Things To Know

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 48.

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 58.

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 84. 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 86-92.

VALUABLE RESOURCES FOR VISITORS

Each town – including Watauga County as a whole – has a tourism development authority (TDA) that highlights all of the wonderful things that communities like Seven Devils, Sugar Mountain, Boone and Beech Mountain, as well as Abingdon over in Virginia for example, have to offer to visitors of the High Country. Not only a valuable resource to tourists, these organizations are a boon to local businesses and attractions, too, by enticing folks to the area. And once here? We know how quickly people will fall in the love with - and return to - the High Country. See ads on page 9, 11, 13 and 15 for examples of local TDA’s.

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

Boone

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

Blowing Rock

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

Newland

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

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 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

Highest Temperature in Watauga/Avery

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

Lowest Temperature in Watuaga/Avery

- 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

Farmers Markets

Join the excitement at the Farmers’ Markets

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. The 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 and a large selection of plants, including annuals, perennials and shrubs are always on hand. Also live music, cooking demonstrations, and children’s activities. n 828-355-4918. 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 828-733-8270.

BLOWING ROCK MARKET

BLOWING ROCK. The Blowing Rock Farmers Market offers a great mid-week selection of local produce and goods from area farmers. Located on Park Avenue, right in downtown Blowing Rock, it’s a convenient stop! Every Thursday, 3-6 pm through September 30th. n 828-295-7851