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.
www.theblowingrock.com. See ad on page 25
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 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! Please check their website or call ahead about their new reservation system for tickets. n 800-468-7325.
www.grandfather.com. See ad on page 23
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 2021 season marks its 69th 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 25through August 7 with performances every Tuesday through Sunday at 8:00 p.m. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. n 828-
264-2120. www.horninthewest.com. See ad on page 91 22
VISITOR’S GUIDE SUMMER 2021
LEATHERWOOD MOUNTAIN
FERGUSON. Created in 1985, Leatherwood Mountains is an established residential community & vacation resort offering luxury amenities. Once Leatherwood Mountains gets in your soul, you may never want to leave. The resort makes memories that will last a lifetime! Our beautiful wooded campground is located on the banks of Elk Creek and offer 20 & 30 AMP power & water hook up year round. We also have the Saddlebrook Restaurant’s dining room with our newly expanded outdoor dining area. Serving dinner Fiday and Satuday nights and breakfast and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Leatherwood has a 1-mile section of NC Hatchery-supported trout waters and a stocked fishing pond perfect for a lazy afternoon with the kids! And for our younger guests who haven’t discovered the value in an idle afternoon, there are many different activities located inside the gates of Leatherwood Mountains to fill the void. Plus a Leatherwood trail map can provide days of the most beautiful hiking one could ask for. Kids can also play tennis, swim in the pool, ride horses, fish and play basketball all within our resort! Ride seasoned trail horses or mules and experience the outdoors in a relaxed, unhurried manner. Beginner horseback riders are always welcome. Young or old, experienced or not, practically everyone can ride one of our horses or mules. n
800-462-6867.www.leatherwoodmountains. com. See ad on page 4
LINVILLE CAVERNS
MARION. Located at the southern gateway to western NC’s High Country region, Linville Caverns is an ideal destination for visitors of all ages who 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
