High Country Press
Visitor Guide The Official Guide for
THINGS TO DO
Winter 2018 F R E E
Where To Go ... This Winter
Appalachian Ski Mtn
Hiking - SHOPPING - Eating
Attractions - Adventures North Carolina’s
High Country
Mountains
visitor’s guide Boone • Blowing Rock • Banner Elk
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CHETOLA RESORT AT BLOWING ROCK
Winter Savings
40% OFF ALL ACCOMMODATIONS JANUARY 1 - MARCH 22, 2018
Chetola Lodge, Bob Timberlake Inn, 1-4 bedroom Condominiums (Excluding Jan. 12-14, Jan. 26-28, and Feb. 16-18; 2-nights stays required on weekends in Lodge and Inn, 2-night stays always required in condos)
Book Online at Chetola.com or Call 800.243.8652 & Use Code WinterHCVG to Get 40% Off Accommodations.
AREA’S NEWEST & BEST
SKI & BOARD
RENTALS EVERYTHING TO GET YOU ON THE SLOPES! SHAPE SKIS DEMOS PERFORMANCE JUNIOR SNOWBLADES CLOTHING BOARDS
828/ 898-9786
Reserve Your Gear Online: SkiCountrySports.com
ACROSS FROM THE ENTRANCE TO SUGAR MOUNTAIN IN BANNER ELK v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e W I N TER 2 0 1 7
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Contents Things to Know
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Helpful Information
The Importance of a Ski Lesson
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Instruction Helps You Learn Much Faster Than On Your Own
Snow Sports
14
Fun Things To Do In The Snow
Fun Things to Do
17
Vacation Stops Not To Be Missed
Outfitters
20
Winter Time in the Mountains Equals Cold Outdoor Adventures
High Country Ski & Snow Resorts
24
Profiles of Appalachian Ski Mtn, Ski Beech, Hawksnest and Sugar Mountain
Restaurants
34
A Broad Range Of Dining Opportunities
Snow Tubing & Ice Skating
46
Besides Traditional Skiing & Snowboarding, Give These Snow Sports a Try
Shopping
48
A Compilation Of Neat Shops, Businesses And Boutiques
Parkway Hikes & Sights
56
Favorites Stops And Hikes Along The Blue Ridge Parkway
line
Big Events This Winter
60
For More Information
HCPress.com
Visit Our Website
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.
News & Information Now
Staff Box High Country Press
Visitor Guide
Publisher/Editor Ken Ketchie
art director Debbie Carter
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jesse Wood photography
Pictures in this issue are from our photo files and include photos from Todd Bush, James Fay & Randy Johnson as well as submitted pictures. 2
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Cover Photographer Todd Bush 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 (828) 264-2262
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. v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e W I N TER 2 0 1 7
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ESCAPE UNWIND INDULGE Satisfy Your Cravings.
BannerElk.com SKIING & SNOWBOARDING SHOPPING & GALLERIES SNOWTUBING ICE SKATING WINTER HIKING RESTAURANTS & DINING COZY LODGING
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Things To Know Our visitor guide includes information you can use to make the most of your vacation time in the High Country. Don’t miss out on all the places, the businesses and restaurants the area has to offer! Let our winter guide help you search the High Country.
Press - Online
TAKE A DRIVE - have a look around — On scenic roads, like the historic Blue Ridge Parkway, the views go on forever in the winter. See what’s hidden behind the winter trees – you’ll see incredible rock formations, frozen waterfalls, wildlife, mountain homes and farms. When driving, be conscious of other drivers. If you notice a line of cars behind you, just pull over and let them pass. See page 56 for favorite Parkway Overlooks and page 54 for directions to three state-designated Scenic By-Ways. Eat AT Someplace New — You’re on
vacation, after all. More than 200 local restaurants are just waiting for you to be their next guest. Try something new and check out one of the restaurants mentioned in this guide (page 34). The High Country is quite proud of its quality of restaurants; you’re guaranteed to find great food, one-of-a-kind atmosphere and friendly faces.
www.HCPress.com Up-to-date information about the High Country is now available at your fingertips at a brand new website that is constantly updated twenty four seven. A great place to visit to see what’s happening now in these mountains. Chambers of Commerce
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.blowingrockncchamber.com
n BANNER ELK: 898-8395 • 100 West Main St. Open Mon.-Sat. 9-4 • www.bannerelk.org
n BEECH MOUNTAIN: 387-9283 • 403-A Beech Mtn Pkwy. Open Mon.-Sat. 9-5 • www.beechmtnchamber.com
n AVERY-BANNER ELK: 898-5605 • 4501 Tynecastle Hwy. Suite 2 • Open Mon.-Sun. Various Hours www.averycounty.com
Winter forecast updates — Winter weather can change fast. www. BooneWeather.com is where locals keep up-to-date. For Parkway conditions, call 828-298-0348. Tune in and listen to local radio on channel 1450 AM. 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. And winter hiking, with the leaves 6
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off the trees, reveals endless views and hidden treasures along the trails you don’t see in the summer. We’ve compiled some of our favorite hikes and trails for your benefit, starting on page 56.
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.
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’s name came from a marketing effort in the early 1980s aimed at pulling the area together and creating an identity for locals and visitors alike. The counties of Watauga and Avery form the heart of the High Country -- having the main towns of Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk. The High Country stretches from Mitchell county in the west over to Ashe, Alleghany and Wilkes counties in the east.
Avery county
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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
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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 8
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.
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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.
Whatever helps you relax, you can find it here. Wine tasting? Yep. Rock climbing? Sure. We won’t judge. If you’re happy, we’re happy. 800.852.9506 ExploreBoone.com v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e W I N TER 2 0 1 7
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All Seasons Mountain Towns
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BOONE
he Town of Boone serves as the seat of Watauga County and is home to Appalachian State University. The town acquired its name from the famous pioneer and explorer Daniel Boone, who on several occasions camped within the present city limits as he traveled through the area on his way to Kentucky in the late 1700s. Through the years, Boone has become the hub of commerce in the North Carolina High Country area, offering virtually everything a resident or visitor can desire. Boone has long been a favorite vacation destination, beginning in the 1880s when Southerners came here to escape the summer heat. Today, Boone is recognized by travel journalists as an “ultimate outdoor adventure destination” in the Southeast. The Town of Boone was incorporated in 1872 and its current population is 17,186. At 3,333 feet, Boone has the highest elevation of any town of its size east of the Mississippi River.
banner elk
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he Town of Banner Elk is a beautiful mountain town away from the busy crowds where one can still have access to the finer conveniences found in larger metropolitan areas. Located in Avery County, it is surrounded by some of the highest mountains east of the Rockies, including Grandfather Mountain and Beech Mountain. Banner Elk is home to Lees-McRae College and features a lively arts and cultural scene, complete with an intimate pedestrian shopping district of upscale boutiques and outstanding restaurants. The town was first settled in 1825 and incorporated in 1911. Today, it has a population of about 1,000 full-time residents. Banner Elk sits at 3,739 feet above sea level.
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BEECH MOUNTAIN
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 mile-high 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. 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-
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the-art 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.
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sugar mountain
he Village of Sugar Mountain was incorporated as a township in 1988, and has grown easily into the perfect resort destination in the 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 tennis at Sugar is just as spectacular. Six courts, meticulously maintained of fast-dry, Har-tru clay, are wildly popular from May through October. And, like the golf, the tennis facilities are open to everyone, either on a pay-as-you-go 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 the High Country, 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.
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seven devils
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.
COME. RELAX. ENJOY. STAY... for a weekend, a season, or a lifetime!
Town of Seven Devils For Information on the Town of Seven Devils:
828/963-5343 • www.SevenDevils.net Ad Sponsored by the Seven Devils Tourism Development Authority
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3 Secrets To Skiing
IT Just Takes An Hour • It’s Actually Fun • And . . . It makes a big difference
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nce probably isn’t enough for the average person learning to ski or snowboard; it can take up to three times to be comfortable and in control on more difficult terrain. Here’s what Jim Cottrell, president of the French-Swiss Ski College, has to say. “A very high percentage of the people who try winter sports drop out,” he said. “We believe that is because they expect to ski or snowboard and come down intermediate terrain in one day. That’s just not a realistic goal for the average person.” Cottrell has developed training programs for a wide variety of people, including physical education programs for over 100 colleges and universities, and is a Level III Certified Instructor with the Professional Ski Instructors of America. He believes that a progression of lessons is vital: the first lesson lets beginners get comfortable on skis or a board; the transition to intermediate terrain can be made during the second lesson; and by the third, skiing or boarding more difficult terrain is comfortable. “If you learn these skills in this progression, you will learn good fundamental skills quickly,” he said. “When you go back, you’re practicing the right thing and consequently you get better and better.” “It’s that combination of having a pro-
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gression that makes it easy to learn coupled with the fact that you use proper fundamentals,” Cottrell said. “That’s the true value of taking instruction.” Each of the three ski resorts in the area offer group and private lessons for those wishing to learn how to ski or ride. Appalachian Ski Mountain offers a Learn to Ski and Snowboard Package that includes a lesson, equipment and a ski ticket for beginners ages 6 and older. The group lessons are offered at 10 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. for beginners; 2 p.m., beginners & intermediates; 3:15 p.m. private lessons only; 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. beginners, intermediates & private lessons. Beech Mountain Resort offers free beginner lessons Monday through Thursday with the purchase of rental equipment for participants ages 8 and older. Group and private lessons are offered daily at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 and 6:30 pm At Sugar Mountain Resort, group and private lessons are available on the hour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. The Sugar Bear Ski School is designed for children ages 5-10 and The Polar Bear Snowboard School is designed for children ages 7-14. Full and halfday programs are available for both programs between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Stay Close to the Slopes in the Heart of Beech Mountain Houses
Condos
Enjoy all the comforts of home, with such amenities DV À UHSODFHV KRW WXEV DQG panoramic views.
A large selection of condos UDQJLQJ XS WR WKUHH EHGURRPV and conveniently located near the slopes.
Lodges
Chalets
Our lodges provide traditional guest rooms at UHDVRQDEOH SULFHV ULJKW LQ WKH heart of town.
Soak in the on-mountain DPELDQFH ZLWK FR]\ FKDOHWV DQG UXVWLF FDELQV VXUURXQGLQJ the ski resort.
BeechMtn.com/lodging v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e W I N TER 2 0 1 7
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Snow
sports
...Things to do in the snow
Ski Beech ice rink
poplar Grove rd
Off hwy 211 - Blowing Rock
hawksnest
Tubing
Hawksnest is king of the mountain when it comes to tubing, with the largest park on the East Coast. Sugar Mountain also offers six tubing lanes. And Beech Mountain has eight lanes. Chutes are machined formed and regularly groomed for a fantastic ride. Once at the bottom, a conveyor lift takes you back to the top for another ride down. Tubing sessions last one hour and 45 minutes. All you need to do is dress warm. Check with the resorts for session times and ticket prices.
Sledding The snow sport created just for kids—sledding—makes for an easy, fun family treat. There’s always snow on the free sledding hill next to the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce. Snowmaking machines and natural snow keep this hill open all winter long. Plastic sleds only. For more info call 1-800-468-5506 or 828-387-9283. Or, simply look around for a snow-covered hill. There’s an extremely popular place on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock. Go 1.7 miles south from Blowing Rock on Highway 221. You’ll find it near the Parkway entrance next to the bridge.
Snow Artists Snowmen, snow angels, snow forts and snowball fights. Hopefully your winter visit will include some snow so you can get outside and enjoy a winter wonderland of snow. In the past, area organizations have hosted contests for the most creative snowmen. Be a snow artist!
Ice Skating All three ski areas offer outdoor ice skating rinks. The rinks are refrigerated and regularly maintained for ice resurfacing. The rinks are fully lighted for night skating. You’ll find plenty of skate rentals available. Ice skating is an excellent activity for everyone in your group or family. Call ahead for group rates.
Moses Cone Trail
Cross-Country Skiing
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The “off-road” skiing experience is a great way to explore the High Country back country on your own time. If closed, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the perfect place to cross-country ski, especially around Moses Cone Manor, which has 25 miles of carriage trails. Beech Mountain and Roan Mountain, Tenn., are two other popular crosscountry skiing spots because of the mountains’ isolated, unpaved roads. Ski Country Sports (828-898-9786) sells cross-country skis. v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e W I N TER 2 0 1 7
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Ready to reach new heights? VISIT US TODAY WWW.LMC.EDU
Your Future Elevated | Banner Elk, NC | 828.898.5241
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.
Check Out These...
Fun Things to Do
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 everyday through December and weekends Jan. - Mar. n 828-295-7111. www.theblowingrock.com. See ad on page 19
Blowing Rock ART AND HISTORY MUSEUM Blowing Rock. Experience art and discover history at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum with year-round
exhibitions, tours, educational programs, family friendly events, and art classes and workshops. Located on the corner of Chestnut and Main Streets in downtown Blowing Rock. Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm with extended hours on “Donation Day” Thursday, 10 am - 7 pm. n 828-295-9099. www.blowingrockmuseum.org. See ad on page 18
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! It offers flexible hours for open creative indoor/outdoor play as well as great classes for kids and adults. Come enjoy
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Fun Things To Do 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 828-263-0011. www.goplayhouse.org. See ad on page 18
Experience ART
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN
On the corner of Chestnut & Main, in downtown Blowing Rock (828) 295-9099 | www.BlowingRockMuseum.org Image credit: Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic dome, Summer 1949. Photo by Masato Nakagawa. Courtesy of the Western Regional Archives, State Archives of North Carolina, Asheville, NC.
THE Children’s Playhouse The High Country’s Only Nonprofit Children’s Museum
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Rain or Shine Fun for Kids or Babies up to age 8 5SBDZ $JSDMF #PPOF t t HPQMBZIPVTF PSH 18
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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! n 800-468-7325. www.grandfather.com. See ad on page 19
GRANDFATHER TROUT FARM
na’s Caroli l North est trave old raction att 1933! since
BANNER ELK. Grandfather Trout Farm has two ponds stocked with trout, and you just pay for what you catch. We’re open all winter. Ideal for large groups and families with children. Bait, tackle, buckets, nets and other gear provided 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 18
CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR 2018 SPECIAL EVENTS 8FEEJOHT t 3FVOJPOT Anniversaries #JSUIEBZT
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. Open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. n 828-264-2792. www.mysteryhillnc.com. See ad on page 17
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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Fall colors give way to a blanket of white, then come the blooms of spring. But the wonder of Grandfather Mountain knows no season. Or equal.
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Mountain
DESTINATION
Winter Time in the Mountains . . . Cold Outdoor Adventures
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on’t let the winter weather keep you indoors. Cold and snow in the mountains create new outdoor scenes and adventures—not to mention a great workout! Photos by Randy Johnson And as long as you’re properly outfitted, your body will stay warm and dry while you concentrate on other things, whether it’s snowshoeing, ice climbing, hiking, sledding, snow tubing, skiing, snowboarding or your own custom adventure. Check out these stores to ensure you’ve got all the gear you need for your winter vacation.
Where to go to get outfitted for the mountain outdoors Edge of the world
BANNER ELK. Rent the very best snowboards the High Country has to offer at Edge of the World, including some right off their shelves! You’ll also find all the accessories and clothing you’ll need for a great day on the slopes. We’re the area’s oldest snowboard shop – since 1986. n 828-898-9550. www.edgeoworld.com. See ad on page 33
FARMERS SKI SHOP
BOONE. The Farmers Ski Shop has been serving the High Country since 1969. They offer complete lines of skis, winter clothing and all accessories. Their 6,000 square foot building in Downtown Boone has anything you’ll need to endure the winter weather and to participate in winter sports. n 828-264-4565. See ad on page 15
RENT Skis / Snowboards / Clothing
French Swiss Rentals 828-963-6410 www.skifrench-swiss.com
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$3 OFF WITH THIS AD
COMPLETE PACKAGE FIRST FULL DAY
fred’s general store
BEECH MOUNTAIN. 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 has everything to make your winter visit perfect. n 828-382-4838. www.fredsgeneral.com.
RECESS SKATE AND SNOW
BOONE. Recess is a locally owned, rider driven skateboard and snowboard shop. We have a very knowledgeable staff dedicated to the highest level of customer service to people of all ages and levels of involvement. We will spend the time to get you into the right gear for your needs. Conveniently located at 1158 Hwy 105 on the way to all local resorts. Make sure to stop in and check out the area’s best selection of skateboards, snowboards, outerwear, footwear, apparel and more. Recess offers a great selection of products from the best skate and snow brands around. Snowboard tunes are also available. n 828-355-9013. www.recessrideshop.com. See ad on page 23
SKI COUNTRY SPORTS
BANNER ELK. Ski Country Sports has served skiers & snowboarders for over 30 years. The dedicated staff is made up of sports enthusiasts, who love what they do. They have the knowledge & expertise to take care of all of your needs. We are the largest Nordica, Volkl, Tecnica, K2, Northwave, Ride, Salomon and Nitro dealer in the South. We sell more equipment in our stores than any other dealer around. Our customers have learned that we have the largest selection, best prices and, most importantly, the best staff.. n 828-898-9786. www.skicountrysports.com. See ad on page 1
FIRST TRACKS
BOONE. 1ST Tracks and Fatty’s is your
complete Winter Sports Center. We are located one-half mile from Hwy 321 on Highway 105 South in Boone. We offer sales, rentals and service for all Winter Sports equipment. We have a well stocked rental department that has been rated “Best Ski and Snowboard Rental Shop” by Family Fun Magazine. So whether you are visiting the area for a ski weekend ...or you are interested in purchasing ski or snowboard equipment, 1ST Tracks and Fatty’s has it all. n 828-264-RENT. www.1sttracks.com. See ad on this page.
BOONE’S LARGEST SKI & BOARD SHOP
1380 HIGHWAY 105 SOUTH, BOONE • (828) 264-RENT 10-6 Monday-Saturday • 1-6 Sundays
www.1stTracks.com
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Free Style
Terrain Parks
A
ll three ski resorts have been aggressively building and improving their Terrain Parks. Shredders, the name given to skiers and snowboarders who “shred” these parks, are enjoying hundreds of features built and maintained by dedicated crews committed to making sure every trip to the parks will be a memorable one. Make sure to check the resorts’ web pages for daily terrain updates and competitions.
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Beech Mountain Resort
T
he highest ski resort on the East Coast, Beech Mountain Resort is ready for another epic winter season. This year marks a very special milestone for Beech Mountain Resort. What started as a simple idea in 1967 has evolved into a winter destination for many. The last fifty years is just the beginning and this season brings an abundance of upgrades for our dedicated customer base. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate a 50 year tradition - come visit Beech!
The Breakdown Number of Slopes: 17 with Lights • Easiest: 3 • More Difficult: 7 • Most Difficult: 4 • Terrain Park(s): 2 Number of Lifts: 8 Peak Elevation: 5,506 ft. Base Elevation: 4,675 ft. Vertical Drop: 830 ft. Snowmaking Capability: 100%
Night Skiing
Lodge
9 buildings spread throughout a village setting with places to shop and eat, rentals, lockers & more.
Restaurant
Cafeteria-style dining open 8:30 am - 10 pm, another restaurant with full service bar and menu and our Skybar 5506’.
(828) 387-2011 beechmountainresort.com
Ski/Snowboard Lessons
Private and group lessons for kids and adults of all skill levels.
Ice Skating
hours of operation
Winter season runs November through March
WEEKDAY HOURS
7,000 sq.-foot refrigerated outdoor rink. Skate rentals available. 3-4 sessions beginning at noon.
Day Session: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Half-Day Session: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Twilight Session: 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. Night Session: 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Lift Capacity
Beech has 7 lifts capable of moving 10,258 people per hour.
Terrain Park
2 designated terrain parks with constructed and natural features.
Tubing
700 foot tubing run with 8 lanes. Magic carpet ride gets you back to the top. 1 hr. 45 min.
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WEEKEND/HOLIDAY HOURS Day Session & Half-Day Session: same as above Twilight Session: 1:00 to 10:00 p.m. Night Session: 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.
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beechmountainresort.com *Excludes Holidays Dec. 18 - Jan.1, 2018, does specials v i not s i tapply o r ’ swith g u iother de W I N TERor2 discounts. 0 17 25
Sugar Mountain
S
ugar Mountain Resort features 125 acres of skiable terrain. The 21 slopes are serviced by 7 lifts. Onehundred percent of the mountain’s skiable terrain is equipped with an underground piping system and surface machinery that produces manmade snow. That system was upgraded this summer adding capacity by 15%. With last year’s addition of a six-person high-speed chairlift and a major new ski slope the year before, Sugar Mountain has never been sweeter!
The Breakdown Number of Slopes: 21 15AtLighted Night • Easiest: 7 • Difficult: 10 • More Difficult: 1 • Most Difficult: 2 • Expert: 1 • Terrain Park(s): 1 Number of Lifts: 7 Peak Elevation: 5,300 ft. Base Elevation: 4,100 ft. Vertical Drop: 1,200 ft. Snowmaking Capability: 100%
Lodge
35,000 sq.-foot base lodge on 3 levels with a ski shop & rentals, lockers, restaurants and offices.
Restaurant
Cafeteria-style dining open 8 am -10 pm AND a lounge area with full-service bar, fireplace and TV.
Ski/Snowboard Lessons
Private and group lessons for kids and adults of all skill levels.
Ice Skating
(828) 898-4521 • skisugar.com
10,000 sq.-ft. refrigerated outdoor rink. Skate rentals available. 6 sessions beginning at 10 am.
Tubing
700 foot tubing run with 7 lanes. Magic carpet ride gets you back to the top. 1 hr. 45 min. sessions. Starts at 10 am. Lighted at night.
hours of operation Winter season runs November through March
Lift Capacity
Sugar has 7 lifts capable of moving 10,520 people per hour.
Terrain Park
Designated terrain park with constructed and natural features. Serviced by hand tow lift.
Rentals
3,500 sets of skis and 500 snowboards along with boots and helmet rentals.
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Day Session: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Half-Day Session: 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Twilight Session: 12:30 to 10:00 p.m. (closed from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.)
Night Session: 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Tubing: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Ice Skating: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Child Care: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
We Make Winter Fun Sugar Mountain Ski Resort skiing - snowboarding - tubing - ice skating - snowshoeing
Sugar Mountain, North Carolina / 800-SUGAR-MT info@skisugar.com / www.skisugar.com v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e W I N TER 2 0 1 7
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Appalachian Ski Mtn.
A
ppalachian Ski Mtn. is known for constantly improving its infrastructure and snowmaking ability each summer season. One of Appalachian Ski Mtn.’s bragging points is that it rarely has to make snow while skiers and snowboarders are enjoying the slopes. This year new snowguns were installed and others were converted with newer technology. Also, the three terrain parks with more than 50 features have been upgraded. And check out their 8 hour flex lift ticket that lets you start on the slopes when you are ready to.
The Breakdown
Number of Slopes: 12 • Easiest: 3 • More Difficult: 3 • Most Difficult: 3 • Terrain Park(s): 3
All Lighted At Night
Number of Lifts: 6 Peak Elevation: 4,000 ft. Base Elevation: 3,635 ft. Vertical Drop: 365 ft. Snowmaking Capability: 100%
Lodge
46,000 sq.-foot base lodge on 2 levels with ski shop & rentals, restaurant, fireplace and offices.
Restaurant
Cafeteria-style dining open from 8 am to 10 pm, serving daily specials and healthy food choices.
Ski/Snowboard Lessons
Private and group lessons for kids and adults of all skill levels.
Ice Skating
French-Swiss Ski College
Home of the ski school that has taught over one million people to ski since it’s inception 46 years ago.
Lift Capacity
Appalachian Ski Mtn. has 6 lifts capable of moving 9,284 people per hour.
Terrain Park
hours of operation Winter season runs November22nd through March 26th Open continuously from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily and until midnight on Friday & Saturday nights the entire season.
3 dedicated parks with over 60 rails, boxes, jibs and jumps. Premier ski and snowboard park in the Southeast.
Night sessions have been expanded, now starting at 5:00 p.m. and continuing to 10:00 p.m.
2,125 sets of skis and 650 snowboards along with boots and helmet and clothing rentals.
The Super Session is the longest session in the area, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Rentals 28
(828) 295-7828 • appskimtn.com
6,000 sq.-foot refrigerated outdoor rink. Skate rentals available. 3 sessions beginning at 12 pm.
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YOUR RESORTFAMILY FOR FAMILY 50FIRST YEARS FUNFUN
THE PLACE TO LEARN TO SKI AND SNOWBOARD
Night Skiing!
12 Trails, 6 Lifts, 3 Terrain Parks, Quality Rentals
7 Nights A Week Now Beginning at 5pm
North Carolina’s Only
App Terrain Park
FLEX TICKET
Your Session Starts When You Do!
8
OVER
Up to Consecutive Hours!
70
Unique Features for All Abilities
ICE SKATING ARENA November 23 to March 25 12 noon - 2:00pm 2:30pm - 4:30pm 7:00pm - 9:00pm
ALL SEASON
LONG!!!
NOW OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY!
5:00pm
to Midnight Fri and Sat November 24 March 25 NOW ALSO HOLIDAYS: Dec. 26-31, Jan. 14 & Feb. 18
www.appskimtn.com
Scheduled
2017-18 Season: November 23 - March 25
1/2 Price Tickets when purchased online in advance
BLOWING ROCK, NC
828-295-7828 www.appterrainpark.com v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e W I N TER 2 0 1 7
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Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline Park
W
ith more than 30 tubing lanes that span distances of 400 to 1,000 feet, Hawksnest is the largest snow tubing park on the East Coast. The carpet conveyor belts make for an easy ride back to the summit, and the lodge offers food and beverages for the whole family after a day of fun in the snow. But don’t forget about the zipline tours that are open in the winter, too. Hawksnest offers 20 ziplining cables that span four miles.
tubing sessions:
Tubing sessions are one hour and 45 minutes long and are offered at: Monday - Thursday 10am, 12pm, 2pm, & 4pm. Friday, Saturday and Holidays 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm & 6pm. Sunday 10am, 12pm & 2pm
The Breakdown Tubing: • Tubing Areas: 4 • Lanes: 30 • Moving Carpet Lifts: 2 • Lane Lengths: 400 - 1,000 ft. • Snowmaking Capability: 100% zipline: • Cables: 20 • Swinging Bridges: 3 • Total Cable Length: 4 miles
Meal Options
(Carolina Style BBQ, pizza and coffee bar)
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(828) 963-6561 or (800) 822-4295
hawksnesttubing.com hawksnestzipline.com zipline sessions:
Customers can choose either the Hawk Tour or the Eagle Tour. The Hawk Tour is an 11-cable tour covering 1.5 miles of cable-riding and 2 swinging bridges, available for adults and children 5 and older. The Eagle Tour is a more extreme experience with greater speeds and heights. This 9-cable tour is 3 miles of cable riding with swinging bridge. Children must be at least 8 years old for the Eagle Tour. Tours leave hourly from 10am to 3pm. Reservations are required. 4-cable Snowbird Tour available daily during winter season.
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Over
30 lanes of fun!
Over 4 miles of ziplines! UBING PAR L ARGEST SNOW T
ONE O
F THE L ONGES
K IN THE SOUTH
T ZIPLI
• 20 CABLE RUNS • HEIGHTS OVER 200 FT • OPEN YEAR ‘ROUND • RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
Off Hwy 105 Between Boone & Banner Elk
TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE!
NES IN
THE US
4 DIFFERENT AREAS TO SNOW TUBE • SNOWTUBING LANES ARE 400-1000 FT LONG • 2 MOVING CARPET LIFTS • 100% SNOWMAKING • LIGHTING ON ALL LANES
HawksnestTubing.com | 828.963.6561 v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e W I N TER 2 0 1 7
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Check Out These Competitions
Hit The Slopes!
Winter Sports Competitions for Skiers, Snowboarders and Spectators to Enjoy APPLACHIAN SKI Mtn
USASA Skier/Boarder X: Jan. 27-28, Slopestyle/ Rail Jam: March 4
Shred for the Cup Series: Jan. 7, 21, Feb. 4
Appalachian will once again be hosting the USASA event This event series is open to both skiers and snowboarders of all age and ability. Whether you are a seasoned ripper or beginner, we invite you to come out and experience a well-run, super fun, and safe event series this winter. There will be tons of prizes, raffles, great food, live music, not to mention a chance to qualify for the USASA Nationals in Colorado!
www.appskimtn.com
Shred for the Cup Series is the benchmark competition series in the region, with 3 events held throughout the winter season that test skiers & snowboarders skills in a variety of park disciplines (Rail Jam, Big Air, and Slopestyle). As always, the series has categories and features that cater to all skill levels (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) of both skiers & snowboarders, as well as a dedicated Women’s category in both ski and board. Remember that points are given out for placement at each SFTC event, and are tallied throughout the season to determine the overall series winners that receive the coveted Series Cups! Free Event Spectator tickets are available at registration and at the main office. for and are required for slope access to watch the event without ski/snowboard equipment.
BEECH MOUNTAIN RESORT www.beechmountainresort.com
Banked Slalom: Feb. 24 North Carolina’s ultimate test of speed, skill, and agility, is set to return to Beech Mountain Resort for the fifth consecutive year on February 11, 2017! The course will be located in the new terrain park, featuring berms, hips, slash walls, and doubles. Cash and
SPONSOR FOR ATP EVENTS
"-1*/& 4,* 4)01 "5 "11 4,* .5/ t www.appskimtn.com t 32
v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e W I N TER 2 0 1 7
Prizes will be awarded for age group ski and snowboard divisions.
Easy Does It - Presented by Recess: March 3 Who is ready for a day of ripping around the park with everyone giving high fives and bringing it back to the basics? This event is going to consist of a super creative new setup in the park where Style and Fun is the name of the game! Lots of grabs, tweaks, style, creativity and good times! All levels of boarding are welcome and encouraged! There will not be any categories or 1st, 2nd and 3rd place... Contest pressure is out the window on this one. We will have some killer prizes to hand out and stand out awards for various things... best grab, most style, and some on the fly games so don’t miss it! This is going to be a FREE event, Snowboard only and just a $20 rope tow pass to get you in the Park!!! Can’t beat that! The focus is to go snowboarding and enjoy having a killer time on hill and take a RECESS from everything else.
School until 10:45am Saturday and Sunday. On-mountain registration starts at 11:00am and ends at 11:50am prior to the 12:00pm start. All races are subject to weather and slope conditions. Lift ticket/slope pass or a season pass is required to participate.
EDGE of the WORLD Demo Days: Jan. 5-6
SUGAR MOUNTAIN RESORT
From 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. demo EDGE of the WORLD’s high performance snowboard rental fleet.
NASTAR: December through March
Richard T. Trundy Memorial Sugar Cup Competition: March 4
www.skisugar.com
NASTAR is a public racing program that provides recreational racers with an opportunity to compare their ability to the fastest member of the US Ski Team (USST). The NASTAR races are held at Sugar Mountain on Oma’s Meadow, Saturday and Sunday at 12:00pm. Pre-registration is located in the Ski/Snowboard
A giant slalom competition for participants with at least an intermediate or above ability level. One-hundred percent of the entry fees goes to the American Cancer Society in memory of Sugar Mountain’s former Director of Operations, Richard T. Trundy.
EDGE WORLD OF THE
since’81
SNOWBOARD SHOP TUNING / REPAIR & DEMO
(828) 898-9550 394 Shawneehaw Ave Downtown Banner Elk v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e W I N TER 2 0 1 7
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Great Places To Eat...
Local Restaurants
BANNER ELK CAFÉ
nesty” offered from the Bayou General Store. Saturdays and Sundays feature Brunch. Kitchen Open Late! n 828-8988952. www.bayousmokehouse.com See ad on page 35
BANNER ELK. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Great food, ranging from eggs benedict to big, juicy burgers. For the healthy and weight conscience we offer grilled mahi and chicken sandwiches, salad bar, and homemade daily specials. Dinner nightly offering: Ribs, Steaks, Fish and always fresh and creative specials! n 828-898-4040. See ad on page 39
Bella’s Breakfast & Lunch BANNER ELK. Bella’s Breakfast & Lunch just opened this fall in Downtown Banner Elk. It’s a new restaurant from the owners of the famous Bella’s Italian Restaurant and Bar. Their new restaurant features a delicious and filling breakfast menu in a warm, friendly, cozy dining room with excellent food and affordable prices. As is the tradition with Bella’s, customers will always know they will get the best quality and consistent tasting food possible. Breakfast items include various egg plates, classic omelettes, waffles and muffins and all the favorite
BAYOU SMOKEHOUSE & GRILL
BANNER ELK. This New Orleans-style restaurant and bar serves Louisiana favorites like gumbo and po’ boys, along with authentic Texas cuisine such as smoked beef brisket barbeque and chicken-fried steak. Children’s menu available. Free wireless and national BuzzKen's ads.qxp_Half Page 5/31/17 12:41 Page 1 75 Time Trivia, cocktails, winePM and over lf Page 5/31/17 12:41 PM Page 1 beer (10 on tap) along with “Wine Am-
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IT’S TIME FOR Purchas Louisiana GOOD LouisianaTASTES. Purchase. Always Fresh. GOOD TASTES. Always Fresh. Louisiana Purchase.
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IN THE HEART OFELK BAN IN THE OFBANNER BANNER IN THEHEART HEART OF ELK IN THE HEART BANNER ELK
Featuring Creole & Ca Featuring CreoleFrench, Cajun Cuisine FeaturingFrench, French, Creole Creole & Cuisine Featuring French, &&Cajun Cajun Cuisine SERVING DINNER: SERVING DINNER: SERVING DINNER:
SERVING DINNER:
Tuesday – Saturday, Opening at Tuesday Saturday, Opening at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday Saturday, Opening atat 6:00 p.m. Tuesday –––Saturday, Opening 6:00 p.m.
RESERVATIONS REQUESTED: RESERVATIONS REQUESTED: RESERVATIONS REQUESTED: RESERVATIONS REQUESTED: 828/ 963-5087 or 828/ 828/ 898-5656 963-5087 or 828/ 898-5 828/963-5087 963-5087 or 828/ or 828/ 828/898-5656 898-5656 Wine Spectator’s Award Of Excellence 1990 through 1995 Award Of1995 Excellence 1990 Wine Spectator’s Award Of Excellence 1990 through Wine Spectator’s Wine Best Of Award Of Excellence 1996 through 2017 Award Of Excellence 1990 1995 WineSpectator’s Spectator’s Wine Spectator’s Best Ofthrough Award Of Excellence 1 Wine Spectator’s Best Of Award Of Excellence 1996 through 2017
Wine Spectator’s Best Of Award Of Excellence 1996 through 2017
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Great Places To Eat... Local Restaurants breakfast side items. Bella’s also serves a lunch menu with sandwiches, salads, soups and more. Visit our website for menu items and call ahead for an easy grab and go take out order. For excellent service and delicious food, visit the new Bella’s Breakfast and Lunch Restaurant!n 828-898-2594. www.bellasbreakfastlunch.com. See ad on page 41
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. Open five days a week - closed Tues. and Wed. Reservations are suggested. n
828-295-3466. www.ragged-gardens.com. See ad on page 38
BLACK CAT BOONE. Since the year 2000, Black Cat Burrito has established itself as the premiere destination for the finest burritos, quesadillas, nachos, chilis, soups and salads in Boone and the surrounding High Country. Their football-sized burritos can satisfy any appetite. We also have a vast selection of beers, wines, and other drinks to choose from …including our soon-to-be infamous KEY-LIME MARGARITAS!! n 828-263-9511. www.blackcatburrito.com. See ad on page 42
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 45 36
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BOONEDOCK’S WEST JEFFERSON. Boondocks Brewing was founded in 2012 with a mission to provide a fresh, unique and engaging destination for residents as well as visitors to Ashe County. We are a locally owned and employee run small business that is Dedicated to Excellence and Committed to our Community. We are Ashe County’s first and only commercially licensed Craft Beer Brewery and we brew small batches of hand crafted beers. With 2 locations in downtown West Jefferson, Boondocks Brewing offers full service dining, one of the State’s best Craft Beer selections, off-site catering, customized special events, private parties and brewery tours. Boondocks Brewing’s Tap Room & Restaurant is our main location with the High Country’s best Craft Beer selection and an extensive and diverse menu with both inside and covered outside full service dining areas. The patio is pet friendly. Open 11:00 am 7 days a week. n 336-246-5222. See ad on page 41
CAFÉ PORTOFINO BOONE. A local favorite, Café Portofino is the place to meet, eat and enjoy a good time with friends. It’s located in a 100year-old railroad repair station, 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 38
CARDINAL
BOONE. The Cardinal is Boone’s favorite restaurant and bar; serving fresh, locally sourced traditional American road food and craft cocktails. The Cardinal is committed to providing classic American road
The High Country’s Premier Steak & Seafood Restaurant
STEAKS PRIME RIB SEAFOOD Dinner Nightly from 5pm Brunch Sunday 10am-2pm
DOWNTOWN
BANNER ELK 344 Shawneehaw Ave South
828-898-5550
stonewallsrestaurant.com
n style with a gourmet flair souther
Banner Elk Location:
Boone Location:
4235 Hwy 105 South Banner Elk, NC 28604 ..................
2968-A Hwy 105 Boone, NC 28607 ..................
828.898.7500
828.355.9559
ThePedalinPig.com v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e W I N TER 2 0 1 7
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Great Places To Eat... Local Restaurants food with the freshest ingredients available. Both menu and cocktail list feature an eclectic mix of hand crafted food and beverages; all prepared in house with an attention to taste and presentation. The staff works hard to make sure that not only is your experience pleasurable, but that you have fun while you are with us. n 828-35-9600. www.
thecardinalboone.com. See ad on page 45
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 44
F.A.R.M. CAFE 11 Rooms and Suites and 2 Cottages
boone. In May 2012, F.A.R.M. Cafe opened its doors with our mission to build
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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The Best Place for FOOD, FUN, & FRIENDS in the Heart of Banner Elk
The Banner Elk Cafe
828-898-4040
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Casual Dining for the Whole Familyâ&#x20AC;?
Come Out For Monday Night Football Specials
Open 7am Everyday Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily
Live Music on our Heated Patio Saturdays 6â&#x20AC;&#x201C;10pm
1200 Large One Topping Pizza
$
expires June 1, 2018
The Lodge Pizzeria & Espresso Bar
Fresh Roasted Coffees and Espresso â&#x20AC;˘ 828-898-3444
SMOOTHIE & FRAPPE BAR â&#x20AC;˘ MUFFINS, BAGELS & PASTRIES DELI SUBS & SANDWICHES â&#x20AC;˘ SALADS & PASTAS â&#x20AC;˘ GOURMET PIZZA & CALZONES
www.bannerelkcafe.com for entertainment schedule and current promotions
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
)XZ JO #PPOF t /FYU UP $PNGPSU 4VJUFT
.PO 5IVST BN QN JTI t 'SJ 4BU BN QN JTI t 4VOEBZ BN QN JTI v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s g u i d e W I N TER 2 0 1 7
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Great Places To Eat... Local Restaurants a healthy and inclusive community by providing high quality & delicious meals produced from local sources, served in a restaurant where everybody eats, regardless of means. Our meals are nutritious and delicious! Some meals include items with meat, some are vegetarian and/or vegan. Our menu changes daily and is served by our volunteers and staff. F.A.R.M. Cafe tries to have something for everybody each day, so we also always have gluten free and dairy free items. Our daily menu can be viewed at www.farmcafe.org/menu or on Facebook or Twitter. We are located in beautiful Downtown Boone. n 828-386.1000. www.
farmcafe.org. See ad on page 42
LOUISIANA PURCHASE food & spirits BANNER ELK. Louisiana Purchase has been Banner Elk’s premier restaurant and wine bar since 1984. Made-to-order elegance! Chef/owner Patrick Bagbey’s
menu evolves with the changing seasons, and will always include favorites like BBQ North Carolina Shrimp, Cajun Seafood Étouffée, and Creole Jambalaya. All food is prepared in-house daily and made to order using the finest seafood and fresh, local, organic produce. We offer a full bar, a Wine Spectator Magazine’s “Best of Award of Excellence” from 1996-2017 wine list, and fourteen wines by the glass from our Cruvinet system. We have the largest wine list in the area. Open Tuesday to Saturday 5:30 p.m. until ... Although reservations are preferred, we are happy to seat walk-ins. n 828-963-5087 or 828-898-5656. www.louisianapurchasefoodandspirits.com. See ad on page 34
MAKOTO’S BOONE. Dining at Makoto’s Seafood and Steakhouse of Japan is a unique experience. During your visit, a waiter will guarantee you a pleasant dining time. Your personal chef will provide a little
Best Tasting Show In Town
Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar
2124 Blowing Rock Road Boone, NC 28607 828 264 7976 www.makotos-boone.com 40
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Skier’s Delight!
Awesome Breakfast To Get You Ready For A Day of Skiing
Made Fresh To Order Using The Freshest Ingredients &HH 1MBUFT t 0NFMFUUFT 8BGnFT t #JTDVJUT (SBWZ and More!
And Serving Lunch Too 4BOEXJDIFT t 4BMBET 4PVQT t And More
-PDBUFE JO %PXOUPXO #BOOFS &ML 142 Main St. • 828-898-2594 BellasBreakfastLunch.com
Breakfast Served All Day OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK '03 #3&",'"45 -6/$)
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Great Places To Eat... Local Restaurants
Feed All Regardless of Means REAL. GOOD. FOOD.
free culinary entertainment while cooking your dish right in front of you. Makoto’s also offers a lunch and dinner sushi bar. All ABC permits. n 828-264-7976. www. makotos-boone.com. See ad on page 40
Pedalin’ pig banner elk and boone. Now two locations. Utilizing local produce, meats smoked nightly, homemade desserts and made-from-scratch sauces, the Pedalin’ Pig is a unique place to grab a non-traditional meal. Offering three different sauces to go on a variety of meats, the Pedalin’ Pig is open seven days a week with locally crafted beers, local wines and a full bar. Try out old favorites like pulled pork, ribs and pork rinds or go for something a bit more unconventional, like barbeque tacos and bacon corn muffins! n 828-8987500 and 355-9559. www.thepedalinpig.com. See ad on page 37
“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
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 features a laid-back atmosphere. Save room for the famous original Pepper’s carrot cake! n 828-262-1250. www.peppers-restaurant.com. See ad on page 44
STONEWALLS BANNER ELK. The High Country’s premier steak and seafood house since 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, family-friendly dining atmosphere. All ABC permits. n 828-8985550. www.stonewallsresturant.com. See ad on page 37
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 42
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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 v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e W I N TER 2 0 1 7
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Great Places To Eat... Local Restaurants items are true Sunrise originals. Unique offerings you will not find anywhere else. n 828-262-5400. www.sunrisegrillboone.com. See ad on page 43
TROY’S 105 DINER BOONE. Troy’s 105 Diner is the High Country’s only true 1950’s-style classic diner. 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 828-2651344. www.troys105diner.com. See ad on page 39
Family Style Meals
For over 50 years, Dan’l Boone Inn has been serving Boone and the high country delicious home-cooked meals, just like you remember at Grandma’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.
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+ bottle wine list, craft
130 Hardin Street in Boone • 264-8657 www.danlbooneinn.com
A 42 Year Tradition in Boone
Famous For Our Lunches! We are committed to serving the highest quality food with the best service! Sunday -Thursday 11am-9pm & Friday -Saturday 11am-10pm
FULL SERVICE BAR Located in the Shops at Shadowline 240 Shadowline Drive • Suite 4 Boone, NC 828.262.1250 www.peppers-restaurant.com 44
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beers, martinis, whiskeys, scotches and cordials. Vidaliaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 43
Follow Us On Social Media!
water wheel cafĂŠ BOONE. Welcome to the Water Wheel CafĂŠ, featuring Boone Bagelry bagels. Find us on Highway 105 in Boone â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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 45
HOURS: 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
t '3&& %&-*7&3: t )PNF PG UIF 'BNPVT #BHFMJDJPVT OLD DOWNTOWN LOCATION
8FTU ,JOH 4U t www.boonebagelry.com
For the best classic American Road Food with the freshest ingredients available. The Cardinal menu and cocktail list feature an eclectic mix of hand crafted food and beverages; all prepared in house with an attention to taste and presentation.
OPEN DAILY (Bar & Kitchen) Sunday - Noon to Midnight Monday-Wednesday - 11am to Midnight Thursday-Saturday - 11am to 2am 828-355-9600 â&#x20AC;˘ 1711 HWY 105 â&#x20AC;˘ Boone, NC
Featuring Boone Bagelry Bagels 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
Free Delivery!
AT THE 105 WATERWHEEL
(SBEVBUF -BOF t www.bbwaterwheelcafe.com v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s g u i d e W I N TER 2 0 1 7
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Snow
TUBING
Hawksnest Tubing Park
B
esides the traditional methods of skiing or snowboarding to venture down a hill, there is also “tubing.” Just like sledding on a neighborhood hill, tubing in the High Country takes sledding to a whole new level. Hawksnest Tubing Park is the largest park on the East Coast featuring 21 tubing lanes up to 1,000 feet long. Sugar Mountain Resort also has a tubing park with 700 foot long tubing lanes. And Beech Mountain has a new 700 foot long run that opened last year. All are covered by snow makers and are regularly groomed for the smoothest ride. Tubes are provided and a “magic carpet” takes you back to the top for more runs. Great fun for everyone and really easy to do.
Sugar Mountain Resort
Photos by Todd Bush 46
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Ice
SKATING
Beech Mountain Resort
Sugar Mountain Resort
Appalachian Ski Mtn.
A
ll three ski resorts have refrigerated outdoor skating arenas that are also fully lighted for skating under the stars. Skating sessions last from one and a half to two hours and include skate rentals if needed. Individuals, families and groups are welcome, from beginners to experts. Sessions cost $14 to $15. Call ahead for special pricing for groups and birthday parties. Ice skating is an excellent winter activity for everyone in your group or family to enjoy together.
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Check Out These...
Shops & Retailers
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 shopaholics alike should come in and check it out! n 828-865-2000 See add on page 52
BAnner elk pharmacy
BANNER ELK. Your local familystyle 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 51
BAYOU GENERAL STORE
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 35
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BOONE MALL
BOONE. Boone Mall is the Hub of the High Country! It’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. At the Boone Mall, you are sure to have a great time whether shopping, grabbing a bite to eat, or meeting with friends. Open Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sunday 12:30-5:30pm. n 828-264-7286. www.boonencmall.com. See ad on page 50
BOONE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL EMPORIUM
BOONE. Inside Boone Rock-N-Roll 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. You’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 52
THE HAPPY PLACE
BOONE. Step back to the 60s & 70s! When you walk through the door, the incense, music and tiedyes will take you on a trip back to peace, love and happiness. All that’s left to do is smile, smile, smile. n
828-264-0196. www. shopthehappyplace. com. See ad on page 52
INCREDIBLE TOY COMPANY
BLOWING ROCK. Want to know where can you go to feel like a kid again? The Incredible Toy Company, of course! Specializing in
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Check Out These... Shops & Retailers 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 51
lucky penny
BOONE. Be unique, shop Lucky Penny, a chic, feminine boutique clothing store perfect for the whimsical, bohemian women with a sense of wonder. From effervescent jewelry to handpicked couture, Lucky Pennyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s affordable merchandise matches the exquisite, breathtaking scenery of the mountain town it calls home. New arrivals daily! Check out the Lucky Penny blog at
For latest news & arrivals, join us on facebook
LUCKYPENNYBOONE.COM
n www.luckypennyboone.com. 828-264-0302. See ad on page 50
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 as well as items that you may remember from your grandmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house including shoes and boots, rocking chairs, real maple syrup, stone ground cornmeal, cast iron, country gourmet food, traditional fashions, outdoor gear and old-fashioned candy.
STORE HOURS
MON - SAT 10 - 6 SUN 12 - 5
n Boone 828-262-0000. Valle Crucis 828-963-6511. www.mastgeneralstore.com. Ad on page 7
RIVERCROSS MARKET
693 West King St. r 50
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VALLE CRUCIS. Rivercross Market is located next to the Original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis and features a wide collection of hand-made pottery, jewelry, artwork, wood work-
Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Your Hometown Pharmacy
Locally Owned & Operated by Jay Ogburn & Debbie Turner, Pharmacists Friendly, Fast Service Providing Healthcare to the Community
BANNER ELK PHARMACY 110 Park Avenue, Banner Elk 1IPOF r 'BY . ' BN QN r 4BU BN QN
www.bannerelkpharmacy.com
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e n i F 's a n a n a B a Ann Consignment.
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BOONE Rock - N - Roll â&#x2014;&#x2020; Emporium â&#x2014;&#x2020;
Check Out These... Shops & Retailers ing, photography and more from local artists and craftsmen. Open daily, see ad for hours. n 828-963-8623. www.rivercrssmarket.com Ad on page 49
SHOPPES AT FARMERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HARDWARE
BOONE. The renovated Shoppes at Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hardware is a glimpse of the historic Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 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 page 51
THE HAPPY PLACE IN THE BOONE MINI MALL
Celebrating 11 Years!
641 W. KING STREET DOWNTOWN BOONE
828-264-0196
www.thehappyplaceus.com
ROCK-N-ROLL T-SHIRTS
NOW OPEN IN GATLINBURG, TN
8 ,*/( 45 t DOWNTOWN BOONE
828-865-ROCK
www.thehappyplaceus.com 52
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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
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
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 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
Fred’s
General
Mercantile Co.
of business 39 years
Beech Mountain’s Favorite Where locals and visitors meet
“If we don’t have it ... You don’t need it” Clothing and Mountain Gear Groceries Hardware Deli Snowsports Apparel and Accessories Ski and Snowboard Rentals 828-387-4838
Open from 7:30 am to 10pm every day 501 Beech Mountain ParkwaZ r Beech Mountain, NC www.fredsgeneral.com
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take a drive
NORTH CAROLINA’S DESIGNATED SCENIC ROADWAYS
As you make your way to the High Country this winter, don’t stop driving. Across our state the NCDOT has designated 50 Scenic Byways for their allure, culture and mystery. The High Country has three of these Scenic Byways, and they give you the opportunity to really cover some ground. Along these byways, you’ll find park attractions, small mountain towns and historic landmarks. Try to make frequent stops and wander off the beaten path to really catch a glimpse of what is truly Appalachian beauty. See for miles into the forest. Watch the flow of roadside streams and rivers. These roads set the stage for welcoming one of the most breathtaking times of year: winter.
Highway 194 from Vilas to Elk Park Length: 17 miles Watauga & Avery Counties Begin drive 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. 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.
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Highways 194 & 88: From Boone to Laurel Springs
Highway 221 from Blowing Rock to Linville
Length: 18 miles Watauga & Ashe Counties
Length: 18 miles Watauga & Avery Counties
It starts in Boone at the New Market Shopping Ctn. 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, hop back on 194 for 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.
Take Hwy 221 south from Blowing Rock, after the Parkway turnoff, you’ll pass 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. Finally, after seeing another Parkway entrance, you’ll arrive at Grandfather Mountain. The byway ends in Linville at the intersection of Hwys. 221 and 105.
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WINTER
forecast Woolly Worm aspen Predicts a good winter
Ray’s Fearless Forecast slightly LESS SNOW
When Ski Beech was developed in the late ‘60s, there used to be a sign floating around that said, “Someday Aspen will be the Beech Mountain of the West.” Beech Mountain turns 50 this winter, and during the 40th annual Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk this past October, “Aspen” was the winning woolly worm. His owner, Joshua Grosser of Apex, took home the $1,000 grand prize. This must be a sign for a good winter. As tradition and folklore beckons, official festival forecaster Tommy Burleson predicted the upcoming winter’s forecast based on the color of the 13 body segments of “Aspen.” Each segment of the woolly worm represents one week of winter; black segments represent a harsher winter, while brown segments predict a milder winter. According to Burleson, the forecast is as follows: • Week one through 3 below average temperatures with snow • Week 4 through 9 average temperatures, meaning 27 degree temperatures, • Week 10, average temperatures with Fleck light snow, • Week 11 average temperatures, • Week 12 and 13 below average temperatures with snow. The festival is co-sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk and the Avery County Chamber of Commerce. All proceeds are given back to the community to enhance local schools, children’s programs, and to promote business and tourism in Avery County.
Now, the folklore of a woolly worm – no matter how fast it can crawl up a string – doesn’t stand a chance when matched against the scientific approach of a meteorologist. First of all, that’s not much fun. And second, even Ray would tell you not to put too much stock into a long-range forecast, such as predicting four months of winter weather. Each year Ray Russell of RaysWeather.com, the goto weather outlet in Western North Carolina and along the Blue Ridge Parkway, publishes the annual Fearless Forecast just about the same weekend as the Woolly Worm Festival. It’s what the readers want. The summary of the 2017-18 Fearless Forecast: • 10 to 15 percent less snow than the long-term average overall (more on the western edge of the Appalachians) • Temperatures about 1 degree above long-term averages (with big swings) To produce this report, RaysWeather.com owner Ray Russell analyzed El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) – as well as 10-year average snow trends in Boone, the North Atlantic Oscillation Wildcard and Arctic ice cover. Check out the entire Fearless Forecast at RaysWeather. com to see explanations of this report and to see some interesting, related graphs. And no, no woolly worm segments were analyzed or beans in jars counted to produce RaysWeather.com’s Fearless Forecast.
Woolly Worm Prediction
Ray’s 2017-18 Forecasted Snow Totals
13 Segments = 13 Weeks
Week 1 (Dec. 21 - 27) Below average temperatures with snow Week 2 (Dec. 28 - Jan. 3) Below average temperatures with snow Week 3 (Jan. 4 - 10) Below average temperatures with snow Week 4 (Jan. 11 - 17) Average temperatures (meaning 27º) Week 5 (Jan. 18 - 24) Average temperatures (meaning 27º) Week 6 (Jan. 25 - 31) Average temperatures (meaning 27º) Week 7 (Feb. 1 - 7) Average temperatures (meaning 27º) Week 8 (Feb. 8 - 14) Average temperatures (meaning 27º) Week 9 (Feb. 15 - 21) Average temperatures (meaning 27º) Week 10 (Feb. 22 - 28) Average temperatures with Fleck light snow Week 11 (Mar. 1 - 7) Average temperatures (meaning 27º) Week 12 (Mar. 8 - 14) Below average temperatures with snow Week 13 (Mar. 15 - 21) Below average temperatures with snow
City Expected Total Snow/Ice Asheville 12 inches Banner Elk 40 inches Beech Mountain 85 inches Boone 34 inches Hickory 5 inches Jefferson/West Jefferson 21 inches Lenoir 5 inches Morganton 5 inches Sparta 20 inches Spruce Pine 18 inches Sugar Mountain 85 inches Waynesville 14 inches Wilkesboro 7 inches v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e W I N TER 2 0 1 7
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ParkwayHikes & Sites
T
his winter, take advantage of the 469-mile stretch known as the Blue Ridge Mountains. Of those 469 miles, 108 make up the High Country with 33 hiking trails, four major lakes and ponds, three pristine waterfalls and more than 40 scenic overlooks. Use the mileposts for easy navigation. Have your camera ready, and discover a different perspective during this snowy season. Here are a few of our favorite hikes and sites just to get you started.
Moses Cone Manor – Milepost 294.6 Named after the post-Civil War textile entrepreneur, conservationist and philanthropist, Moses Cone, this Victorian mansion exemplifies the resort home tradition in the High Country. The home is open spring through fall, closed in the winter. A network of trails that winds the 3,500-acre Moses Cone Park is open year round. All trails are gentle grade and great for larger groups with children. Easy to moderate
Boone Fork Trail – Milepost 296.4 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 strenuous. 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 Just one mile south from the Boone Fork Trail, Price Lake is ideal for larger groups or those looking for something a little less strenuous. The 2.4-mile loop around the Price Lake is suitable for hikers of any level. Views of 56
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Price Lake (milepost 297.2) Photo by Randy Johnson Grandfather Mountain can be seen from several points along the trail, which runs primarily along the lake’s shore. Easy to Moderate
Wilson Creek Overlook – Milepost 302 If you looking for grandiose, long-range views directly from the parkway then this is the overlook. High above the waters of Wilson Creek, which originates on Grandfather Mountain, this overlook is the perfect opportunity to witness first-hand why they call it the High Country. Look out beyond the surrounding mountains and the lowlands unfold themselves into the piedmont of North Carolina. On perfectly clear days, visitors have reported sighting the Charlotte skyline.
Hikers get a bird’s eye view of Grandfather’s foothills from the popular Rough Ridge trail.
Tanawha Trail to Rough Ridge – Milepost 302.8 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
Linn Cove Viaduct – Milepost 304.4 Even if it’s your first visit to the High Country, you’re more than 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”, meaning it was airlifted into place using specialized construction helicopters and cranes to avoid defacing the mountain with heavy equipment. For no other reason than to marvel at the engineering feat, the Viaduct is a must stop along the parkway.
Rough Ridge TRAIL Milepost 302.8
Grandfather Trail to Calloway Peak – Milepost 305.1 At 5,964 feet, Calloway Peak is the tallest point of the entire Blue Ridge Mountain Range. It is part of Grandfather Mountain, which has several other high altitude peaks including MacRae Peak (5,939 feet). Calloway can be accessed via multiple trails, including the Grandfather Mountain Trail, which is one of our favorites for its boulder formations and beautiful evergreen forests. And, it’s only a short distance from the parkway. Just travel south on the Blue Ridge Parkway to the US 221 intersection at Milepost 305. Take 221 South for one mile to the entrance of Grandfather Mountain. The Grandfather Trail begins at the highest parking lot opposite the Linville Peak Visitor Center. Strenuous
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At The Ski Slopes Calendar Dec. 8-10 - Pre-Season Ski Clinic, Ski Sugar Resort Dec. 10-11 - SugarFest, EDGE of the WORLD Mini Games, fireworks equipment demos, live music and more. Ski Sugar Resort Dec. 10-24 - Santa at Sugar, Ski Sugar Resort Dec. 16-17 - Santa at Beech Mountain, Beech Mountain Resort Dec. 25 - Christmas Day Skiing, Appalachian Ski Mtn., Beech Mountain Resort and Ski Sugar. Dec. 31 - New Year’s Celebration, Alpine Torch Light Parade, Live Music and Fireworks Ski Sugar Resort Dec. 31 - New Year’s Eve, Family Night Festivities and Fireworks, Beech Mountain Resort Dec. 31 - New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, Fireworks. Appalachian Ski Mtn. Jan. 5&6 - Edge of the World Snowboard Demo Days. Ski Sugar Resort Jan. 7 - Shred for the Sup Rail Jam. Appalachian Ski Mtn. Jan. 7 - Sunday Night Half Night Special - Lift Ticket only $10. Appalachian Ski Mtn. Jan. 7 - EDGE of the WORLD Snowboard Demo Days, Ski Sugar Resort Jan. 7 - National Winter Trails Day - free snowshoeing, Ski Sugar Resort Jan. 9 - Septuagenarian Party - 70 and older Party at noon in Last Run Lounge. Ski Sugar Resort
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Jan. 15-19 - Adaptive Ski Week - learn to ski/snowboard, Beech Mountain Resort Jan. 21 - High Country Junior Race Series Giant Slalom, Ski Sugar Resort Jan. 21 - Shred for the Cup Rail Jam - Big Air, Appalachian Ski Mtn. Jan. 10 - The Great Cardboard Box Derby on the slopes, Beech Mountain Resort Feb. 4 - Sunday Night Half Night Special - Lift Ticket only $10. Appalachian Ski Mtn. Feb. 4 - Shred for the Cup Slopeside Finals, Appalachian Ski Mtn. Feb. 22 - Totally Retro ’80s Ski Weekend, Beech Mountain Resort Feb. 24 & 25 - USSA/Southern Alpine Racing Assoc. U16-U21 and Masters Championship, Ski Sugar Resort Feb. 24 - Banked Slalom Competition, Beech Mountain Resort Mar. 3 - Heros on the Mountain - honoring Military’s Wounded
Warriors. Appalachian Ski Mtn. Mar. 4 - Richard T. Trundy Memorial Sugar Cup Competition, Ski Sugar Resort, Mar. 4 - Sugar Bear’s Birthday Celebration, Ski Sugar Resort Mar. 4 - Sunday Night Half Night Special Lift Ticket only $10, Appalachian Ski Mtn. Mar. 5 - March Madness Begins, up to %25 off tickets, rentals and lessons Ski Sugar Resort Mar. 4 - Sugar Bear’s Birthday Celebration, Ski Sugar Resort Mar. 11 - Easter Egg Hunt - on the slopes with prizes hidden in eggs and best costume contest. Ski Sugar Resort. Mar. 24-25 - Meltdown Games, End of Season Celebration with contest and games. Appalachian Ski Mtn.
LIVE MUSIC AT SUGAR
Saturdays from 4 pm to 6 pm Dec. 9 - Shelby Rae Moore Band Dec. 26 - Joe & The KGB Jan. 6 - Typical Mountain Boys Jan. 13 - Shelby Rae Moore Band Jan. 27 - The Rockabilly’s Feb. 3 - The Johnson Brothers Feb. 10 - Typical Mountain Boys Feb. 17 - Joe & The KGB Feb. 24 - Shelby Rae Moore Band Mar. 3 - The Johnson Brothers
TRIVIA NIGHTS at BEECH MOUNTAIN
Every Thursday at Beech Mountain Brewing in The Village from 6 pm to 8 pm Different Themes Each Week Starting Dec. 21st - Final Match on March 1st
LIVE MUSIC WEEKENDS AT BEECH MOUNTAIN
Beech Mountain has live music on most Fridays and Saturdays beginning around 6:30 pm. Friday night the venue is the Beech Mountain Brewing Company and Saturdays the music is at the Beech Tree Bar and Grille – both located in the Village at Beech Mountain.
W7 E N 201 R O F Friday and Saturday nights November 24–25, December 1–2, 8–9, 15–16, 22–23, 29–30 Park open 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Season Passes make the perfect Christmas gift! 2018 Season Passes on sale now at tweetsie.com 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock, NC 877-TWEETSIE (877-893-3874)
tweetsie.com
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Big Events This Winter HAPPY NEW YEAR! DEC. 31 New Year’s extravaganza at ASM
Join us for New Year’s Eve and ring in 2018 in style! Fireworks, torchlight skiing and more! Moonlight ice-skating from 10 pm to midnight. Festive Restaurant Specials also available from 9pm to midnight. www.appskimtn.com
New Year’s Celebration at Sugar
A New Year’s Celebration mountain style, featuring live music by The Johnson Brothers. Plus 1992 Olympic Figure Skating Silver Medalist Paul Wylie’s amazing ice show followed by an ice skating clinic and a meet and greet session. The general public is invited, free of charge, to the alpine torch light parade and fireworks. A fee, as well reservations for the indoor festivities are required and should be made in early December by calling 828-898-4521, ext. 261.
New Year’s EVE at Beech
Enjoy a family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration high atop Beech Mountain and ring in 2018 with DJ Pete Welter spinning fun party tunes to get everyone moving. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Visit www.beechmountainresort. com or call 800-438-2093 for more information.
WINTER FESTIVALS
SugarFest 2017: Dec. 8-10
Consumer ski/snowboard equipment demos, live, straightup, traditional North Carolina bluegrass music by Shelby Rae Moore, fireworks, preseason adult ski clinic, EDGE of the WORLD mini games, and lodging specials are some of SugarFest’s fun happenings. If that’s not enough, let SugarFEAST entice you. Indulge in a hot chocolate and whip cream bar, a soup safari and North Carolina BBQ. For more information, visit www.skisugar.com.
Totally 80s Retro Ski Weekend: Feb. 22-25 BEECH MOUNTAIN RETRO SKI WEEKEND
SUGAR MOUNTAIN SUGARFEST
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Each February, the town of Beech Mountain and Beech Mountain Resort come together to create a righteously rad celebration of all things 1980s. This unparalleled experience includes live ’80s music nightly, retro skiing daily, and plenty of throwback activities in between. Hop in our “ski slope time machine” to revisit the New Wave era of big hair, leg warmers, bandanas and Members Only jackets. Oh yeah – don’t forget ski suits with shoulder pads! Now in its seventh year, the weekend has become so epic we added a day. You can now bend the space-time continuum for four days: Thurs. Feb. 22 through Sun. Feb. 25, 2018. Come experience a weekend voted “Best of the Blue Ridge” by readers of Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine! Visit www.beechmountainresort. com for more information.
WINTER SPORTS EVENTS
23rd Annual National Winter Trails Day: JAN. 7
The 23rd Annual National Winter Trails Day event offers children and adults new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing for FREE. Discover the fun and fitness of snowsports. Guided tours are available on the hour from 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. The program includes a fortyfive minute tour and snowshoe rental. Adult tours are for those who are 12 years or older. Children’s tours are for those ages 8-11. Sign up at least fifteen minutes prior to your tour time at the ski/snowboard school. Visit www.skisugar.com for more information.
Meltdown Games: March 24-25
Winter isn’t over until we say it is. Come enjoy Appalachian’s classic end of the winter celebration on Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25. A full weekend of crazy events you won’t see any other time of the year, with lots of snow, sun, and skin. Check out www.appskimtn.com for more details. ASM MELTDOWN GAMES
ASM NEW YEAR’S FIREWORKS
BONFIRE
Polar plunge Photo by Todd Bush
Blowing Rock
Winterfest
January 25 - 28
Polar plunge, BEER GARDEN, chili challenge, and more!
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on’t Hibernate. Celebrate! At the 20th annual Blowing Rock WinterFest. Blowing Rock was voted one of America’s Prettiest Winter Towns – come enjoy it with WinterFeast, a restaurant crawl under one roof at Chetola Resort. There’s also an Evening Ice Stroll, Sip and Shop and the WinterFest Snowflake Parade featuring the App State Mountaineers throughout town. The famously frigid Polar Plunge at Chetola Resort, a Beer Garden and Chili Challenge at Inn at Ragged Gardens, and Kid’s Activities at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum offer something for the whole family. New this year, Ice Skating Rink at Memorial Park. Add to that Winterfest Jazzfest at Green Park Inn, Ice Carving Demonstrations, Cork and Canvas, Charity Silent Auction and Raffle, free hayrides, a bonfire, Wine Tasting and Auction and more. Wow! Enjoy a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday or Sunday Brunch at Foggy Rock. And don’t miss the WinterPaws Dog Show. More details and tickets at www.BlowingRockWinterFest.com.
WinterFeast Polar Plunge Evening Ice Stroll Silent Auction & Raffle Ice Carving Demos WinterFashion Show
Beer Garden Chili Cook-Off Wine Tasting & Auction WinterPaws Dog Show Cork & Canvas Kids Activities
January 25th-28th
A Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Event
Join the Village of Blowing Rock as we celebrate the fun side of winter with the 20th annual Blowing Rock WinterFest! BlowingRockWinterFest.com v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e W I N TER 2 0 1 7
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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
807
Wilkes
$2,410,000
130
Watauga
$214,300
404
Wilkes
$1,341,221
108
Ashe
$441,000
398
Wilkes
$1,125,000
81
Ashe
$399,000
$963,100
76
Watauga
$221,000
329
Cleveland & Rutherford
164
Alexander
$541,000
71
Caldwell
$283,000
146
Wilkes
$412,175
65
Watuga
UNDER CONTRACT
142
Wilkes
$373,000
30
Wilkes
$181,000
MAJOR PRICE REDUCTIONS! Acres
County
Price
Acres
County
Price
1140
Caldwell
$5,100,000
129
Caldwell
$297,300
Alexander $1,909,400
96
Wilkes
$191,000
454 193
Ashe
$761,000
53
Wilkes
$199,900
181
Wilkes
SOLD!
41
Wilkes
$375,000
167
Avery
$1,320,100
34
Wilkes
$251,000
155
Ashe
$691,000
27
Wilkes
UNDER CONTRACT
134
Ashe
$1,448,000
25
Wilkes
$105,000
129
Wilkes
$387,500
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 62
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