weekend after July 4 and is one of the largest Scottish gatherings outside of Scotland. Ski Resorts are immensely popular tourist destinations in the cold winter months when snowfall and manmade snow create ideal skiing conditions.

Second homes, condominiums, rental properties, hotel-motel lodging, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds and real estate in general are critically important sources of jobs, income and tax revenue.

The brilliant fall colors and foliage of the surrounding mountains, winter sports, mountain bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, warm weather camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, hunting and searching for geological finds all make for a yearround tourism-generated and regular real estate market.

community, the Town of Boone, sits at 3,333 feet above sea level — the highest elevation of any city in the Eastern United States with a population more than 10,000.

Boone is home to Appalachian State University, which is one of 16 schools in the University of North Carolina system.

It is nationally recognized for offering high quality education at a great value to its students, as well as for its commitment to sustainability. Its comprehensive degree offerings served more than 18,000 students last year.

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STEP AWAY FROM YOUR BACKYARD AND STEP OUTSIDE YOURSELF Start your adventure today. 800.852.9506 ExploreBoone.com

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MORE info

on: BooneNCinfo.com

A Trip Through The High Country

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BOONE

visitor can desire. Boone he Town of Boone has long been a favorserves as the seat of ite vacation destination, Watauga County and is beginning in the 1880s home to Appalachian when Southerners came State University. The town here to escape the sumacquired its name from mer heat. Today, Boone the famous pioneer and is recognized by travel explorer Daniel Boone, journalists as an “ultimate who on several occasions Boone Fourth of July Parade outdoor adventure desticamped within the presnation” in the Southeast. ent city limits as he traveled through the area on his way to Ken- The Town of Boone was incorporated in tucky in the late 1700s. Through the years, 1872 and its current population is 17,186.

Boone has become the hub of commerce At 3,333 feet, Boone has the highest elevain the North Carolina High Country area, tion of any town of its size east of the Misoffering virtually everything a resident or sissippi River.

blowing rock

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ing. Its Main Street and he Town of Blowing adjacent Town Park has Rock is only three been a tourist destination square miles, yet is home for more than 100 years. to more than 100 shops, Known as “the Crown about two dozen restauof the Blue Ridge,” this rants and nearly 20 hoquaint mountain village tels and inns. Blowing sits astride the Eastern Rock was named “PrettiContinental Divide at a est Small Town in North cool elevation of 3,500 to Carolina” in a poll of inBlowing Rock Fourth of July Parade 4,000 feet above sea level state travel professionals and has a permanent yearand writers, and in 2008 the town was named a “Favorite Southern round population of approximately 1,425.

Destination” by readers of Southern Liv- It was incorporated in 1889.

banner elk

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College and features a he Town of Banner lively arts and cultural Elk is a beautiful scene, complete with mountain town away an intimate pedestrian from the busy crowds shopping district of where one can still upscale boutiques and have access to the finer outstanding restauconveniences found in rants. The town was larger metropolitan arfirst settled in 1825 eas. Located in Avery An Aerial Shot of Banner Elk and incorporated in County, it is surrounded 1911. Today, it has a by some of the highest mountains east of the Rockies, including population of about 1,000 full-time resiGrandfather Mountain and Beech Moun- dents. Banner Elk sits at 3,739 feet above tain. Banner Elk is home to Lees-McRae sea level.

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Satisfy Your Cravings.

BannerElk.com

RESTAURANTS & DINING COZY LODGING OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SHOPPING & GALLERIES v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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MORE INFO

on: BooneNCinfo.com

A Trip Through The High Country sugar mountain

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he Village of Sugar Mountain was incorporated as a township in 1988, and has grown easily into the perfect resort destination in the North Carolina High Country. The four-seasons resort community debuted in 1968, anchored by the south’s flagship winter ski resort. Today, Sugar Mountain is known for its spring, summer and fall activities, too. The fabulous golf course opened for play in 1974.

The par-64 layout maximizes every view, every mountain brook and every stand of rhododendron and forest on the 60-acre site.

The course features nine par threes, eight par fours and a single par five. The tennis at Sugar is just as spectacular. Six courts, meticulously maintained of fast-dry, Har-tru clay, are wildly popular from May through October. Men’s, women’s and mixed play

“friendlys’’ can be found every day of the week. And, like the golf, the tennis facilities are open to everyone, either on a pay-as-yougo basis, or economical season pass options.

Perhaps Sugar Mountain’s greatest allure, however, is its location. Central to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the heralded resort towns of Blowing Rock, Boone, Banner Elk and Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain is arguably the perfect spot for every High Country adventure. Hundreds of condominiums, town homes, chalets and cabins are available to visitors at very affordable prices. Hiking, whitewater rafting, cycling and more are available, too. Dining out in the region is absolutely world class. Discover a rare place of tranquility, beauty and great times. All that and more waits just for you on Sugar Mountain. Come share our world!

r e m um n

y S olest Tow o j n E C’s Co in N

• • • • • •

Miles of hiking trails Cross-country mtn biking Downhill mountain biking Stay-and-play golf packages Family Fun Month in June Higher elevation = cooler temps!

BeechMtn.com | 800-468-5506 16

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BEAT THE HEAT Unlimited Golf and Tennis when you book 2-5 night stay At 4,000 feet the challenge is the course not the heat New Event! July 1, 2017 Summit Crawl & Classic Car Cruise-In skisugar.com/crawl

SeeSugar.com

Golf: 828-898-6464

Tennis 828-898-6746

BOOK YOUR GOLF & TENNIS PACKAGE WITH SugarSki: 800-634-1320 | Dereka’s: 800-545-9475 | RRR: 800-438-4555 v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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MORE info on:

BooneNCinfo.com

A Trip Through The High Country seven devils

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even Devils is centrally located between Boone, Blowing Rock, Sugar Mountain, Banner Elk and Beech Mountain. It is a perfect stopping and lodging place during your visit to the High Country and boasts an elevation of up to 4,800 feet. It is certainly a beautiful town and its gorgeous mountain views are second-to-none.

Many peaks can be seen from Seven Devils, including Grandfather Mountain, Hanging Rock Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain, Mount Rogers, Howard’s Knob, Rich Mountain, White Top Mountain, and others.

Separating Grandfather Mountain and the Town of Seven Devils is N.C. Highway 105 located on the valley floor between the two. This highway provides easy access to the town, which is known for its wide array of outdoor activities.

The central location of Seven Devils puts it very close to a number of attractions and recreational opportunities.

Located right in town is the Hawksnest Zipline and the Hawksnest Snow Tubing Resort. Visit Seven Devils today! You will be glad you did. It will likely be a great experience you will not soon forget.

beech mountain

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t an elevation of 5,526 feet above sea level, Beech Mountain is the highest incorporated community east of the Mississippi River. A visit to the Town offers exciting outdoor recreation and milehigh relaxation. In summer, adventure seekers flock to the Emerald Outback at Beech Mountain, a trail park which features more than eight miles of gorgeous trails near the top of the mountain. Hiking, mountain biking and trail running are prevalent in the Emerald Outback, as well as on several other miles of in-town trails maintained by the parks and recreation department.

Chambers of Commerce

SUPPORT LO C A L BUSINESS 18

Downhill mountain biking trails, complete with lift service, are available during the warmer months at Beech Mountain Resort.

Those trails range from beginner to advanced. There’s also fishing, golfing and the town’s Buckeye Recreation Center -- activities include indoor and outdoor tennis, volleyball and a state-of-theart playground. And there’s also a modern fitness center and indoor basketball. Families and seniors also covet summer vacations on Beech enjoying 100-mile mountain vistas and mild summer temperatures that average in the low to mid 70s.

n BOONE: 264-2225 • 870 W. King Street, Suite A

Open Mon.-Fri. 8:30-4:30 • www.boonechamber.com

n BLOWING ROCK: 295-7851 • 132 Park Avenue Open Mon.-Fri. 9-5 • www.blowingrock.com

n BANNER ELK: 898-8395 • 100 West Main St. Open Mon.-Sun. 10-5 • www.bannerelk.org

n BEECH MOUNTAIN: 387-9283 • 403-A Beech Mtn Pky. Open Mon.-Sat. 9-5 • www.beechmtn.com

n AVERY-BANNER ELK: 898-5605 • 4501 Tynecastle Hwy. Suite 2. • Open Mon.-Sun. Various Hours www.averycounty.com

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We Will Lift Up!

Avery County Wine & Beer Fest – June 10

Blind Squirrel Campground 4716 US Hwy 19E Plumtree, NC

Fine Art & Master Crafts Festival July 14-16 August 11-13 Downtown Banner Elk

40th Annual Woolly Worm Festival – October 21-22 Downtown Banner Elk

Come by or Contact us for More Information

828-898-5605

4501 Tynecastle Highway, Unit 2, Banner Elk, NC 28604 www.AveryCounty.com v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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“THE HAWK” 7K@7D SATURDAY, SEPT. 16

Join in the fun and compete in The Hawk, Seven Devils’ 1st annual 7K race. Sponsored by the Town of Seven Devils and Hawksnest Resort, The Hawk is a 7K loop course with breathtaking views of Grandfather Mountain and the surrounding autumn scenery. Walkers will be able to participate on a condensed 3K course, as well!

For Information on the 7K@7D:

RacingToes.com

Town of Seven Devils For Information on the Town of Seven Devils:

SevenDevils.net

Ad Sponsored by the Seven Devils Tourism Development Authority 20

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MORE info on:

BooneNCinfo.com

Things To Do Outside If you are looking to experience an adventure in the Great Outdoors, the High Country has it all – from world-class rock climbing and whitewater kayaking to stellar biking opportunities and an endless array of trails, waterfalls and campsites. With so much available to the outdoor enthusiast, the options can be overwhelming. But not to worry. Our visitors guide can get you started by introducing you to the mountain outdoors and the guides and businesses that can help you enjoy summertime in the mountains.

Biking:

Whether you enjoy cycling along Lance Armstrong’s stomping grounds or mountain biking down the ski slopes in the summer, the High Country has become a premiere biking destination because of the plethora of options that now exist.

Hiking & Camping: With four state parks, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Pisgah National Forest just a short drive from downtown Boone, the trails to trek along, campsites to pitch a tent in and mountain views to wake up to are endless.

Swimming Holes & Waterfalls: The High Country is known for its enchanting waterfalls and playful swimming holes.

River Sports: From experiencing the thrill of turbulent whitewater in a kayak to the relaxation of coasting down a slow-moving river in a tube or canoe, the High Country has endless river sport opportunities – not to mention trout-stocked waters for anglers.

Ziplining: Ziplining is a ridiculously fun activity, and no adventure compares to gliding through a forest canopy or flying above rolling hillsides of the Blue Ridge that dip and dive as far as the eye can see.

Gem Mining: Rubies, emeralds, topaz and quartz are all stones that can be found by visiting any gem mine in the High Country. In an area that is overflowing with minerals and that started the Gold Rush, mines are a favorite for both tourists and locals.

Fishing: Anglers seek out the High Country as a destination for their favorite pastime. The area’s rivers are home to rainbow, brown and brook trout, and outfitters are ready to take you to the fish.

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You’re Invited

Awesome Places To See

Afternoon Outdoor Music SEE PAGES 104 – 108 FOR LIST OF DAILY EVENTS 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. In 1908, Dr. John Walter Jones built this historic house, which overlooks bustling King Street in the center of downtown. On Friday evenings, hundreds fill the front lawn to listen to free concerts of popular regional acts and local favorites.

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. From the blues to bluegrass, there’s always a little grooving and a raffle giveaway.

Todd Summer Music Series

Fred’s Summer Sunset Concerts

Travel way up in elevation to 5,506 feet, and you will find Fred’s General Mercantile in scenic Beech Mountain. Take in the quaint, old-fashioned style general store, and grab a soda pop or two. Now celebrating 35 years of service to the community, Fred’s offers summer concerts at its gazebo. With plenty of shows in the lineup for this summer, it’s a beautiful drive to a beautiful setting for an afternoon of music.

Best Cellar Music on the Lawn

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. The Todd General Store is just across the street, within earshot of the music.

The concert series happens on two Saturdays in the months of June and August. Three Saturdays in July.

Bayou Concert in the Courtyard

Enjoy Music on the Lawn at the Best Cellar in Blowing Rock. The lawns of the Ragged Inn and Gardens are an acre of beautiful flowers and greenery. 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. Some folks bring a chair and others just mingle, but everyone has a great time and returns week after week.

The Bayou Smokehouse and General Store in scenic downtown Banner Elk greets guests with authentic Louisiana and Texas cuisine. And with that Cajun spirit, the Bayou helps host the Concerts in the Courtyard Series on Tuesdays. Surrounded by shops and restaurants, the courtyard bustles with music and people with everyone having a good time. The Bayou is great place to start a night on the town.

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MORE info on:

BooneNCinfo.com

Things To Know Blue Ridge Parkway • Parking • Eating Out • Attractions • Music • Mast Store Our Visitor Guide includes a lot of the information you’ll need to make great decisions about what to do with your vacation time in the High Country. Here’s a few additional bits of information and some suggestions to think about.

DRIVE THE PARKWAY — Take our word for it. It’s a place that, no matter how many times you see it, you’re always ready to revisit and explore it further. This guide highlights a few of the not-to-miss stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and if you ask anyone on the street, they’ll tell you the same—it’s the one thing you have to do while you’re here. See page 54.

LOTS OF DINING OPPORTUNITIES —

Go out to eat! You’re on vacation, after all.

There are more than 200 local restaurants in the High Country waiting for you to be their guest, so go to a few you’ve never tried before. Check out any of the ones mentioned in this guide and you’re guaranteed to find great food, a unique atmosphere and friendly faces. See page 64.

PARKING DOES EXIST — It may not look like it at first glance, but keep your eyes open and follow the signs and you’ll most likely find public parking close to your destination.

TAKE A HIKE — It’s what we do up here in the mountains. It’s a combination of the solitude and the adventure of twisting trails along an array of mountain landscapes. It’s never knowing what’s around the next bend.

We’ve compiled some of our favorite places for your benefit, starting on page 102.

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CHECK OUT the ENTERTAINMENT —

Hundreds of great musical and theatrical acts come through this area. Just check local media listings to find out who’s in town while you’re here. Even if you’ve never heard the name before, realize that our local music scene is brimming with talented artists you won’t see anywhere else. Nearly every bar features great live acts, and there are plenty of day festivals and weekly family music events occurring all the time. Just ask around. See the calendar of events on pages 104 – 110.

VISIT THE MAST GENERAL STORE —

It’s the real deal for history buffs. The original store in Valle Crucis has been here since 1882, and it’s probably the oldest piece of our unique history. Admire the building and then step inside; it still has everything you could possibly need.

TWEETSIE, MYSTERY HILL, THE BLOWING ROCK, HORN IN THE WEST, GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN, Linville Craverns — All are classic

attractions that have entertained thousands of visitors and locals over the years. While you’re in town, don’t miss these sites that have helped define the High Country for many generations. Read information about area attractions starting on page 26.

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Summer

Sugar Mountain RESORT

Summit Crawl & Classic Car Cruise-In Saturday, July 1

Weekend Scenic Chairlift Rides Saturday, July 1 - Monday, September 4

4th of July Sports Shop Sale Saturday, July 1 - Tuesday, July 4

Fireworks on Top of Sugar Mountain Tuesday, July 4

Hiking & Biking Trails Daily - October

Oktoberfest

Saturday & Sunday, October 14 & 15

SUGAR MOUNTAIN RESORT LOCATED WITHIN THE VILL AGE OF SUGAR MOUNTAIN, NC

www.SkiSugar.com 800-SUGAR-MT v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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MORE info on:

BooneNCinfo.com

Great places to try out something a little different.

Area Attractions The Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock. The Blowing Rock is North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction, established in 1933. It’s an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level and overhanging Johns River Gorge, 3,000 feet below. Legend tells of a Chickasaw maiden and her lover, a Cherokee brave, who lept from the cliff and was returned by a gust of wind. The Blowing Rock is open all summer from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. n 828-295-7111.

the beautiful southern Appalachians.

Visit the wildlife habitats, journey along one the many hiking trails, buy a snack at the Top Shop and walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, America’s highest suspension footbridge! n 800-468-7325.

www.grandfather.com. See ad on page 27

HORN IN THE WEST

BOONE. Dr. Kermit Hunter’s Horn in the West is one of the nation’s oldest Revolutionary War dramas being performed today. The 2017 season marks its 66th consecutive summer in the High Country! For those who live here, it’s simply a tradition. A cast of fifty characters takes the stage to present the history and dreams of our forefathers through drama, dance and music in this outstanding outdoor production. Shows run from June 23 through August 5 with performances every Tuesday through Sunday at 8:00 p.m. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. n

www.theblowingrock.com. See ad on page 29

The Children’s Playhouse

boone.

The Children’s Playhouse.

Looking for things to do with kids?

Families play and learn together at The Children’s Playhouse - rain or shine!

This High Country children’s museum is located in Boone and close to Blowing Rock, Jefferson, Banner Elk, Wilkesboro, and Mountain City. It offers flexible hours for open creative indoor/ outdoor play as well as great classes for kids and adults. Come enjoy our Vet Clinic exhibit, Arts & Crafts studio, Discovery Garden, Play Kitchen, indoor Romp and Stomp with bouldering wall and more. 400 Tracy Circle, Boone. n

828-264-2120. www.horninthewest.com. See ad on page 107

LINVILLE CAVERNS

828-263-0011. www.goplayhouse.org. See ad on page 28

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN

LINVILLE. Grandfather Mountain is one of the most well-known, beloved places for visitors to spend their time. Boasting the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountain range (Calloway Peak, elev.

5,946 ft.) Grandfather Mountain has a vantage point for spectacular views of

26

v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

marion. Located at the southern gateway to western NC’s High Country region, Linville Caverns is an ideal destination for visitors of all ages. The beauty of our mountains is echoed within Humpback Mountain and visitors are invited to explore the splendor and wonders nature created “inside a mountain.”

Linville Caverns was opened for public touring in 1937. Since that time many upgrades to the pathways and lighting system have enhanced the safe touring experience that now exists. Courteous and experienced guides take you into the subterranean world, giving you the history of the caverns and allowing you to

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Human.

Nature.

GRANDFATHER® MOUNTAIN

Seems like we’re all drawn to nature. And whether it’s childlike wonder or an adult sense of discovery, you’ll find it here, in abundance. w w w . g r a n d f a t h e r. c o m

WONDERS NEVER CEASE

HUMAN NATURE Grandfather Mountain HCP Visitor Guide - SUMMER 1/2 pg ad 4.5”x3.8”

Art: Frank Ruggiero Contact: Frank Ruggiero (828) 733-2013 frank@grandfather.com

TWEETSIE RAILROAD 2017 SPECIAL EVENTS David Holt and the Lightning Bolts May 27 Day Out With Thomas™ June 9–18 July 4th 60th Anniversary Celebration

Tuesday, July 4 • Park open until 9 pm, Fireworks at 9:30 pm Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™ July 7– 9 Appearances at 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm

Cool Summer Nights July 8, 15, 22, 29 Park open until 9 pm

K-9s in Flight Frisbee® Dogs July 22– 30 The Backyardigans August 4 – 6 Appearances at 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm

Riders In The Sky August 12–13 Performances at Noon & 3pm

Railroad Heritage Weekend August 26 – 27 Ghost Train® September 22–23, 29 –30,

October 6 –7, 13 –14, 20 –21, 27–28

Open 7:30 pm–11:30 pm • Reserve your train ride time

NEW! Tweetsie® Christmas November 24 –25, December 1–2, 8–9, 15–16, 22– 23, 29–30

Open 5 pm–10 pm • Reserve your train ride time

Events subject to change

300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 877-TWEETSIE (877-893-3874)

tweetsie.com Events subject to change

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27

Enjoy These...

Area Attractions

THE Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Playhouse The High Countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Only Nonprofit Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum

view the grand work of nature. The tours take visitors along a level walk to see â&#x20AC;&#x153;insideâ&#x20AC;? Humpback Mountain that features amazing mineral color, unique formations, an underground stream with native trout, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bottomless Poolâ&#x20AC;? and a peek into total darkness. n 800-419-0540. www.

linvillecaverns.com. See ad on this page

MYSTERY HILL

0QFO 5VFTEBZ 4BUVSEBZ "ENJTTJPO $ QFS QFSTPO

Rain or Shine Fun for Kids or Babies up to age 8

BLOWING ROCK. The house that defies physics, Mystery Hill, is a gravitational anomaly. Here youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll stand at a 45-degree angle, see balls roll uphill and witness other inexplicable phenomenon. In the Hall of Mystery, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find puzzles, hands-on experiments and optical illusions. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to visit the Heritage Museum and the Artifact Museum. Mystery Hill is open seven days a week, year round, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. n 828-264-2792.

www.mysteryhill-nc.com. See ad on page 29

5SBDZ $JSDMF #PPOF t t HPQMBZIPVTF PSH

Visit Linville Caverns PHENOMENAL BEAUTY See inside a mountain. Walk among the stalactites and stalagmites formations.

See the underground stream with its blind fish. Experience â&#x20AC;&#x153;total darknessâ&#x20AC;? and look into a â&#x20AC;&#x153;bottomless pool.â&#x20AC;?

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ALL AT LINVILLE CAVERNS

North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Only Show Caverns Our informative and fun-filled tours showcases these amazing caverns. An adventure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll always remember!

800-419-0540 www.linvillecaverns.com #&58&&/ -*/7*--& ."3*0/ r .*-&4 4065) 0' #-6& 3*%(& 1"3,8":

)XZ 64 r " 4IPSU %SJWF 'SPN Ä&#x201A;F )JHI $PVOUSZ

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MORE info on:

BooneNCinfo.com TWEETSIE RAILROAD

BLOWING ROCK. Since 1957, Tweetsie Railroad has been creating memories and offering a family friendly Wild West adventure. An interactive experience of music, entertainment and tradition rich in American history, Tweetsie is fun for the whole family. For more than 50 years, visitors have ridden the tracks on the historic Number 12 locomotive on a three-mile adventure including a stop at a historic western fort. Hop on board for Tweetsieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wild West adventure! The park also features live shows, over a dozen carnival rides, gift shops and an animal park. Tweetsie Railroad has many places to eat at the park. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the Ghost Train Halloween Festival every Friday and Saturday throughout October! n

1-877-TWEETSIE. www.tweetsie.com. See ad on page 27

naâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Caroli l North est trave old raction att 1933! since

CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR 2017 SPECIAL EVENTS 8FEEJOHT t 3FVOJPOT Anniversaries #JSUIEBZT

Open Daily: April - December Thur - Mon: January - March The Blowing Rock is an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level, overhanging Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below. The phenomenon is so called because the rocky walls of the gorge form a flume through which the northwest wind sweeps with such force that it returns light objects cast over the void.

Hwy 321 S. across from Green Park Inn 432 Rock Rd. Blowing Rock NC t XXX UIFCMPXJOHSPDL DPN

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Map out your trip

Covering Watauga, Avery and Ashe Counties

Travel the High Country’s Designated Scenic Roadways Hwy 194 & 88: From Boone to Laurel Springs

WATUAGA LAKE

★ ★ Little

Fish Springs

Milligan

18 miles through Watauga & Ashe Counties

It starts in Boone at the New Market Shopping Ctr. You’ll first pass the Meat Camp community.

Turn left on Meat Camp Road and travel 5.5 miles to visit Elk Knob State Park. Then, retrace your route back and turn left on 194 toward Todd. The byway route temporarily ends at the intersection with Hwy 221. Head north to Jefferson and Mt. Jefferson to pick up the byway at the intersection of Hwys 16 and 88.

Follow Hwy 88 to Laurel Springs.

321

LI

N

SE ES

RO

N

C H

Beech Mountain

N

17 miles through Watauga & Avery Counties

194

19E

Begin driving where Hwys 421 and 194 converge in Vilas. Follow Hwy 194 into Valle Crucis and out of the valley. You will come to a triple S curve, in front of the Sweet Retreat B&B. Continue through Matney and eventually, you’ll arrive in Banner Elk, home of Lees-McRae College. Then, continue your drive along the winding road to Elk Park - site of the 60-foot Elk Park Waterfall.

★

Banner Elk

Elk Park

184

Sugar Mountain 105

Newland 221

Hwy 221 from Blowing Rock to Linville

ille

Linv

Crossnore

18 miles through Watauga & Avery Counties

194

Take Hwy 221 south from Blowing Rock; you’ll pass a Parkway turnoff and a quaint park. Later, you’ll pass under a huge rock that hangs over the road. Look up for a view of the Linn Cove Viaduct on the face of Grandfather Mountain.

Past another Parkway entrance, you’ll arrive at Grandfather Mountain. The byway ends in Linville at the intersection of Hwys 221 and 105.

221

Linville Falls

221

181

Thinking About a Wedding in The High Country?

High South

WEDDINGS

Say Yes! Tips for Planning Your Mountain Wedding 2017 ISSUE

For North Carolina’s High Country

A

EN T

RT O

Hwy 194 Valle Crucis Loop

30

A

E

321

Sugar Grove

High South

WEDDINGS

Everything You Need to Plan Your Mountain Wedding!

VISIT: www.highsouthweddings.com

v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

To: Mountain City, Tennessee

221

221

Jefferson

16

88

West Jefferson

Laurel Springs 88 16 194

Trade

221

Glendale Springs

Zionville

Fleetwood

Todd 421

Meat

Camp 194 221

Vilas

p

194

Valle Crucis

★

Boone

Ga

OLD

421

105

2 7 1

Cascades Trail milepost 271.9

221 321

105

Seven Devils

ep

De

221 421

Moses Cone Manor

Foscoe

2 9 3

he r Gr an df at in Mo un ta

BASS LAKE

PRICE LAKE

221 3 0 4

2 9 0

★ Blowing BYPASS

To: Wilkesboro and Winston-Salem

Thunderhill Overlook milepost 290.3

321

BUSINESS

321

Rock

* MAP NOT TO SCALE * Blowing Rock to Boone

Linn Cove Viaduct milepost 304

Distance: 8 miles Estimated Time: 14 minutes

Banner Elk to Boone

BooneNCinfo.com THE HIGH COUNTRY

To: Lenoir and Hickory

Distance: 18 miles Estimated Time: 31 minutes

Banner Elk to blowing rock

www.BooneNCinfo.com

Distance: 24 miles Estimated Time: 42 minutes

Wildcat Lake

Just outside Banner Elk, down Hickory Nut Gap Road, this lake is a great place for swimming and boating. It is open and free to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. Photos by Todd Bush

Located on Hickory Nut Gap Road off Hwy 184 - 2 miles from Banner Elk

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Interesting Data & Facts Weather - Population - Land Area

Population & Land Area Avery County Population: 17,689 Land area: 247.1 sq. miles

Watauga County Population: 52,906 Land area: 312.6 sq. miles

Banner Elk Population: 1,067 Land area: 1.9 sq. miles Elevation: 3,701

Beech Mountain Population: 320 Land area: 6.6 sq. miles Elevation: 5,505 feet

98 degrees – June 21, 1948 in Banner Elk 98 – June 26, 1916 in Banner Elk 98 – June 26, 1948 in Banner Elk 97 – August 9, 1944 in Banner Elk 97 – August 12, 1925 in Banner Elk 96 – July 10, 1936 in Boone 94 – June 29, 1936 in Boone 93 – June 28, 1952 in Boone 93 – June 30, 1936 in Boone

Blowing Rock Population: 1,237 Land area: 3.05 sq. miles Elevation: 3,566 feet

Newland

Lowest Temperature in Watuaga/Avery

Population: 688 Land area: 0.7 sq. miles Elevation: 3,606 feet

- 32 degrees – Jan. 21, 1985 atop Grandfather Mtn. - 31 – Jan. 21, 1985 in Banner Elk - 26 – Jan. 10, 1982 in Banner Elk - 26 – Jan. 30, 1966 atop Grandfather Mountain - 24 – Jan. 21, 1985 in Blowing Rock - 24 – Jan. 21, 1985 in Boone - 22 – Jan. 24, 1963 atop Grandfather Mountain

Seven Devils Population: 197 Land area: 2 sq. miles Elevation: 3,944 feet

Biggest One-Day Snowfall in Watauga/Avery 25.1 inches on Grandfather Mtn. on Jan. 31, 1998 24 inches in Blowing Rock on March 13, 1993 22.5 inches on Grandfather Mtn. on Jan. 10, 1996

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Highest Temperature in Watauga/Avery

Boone Population: 18,130 Land area: 6.13 sq. miles Elevation: 3,333 feet

22 inches in Banner Elk on March 13, 1993 20 inches atop Grandfather Mtn. on March 22, 2001 19 inches in Boone on Jan 27, 1998 18 inches in Banner Elk on Feb. 7, 1922

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Appalachia

MADE IN

Crossnore Weavers on the Crossnore campus of Crossnore School & Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home, opened in the early 20th century to preserve the Appalachian art of handweaving. Today we employ adults and students to keep the art alive and provide beautiful wearables, table linens, and home decor.

Drop by for a visit on campus or check out our online store at www.crossnoreweavers.org.

205 Johnson Lane | Crossnore, NC 28616 | (828) 733-4660 info@crossnore.org | www.crossnoreweavers.org

v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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The area’s rivers are home to rainbow, brown and brook trout.

Mountain Fishing

A

nglers seek out the High Country as a destination for their favorite pastime – catching. The area’s rivers are home to rainbow, brown and brook trout. With miles of streams and rivers running through spectacular scenery of the High Country, anglers spot all across the region’s waterways to fish.

Local outfitters are ready to take you on an excursion, provide all the gear and let you in on some of the “secret” fishing holes in the area. Do you want to spend your precious weekends and vacations looking for fish or do you want to catch them? A guide will lead you right to the fish, and you don’t have to worry about cleaning what you catch or loading up the boats. Lunch is even provided. So consider letting the guides do all the hard work, while you do the catching.

The Blue Ridge Parkway has several popular fishing spots and numerous streams and creeks. Fishing spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway include Doughton Park, Trout Lake, Bass Lake, Price Lake and the Linville River. While you don’t need a special permit to fish inside the Blue Ridge Parkway boundary, you need a standard fishing license for North Carolina. See the following spread on where to get a license in Avery and Watauga counties.

In Watauga, the Watauga River between Foscoe and Sugar Grove is a great stretch of trout waters. You can park at Valle Crucis Community Park off of Broadstone Road or pull off near the bridged intersection of N.C. 105 and Broadstone Road.

34

In Avery County, deep pools await in the rugged terrain of the Lost Cove Wilderness Area in the Pisgah National Forest. From the Blue Ridge Parkway exit near Blowing Rock, drive south until you hit the Roseboro Road. Then take a right and drive to the end of Timber Ridge Trail to meet the stream on the right.

Dozens of more creeks, lakes and other waterways are open to fishing in the High Country. These waters include catch-and-release & artificial-flies only; hatchery-supported trout waters, wildtrout and delayed-harvest-trout classifications. To learn more about all of fishable areas in the High Country and particular regulations of each, click to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission website.

For directions to more streams and lakes, and outfitters that can take you there, visit our online visitor guide at www.BooneNCinfo.com.

v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

For More Info on Fishing Listings of over 35 Fishing Spots Plus License Info • Lots of Pictures

BooneNCinfo.com

elk creek outfitters

BOONE. It is Elk Creek Outfittersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; goal to consistently exceed your expectations by providing quality fishing adventures tailored to the individual. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned veteran, Elk Creek Outfitters is prepared to make you ECO outing the trip of your dreams.

Offering guided float and wade trips as well as fly-fishing schools. n 828-264-6497. www.ecoflyfishing.com. See ad on page 37

GRANDFATHER TROUT FARM and Gem Mine

BANNER ELK. Grandfather Trout Farm has two ponds stocked with trout, and you just pay for what you catch. Ideal for large groups and families with chil-

BOONE

NC

Large Fly Selection Guided Wade & Float Trips NC Fishing License Area Maps & Books

Full service fly shop and guide service that specializes in fly fishing in the High Country.

We offer guided wade or float trips, as well as gear rental.

Book Your Trip Today!

5712 NC Hwy 105 South 7JMBT /$ t www.wrflyshop.com v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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Check Out These...

Fishing Outfitters

MORE info on: BooneNCinfo.com

have one of our experienced guides take you fishing and put you on that fish of a lifetime. No experience necessary! We’ll supply all the gear and show you how great fishing with a fly rod can be. Come by the shop, we can talk fishing and we’ll help with all your fly fishing needs. n 828-963-5463. www.wwrflyshop.com. See ad on page 35

dren, Grandfather Trout Farm provides bait, tackle, buckets, nets and other gear at no extra charge. After you’re done, the staff will clean and pack your catch for you. n 828-963-5098. www.grandfathertroutfarm.com. See ad on page 35

WATAUGA RIVER Fly Shop

BOONE. Watauga River Fly Shop is a full service fly shop and guide service.

Whether you are looking for a new setup or need a couple flies, we have everything you need to get you on the water.

We offer great brands like TFO rods, Ross Reels, Galvan, Rio, Scientific Angler, Loon, Chota and many more quality brands. If you tie flies, we have a wide selection of fly tying materials. If you are in town for the weekend and want to experience a great way to explore the High Country, or if your a seasoned local,

36

RIVER GIRL FISHING CO.

v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

TODD. River Girl Fishing offers friendly, personalized instruction as well as high quality kayak, bicycle, canoe and tube rentals, custom-built fly rods and a sense of adventure from their well-stocked shop in Todd. Located on Railroad Grade Road, right beside the legendary South Fork New River. n 336-877-3099. www.rivergirlfishing.com. See ad on this page

Where to Buy a Fishing License?

I

f you want to fish in North Carolina, you need to obtain a license approved by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

From 10-day passes to lifetime licenses, NCWRC offers licenses to residents, nonresidents, seniors and disabled. You can order most of the various licenses online at the agency’s website or through local agents in the High Country.

In Avery County, you can obtain a fishing license at Food Lion in Banner Elk, Brinkley Hardware in Elk Park, Fred’s General Mercantile atop Beech Mountain and Three Nails Hardware in Newland. And in Watauga County at Food Lion in Blowing Rock, Wildlife Unlimited in Boone, Cove Creek Store in Sugar Grove, J&M General Store and Grill in Blowing Rock, Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, Village Hardware in Blowing Rock, Walmart in Boone and

Watauga River Fly Shop in Vilas.

Remember on July 4th, no one needs a fishing license to enjoy the holiday outdoors.

N.C. Fishing License Fees For Residents / Non-residents 10-day pass: $7 resident / $18 non-resident Annual pass: $20 and up / $36 and up Lifetime: $250 / $1,200 Kids under 16: No license required *Prices differ for seniors, disabled and veterans

v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

37

biking

on

Beech

Bike Rentals Available, Well-Maintained Trails

E

xplore the intricate Beech Mountain Resort mountain biking trails and find out why it is often utilized for National Championship races.

The terrain offers something for every rider, from the beginner to the experienced. Beginner trails offer a smooth introduction for the novice rider, with friendly and manageable features. Our advanced terrain is steep and technical, with lots of rock, tricky corners and technical wood descents.

Our lift accommodates up to four riders per chair and offers the opportunity to easily self-load and un-load bikes, minimizing rough handling and unnecessary wear. Plus, enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the mountain as you ride up to the highest bike park in the east at 5,506 feet elevation.

We have also partnered with Magic Cycles of Boone, who have a full service rental shop at the resort. For over 20 years, Magic Cycles has been the

go to place for all things biking in the High Country. From new bikes to repairs to clothing and biking accessories and rentals, their Boone shop has it all. And their friendly, knowledgeable staff is available on Beech to help bikers with a bike rental for the day or information about the Beech Trail System. They are Beech Mountainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only full service bike shop, and they have a full line of rental bikes from Santa Cruz and Giant, starting at just $80 per day. Beginner Lesson packages are available for $150, including rental equipment, instruction, and a lift ticket.

Park operation hours are Thursday from 12-6 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Season passes start at $199 for juniors (12 and under), and $225 for adults. Lift tickets are available at $28 for juniors (12 and under) and $35 for adults.

BORED?

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Boone and Beech Mountain

RENTALS SALES SERVICE

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v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

NORTH CAROLINA’S ONLY LIFT-ACCESSED MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK

Beech Mountain

BEECH MOUNTAIN RESORT

BIKE PARK

.com

Mountain Biking Disc Golf • Yoga Live Music • Food Scenic Lift Rides 5506’ Skybar Bike Lessons and Camps

Check out www.beechmountainresort.com or visit us on Facebook39 v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

MORE info on:

BooneNCinfo.com

Look here to make your adventure as fun as possible...

Outdoor Outfitters

Whether you want to go biking, fishing, rock climbing, rafting, kayaking or tubing, outfitters have all the gear, safety equipment and local knowledge of the topography and landscape to make your adventure as pleasant as possible. Sometimes it’s just wiser to hire an outfitter to assist your adventure. That way you can spend more time enjoying an adventure rather than trying to find and prepare for one. Why not just hire one of the outfitters to worry about all of that “work,” while you set your sights on the fun moments?

New Climbing Headquarters

Rock Dimensions, a climbing gear shop and guide service, is your new climbing headquarters in Boone. Along with continuing to operate the 40-foot climbing tower in downtown Boone and guiding climbing adventures across the High Country, Rock Dimensions now provides retail services for all your climbing needs: shoes, pads, chalk, hardware and more. With PCIA certified guides, Rock Dimensions has provided climbing trips and instructions to groups and individuals since 1998.

High GRAVITY ADVENTURES

ence in guiding adventurous travelers to some of the world’s most spectacular places, High Mountain Expeditions has crafted what we consider to be the best adventures in the world. We are experts in Nolichucky River Rafting, Watauga River Rafting, Wilson Creek Rafting, New River Tubing, Hiking and Caving.

We takes guest on whitewater and tubing trips, deep inside local caves, on hiking excursions and even mountain biking. High Mountain Expeditions covers transportation to and from river trips, an experienced guide for the day, equipment and lunch. We’re dedicated to creating your perfect adventure. n 1-800-262-9036. www.highmountainexpeditions. com. See ad on page 3

BLOWING ROCK. High Gravity Adventures is an aerial adventure park offering unique, active outdoor activities for ages 4 and up. Guests will be given the opportunity to individually explore 75 different elements at heights ranging from 15 to 50 feet.

The experience includes up to 3 hours of aerial exploration. Guests will come face-to-face with swinging bridges, tightrope walks, spider web climbs, rappelling stations and more. Located in Blowing Rock next to Tweetsie Railroad! SEE ad for 10% OFF coupon. n 828-386-6222. www.highgravityadventures.com See ad on page 43

High Mountain Expeditions

Boone. With over 25 years of experi-

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ROCK DIMENSIONS CLIMBING & ADVENTURE GUIDES

v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

BOONE. Based in downtown Boone,

v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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Check Out These...

Outdoor Adventures at the location of the 40’ outdoor Climbing Tower. Fun for families and all ages! No experience necessary!

Half-day and full day Rock Climbing trips with experienced, certified guides.

“Tower to Rock” program combines a two-hour lesson at the outdoor climbing tower with a half-day trip out on real rock. Guided Caving trips reveal the hidden underground world of a natural limestone cave. The challenge course, located in Blowing Rock, has a zipline exiting off of the top level, and a giant swing on the second level. Explore your Vertical World!

The Discovery Course is a playground, obstacle course, adrenaline rush all wrapped into one structure that allows individuals to choose which activities and paths to take as they make their way up to the third level platform with the dual Zipline exit. Discover your limits on the High Ropes/Challenge Course, with exciting Zipline and Giant Swing exits! Trips are instructional and fun, with all equipment provided.

Explore your Vertical World! And visit our store for all your climbing equipment needs - The High Country’s Climbing Headquarters. n 828-265-3544. www.rockdimensions.com. See ad on page 41 and 42

Climbing headquarters to get you out on the rock for your next adventure! Gear for all your climbing needs - shoes, pads, chalk, hardware and more.

Guide service with PCIA certified instructors.

131-B S. Depot St., 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 39th year of offering the highest quality tours.

Choose from “mild-to-wild” adventures - lazy canoe, kayak or tubing trips; beginner to high venture rafting; cave and biking tours. Exclusively offering three NEW riverfront outposts - providing full restrooms, hot showers, changing rooms, FREE parking, concessions, gift shops, picnic shelters, and more - on and by every major river in the region.

Call and book your adventure now. n 828-262-5774 or 800-44-RAFT. www.wahoosadventures.com.

See ad on page 5

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v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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Check Out These...

Z

Outdoor Adventures

A Ridiculously Fun Activity

iplining is a ridiculously fun activity, and no adventure compares to gliding through a forest canopy or flying above the rolling hillsides of the Blue Ridge Mountains that dip and dive as far as the eye can see. With some of the best zipline tours along the East Coast, the High Country is the place to be if you want a thrilling adventure. Check out Hawksnest Zipline located on Seven Devils that offers packages for families and groups as small as two individuals and has the longest zipline tour on the East Coast with 20 cables, four of which are known in the industry as super or mega zips. At Sky Valley Zip Tours in the Blowing Rock area, you’ll find 10 zip lines that cruise through 140 acres of pristine forests during their 3 hour tours. They also have a cliff jump, swinging bridge and countless views. Ziplining is a safe and awesome fun thing to do on your vacation!

Where To Go...

Ziplining

in the

High Country

SKY VALLEy ZIPLINE

BLOWING ROCK. Ten zip lines, a cliff jump, a swinging bridge and countless views later - you’ll have an experience you won’t soon forget. Our course is located on 140 acres of pristine environment on which you will get to observe and enjoy diverse flora and fauna and a beautiful waterfall. Our groups are small, maximum of 10 zippers, and led by two expertly trained Rangers accompany every tour, providing you with both peace of mind and teaching you about the course along the way. Each three hour tour takes you on a thrilling and educational journey through the trees. Begin your trip with an off-road ATV ride through the river and up the mountain!

SEE ad for 10% OFF coupon. n 855-475-9947. www.skyvalleyziptours.com. See ad on page 47

HAWKSNEST ZIPLINE

SEVEN DEVILS. Hawksnest offers two tours. The Hawk Tour is an 11-cable tour with two swinging Safety and supervision bridges that covers 1.5 miles of cables. This tour ensures a great experience reaches speeds of up to 35 mph. The Eagle Tour is a nine-cable tour with a swinging bridge that offers almost three miles of cable riding.

Speeds reach up to 50 mph. In all, the zipline course at Hawksnest is four miles long, reaches a height of more than 200 feet and speeds of up to 50 mph. Experience the spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as you glide over and through the trees and above the lakes and creeks. Hawksnest is open year round, seven days a week with tours at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. To make reservations, just call. n 800-822-HAWK. www.hawksnestzipline.com. See ad on page 45

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C E L E B R AT I NG 50 Y E A R S!

One of the Longest Ziplines in the US Zipline over trees, through trees, over lakes and creeks and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. r 20 ziplines including 4 mega zips that are over 1500 feet r 4 miles of ziplines with heights over 200 feet and speeds up to 50 mph r Call or book reservation online

OV E R 2 0 0

FT!

DING

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LI 20 ZIP

IPS!

AZ 4 MEG

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Located Between Boone and Banner Elk on Hwy 105

828.963.6561 | HawksnestZipline.com v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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Things To Know...

Pet Friendly

in the

Watauga Humane Society

312 Paws Way, Boone, NC 828-264-7865 Open Tues-Sun 12:30-5pm, Closed Mon The Watauga Humane Society offers pet adoptions for dogs and cats of every ages.

Along with this, it has a wide array of other animals for adoption, such as guinea pigs, hamsters, bunnies and rats. There are two cat rooms that visitors can go into to get to know the cats and kittens, as well as opportunities to walk the dogs through the back trails by the humane society.

High Country

Avery Humane Society

279 New Vale Rd., Newland, NC 828-733-2333 Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-4pm Avery Humane Society is located behind the Ingles in Newland, and it has both cats and dogs of all ages available for adoption. There are multiple cat rooms, as well as dog-viewing rooms and puppy rooms. Not only this, but they also have rodents available for adoption, including three gerbils who are looking for loving homes. Avery Humane also participates in the New Leash on Life program..

Hiking Trails: All of the trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway allow and encourage pets,

except for Rough Ridge, as long as you keep your dog on a leash that is no longer than six feet. The Greenway in Boone is also pet friendly. Grandfather Mountain allows pets in all of the outdoor areas except for the Animal Habitats area, and they must be leashed at all times. The Blowing Rock also allows dogs, but it is recommended that you keep them on a short leash as there are cliffs.

Restaurants: If you’re starving and want to bring your dog along to dinner after a long day of adventuring, there are countless restaurants around the High Country that will allow you to dine with your dog in designated areas, which are usually outdoor tables on patios and decks.

Dog Parks: Along with all of this, dogs are welcome at the dog park at the Watauga Humane Society, 3 acres that are fenced in for your furry friend to have a blast with other dogs. It is open to visitors for $3 a day. If you find yourself closer to Banner Elk, there is the Tate-Evans dog park, which is a free dog park that is located in the middle of Tate-Evans Park where you can finally let your little buddy off his or her leash to explore the fenced in areas. There is also the Bark Park in Beech Mountain, which is located across from the Beech Mountain Chamber and offers two separate fenced in areas – one for dogs under 25 pounds and one for those that are on the heavier side.

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AGES

4+

Experience a canopy tour & zipline adventure like no other.

An exhilarating half-mile ATV ride leads you to 10 zip lines with over a mile of cable & elevations of up to 300 feet, cliff jumps, a 120-foot-long swinging bridge, and more.

Don’t miss Whistle Pig Adventures, kid-friendly fun for ages 4 and up.

Just call 1-855-475-9947 or visit SkyValleyZipTours.com to start your adventure today! *AS OF MAY 2017

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A good way for families to spend time together

Gem Mining “The High Country is one of the most geologically diverse areas in the world, especially for finding gemstones.”

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ubies, emeralds, topaz and quartz are all stones that can be found by visiting any gem mine in the High Country. In an area that is overflowing with minerals and that started the Gold Rush, mines find success from both tourists and locals.

Finding gems in actual mines is difficult work that requires a lot of patience. But by visiting one of the gem mines in the High Country, the hard part is already done. No tools are necessary, and even small children can find beautiful gems.

Gem mining shaped much of the High Country’s history, and both children and adults can learn about that history while having fun. It can be a short activity that only takes about an hour, More on Gem Mining or diligent miners can spend the whole day Read More About Theses Gem meticulously going through their buckets.

Mines with Lots of Pictures Most importantly, it’s a good way for families to spend time together and create memories.

BooneNCinfo.com

DOC’S ROCKS GEM MINE AND FOSSIL MUSEUM

BLOWING ROCK. An educational gem mine run by geologists. Trained specialists will teach you about you gemstones. Wheelchair accessible.

Optional gemstone cutting and jewelry.

Appalachian Fossil Museum. Private party room. Coffee shop serving Bald Guy Brew and a variety of snacks. n 828264-4499. www.docsrocks.net. See ad on page 53

foggymountaingems.com. See ad on page 51

FOSCOE MINING COMPANY

FOSCOE. Located about 8 miles from Boone on N.C. 105, the Greater Foscoe Mining Company is open from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Sifting through rock and dirt, you’ll find precious and semi-precious gems, such as emeralds, sapphires, rubies, topaz, amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, green tourmaline and more. The Greater Foscoe Mining Company also offers gem cutting right on the premises. n 828-963-5928. www. facetsofffoscoe.com. See ad on page 49

FOGGY MOUNTAIN GEM MINE

BOONE. At Foggy Mountain Gem Mine, the friendly staff does all the hard work for you. Simply purchase a bucket filled with gemstone ore from local and non-local mines and sift the material in their covered flume area. More than 40 different minerals may be found at Foggy Mountain mine, and gemstone quality ore is guaranteed in every bucket. SEE ad for 10% OFF buckets. n 828-963-4367. www.

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sugar creek gem mine

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banner elk. We consider our staff to be among the best in the industry. Some began their mining careers 40 years ago.

Our staff members are historians, jewelers, geologist, silversmiths, gemologist, and their enthusiasm for gemstones is truly contagious. n 828-898-GEMS. www.SugarCreekGemMine.com See ad on page 7

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Farmers Markets

Join the excitement at the Farmers’ Markets every week in Boone or Banner Elk

Watauga Farmers Market

BOONE. Each Saturday morning through November, up to 65 vendors offer quality local products in one of the largest and liveliest markets in western North Carolina. Come experience the sounds, smells, tastes, and friendly atmosphere of the High Country. Watauga Farmers Market has the area’s finest selection of quality produce from local growers, as well as seasonal fresh fruits and berries, local jams, jellies, and honey. You can also find fresh baked breads, cakes and pastries from our country kitchens, fresh farm eggs, fresh aged goat cheeses, locally farmed meats, fresh herbs, fresh-cut and dried flowers, wreaths and arrangements. Farm based crafts including wool, birdhouses, jewelry, pottery, baskets, handcrafted yard art and garden furniture are offered by our skilled local crafters and artists. There is always a large selection of

plants, including annuals, perennials and shrubs. Look for special events, live music, cooking demonstrations, and children’s activities. n 828-355-4918. See ad below

Avery Farmers Market

BANNER ELK. The Avery County Farmers Market takes place Every Thursday 4:30-7pm at the Old Banner Elk Elementary School. It is organized for educational, charitable, and marketing purposes. It is dedicated to serving the needs of the farms and farmers throughout Avery County, promoting ethical standards, encouraging the growth and well-being of local farms, and educating the public to the benefits of supporting local farms. Produce of all varieties, greens, grass-fed beef, duck, chicken, pork, artisan breads, goat cheese, fresh flowers, maple syrup, jellies, jams, and handmade crafts are usually available. n www.averycountyfarmersmarket.net. See ad below

Open Saturdays 8 - Noon May through November

We accept EBT & FMNP

Daniel Boone Park; Horn in the West Parking Lot, Boone, NC

828.355.4918

Thursday Market 4:30 - 7:00 pm

Old Banner Elk Elementary School 185 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk Produce of all varieties, greens, grass-fed beef, duck, chicken, pork, artisan breads, goat cheese, fresh flowers, maple syrup, jellies, jams & handmade crafts.

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The Town of West Jefferson Visit Ashe County and Their Charming Mountain Communities

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elcoming, friendly and full of life, the streets of downtown West Jefferson are lined with places to see, things to do, people to meet and stories to hear.

This slice of small-town Appalachia sits at the heart of North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most northwestern county, and it has in recent years become one of the most coveted destination spots in the region.

Charming storefronts, great restaurants and friendly faces abound in this heartwarming town, which is located about 30 miles outside of Boone. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great place to visit, and, no matter how long youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in town, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll likely find youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d rather stay a little longer.

The community, which recently celebrated its centennial, has been hard at work over the past decade to guarantee that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s light continues to shine as an incredible place to live, work and play.

Thanks to streetscape enhancements, renovations and revitalization projects galore, the town of West Jefferson is both a treasured piece of North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past and a glowing

ď &#x201A;

example of modern life in the Blue Ridge hill country.

Its buildings hold within their walls 100 years of history, and its streets are filled with hardworking, happy people who promise an even brighter future for generations to come.

Its annual Christmas in July festival draws countless visitors in the heart of summertime and pays homage to the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blooming Christmas Tree industry, which has been recognized as the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best of the best.

Its thriving arts district and active arts council make it a premier travel destination in the Southeast, as well as a beautiful and inspiring place to live. Studio tours, gallery crawls, elaborate murals, live theatre performances and frequent local concerts guarantee thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always something to do.

Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to catch a show, grab a bite to eat, do some shopping, explore an art gallery, learn about its history or simply soak in its delightful mountain charm, one thing is for sure â&#x20AC;&#x201D; youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to love spending time in West Jefferson.

ANT IQU ES O N MA IN

A West Jefferson Destination!

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The High Countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest Antique Mall With Over One Million Items!

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Docâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rocks Gem Mine & FOSSIL MUSEUM

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North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premier Geology Education Center

Between Boone and Blowing Rock at Mystery Hill on Hwy 321 Daily 9:30 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5:00 pm 828-264-4499 www.docsrocks.net 111 Mystery Hill Lane Blowing Rock, NC 28605 v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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A 100-mile stretch of America’s favorite drive is roughly less than an hour from downtown Boone.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Blue Ridge Parkway # 1

Photo by Todd Bush

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hile the Blue Ridge Parkway meanders for 469 miles from the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, more than a 100-mile stretch of America’s favorite drive is roughly less than an hour from downtown Boone, including the most iconic scene along the parkway – the curvaceous Linn Cove Viaduct. Whether you want to engage in outdoor sport such as climbing, hiking, fishing and camping or just want to cruise the parkway, stop by the overlooks and soak up the waterfalls and long-range mountain views, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a nature’s paradise. Mileposts are conveniently marked for easy traveling. Here are some of our favorite Parkway stops, just to get you started.

North to South Cascades Trail – Milepost 271.9

2 7 1

be viewed from observation platforms located both above and below the falls.

Moderate.

The Cascades Trail is named for the 2 Moses Cone Manor – 9 waterfall to which it leads, but the 4 trail itself is worth the visit. Part of the Milepost 294.6 Named after the post-Civil War E.B. Jeffress Park, the Cascades Trail is a textile entrepreneur, conservationist self-guided interpretive trail with twenty and philanthropist, Moses Cone, this interpretive plaques labeling tree species Victorian mansion exemplifies the of the Blue Ridge. From the parking lot, resort home tradithe trail turns from More On The Parkway tion in the High paved to gravel Country. During the and then follows Including A Listing of summer months, the the crest of a cliff.

88 Milepost Stops estate is open as an The trail is a 1.2arts and crafts cenmile loop, and ter. The network of Cascade Falls can

BooneNCinfo.com

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THE MISSING LINK OF THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

Linn Cove Viaduct

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ust passed Julian Price Lake headed toward Linville, the Parkway suddenly opens up to breathtaking mountain vistas as you drive, seemingly suspended in air, 4,100 feet above ground along the Linn Cove Viaduct. At times, the views are so enchanting that it’s not until you’re halfway across this 5 mile stretch of Parkway, which hugs the Southern face of Grandfather The Linn Cove Viaduct cost $10 million to build.

Mountain, that you begin to question how this engineering feat supports itself.

While nearly all of this 469-mile scenic drive was completed and open to the public by 1967, it took another 20 years of engineering ingenuity to design a viaduct that would extend the Parkway around Grandfather Mountain without causing significant damage to such fragile terrain. The firm of Figg & Miller Engineers Inc. soon got to work, building a The Viaduct under construction in 1986.

1,243 foot long S-Curve from the top down, which utilized 153 concrete segments weighing nearly 50 tons each. Only seven massive piers support the structure beneath.

Nearly $10 million and two decades later, this “Missing Link” of the Parkway was completed and opened to the public in 1987.

To date, this innovative structure has received numerous national design awards.

After driving the span of the viaduct, visit the Linn Cove Viaduct Visitor Center to explore exhibits detailing this engineering marvel. At the end of the visitor center parking lot, veer right to access a paved trail which runs underneath the viaduct and connects into the 13.5 mile Tanawha Trail that crisscrosses the Parkway.

The Viaduct utilized 153 concrete segments weighing nearly 50 tons each. v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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Explore... the Blue Ridge Parkway trails that crisscross the 3,500-acre Moses Cone Park is open year round.

All trails are easy grade and great for larger groups with children. Easy to moderate.

Boone Fork Trail – Milepost 296.4

2 9 6

The Boone Fork Trail differs from most Parkway hikes in two ways.

The first is that the majority of the trail is in the woods, where tumbling streams and rock outcroppings replace typically grand vistas. The second is its length. At 4.9 miles, the Boone Fork Trail is longer than most, and slightly arduous. But given adequate time to complete and a picnic lunch, it is one of the most beautiful hikes in the area, with several stream crossings, rhododendron tunnels and open grasslands. Strenuous.

Price Lake – Milepost 297.2

to the Lookout Tower

one of Price Park and one of the Linn Cove Viaduct, punctuate the trail, which intersects the Cragway Trail about halfway up, at Flat Rock View.

In-place ladders and cables help hikers negotiate the steep sections right before Calloway Peak. No permit is required for this hike. Strenuous

2 9 7

Just one mile south from the Boone Fork Trail, Price Lake is ideal for larger groups or for those looking for something a little less strenuous.

The 2.4-mile loop around Price Lake is suitable for hikers of any level.

Views of Grandfather Mountain can be seen from several points along the trail, which runs primarily along the lakeshore. On summer days, visitors can also venture into the water by renting a rowboat or canoe from the boat dock. Easy to Moderate.

Daniel Boone Scout Trail – Milepost 299.9

Trail from Moses Cone

Wilson Creek Overlook – Milepost 302

2 9 9

Ascending about 2,000 feet in 3 miles, the Daniel Boone Scout Trail runs from the Tanawha Trail to the summit of Calloway Peak, which, at 5,964 feet, stands as the highest point in the Blue Ridge Mountain Range. Extraordinary views, including

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If you’re looking for grandiose, long-range views directly from 03 the parkway, then this is the 2 overlook. High above the waters of Wilson Creek, which originates on Grandfather Mountain, this overlook is perfect opportunity to witness firsthand why they call it The High Country. Look out beyond the surrounding mountains, where the lowlands unfold themselves into the piedmont of North Carolina.

On perfectly clear days, visitors have reported sighting the Charlotte skyline.

MORE info on:

BooneNCinfo.com

Tanawha Trail to Rough Ridge â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Milepost 302.8

3 0 2

Linn Cove Viaduct â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Milepost 304.4

3 0 4

Rough Ridge is one of the most easily accessed vistas along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Tanawha Trail is actually more than 13 miles long, spanning from Price Park to Beacon Heights, but the section from the parkway to Rough Ridge is a short 1.5 miles, with great views as close as 0.6 miles from the Parkway. The trail follows a ridge crest and leads to boardwalks where 360-degree views give visitors a birds-eye view of The High Country. Moderate to Strenuous.

Even if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your first visit to The High Country, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re more than

The Lookout Tower Trail at the end of a Moses Cone Manor trail

Located at the Village of Sugar Mountain

Open to the Public Tomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Custom Golf Home to Titleist & Footjoy

at Sugar Mountain Golf Club

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A â&#x20AC;&#x153;Must Playâ&#x20AC;? while visiting the North Carolina Mountains!

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Explore... the Blue Ridge Parkway likely familiar with the Linn Cove Viaduct. As the final piece of the Parkway, the Viaduct was put in place in 1987. It is known as “the world’s only bridge built from the top down,” referencing the fact that it was airlifted into place using specialized construction Rough Ridge Trail • MILEPOST 302 helicopters to avoid defacing the mountain with heavy equipment. minimal distance. A mere 0.7 miles For no other reason than to marvel at roundtrip, this leg-stretcher leads to this engineering feat, the Viaduct is a a south-facing exfoliated dome, from must-see stop along the Parkway. which Mt. Mitchell and the Linville Gorge are visible. From the parking lot, Grandfather Trail 3 walk across SR 1513, which parallels the 0 to Calloway Peak – 5 Blue Ridge Parkway. Enter the woods Milepost 305.1 where the sign says “Tanawha Trail At 5,964 feet, Calloway Peak Beacon Heights 0.2.” The path climbs is the highest point in the Blue Ridge to a junction point for the Tanawha and Mountains. It is part of Grandfather Mountains-to-Sea trails; from there, Mountain, which has several other high follow signs marked “Beacon Heights altitude peaks, including MacRae Peak Trail” to the right. By adding in sections (5,939 ft.). Calloway can be accessed of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, hikers via multiple trails, but the Grandfather can easily avoid the large crowds often Mountain Trail, for its boulder found at Beacon Heights, and still gain formations and beautiful evergreen gorgeous views. Moderate. forests, remains a favorite. Additionally, 3 the Grandfather Trail is only a short Flatrock Self0 distance from the Parkway. Travel guiding Loop Trail – 8 south on the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Milepost 308.3 Like the Cascades Trail, the Highway 221 intersection at milepost Flatrock Trail is a self-guided tour of 305, then take 221 South for 1 mile to local tree species and rock names. Twenty the entrance of Grandfather Mountain. interpretive signs point out specific The Grandfather Trail begins at the examples of natural occurrences, like a highest parking lot, opposite the Linville yellow birch that grew around a fallen Peak Visitor Center. Strenuous.

Beacon Heights via Tanawha Trail – Milepost 305.2

3 0 5

Beacon Heights is a popular Parkway destination for its spectacular views of Grandfather Mountain and

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log and now appears to be standing on its roots. There is also a virgin remnant of a northern red oak, a sign that we were once similar to northern New England states. The trail is only a short distance to Flatrock, where views on a clear day are extensive. Moderate.

Parkway Destinations Linn cove viaduct You see it from afar as you approach it on the Parkway, and soon you’re gliding through the air as you cross this engineering marvel, built to protect the fragile slopes of Grandfather Mountain. It’s fun to drive across a number of times, and the views are awesome.

price lake A 47-acre lake with lots of private fishing spots and campground on its shore, Price Lake offers canoe rentals and a 2.3-mile hike that hugs the shoreline. A beautiful spot and all its amenities make Price Lake a great place to spend a few hours.

price picnic grounds It’s one of the largest picnic areas on the Parkway, encompassing a beautiful valley with streams and open fields just begging to be played on. Four trails run through here.

Bathrooms, ample parking, trash cans and grills are all available for free.

CONE MANOR A stately manor will transport you back in time when a rich entrepreneur ruled this roost. The 23-room, more than 100-year-old summer palace is dazzling, and the 3,500acre Moses Cone Park has 25 miles of handbuilt carriage trails, one of which leads to the graveyard of its original owners.

Bass Lake Not accessible by the Parkway but part of the Parkway, this is a locals’ favorite. Many walk their dogs on a trail that runs around the beautiful lake, and the spot offers great views of the Cone Manor and access to the trails leading up to it. Free parking and new toilet facilities are available. Bass Lake is off Highway 221, a short drive north from Main Street in Blowing Rock. v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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MORE info on:

BooneNCinfo.com

Breweries are a blossoming and Wineries are first class.

Wineries & Breweries

Beech Mountain Brewery

BEECH MOUNTAIN. As one of the only US breweries owned and operated by a ski area, we are dedicated to action sports enthusiast. Our brewery is nestled in the village of Beech Mountain Resort, offering, skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating, mountain biking and disc golf.

Our brewery provides the perfect atmosphere to relax after a long day or skiing, biking or hiking. The Beech Mountain Brewing Co. is accessible for all patrons and you do not have to participate in resort activities to visit.

Since opening in 2013, we continue to embrace our mountain community by dedicating ourselves to the best beer, the best food and the best hospitality

we can. Billy Smith is our head brewer. Smith is a New York native and a graduate of Lees-McRae College. His dedication and creativity have proved successful with a third place medal for the Beech Blond Ale at the 2015 North Carolina State Fair. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our secret?

We strive for a quality, consistent, and fresh product. We hand pick the finest ingredients to compliment our brews. n 828-387-2011. www.beechmountain resort. com. See ad on page 63

BLIND SQUIRREL BREWERY

PLUMTREE. Brewery, hard cider, lodging, restaurant, campground, ziplines, disc golf, river tubing, and event space located on Hwy 19E in Plumtree, 12 miles North of Spruce Pine. Beautiful decks overlook-

Visit Our Winery â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Tasting Room Open Daily â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Monday-SaturdaZ 4unday 1-5

Liv e M us ic 225 Vineyard Lane, Banner Elk, N$ t visit our website for more info grandfathervineyBSE DPN 60

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Here’s Where To Go

Meet the Wineries & Breweries

ing the river. Open on the weekends, year round. n 828-765-2739 or 828-765-9696. www.blindsquirrelbrewery. com. See ad on page 63

Blowing rock ale house and inn

blowing rock. Born in Boone, NC, 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. Visit our Blowing Rock Ale House & Inn in historic Downtown Blowing Rock where our brewery is also located.

Our brewery consists of a 5 BBL brew kettle and 5 BBL mash/lautertun and a 10 BBL hot liquor tank. Our fermentation occurs in the brewery area with the use of 2 x 5 BBL fermenters and 2 x 10 BBL fermenters. Our cooler area includes both a gauged 5 BBL and 10 BBL bright. The Ale House Restaurant offers a freshly prepared, seasonally changing menu using local and organic (when available) ingredients. Our doors are open and we invite you in to sample our ever-changing artisanal craft beers, brewed on site. n 828.4149254. www.blowingrockalehouseandinn.com.

See ad on page 62

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 fav i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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Enjoy These...

Wineries & Breweries

mous 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 Wednesday thru Saturday Noon to 6:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. n 828-297-3296. www.grandfathervineyards. com. See ad on page 60

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

DO OW WN NT TO OW WN N B BO OO ON NE E D

LOST PROVINCE BREWING CO

great

CRAFT BEER BREWED IN DOWNTOWN BOONE, NC WITH WATER FROM THE HEADWATERS OF THE NEW RIVER WOOD FIRED ARTISAN PIZZA & LOCAL FOODS SERVING LUNCH & DINNER DAILY LOSTPROVINCE.COM 130 N DEPOT ST, BOONE NC | 828.265.3506

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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. Visit our Tuscan-inspired winery where you can taste our delicious High Country wines. We’re open for tastings 7 days a week from 12 am – 6 pm. n 828.765.1400. linvillefallswinery.com. See ad on page 61

MORE info on: BooneNCinfo.com

LOST PROVINCE

BOONE. Lost Province Brewing Company is downtown Boone’s only brewery and is a destination for anyone that frequents this area. Discover authentic and innovative craft beers brewed onsite and wood fired fare featuring local and regionally sourced ingredients. Lost Province hosts Trivia every Wednesday night at 7 pm and live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings starting at 7:30 pm. Lost Province provides a warm and inviting atmosphere that is friendly for all.

Open daily, Lost Province serves lunch and dinner. Good Beer, Good Food, Good Times. n 828.265-3506. www.lostprovince.com. See ad on page 62

BREWERY RESTAURANT ZIPLINE ~ DISC GOLF CAMPGROUNDS CABINS EVENT SPACE

Plumtree, NC (828)765-9696 (828)765-2739

blindsquirrelbrewery.com

BEECH MOUNTAIN BREWING CO.

beechmountainbrewingco.com 1.800.439.2093

For more information, please visit our website

v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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Great Places to Eat...

Local Restaurants RESTAURANTS

Read here about the great eateries of the High Country. In this section you will find: eclectic cuisine in elegant settings as well as traditional southern favorites, lots of family owned restaurants and local legends, places to unwind and places to party. Each restaurant is an opportunity to celebrate the High Country. . . . So try something new you won’t find back home.

BAYOU SMOKEHOUSE & GRILL

BANNER ELK. Banner Elk’s own Cajun connection serves up Louisiana favorites like gumbo and po’ boys and authentic Texas cuisine such as smoked Beef Brisket BBQ and chicken-fried steak. Cocktails, wine and over 75 beers (10 on tap). Free wireless. Sundays feature Brunch and a “Make-YourOwn Bloody Mary Bar.” Dog friendly deck and free Corn Hole games on the lawn! Lawn Party on Tuesdays with live music. n 828.898.8952.www.bayousmokehouse.com. See ad on page 65

for over 15 years, Black Cat ranks as one of the High Country’s top choices. It’s by no means hidden, but if you’re searching for the lesser-seen spots, you’ll feel right at home. Their football-sized burritos can satisfy any appetite, and the rest of their menu is filled with quesadillas, nachos, chilis, soups and salads. n 828-263-9511. www. blackcatburrito.com. See ad on page 74

BOONE BAGELRY

BOONE. Boone’s oldest bagel shop locally owned and operated since 1988, serves 14 types of freshly baked bagels and a wide variety of menu items including vegetarian and gluten free.

Boone Bagelry is a full-service restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch all day. We are conveniently located on King Street in downtown Boone with patio dining available. Delivery service available. Support local. Taste local.

Enjoy local. n 828.262-5585. www.boonebagelry.com. See ad on page 70

THE BEST CELLAR

BLOWING ROCK. The Best Cellar restaurant has been a favorite among locals for decades. Located in The Inn at Ragged Gardens in downtown Blowing Rock, The Best Cellar offers eleven elegant rooms, seasonal gardens and serves dinner daily. All dishes, including bread and desserts, are prepared each day on site. Reservations are suggested. n 828-295-3466. www.raggedgardens.com. See ad on page 80

CAFÉ PORTOFINO

BLACK CAT

BOONE. On a list of local favorites

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BOONE. A local favorite, Café Portofino is the place to meet, eat and enjoy a good time with friends. It’s located in a 100-year-old railroad repair station,

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Great Places to Eat... Local Restaurants used by none other than Tweetsie Railroad. Completely modernized, with a friendly open kitchen, cozy dining room, bar and outdoor seating, this is the place to chow down on 5-star meals, without the 5-star price. The menu is an eclectic mix of sandwiches, pastas and steaks. Café Portofino offers daily culinary specials and fresh seafood as well. (“Like” us on Facebook to see daily specials.) Their extensive wine & beer list and all ABC permits compliment any dining experience.

Come see what the Boonies already know! n 828-264-7772. www.cafeportofino. net. See ad on page 72

at an inexpensive price to meet the entire family’s needs. From calzones to traditional pizzas, from salads to delicious desserts, Capone’s feeds even the hungriest troublemakers. n 828-265-1886. www.caponesboone.com.

See ad on page 69

CAROLINA BARBEQUE

capones

BOONE. The “untouchable” pizza parlor has a new location this summer at New Market Center - right next to the movie theaters. Capone’s menu includes a long list of gourmet New York and Chicago styles pizza

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NEWLAND. Twelve years old, Carolina Barbeque, located in downtown Newland, just 4 miles from Linville and Grandfather Mountain, is STILL Smokin! Rated among the top 100 BBQ restaurants in North Carolina (no small feat mind you), the restaurant offers some of the best chopped pork, ribs and chicken in the South. In fact, Dr. Keith Johnson, certified BBQ judge and author of “Piggin’ Out,” said Carolina BBQ ribs were the “best ribs [he’d] ever eaten.” The menu features include chopped barbeque covered in a variety of sauces from the traditional to vin-

v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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Great Places to Eat... Local Restaurants egar-based, smoked or fried chicken, ribs, and side items such as corn and baked beans, fries and coleslaw. Carolina Barbeque also features a children’s menu, appetizers, such as mozzarella sticks and chili-cheese fries, and homemade desserts including peach cobbler and banana pudding. The restaurant offers live entertainment on the weekends and Monday nights spotlighting acoustic, bluegrass and gospel music and clogging. Owner Dave Calvert has dubbed the restaurant home of the pick -n- pig parlor. Come see us and then check out the town of Newland. n 828-737-0700. www.carolinabbqnewland.com.

See ad on page 83

chicken alfredo and the six-cheese pasta purses, Casa Rustica’s extensive wine list is updated every 30 days to include interesting vintages and new organics. Enjoy live jazz every Thursday night and classical guitar every Sunday. All ABC permits. n 828-262-5128. www.casarustica1981.com. See ad page 79

CHA DA THAI

CASA RUSTICA

BOONE. Casa Rustica offers some of the finest Northern Italian-American cuisine in the High Country accentuated by a cozy, fireside atmosphere. In addition to menu favorites like grilled

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BOONE. Cha Da Thai is the only place in the area where you can find authentic Thai cuisine. The menu is a representation of all Thai specialties–from sweet to sour and from salty to spicy. Cha Da Thai also offers a private dining room for large parties celebrating a special occasion. Warm up today with a plate of pad thai noodles or kaeng daeng-red curry. Also: pad gra pow, pad namprik-paow and kang panang curry.

CAPONE’S UNTOUCHABLE! Pizza Like No Other !

GOURMET HAND-TOSSED PIZZA!

WE R E DELIVIVE

G JUST CALL US A

Homemade Dough Homemade Sauce

EVERY DAY!

828-265-1886 139 New Market Center www.caponesboone.com

In New Market Center across from the Movie Theater v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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Great Places to Eat... Local Restaurants The restaurant is located on Howard Street in downtown Boone. n 828-268-0434. www.ChaDaThai-NC.com. See ad on page 78

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 thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Regis-

ter. Patio dining is offered seasonally. Live piano music in our lobby Friday and Saturday nights, year round, and live music on the Veranda, seasonally. n 828-414.9230. www.greenparkinn.com. See ad on page 67

DANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;L BOONE INN

BOONE. Serving for over 50 years, Danâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Boone Inn offers diners home cooked, family-style meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Danâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Boone Innâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s country cuisine has been honored by both Southern Living and Our State magazines. The Inn takes reservations for parties of 15 or more. n 825-264-8657. www.danlbooneinn.com. See ad on page 81

DIVIDE TAVERN & RESTAURANT

BLOWING ROCK. Located in the lobby of the Historic Green Park Inn, the Divide Tavern sits directly astride

HOURS:

Featuring Boone Bagelry Bagels

Monday - Saturday 6:00am - 5:00pm Sunday 7:00am - 3:00pm

Booneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Original Bagel Shop Since 1988 Serving Breakfast and Lunch All Day Espresso Coffee Bar 14 Varieties of Freshly Baked Bagels Vegetarian & Gluten Free Options Available Featuring Deli Sandwiches, Fresh Salads, Home made Flavored Cream Cheeses, Omelettes, Pancakes, French Toast, Burgers, Gyro

Espresso Coffee Bar serving locally roasted coffee Gourmet Lunch Menu Breakfast Served All Day Check Out Our Menu Online at: bbwaterwheelcafe.com HOURS: Mon - Sat. 6:00 am - 3:00 pm Sun. 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Free Delivery!

AT THE 105 WATERWHEEL

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Six Pence

Restaurant & Pub A Taste of England here in Blowing Rock

Featuring British & American Fare Inside Our Dining Room or Outside on our Beautiful Patio

Dining

Sunday - Thursday 11:30 am - 10:30 pm Friday and Saturday until Midnight

Full Bar

(open until 2am) 20 Beers on Draught focused on Imports and Micro Brews Courteous and Friendly Staff

r .BJO 4USFFU #MPXJOH 3PDL / $ v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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Great Places to Eat... Local Restaurants 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 inspired pub classics. Experience a less formal dining alternative while still enjoying Chef prepared 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 67

EAT CROW

BANNER ELK. Eat Crow is a wonderful little cafe specializing in fresh baked

goods including a large variety of baked pies and cakes. We offer them by the slice or 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;sandwich shopâ&#x20AC;? in the area. Since we know life can be very hectic, for your convenience we prepare whole meals and soups daily that are ready for you to take home and heat up for your family. These entrees vary daily. All sandwiches are served on farmhouse or whole wheat bread. Sides are 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 82

F.A.R.M. CAFE

boone. In May 2012, F.A.R.M. Cafe opened its doors with our mission to

828-264-7772 3JWFST 4USFFU r #PPOF

Follow us on facebook for our daily food and drink specials

Indoor or Outdoor Dininďż˝ XXX DBGFQPSUPĂąOP OFU

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WE’RE SERIOUS ABOUT GOOD GRUB

AAA FOUR DIAMOND RATING SINCE 2007

A Few Things We’re Known For...

Mixed Game Grill

Featuring chef’s choice of game meats accompanied by house-made dipping sauces

Oysters

Flash fried with spicy red cabbage chow chow, key lime buttermilk dressing and capers

Buffalo Hanging Tenderloin

Grilled medium-rare, with herbed bleu-cheese macaroni and horseradish, green onion sour cream

Gk Vegetable Plate

We go overboard with a tasty variety of grilled and sautéed organic vegetables, starches and grilled tempeh

Spice Rubbed Ostrich Fan Filet From Hilltop Farms in Forsyth County, grilled medium-rare, with roasted garlic risotto and sun-dried tomato jus

Chocolate Martini

Vodka and Crème de Cacao layered on Godiva chocolate liqueur, served with our homemade chocolate truffle

Bourbon & Caramel Bread Pudding Baked with a crumbled nut topping and topped with Chantilly cream

restaurant

bar

& CATERED EVENTS

3005 SHULLS MILL RD BOONE, NC • (828) 963-7400 RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED

C AT ER IN G • PR I VAT E FUN C T I O NS • O U T D O O R D ININ G • BAR / LO UN G E v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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Great Places to Eat...

Local Restaurants 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 Boons. n 828-386.1000. www.farmcafe.org. See ad on page 74

Feed All Regardless of Means REAL. GOOD. FOOD.

“Wall Street Journal Says It’s a ‘Must-Stop’ ” Trip Advisor Review

617 W. King St., Boone 828.386.1000 Monday - Friday 11:00 am until 2:00 pm www.farmcafe.org

GAMEKEEPER

BLOWING ROCK. Housed in a 1950’s stone cottage, 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 staff is top notch and very attentive. 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. Much quality and care goes into each dish, from the selection of the freshest ingredients to the wood fire preparation and the exquisite presentation. It is perfection for even the most discerning palate! The restaurant is located off Shulls Mill Road near Yonahlossee Resort. n 828-963-7400. www.Gamekeeper-NC.com. See ad on page 73

THE LOCAL

BOONE. The Local - a place to enjoy a fresh meal, crafted in-house from local High Country ingredients. Serving traditional southern favorites, shecrab soup and shrimp & grits, as well as grass-fed beef burgers, specialty sandwiches, unique tacos, wood-fired flatbreads & pizzas, quinoa bowls,

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Great Daily Specials

Re t ro 50' s A tmo sphere

"Best Little Diner in the High Country!"

Serving Breakfast All Day Daily Specials Homemade Soups & Salads Burgers & Sandwiches Old Fashioned Banana Split & Shakes Assorted Bottle Beers

265-1344

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A Destination

Great Places to Eat...

Local Restaurants

To Relax

steaks, seafood and plenty of glutenfree 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 75

Farm to Bar

The Tavern At Old Hampton Store

Full Service Bar

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Makotos

BOONE. Dining at Makotoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seafood and Steakhouse of Japan is a unique experience. During your visit, a waiter will guarantee you a pleasant dining time. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re lucky, your personal chef will provide a little free culinary entertainment while cooking your dish right in front of you. Makotoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also offers a lunch and dinner sushi bar. n 828-264-7976. www.makotos-boone.com. See ad on page 79

Located in the Linville community, at the foot of Grandfather Mountain is a 1920â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s era general store that is still a bustling and thriving place today.

Hickory & Applewood Smoked Barbeque Live Bluegrass Scheduled Throughout the Week

OLD HAMPTON STORE

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BANNER ELK. Step back in time at the Old Hampton Store. This historic 1920 general store was an original train stop for Tweetsie Railroad. Today, the general store is just as bustling, still a thriving place to gather for fun, family, food, arts and crafts and live music throughout the week.

The authentic country store is home to a popular BBQ restaurant featuring hand-pulled, hickory-smoked pork.

BBQ served on homemade sourdough rolls â&#x20AC;&#x201C; plus a menu full of other delicacies. The store offers local and regional pottery, crafts, cheeses, pickles, jams, jellies, country ham and gristmill products. Opened last year is a fullservice bar with beer, wine and cocktails served in a cozy section adjacent to the restaurant. The Old Hampton Store is a destination, a great place to

Over 33 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 )"3%*/ 453&&5 */ #00/& t redonionboone.com

We have Wi-Fi!

828/264.5470

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER

SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

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Great Places to Eat... Local Restaurants stop in, explore, shop, dine and drink.

Weekends feature great food, live music, artist demonstrations, sculptures, pottery and the best cornbread you have ever tasted. n 828-733-5213. See ad on page 76

Proper

BOONE. Located in an old jailhouse build in the late 1800s, Proper offers a charming atmosphere both inside and out. Featuring one of the best brunches in the High Country, guests can enjoy freshly made desserts, locally-sourced ingredients and souther comfort cuisine. Collard greens, sweet potato casserole and homemade meatloaf are only a few of the wonderfully comfortable foods one can enjoy at Proper. n 828-865-5000. www.propermeal. com. See ad on page 68

PAPA JOE’S

BLOWING ROCK. Locally owned and operated since 1982, Papa Joe’s offers casual dining in warm, friendly atmosphere. The menu is made up of Italian-American cuisine, steaks, seafood, pastas, chicken, pizzas, sandwiches and more. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday - Saturday, and breakfast on Sundays. Closed Wednesday. Papa Joe’s bar has all ABC permits and is fully stocked. It’s a great place for fun and food with friends. n 828-295-3239.

See ad on page 77

RED ONION CAFÉ

BOONE. The Red Onion Cafe has created its niche in the High Country for over 35 years by offering a welcoming atmosphere and an extensive menu at affordable prices. The Red Onion Cafe has something for every member of the family, including burgers, sandwiches, wraps, pizza, pasta, fish, steak and delicious homemade desserts. The Red Onion Cafe also offers several of the region’s top beer and wines to compliment any meal. n 828-264-5470. www.theredonioncafe.com. See ad on page 77

pepper’s

Boone. Serving up fresh, deli-style sandwiches and a wide range of dinner entrees, Pepper’s is a High Country favorite. The restaurant is decorated with items from the original opening location in 1975 and the atmosphere is laid-back. Save room for the famous original Pepper’s carrot cake! n 828-262-1250. www.peppers-restaurant. com. See ad on page 81

roots

Blowing rock. Roots is located on

OPE DAYS N 6 A WEE

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E x qui sit e Aut hen tic Tha i Cuisine

Daily Lunch Specials Lunch Hours:

Monday-Friday 11:00-3:00 Saturday & Sunday 11:30-3:00

Dinner Hours:

Monday - Sunday 5:00-10:00 Closed Tuesdays

* Serving beer and wine *

173 Howard Street in Downtown Boone • 828-268-0434 Fax: 828-268-0439 • www.chadathai-nc.com 78

v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

Best Tasting Show In Town

Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar

2124 Blowing Rock Road Boone, NC 28607 828 264 7976 www.makotos-boone.com

v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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Great Places to Eat...

Local Restaurants US 321 across from the Tanger Outlet Mall. The restaurant specializes in regional food and drink with an emphasis on chef-inspired specials. Oyster Bar. Dinner Tuesday thru Sunday from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm. A sister restaurant of the Best Cellar and Blowing Rock Ale House and Inn. 7179 Valley Blvd. Blowing Rock. n 828-414-9508. www.roots-restaurant.com. See ad on page 80

six pence pub

Blowing rock. For a fine example of British fare, you should head over to Six Pence Pub in downtown Blowing Rock. From traditional Shepherd’s Pie and fish and chips to Americanstyle burgers and salads, this eatery and bar alleviates everyone’s hunger pains and provides a unique dining experience right on beautiful Main Street now with a new patio. n 828-295-3155. www.sixpencepub.com. See ad on page 71

11 Rooms and Suites and 2 Cottages

SPECKLED TROUT CAFE

BLOWING ROCK. Kitchens are often described as gathering places, the heart of a home. We like to think of The Speckled Trout in a similar sense. Located in downtown Blowing Rock- on the corner of Main Street and 221- is the newly renovated and reinvented restaurant and bottle shop. We explore the roots of Appalachian food and beverage culture, and recreate it in our kitchen by preserving and reviving ingredients of our local heritage. Menus are more than a list of ingredients; they show how people live and what they value. And as the seasons change, so does our menu. You can now fill up on fresh mountain trout, soup beans and hoecakes, and wash it down with local farm beer or fresh Rose. Join us at The Speckled Trout for a taste of heritage and hospitality so often felt in the Blue Ridge Mountains! n 828-295-9819. www. thespeckledtrout.com. See ad on page 85

Serving Dinner

STONEWALLS

BANNER ELK. The High Country’s premier steak and seafood house since

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The High Countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premier Steak & Seafood Restaurant

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Family Style Meals

For over 50 years, Danâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Boone Inn has been serving Boone and the high country delicious home-cooked meals, just like you remember at Grandmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house. Our family style meals begin with a salad in the summer and soup in the winter. Three meats and five vegetables are served along with biscuits, preserves, dessert and beverage. A full breakfast is served on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

130 Hardin Street in Boone â&#x20AC;¢ 264-8657 www.danlbooneinn.com v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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EAT CROW EAT PIE

Great Places to Eat...

EAT CAKE EAT PIE EAT CAKE EAT PIE EAT CAKE

Delicious Sandwiches

1985. Enjoy your favorite steaks, prime rib, chicken or baby back rib entrée or choose from the extensive seafood selection or daily specials. Serving daily from 5:00 p.m. in a casual, familyfriendly dining atmosphere. Also serving Brunch 10am-2pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. All ABC permits. n 828-898-5550. www.stonewallsresturant.com.

See ad on page 81

(Served on our homemade bread)

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sunrise grill

Boone. Family owned and operated breakfast and lunch restaurant located in the heart of Boone on Hwy 105.

We strive to provide delicious, varied and creative comfort food in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Many of our menu items are true Sunrise originals.

Unique offerings you will not find anywhere else. n 828-262-5400. www.sunrisegrillboone.com. See ad on page 85

$BUFSJOH

Serving Dinner Twice Monthly Call or Check our Website for Dates & Menu

828.963.8228 www.eatcrownc.com

'BCVMPVT #SJUJTI $IFG 0XOFS

Dominic& Meryle Geraghty

Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 4:00 pm Serving Lunch until 3:00 9872 Hwy. 105 S. in Foscoe

timberlake’S RESTAURANT AT CHETOLA RESORT

BLOWING ROCK. A brand new restaurant has arrived in Blowing Rock at the renowned Chetola Resort. Opened last year, Timberlake’s Restaurant features a menu inspired by world-renowned North Carolina artist and designer Bob Timberlake’s culinary favorites. Featuring Mesquite-dusted shrimp and salads of mountain-grown spinach, to Carolina-raised trout and roasted Carolina quail. The restaurant features three dining rooms, an intimate wine room and waterfront dining on the Patio. n 828295-5505. www.chetola.com. See ad on page 9

BOONE

BEST SEAFOOD IN SOUTHEAST Right Here in the Mountains

Open Since

1981

LUNCH SPECIALS From $5.99 to $6.99

DINNER SPECIALS EVERYDAY From $6.95 to $17.75

TOWN TAVERN

Famous For Our All-You-Can-Eat Specials!

Tuesday - Sunday 11:30 to 9:00 Closed Monday 174 JEFFERSON ROAD • BOONE, NC 828.262.5605 82

Local Restaurants

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BLOWING ROCK. The Town Tavern is a sports bar and restaurant located on Main Street in historic downtown Blowing Rock. Open every day for lunch, dinner. We have 19 flat screen TV’s to catch the game. The Town Tavern has the largest outdoor patio dining area in the High Country that looks over the bustling scene of Blowing Rock’s Main Street. Since opening its doors in 2013, The Town Tavern

WINGS • BURGERS • CHEESE STEAKS NC BARBECUE • SALADS • WRAPS

OUTDOOR PATIO LIVE MUSIC kids N TVS IO IT IN P F A E T D N menu 19 HIFT BEERS O IONS A R C L A N IO ECT REG 10 LOCAL & 30 BOTTLED BEER SEL OCK R G N I W R E O V L O B AND WNTOWN BR.COM T - D75O00 • WWW.TOWNTAVERN E E R T S N I A 1182 M 828-295Visi t

Downtown Newland

Dow

ntow

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wla

nd!

Dave & Jennette Calvert invite you to Newland. Enjoy the best BBQ around and then check out the Town of Newland

10:30 - 9 Mon-Sat Live Music Friday & Saturday Nights!

11 - 6 Sun

828-737-0700

carolinabbqnewland.com

WE CATER! Voted Best BBQ in the High Country 12 years running!

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Great Places to Eat... Local Restaurants Blowing Rock has quickly become a staple of the Blowing Rock community and a favorite of locals and travelers alike. n 828-295-7500. www.towntavernbr. com. See ad on page 83

water wheel café

BOONE. Welcome to the Water Wheel Café, featuring Boone Bagelry bagels.

Find us on Highway 105 in Boone – just look for the monumental Water Wheel in our parking lot! We are locally owned and operated our location offers a lodge-like feel with an impressive rock fireplace, a spacious open floor plan, and cozy booth seating. Our Culinary Team developed The Water Wheel Cafe menu to feature many of the Original classics we are known for, as well as new and exciting menu items that will win you over. We also offer a coffee bar with Espresso drinks. We look forward to serving you. n 828-262-1600. www.bbwaterwheelcafe.com. See ad on page 70

TROY’S 105 DINER

BOONE. Troy’s 105 Diner is one of the High Country’s true 1950’s-style classic diners. From platters to burger baskets and from temptations to shakes, Troy’s provides a long-list of American diner favorites. For a trip down Memory Lane, go to Troy’s with that high school sweetheart of yours or take the entire family to experience the good ol’ days again. n 828-265-1344. www.troys105diner.com. See ad on page 75

VIDALIA

BOONE. Vidalia is a casual, upscale restaurant featuring “creative American cuisine.” It offers daily specials, various events, wine tastings and special nights. Vidalia holds all ABC permits and has an extensive, 60-plus bottle wine list, 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 66

WOODLANDS

BLOWING ROCK. Rustic atmosphere, live string bands, and delicious barbeque make Woodlands a perfect place to kick back with friends. The menu also features home-style Mexican fare and a large selection of appetizers, sides and desserts. And if you’re traveling the High Country in a large group, Woodlands can accommodate all sizes and has a private dining room for up to 100 guests. Woodlands was honored as Business of the Year in 2015 n 828-295-3651. www.woodlandsbbq.com. See ad on this page

T h e Wo o d l a n d s BARBEQUE & PICKIN’ PARLOR

A Legend in the High Country S I N C E

1 9 7 7

-JWF &OUFSUBJONFOU /JHIUMZ t /P $PWFS All ABC Privileges

FULL CATERING SERVICE (828) 295-3395

0QFO %BZT B 8FFL t 4FSWJOH -VODI %JOOFS )XZ #ZQBTT #MPXJOH 3PDL

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Delicious, Unique, Scratch-Made Items Breakfast All Day Lunch from 10:30 am Great Food & Portions at Great Prices!

COME & GET YOUR SUNSHINE ON! Open: 6:30am-2pm Monday to Friday 7am-3pm Saturday & Sunday 1675 Hwy 105, Boone • 828-262-5400 • www.sunrisegrillboone.com

Kitchens are often described as gathering places, the heart of the home.

We like to think of The Speckled Trout in a similar sense.

Newly renovated and reinvented restaurant and bottle shop.

We explore the roots of Appalachian food and beverage culture and recreate it in our kitchen by preserving and reviving ingredients of our local heritage.

Menus are more than a list of ingredients; they show how people live and what they value.

Sunday - Wednesday 11am-10pm Thursday-Saturday 11am-11pm / Closed from 3 to 5 pm

922 Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 | 828.295.9818 info@thespeckledtrout.com

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23 Local Spots .....

Shops & Retailers shopping

In this section, these mountain shops send out a special invitation for you to visit.

The owners welcome visitors and newcomers to the area, and know that you can find something special to take home with you. If you like shopping, you’ll enjoy reading about and visiting these shops of the High Country.

ALTA VISTA GALLERY

VALLE CRUCIS. Created in 1990, Alta Vista Gallery is more than art…it’s an experience. The historic property in Valle Crucis is only 10 minutes from Boone and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The gallery is beautiful, inside and outside, and very refreshing and classy. The atmosphere is warm with that southern mountain hospitality. If you are into fine art or thinking about getting into fine art, this is a must see gallery!

Wonderful art, artists, and host! Featuring over 100 artists and showing one of the area’s largest selections of mountain landscapes – originals in oil and watercolor, as well as prints. n 828-963-5247. www.AltaVistaGallery.com.

See ad on page 93

shopaholics alike should come in and check it out! n 828-865-2000.

Ad on page 96

BAnner elk pharmacy

BANNER ELK. Your local family-style drug store that is conveniently located next to the Banner Elk Town Hall.

Banner Elk Pharmacy is owned and operated by Debbie Turner and Jay Ogburn. Both pharmacists are very involved with the community and have been for years. Most Insurance Plans are accepted. Banner Elk Pharmacy offers special mail service to the elderly & seasonal visitors & shut-ins n 828-898-4271. www.bannerelkpharmacy. com. See ad on page 98

BAYOU GENERAL STORE

anna banana’s

BOONE. A fine consignment store located in the heart of downtown. With new fashions everyday, this thrifty store truly has something for everyone! Shopping here is like a treasure hunt – you never know what you will find. Shoppers can find designers at discounted prices and enjoy a fun atmosphere everyday. Fashionistas and

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BANNER ELK. Browse eclectic! Find locally made jams, jellies and jewelry, Texas & Louisiana gourmet, hot sauces, cigars, unique gifts and Ashe County Cheeses. Wines include selections from North Carolina wineries, and other unique, yet inexpensive, offerings. Beer lovers are invited to “Mix Your Own Six-Pack” from over 140 American Craft and Import beers. n 828-898-8953. www.bayousmokehouse,com See ad on page 65

© 2006-2017 DEWOOLFSON Down Int’l., Inc.

Making each comforter and pillow just for you German downproof fabrics European white goose down fills Meticulous construction

Fine linens from France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium and beyond.

OUR 34th YEAR

®

natural. comfortable. home.

9452 NC Hwy. 105 S between Boone & Banner Elk 828.963.4144 dewoolfson inens.com

L

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Check Out These... Shops & Retailers 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 4

BOONE ROCK â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ROLL EMPORIUM

BOONE. Inside Boone Rock-NRoll Emporium you will hear some great rock-n-roll tunes, see posters on the walls, and thumb through the racks filled with your favorite rock t-shirts. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also love the latest fashions in dresses, tops and jewelry. There is something for everyone in the family. Everything from used books and retro collectible toys to tobacco accessories. n 828-865-ROCK. See ad on page 97

CARLTON ART GALLERY

BOONE MALL

BOONE. Boone Mall is the Hub of the High Country! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the only climate controlled shopping complex in the region and a comfortable, convenient place to shop with over 30 stores & kiosks to choose from.

Open Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sunday 12:30-5:30pm. n 828-264-7286. www.boonemall.com. See ad on page 95

FOSCOE. 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. Step inside and see why Carlton Gallery has become one of the best-known galleries in the Southeast. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a chance to take an authentic piece of the High Country back home. n 828-963-4288. www.carltonartgallery.com.

See ad on page 93

Unique Gifts for Everyone.

Open All Year.

Come and Visit. .BJO 4USFFU #MPXJOH 3PDL /$ t t XXX BQFSGFDUQSFTFOU DPN 88

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89

Check Out These... Shops & Retailers christmas in blowing rock

BLOWING ROCK. Christmas in Blowing Rock is a gift shop located in downtown Blowing Rock. We carry a large assortment of products such as Blowing Rock ornaments & souvenirs, home décor, Simply Noelle clothing & accessories, unique toys & books, personalized ornaments, Ronaldo Designer Jewelry, decorative flags and so much more! n 828-295-9696. www.aperfectpresent.com. See ad on page 88

DEWOOLFSON

FOSCOE. When you spend onethird of your life sleeping, a quality down pillow, comforter and/or feathered bed is one of the best investments for a rejuvenating, rest-

90

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ful sleep. DeWoolfson imports a variety of fabrics and goose down fills from Eastern Europe, supplying European-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 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. n 828-963-4144. www.dewoolfson.com. See ad on page 87

Happy 1st Birthday to little Katrina and her great, great grandmother, Rosalee

" 4 ! " + + 5 ! & # who turned 100 today. They share the & & ! # + $! 466 " same birthday, 99 years apart! ! " ! ! ' ! "# 77 "

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91

OUR 25TH YEAR!

Check Out These...

Shops & Retailers

DOE RIDGE POTTERY

The premier shopping destination at the south end of Main Street

BOONE. All of Bob Meier’s work is made on site and is fully functional stoneware. It is food safe, dishwasher, oven and microwave safe. We work to successfully blend an “Old Time” Professional Pottery Skill Set with a Contemporary Design Aesthetic. Stop by for a visit and watch pottery being made. We’re located in Downtown Boone. n 828-264-1127. See ad on page 94

FRED’S GENERAL STORE

BEECH MOUNTAIN. A 38 year legend, no trip to Beech Mountain is complete without a visit to Fred’s.

It’s your one-stop shopping spot with everything needed to make your visit complete, including groceries, clothing, accessories and footwear. Stop by the expanded deli for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Fred’s can pack a picnic for that special outing or arrange any of the menu items to go. n 828-387-4838. www.fredsgeneral.com. See ad on page 98

��

MONKEE’S

The ultimate in ladies shoes, apparel and accessories. Featuring designers BCBG, Trina Turk, Joie, Tyler Boeing, Tory Burch, Stuart Weitzman, Kate Spade, Eileen Fisher, Lila P and Johnny Was.

SERVES YOU RIGHT!

CHILDREN’S “CUTE-IQUE”

The area’s #1 stop for infant and children’s gifts, books, games, toys and keepsakes. Also, china and entertaining accessories, BBQ, tailgate, picnic, funny cards, napkins and our infamous Halloween “Boo-tique” opening in August.

HAPPY PLACE

BOONE. Step back to the 60s & 70s!

When you walk through the door, the incense, music and tie-dyes will take you on a trip back to peace, love and happiness. All that’s left to do is smile, smile, smile. n 828-2640196. See ad on page 97

BLOWING ROCK CIGAR COMPANY & CLUB Showcasing the widest selection of premium cigars and accessories in the High Country in a private membership based club.

Open to the public for retail sales.

INCREDIBLE TOY COMPANY

PLUS 5 SEASONAL PAVILIONS

Specialty Merchandise – May-October – jewelry, eyewear & sunglasses, hand-woven baskets & containers, handcrafted ladies accessories.

On-site personalization of unique gifs. Light bites & refreshments available in our rear courtyard.

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1179 MAIN STREET • BLOWING ROCK www.SouthMarke.com • info@SouthMarke.com 92

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BLOWING ROCK. Want to know where can you go to feel like a kid again? The Incredible Toy Company, of course!

Specializing in educational and creative toys for infants to adults, The Incredible Toy Company carries wooden toys, Playmobil, Thomas, dolls, games and puzzles, and your first purchase is always gift-wrapped for free! n 828-264-1422. www.incredibletoycompany. com. See ad on page 96

CARLTON GALLERY 1SZSP`ObW\U !#GSO`a A^`W\U 5`]c^ 3fVWPWbW]\ ;WR Ac[[S` 5`]c^ 3fVWPWbW]\

May 27 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; July 15

July 22 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sept. 15

Carlton Galleryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 35th Anniversary Celebration Reception: July 22, 2-5 pm Located 10 Miles South of Boone on Hwy. 105 Grandfather Community

56&4%": 4"563%": t 46/%": t Call or check our website for workshop dates XXX DBSMUPOHBMMFSZ DPN t DBSMUPOHBMMFSZ!DBSMUPOHBMMFSZ DPN

v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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New Arrivals Every Week!

LUCKYPENNYBOONE.COM

Check Out These...

Shops & Retailers

lucky penny

BOONE. Be unique, shop Lucky Penny. Offering a wide range of clothing and accessories. Lucky Penny is your affordable boutique located at 693 W. King Street. New arrivals daily! Check out the Lucky Penny blog at n www.luckypennyboone.com.

828-264-0302. See ad on page 94

STORE HOURS

MON - SAT 10 - 6 SUN 12 - 5

MAST GENERAL STORE

BOONE & VALLE CRUCIS. The Mast General Store in historic Valle Crucis is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Both it and the Mast Store in downtown Boone are packed with everything you need for modern life, including shoes and boots, rocking chairs, cast iron, country gourmet food, traditional fashions, outdoor gear and old-fashioned candy. n Boone 828-262-0000. Valle Crucis 828-963-6511. www.mastgeneralstore.com.

See ad on page 11

693 West King St. r

mountain dog & friends

foscoe. Mountain Dog is dedicated to the health, happiness, and well being of dogs and cats. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re easy to reach from anywhere in the Boone area, below Grandfather Mountain in the stately stone house in Foscoe.

The storeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 average â&#x20AC;&#x153;pet store.â&#x20AC;? n 828-963-2470. www.mountaindogandfriends.com. See ad on page 98

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95

e n i F 's a n a n a B a Ann Consignmeanmte.brand

Check Out These...

Shops & Retailers

RIVERCROSS MARKET

VALLE CRUCIS. Rivercross Market is located next to the Original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis and features a wide collection of handmade pottery, jewelry, artwork, wood working, photography and more from local artists and craftsmen. Open daily, see ad for hours. n 828-963-8623. www. rivercrssmarket.com Ad on page 89

’s n Women and men discount. fashions at a

><9_> T A IL. REGULAR RE

Anna Banana’s is a MUST

Serves you right

blowing rock. One of Main Street’s largest, oldest and most popular shops. In 2012 they added their signature “Children’s Cuteique” featuring gifts, books, toys and games for newborns to about age 10 – A Grandparent’s and parent’s definite destination and summertime’s “kid’s must haves.” They also offer the merchandise Serves You Right’s is known for since 1993: gifts and essentials for the kitchen, dining room, bar and terrace – also Conference Collegiate tailgate essentials, BBQ and as always, Western NC’s largest selection of funny greeting cards and beverage napkins. SYR features over 300 well known, lines including Herend, Arthur Court, Gien and Casa Fina dinnerware to popular children’s favorites: Melissa & Doug, Stephen Joseph, Usbourne Books and Jelly Cat. Open all year. n 800-825-1828 or 828-295-4438. See ad on page 91

in Boone!

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SHOPPES AT FARMER’S HARDWARE

BOONE. The newly renovated Shoppes at Farmer’s Hardware is a glimpse of the historic Farmer’s Hardware as it was in 1924. The original tin ceilings and oiled wooden floors enhance the more than 100 shops now featured in this downtown Boone landmark. Shoppes at

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MORE info on:

BooneNCinfo.com

Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hardware features a variety of furniture, regional artists and craftsmen, home accessories, clothing, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, services and gifts. n 828-264-8801. www.shoppesatfarmers.com. See ad on back page

SOUTHMARKE

BLOWING ROCK. Celebrating 25 years of quality High Country shopping, is at SouthMarke where some of Blowing Rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most dazzling and distinctive upscale shopping begins at the southern most end of Main Street (across from Town Tavern). In this quaint Victorian setting nestled among beautifully landscaped gardens and stone statuary are unique specialty stores offering ladies and gentlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apparel and shoes, jewelry and accessories.

BOONE Rock - N - Roll â&#x2014;&#x2020; Emporium â&#x2014;&#x2020;

Infant & childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s toys, books, games. All shops feature gift suggestions including table and entertaining accents, BBQ and collegiate tailgate and eyewear. SouthMarke also boasts the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only premium cigar shop and private smoking club.

Five Seasonal Pavilions offer unique specialty items and handmade and crafted merchandise. Main Shoppes are open all year. n 828-265-3566. www.SouthMarke.com. See ad on page 92

sunset teeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s & Hattery

blowing rock. Sunset Teeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s & Hattery has been in Blowing Rock for 29 years. Western North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest selection and variety of hats, ball caps, casual apparel, t-shirts, sweatshirts, moccasins, gifts and more. The store also has the best quality and variety of

THE HAPPY PLACE IN THE BOONE MINI MALL

Celebrating 10 Years!

641 W. KING STREET DOWNTOWN BOONE

828-264-0196

www.thehappyplaceus.com

ROCK-N-ROLL T-SHIRTS

Incense 8 ,*/( 45 t DOWNTOWN BOONE

828-865-ROCK

www.thehappyplaceus.com v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Your Hometown Pharmacy Check Out These...

Shops & Retailers Blowing Rock souvenir sportswear, shirts and ball caps. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just another t-shirt shop! Open 7 days a week, year-round. n 828-295-9326.

See ad on page 95

Locally Owned & Operated by Jay Ogburn & Debbie Turner, Pharmacists Friendly, Fast Service Providing Healthcare to the Community

southern highland craft guild, Moses Cone Manor

BANNER ELK PHARMACY 110 Park Avenue, Banner Elk 1IPOF r 'BY . ' BN QN r 4BU BN QN

www.bannerelkpharmacy.com

Fredâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s General

BLOWING ROCK. Located in the Moses Cone Manor on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Craft Guild is one of five shops of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and features work from over 300 Southern Appalachian craftspeople. Work on display includes clay, glass, leather, fiber, jewelry, wood, natural materials, paper and metal. Open seasonally: March 15 - November 30, 9am - 5pm daily. n 828-295-7938. www. craftguild.org. See ad on page 90

yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ountr igh C ice H e h T Cho New panion m o C for ducts al Pro im n A

Mercantile Co.

s of business 35 year

Beech Mountain

If we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have it ... You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need it SUMMER SUNSET CONCERTS All concerts start at 6:30pm

July 9, 16, 23, 30 & August 6 Grocery â&#x20AC;¢ Deli â&#x20AC;¢ Clothing â&#x20AC;¢ Hardware â&#x20AC;¢ Gifts Books â&#x20AC;¢ Maps â&#x20AC;¢ Wildbird Supplies Hiking Supplies â&#x20AC;¢ Footwear 828-387-4838

Open from 7:30 am to 10pm every day #FFDI .PVOUBJO 1BSLXBZ r #FFDI .PVOUBJO /$ www.fredsgeneral.com 98

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MOUNTAIN DOG

and Friends

Quality Foods, Treats, Nutritionals Unique Gifts and Accessories

Technical Gear for Active Dogs Highway 105 Foscoe â&#x20AC;¢ 828-963-2470 info@mountaindogandfriends.com

PUBL ICATIONS TRY PRESS HIGH COUN

outh High S WEDDINGS DDINGS UTH WE HIGH SO

Say Yes! Tips for Planning Your Mountain Wedding

2017 ISSUE

2017 ISSUE

s High Country

For North Carolina’

Dreaming About A Mountain Wedding?

The High Country has become one of the most coveted special events destinations in the Southeast, and countless couples turn to our mountains for beautiful weddings made perfect by breathtaking views and hard work from the region’s premier vendors and experts. If you’d love to say “I do” atop the Blue Ridge Mountains, turn to our awardwinning sister publication, “High South Weddings.”

Get Your Free Copy Pick up a copy at Harris Teeter in Boone, The Chamber in Blowing Rock, or Rite Aid or Bayou Restaurant in Banner Elk, among other locations around the High Country.

Give us a call or contact our editor by email to request your free copy and we’ll send it to you right away.

Connect with us on Facebook, check out our blog or visit HighSouthWeddings.com to see how the area’s booming wedding industry can make your dreams come true.

High Country Press Publications www.highsouthweddings.com visitor’s guide summer

2 0 17

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Consignment and Thrift Stores ANTIQUE MALL

BOONE. The owners of Antiques On Main in West Jefferson recently opened a second location in between Boone and Blowing Rock on U.S. 321 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just look for the big chicken. The 14,000-squarefoot location in Ashe County is famous to shoppers across the Southeast, and now they bring this experience to Watauga County. The 12,000-square-foot space features offerings from more than 50 vendors. These hand-chosen relics â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from antiques and collectables to souvenirs and primitives â&#x20AC;&#x201C; must be seen to be believed. Walk inside Antiques Main to take a step back in time. This ultimate shopping experience wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t disappoint. n 828-414-9365. See ad on this page

BARE BONES boutique

BOONE. Bare Bones Boutique is a non profit thrift store for the Watauga Humane Society, and is just down the hill from the Adoption Center. Come and see the treasures donated from the wonderful members of the community.

The all volunteer staff is on hand from Tuesday through Saturday to help show shoppers around the store. Unique items arriving daily all priced to sell. n 828-264-7339. See ad on page 101

not half bad

BOONE. Not Half Bad Consignment Store is a large 8500 square foot showroom and warehouse that features furniture and accessories. Suzan and Ellen are very knowledgeable of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on hand

828-414-9365

12,000 SQUARE FEET t OVER 50 VENDORS

Always Antiques Always Collectibles

Amish Outdoor Furniture Porch Swings â&#x20AC;˘ Gliders â&#x20AC;˘ Metal & More

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

You Wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Believe Our Prices!

1000,s

OF ITEMS

Monday-Saturday 1 t Sunday 1 - 5

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BOONE. Welcome Home Thriftique is an upscale thrift store project benefiting Hospitality House, a local nonprofit fighting poverty. Welcome Home Thriftique is a retail shop with a purpose, all items sold in the store have been donated by the community and 100 percent of profits go to support the programs and services of Hospitality House. Merchandised items include art, furniture, antiques and collectibles, home goods, dĂŠcor and name brand clothing, Welcome Home Thriftique always accepts donations. Welcome Home Thriftique is located at 182 Boone Heights Drive. n 828-355-9703. ww.welcomehomethriftique. com. See ad on this page

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MORE info on: BooneNCinfo.com

Challenging

High Countr y Hiking

T

he High Country is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a seemingly endless supply of hotspots for hikers and campers of every level. Whether you’re seeking solitude in the tucked away corners of the map or a scenic stroll that’s suited for your whole family, you’ll find it here in the High Country. Here are just a few of our favorites.

Elk River Falls

As one of the High Country’s most popular waterfalls, you can expect a crowd on good weather days. But it’s worth it to catch a glimpse of the impressive 60-foot falls. The falls are a quarter-mile walk from the parking lot.

From Boone, take Highway 105 South toward Banner Elk. Turn right onto Highway 184, and then turn left onto Highway 194. At the intersection of 19E, turn right. In 1.3 miles, make a sharp right onto SR 1303. Follow signs leading to the falls, making a left onto Elk River Rd.

Pass the commercial campground. The road will turn to gravel and there will be several parking places.

Hebron Rock Colony

Hebron Rock Colony offers a beautiful, long slope of giant boulders, great for crawling, jumping and climbing. The river cascades down the rocks, creating numerous small waterfalls in between dozens of little swimming holes.

Harper Creek Falls

To access the falls, do not park on Old Turnpike Road off of Old Shulls Mill Road. You will get towed. Park at Julian Price Memorial Park picnic area off of the Blue Ridge Parkway in between mileposts 296 and 297. To reach the popular summer hotspot, hike from the parking area about 1.5 miles on the Boone Fork Trail, where you will come out above the falls.

Harper Creek Falls is part of the Wilson Creek Gorge, which is a beautiful, secluded area. It may take some turning around to find it, but if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, you won’t be disappointed.

Heading south on Highway 181, make a left onto Brown Mountain Beach Road.

Continue for 5 miles, passing the offroad area, and make a left on SR1328.

For More Info on Hiking

Linville Gorge/Falls

Over 76 Hiking Trails Listed with Directions & Pictures

BooneNCinfo.com 102

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The Grand Canyon of the East, Linville Gorge is as remote and pristine as it gets. Linville Falls can be viewed from a distance by hiking the moderate Erwin’s View Trail, which begins at the Visitor Center and is a 1.6-mile roundtrip.

Challenging... High Countr y Hiking

The Linville Gorge Trail and connecting trails within the gorge are recommended for highly experienced hikers only. These trails, often climbing and descending the V-shaped walls of the gorge, are very strenuous.

To get to the Linville Gorge Visitor Center, take Highway 181 South to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Turn south on the Parkway and drive a few miles to the left turn for the Linville Falls parking area. The Linville Gorge Trail can be accessed at several locations along its western edge. Take US 221 South to Highway 183. Then turn left onto SR1238 (Kistler Memorial Highway).

Trailheads are marked by parking areas on the left. Overnight camping in the Linville Gorge requires a permit Friday to Sunday, from May 1 to Oct. 31. For a permit, call the Grandfather District Ranger at 828-652-4841.

Profile Trail – Grandfather Mountain

Spectacular views and challenging terrain await at Grandfather Mountain. The Profile Trail to the top is 3 miles long and rises more than 2,000 feet in elevation.

The first mile is fairly easy, but the trail becomes more challenging quickly after that. This trail does not requires a permit.

To reach the Profile Trail entrance, take Highway 105 South from Boone for about 12 miles. Parking is on the left, about 5 miles past Foscoe.

Stone Mountain State Park

With over 14,000 acres of protected land, Stone Mountain State Park is a nearly inexhaustible resource for hikers and campers. Trails vary from moderate to strenuous, and lead to several of the park’s landmarks – including Stone Mountain itself, a 600-foot granite dome overlooking the park. If you do not plan on camping overnight, be sure to set aside a full day.

Stone Mountain State Park can be accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 229. Take Highway 21 South to Roaring Gap. The park entrance located off of SR 1002, 7 miles south of Roaring Gap.

Upper Creek Falls

Upper Creek Falls could be called nature’s playground. A swimming hole, complete with a rope swing, is located above the falls, and natural rock slides are found at several points below the falls. The waterfall itself is over 30 feet high, and continues for another 50 feet.

The trail leading to the upper falls is less than 1 mile, but strenuous. Crowds are usually small, but sometimes loud.

Take Highway 105 South from Boone.

Turn left onto Highway 181 South.

After crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway and passing signs for Table Rock, the parking lot for Upper Creek Falls is on the left.

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Regularly Scheduled

Recurring Events SEE PAGE 110 FOR LIST OF DAILY EVENTS

An Appalachian Summer Festival Appalachian State University, Boone www.appsummer.org | 828-262-4046

June 27: Film: “My Lucky Elephant” June 28: Film: “The Innocents” June 30: Broyhill Chamber Ensemble July 5: Film: “Worlds Apart” July 7: Summer Exhibition Celebration at the Turchin Center July 8: An Evening with Sutton Foster July 9: Eastern Festival Orchestra Featuring Midori July 11: Film: “Virginia’s Run” July 12: Film: “Rams” July 13-14: The National Black Theatre Festival Presents: “Maid’s Door” July 15: Jennifer Nettles July 16: Broyhill Chamber Ensemble July 18: Film: “Duma” July 19: Film: “I, Daniel Blake” July 21: MOMIX: “Opus Cactus” July 22: Rosen Sculpture Walk July 22: Chris Botti July 23: Broyhill Chamber Ensemble July 25: Film: “Secrets of War” July 25: Broyhill Chamber Ensemble July 26: Film: “Glory” July 27: Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers July 29: Charlotte Ballet July 30: Rosen-Schaffel Competition Aug 1: Film: “Theeb” Aug 2: Film Series: Tanna, Schaefer Center Aug 5: Yestival: YES with Special Guests Todd Rundgren & Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy

Weekend Scenic Lift Rides Sugar Mountain Resort, 828-898-4521, www.skisugar.com Chairlift rides aboard the Summit Express lift run every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

July 1 – September 4

Blowing Rock Art in the Park Park Avenue, Blowing Rock, FREE, 828-295-7851

June 10 • July 15 • Aug. 12 • Sept. 9 • Oct. 7

Banner Elk Concerts in the Park Tate-Evans Park, Banner Elk 828-898-8395, www.bannerelk.org

Every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. June 23 to Sept. 1 June 22: Buick Mackane • June 29: Soul Benefactor July 6: The Extraordinaires • July 13: TBA July 20: Jocassee w/Wilson Braxwell & Hope Harvey July 27: The Flying Saucers • Aug 3: Roadrunnerz Aug 10: Sharkedelics • Aug 17: Wolf Creek Aug 24: Dave Calvert Collective

Concerts on the Lawn Jones House Community Center, Downtown Boone 828-268-6280, www.joneshouse.org

Every Friday at 5 p.m.

June 2: Time Sawyer & Sirius B. June 9: Carolina Ramble Review: Possum Jenkins, Wurlitzer Prize & Molly McGinn June 16: Doc Watson Day Celebrations with Charles Welch, Jack Lawrence/Patrick Couch, Presley Barker & Jeff Little Trio

Entertaining Music Series

Three Redneck Tenors June 19 Double Grandè June 26 Western Piedmont Symphony July 3 Vivace July 10

2017 Season

Scotch, Soul, Rock and Roll July 17

All performances begin at 7 p.m.

The Joe Gransden Big Band July 24

lmc.edu/forum

Barbra and Frank: The Concert That Never Was July 31

For season ticket information, call 828.898.8748.

Post Office Box 649 | Banner Elk, NC 28604

The Broadway Boys August 7

Hayes Auditorium, Broyhill Theatre

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Regularly Scheduled

Recurring Events

CONCERtS ON THE LAWN, CONTINUED

www.wataugacountyfarmersmarket.org

June 23: Strictly Strings & Strictly Clean and Decent June 30: Good Vibes Trio & King Bees July 7: Tellico & Amantha Mill July 14: Jazzfest: Swing Guitars, Shane Chalke & Todd Wright July 21: Josh Daniels & Mark Schimick & Shelby Rae Moore July 28: Jon Shain, Angela Easterling & Earleine Aug 4: Aaron Burdett Band & Lazybirds Aug 11: Hiroya Tsukomoto, Steve and Ruth & The Mountain Laurels Aug 18: Bluegrass Showcase: Never Too Late, Jonah Riddle, Brian Osborne & Surefire Aug 25: Touche with Meade Richter & Hank and Pattie

Street Dance at Town Hall

Saturdays through November, 8 a.m. to noon Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market Park Avenue, Blowing Rock, 828-298-7851

www.blowingrock.com/farmersmarket

Thursdays, 4-6 p.m. May 25 – Oct. 12 Avery County Farmers’ Market Old Banner Elk Elementary School

www.averycountyfarmersmarket.net Thursdays, 4:30-7 p.m.

Music in the Valle Valle Crucis Community Park 828-963-9239, www.vallecrucispark.com

Fridays at 7 p.m (6:30 p.m. after Aug. 19) June 2: The King Bees • June 9: Redleg Husky June 9: Lauren Hayworth Jazz Trio June 16: Alexa Rose • June 23: Cane Mill Road June 30: Letters to Abigail • July 7: Soul Benefactor July 14: Worthless Son-in-Laws • July 21: Lucky Strikes July 28: The Neighbors • Aug 4: Maureen Renihan Aug 11: Dashboard Hula Boys • Aug 18: Zoe & Cloyd Aug 25: Carolina Ramble Review Sept. 5: Folk & Dagger

Beech Mountain Resort 828-387-2011, www.beechmountainresort.com

Select Saturdays starting at 7 p.m.

June 10, 24 | July 8, 22 | Aug. 12, 26 | Sept. 2

Music on the Lawn The Best Cellar at the Inn at Ragged Gardens, Blowing Rock 828-295-3466, www.ragged-gardens.com

Fridays from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

June 2: Supa Tight • June 9: Shelby Rae Moore Band June 16: Soul Benefactor • June 23: Drive South June 30: The Harris Brothers • July 7: Lucky Strikes July 14: Jonathan Birchfield Band July 21: Soul Benefactor • July 28: The Harris Brothers Aug 4: Smokey Breeze • Aug 11: Klee and Mike Aug 18: Soul Benefactor • Aug 25: Out of the Blue

Farmer’s Markets Watauga County Farmers’ Market Horn in the West, Boone, 828-355-4918

Live Music at 5506’ SkyBar Beech Mountain Resort 828-387-2011, www.beechmountainresort.com

Music starts at 2:30 p.m.

June 3: Melissa Reaves • June 10: Shelby Rae Moore Band • June 17: Fireside Collective June 24: Virginia Ground • July 1: The Corklickers July 8: Parker Urban Band • July 15: Sweet Sweet July 22: Dr Bacon • July 29: TBD • Aug 5: Prettier Than Matt • Aug 12: TBD • Aug 19: My New Favorites Aug 26: TBD • Sept. 2: If Birds Could Fly

6th Annual JOIN US ON:

FRI, SEPT. 15 1-8 PM SAT, SEPT. 16 8AM-5PM

"The High Country's Largest Antique Show!"

Antiques

Collectibles

Primitives

Downtown West Jefferson, NC 106

Music

Free Admission

www.WJAntiquesFair.com

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A Season of Ashe County Little Theatre Willie Wonka June 22-26 Ashe Civic Center

Gallery Crawl Downtown West Jefferson 2nd Fridays, June – October

Ashe County Bluegrass & Old Time Fiddlers Convention July 28-29 Ashe County Park

Ken Kolodner Trio July 27 Ashe Arts Center

Hickory Jazz Orchestra July 22 Ashe Civic Center

Neal Hellman July 9 Ashe Arts Center

For more information call 336.846-2787 Ashe County Arts Council, 303 School Avenue, West Jefferson, NC 28694

336.846-2787 www.ashecountyarts.org

66 Yea th r!

June 23 to August 5

Outdoor Drama

J oin t he A dventure!

horninthewest.com

(828) 264-2120

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Regularly Scheduled

Recurring Events

Music at Linville Falls Winery Linville Falls, 828-765-1400, www.linvillefallswinery.com

Saturday or Sunday afternoons June 3: The Corklickers • June 4: The Harris Brothers June 10: Clay Lunsford • June 11: Tom Pillion June 17: Wayne Taylor • June 18: Shelby Rae Moore June 24: Clay Lunsford • June 25: Typical Mountain Boys July 1: The Johnson Brothers • July 2: The Harris Brothers July 8: If Birds Could Fly • July 9: Tom Pillion July 15: Bluegrass Blend • July 16: Shelby Rae Moore Band July 22: Clay Lunsford • July 23: Redleg Husky July 29: Wayne Taylor • July 30: Clay Lunsford Aug 5: Wayne Taylor • Aug 6: Typical Mountain Boys Aug 12: Clay Lunsford • Aug 13: The Harris Brothers Aug 19: Wayne Taylor • Aug 20: Shelby Rae Moore Band Aug 26: TBA • Aug 27: Clay Lunsford

Todd Summer Music Series Cook Memorial Park, Todd 828-263-6173, www.toddnc.org (See ad on opposite page) June 24: Amantha Mill July 4: King Bees July 8: Wayne Henderson & Helen White July 15: Melissa Reaves July 29: Lucky Strikes Orchestra

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todd summer music series, CONTINUED Aug. 5: Strictly Strings Aug. 20: Worthless Son-in-Laws

Carlton Gallery Grandfather Mountain Community, Banner Elk 828-963-4288, www.carltongallery.com

May 27 – July 15: Spring Group Exhibition spring artists: Mary Dobbin, Connie Winters, Gina Strumpf, Helen Farson July 22 – Sept. 15: Mid-Summer Group Exhibition: Summer Artists: Andrew Braitman, Kevin Beck, Egi Antonaccio

Horn in the West: An Outdoor Drama Daniel Boone Amphitheatre, Boone 828-264-2120, www.horninthewest.com

Nightly at 8 p.m. excluding Mondays, gates open at 7:30 p.m. Running from June 23 to August 5

Concert in the Courtyard Bayou Smokehouse and Grill, Banner Elk 828-898-8952, www.bayousmokehouse.com

Tuesday evenings, starting approximately 6 p.m.

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TO D D

C O M M U N I T Y

P R E S E R VAT I O N

O R G A N I Z AT I O N

Summer Music Series 2017 COOK MEMORIAL PARK \ TODD, N.C. \ 6 – 8 PM \ FREE

Bring lawn chair or blanket \ Food, snacks and beverages for sale For more info, visit www.toddnc.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 24

Amantha Mill SPECIAL JULY 4 CONCERT

King Bees

IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING LIBERTY PARADE AT 11 AM

SATURDAY, JULY 8

Wayne Henderson & Helen White SATURDAY, JULY 15

Melissa Reaves SATURDAY, JULY 29

Lucky Strikes Orchestra SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

Strictly Strings SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

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Calendar of Events SEE PAGE 104 – 108 FOR THE LIST OF RECURRING EVENTS

JUNE 2017

7

1-11

7-9

Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-2013 2 First Friday Art Crawl, Downtown Boone, 828-268-6280 2-4 Nature Photography Weekend, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-2013 3 New River Canoe Race, New River State Park, 336-982-2587 7 Gamekeeper Wine/Beer Tasting & Auction, Blowing Rock American Legion, 828-264-2511 8-11 Charity Horse Show: Saddlebred Division, Broyhill Equestrian Preserve, 828-295-4700 9-11 Made in the Mountains Quilt Event, American Legion Building, 828-264-2511 9-18 Day Out with Thomas, Tweetsie Railroad, 828-264-9061 10 Avery County Wine and Beer Festival, Blind Squirrel Brewery, 828-898-5605 14 Animal Birthday Party, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-2013 14 Doc Watson Day Celebration, Downtown Boone, 828-268-6280 16-24 Ensemble Stage Present: “Star Spangled Girl, Historic Banner Elk School, 828-414-1844 17 Lees-McRae Summer Theatre: “Screen Test” Hayes Auditorium, 828-898-5241 22-26 Ashe County Little Theatre: “Willy Wonka, the Musical” Ashe Civic Center, 336-846-2787 24 Blood, Sweat and Gears Bike Ride, Valle Crucis, bloodsweatandgears.org 26 Singing on the Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, MacRae Meadows, 828-733-2013 27-7/2 Lees-McRae Summer Theatre: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Hayes Auditorium, 828-898-5241

JULY 2017 1 1 1 1 1-2 4 4 4 4 6-9 110

Christmas in July Festival, Downtown West Jefferson, 336-846-9196 Fourth of July Festival and Parade, Downtown Blowing Rock, 828-295-5222 Sugar Mountain Summit Crawl, Sugar Mountain Resort, 828-898-4521 Roasting of the Hog and Fireworks, Beech Mountain Resort, 828-387-2011 Art on the Green, Historic Banner Elk School, bannerelk.org Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks, Downtown Boone, 828-268-6280 Fourth of July Fireworks, Sugar Mountain Resort, 828-898-4521 Fireworks Extravaganza at Tweetsie, Tweetsie Railroad, 828-264-9061 Fourth of July Parade & Party in the Park!, Banner Elk, bannerelk.org Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, 828-733-1333, gmhg.org

7-15 12-16 14-16 14-15 22-30 22-23 25-30 28 28-8/4 28-30 29-8/6

First Friday Art Crawl, Downtown Boone, 828-268-6280 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at Tweetsie, Tweetsie Railroad, 828-264-9061 Ensemble Stage Presents: “Mary & Myra” Historic Banner Elk School, 828-414-1844 Lees-McRae Summer Theatre: “Million Dollar Quartet, ” Hayes Auditorium, 828-898-5241 Fine Arts and Master Crafts Festival, Historic Banner Elk School, 828-898-5605 BBQ Boot Camp, Sugar Mountain Resort, 828-898-4521 K9s in Flight: Frisbee Dogs, Tweetsie Railroad, 828-264-9061 High Country Pet Fest, Banner Elk Elementary School, 828-898-5625 Charity Horse Show: Hunter & Jumper Division, Broyhill Equestrian Preserve, 828-295-4700 Symphony by the Lake, Chetola, 828-295-7851 Lees-McRae Summer Theatre: “Legally Blonde: The Musical” Hayes Auditorium, 828-898-5241 Ashe County Fiddlers Convention, Ashe County Park, 336-846-2787 Ensemble Stage Presents: “Switzerland” Historic Banner Elk School, 828-414-1844

AUGUST 2017 1-6 Charity Horse Show: Hunter & Jumper Division, Broyhill Equestrian Preserve, 828-295-4700 2 Animal Enrichment Day, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-2013 4 First Friday Art Crawl, Downtown Boone, 828-268-6280 4-6 The Backyardigans at Tweetsie, Tweetsie Railroad, 828-264-9061 5 Crafts on the Green, Fred’s General Mercantile, 828-387-4838 11-13 Fine Arts and Master Crafts Festival, Historic Banner Elk School, 828-898-5605 12 Shagging at the Rock, The Blowing Rock, 828-295-7111 12-13 Riders in the Sky: America’s Favorite Cowboys, Tweetsie Railroad, 828-264-9061 12 Wildcat Lake Music Festival, Holston Camp and Retreat Center, 844-465-7866 13-14 Amateur and Professional Camera Clinic, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-2013 18-26 Ensemble Stage Presents: “Art of Murder” Historic Banner Elk School, 828-414-1844 19 Art Ball, BRAHM, 828-295-9099 26-27 Railroad Heritage Weekend, Tweetsie Railroad, 828-264-9061 25-28 Ashe County Little Theatre: “Church Basement Ladies”, Ashe Civic Center, 336-846-2787

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LARGE TRACTS! mountains4sale.com

Mountain Land C O M P A N Y

828-263-2340 Acres

County

Price

Acres

County

Price

1140

Caldwell

$6,900,000

146

Wilkes

$412,175

807

Wilkes

$2,410,269

142

Wilkes

$373,000

398

Wilkes

$1,125,000

134

Ashe

310

Wilkes

SOLD!

129

Caldwell

$362,000

285

Cleveland

$741,000

77

Caldwell

$246,000

212

Wilkes

$510,300

70

Wilkes

$137,500

193

Ashe

$795,000

45

Caldwell

$101,000

167

Avery

$1,645,000

40

Alexander

$171,000

Acres

County

Price

Acres

County

Price

767

Caldwell

$6,499,000

96

Wilkes

$191,000

Alexander $2,238,000

53

Caldwell

$145,000

$1,498,000

MAJOR PRICE REDUCTIONS! 454 194

Wilkes

$300,000

44

Wilkes

SOLD!

181

Wilkes

SOLD!

41

Wilkes

$375,000

155

Ashe

$704,000

34

Wilkes

$251,000

129

Wilkes

$429,000

23

Wilkes

$81,000

104

Wilkes

$675,000

18

Wilkes

$66,000

Paul Breden Mountain Land Company Broker/Owner 15784 U.S. Hwy 421 S. 828-263-2340 Deep Gap, NC 28618 Email: buymountainland@gmail.com v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s g u i d e s u m m e r 2 0 17

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