Area Attractions

Great places to try out something a little different. Area Attractions

THE BLOWING ROCK LEATHERWOOD MOUNTAIN

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

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

Get close to nature. }{

WONDERS NEVER CEASE | www.grandfather.com

TWEETSIE RAILROAD 2019 SPECIAL EVENTS 2021 Special Events

Day Out With Thomas™ June 11–20

Fireworks Extravaganza Sunday, July 4th

Park open until 9 pm, Fireworks at 9:30 pm

K-9s in Flight Frisbee® Dogs July 24 – August 1

Shows at 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm

Riders In The Sky August 14-15

Performances at Noon & 3 pm

Railroad Heritage Weekend August 28-29

Ghost Train® September 24 –October 30 Friday and Saturday, 7:30 pm–11:30 pm

Tweetsie® Christmas

November 19 – December 30 Friday and Saturday, 5 pm–10 pm

Events subject to change without notice.

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

and experienced guides take you into the subterranean world, giving you the history of the caverns and allowing you to view the grand work of nature. The tours take visitors along a level walk to see “inside” Humpback Mountain that features amazing mineral color, unique formations, an underground stream with native trout and a peek into total darkness. n 828-756-4171. www.linvillecav-

erns.com. See ad on page this page

MYSTERY HILL

BLOWING ROCK. The house that defies physics, Mystery Hill, is a gravitational anomaly. Here you’ll stand at a 45-degree angle, see balls roll uphill and witness other inexplicable phenomenon. In the Hall of Mystery, you’ll find puzzles, hands-on experiments and optical illusions. Don’t forget to visit the Heritage Museum and the Artifact Museum. Also axe throwing is now available - a friendly competition in which people throw axes at targets to see who is the better shot. Mystery Hill is open seven days a week, year round, from

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 Tweetsie’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. Please check their website or call ahead about their new reservation system for tickets for the train ride. And don’t miss the Ghost Train Halloween Festival every Friday and Saturday throughout October! n

1-877-TWEETSIE. www.tweetsie.com. See ad on page 23

Visit Linville Caverns

PHENOMENAL BEAUTY

See inside a mountain. Walk among the stalactites and stalagmites formations. See the underground stream and experience “total darkness.” IT’S ALL AT LINVILLE CAVERNS North Carolina’s Only Show Caverns

Our informative and fun-filled tours showcases these amazing caverns. An adventure you’ll always remember! 828-756-4171 www.linvillecaverns.com