High Country Magazine | Vol 5 Issue 6 | June 2010

Volume 5 • Issue 6 JUNE 2010

Welcome Back Summer Residents The High Country’s Lifestyle Magazine For Summer Living

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High Country Magazine

June 2010

June 2010

High Country Magazine

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828-773-3763 2

High Country Magazine

June 2010

Furniture d Primitives Glassware d Jewelry d Pottery vintaGe ClothinG

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199 Howard St. • Boone, NC 28607

828-268-1510

Shops at Shadowline 240 Shadowline Drive in Boone HOURS: Monday-Saturday: 10am-6pm Sunday: 1pm-5pm

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Harmony Timberworks - 800.968.9663 - 828.264.2314 - info@harmonytimberworks.com June 2010 High Country Magazine 3

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Photo by Todd Bush

C O N T E N T S

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10 Summer Things To Do

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Blue Ridge Parkway Turns 75

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4

50

Photo by Peter Morris

Photo by James Fay

Remember last June’s 12 summer date ideas? We’re back at it again, this time with 10 recommendations for local events and attractions you, your friends and family should check out this summer. They’re all in our backyard, but chances are you’ve never visited or haven’t been since you were a kid. Go ahead, give ‘em a try.

Much more than a road, the Blue Ridge Parkway celebrates 75 years in 2010. Learn some of the lesser-known stories of the most-visited unit of America’s National Park Service, as well as what celebratory events are taking place around town and the future of this important road.

Stepping off the Edge Three years ago, Boone painter Richard Tumbleston was catalyzed to totally change his artistic direction and passion. Since then, Tumbleston, one of the High Country’s most consistent and popular artists, has let go of past restrictions and is painting the way he really wants to paint; he is painting from a different place.

High Country Magazine

June 2010

40 on the cover

Photographed by Frederica Georgia For this month’s cover photo, we were invited to the Diamond Creek development in Banner Elk to the home of Dianne Davant and husband Lee Moffitt. They had just arrived from Florida that morning. Dianne invited Pam McKay and Margaret Handley, who work with her at her interior design business, Dianne Davant & Associates, over to her home that afternoon for wine and cheese. We thank them for giving us their time to sit for a photograph for this month’s cover.

The cover picture was photographed by Frederica Georgia. Frederica lives in Ashe County and has experience in portraits, editorial, travel, commercial and wedding photography. To view her portfolio, click to www.fredericageorgia.com.

READER SERVICES ABOUT US

The first High Country Press newspaper was published on May 5, 2005, and the first issue of High Country Magazine went to press in fall 2005. We publish the newspaper weekly and currently publish the magazine seven times a year. Both are free, and we distribute the newspaper and magazine in Watauga and Avery counties. Our newspaper is packed with information that we present and package in easy-to-read formats with visually appealing layouts.

The magazine represents our shared love of our history, our landscape and our people. It celebrates our pioneers, our lifestyles, our differences and the remarkable advantages we enjoy living in the mountains. Our guiding principles are twofold: quality journalism makes a difference and customer care at every level is of the greatest importance. Our offices are located in downtown Boone, and our doors are always open to welcome visitors.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

We are now offering subscriptions to High Country Magazine. A one-year subscription for seven issues costs $40, and we will mail issues to subscribers as soon as they arrive at our offices from the printer. To subscribe, call our offices at 828-264-2262.

Handbags as extraordinary

as the women who carry them!

The

Dande Lion

and

Shooz &Shiraz a shoe and wine salon

Shoppes at Tynecastle 4501 Tynecastle Hwy. Banner Elk, NC 28604 The Dande Lion 898-3566 • Shooz & Shiraz 898-WINE (9463) Monday - Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm

BACK ISSUES

Back issues of our magazines are available from our office for $5 per issue. Some issues are already sold out and are no longer available.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography and page reprints are available for purchase. For sizing, prices and usage terms, please call our office. Some photos may not be available and some restrictions may apply.

ADVERTISING

Obtain information about advertising in our publications from our sales representatives by calling 828-264-2262 or emailing us at sales@highcountrypress.com.

Contact us at:

High Country Press/Magazine P.O. Box 152 130 North Depot Street Boone, NC 28607 www.highcountrypress.com info@highcountrypress.com 828-264-2262 June 2010

High Country Magazine

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C O N T E N T S

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Classic Cars and Love Affairs

62

Blowing Rock Jazz Society

There is just something special about the classic cars that converge at local cruise-ins. Each has a story. Each has years of investment by its owner, in both money and time, behind it. And each has memories. Oh, the memories.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Blowing Rock Jazz Society, under the helm of founder Fred Germann, hosts regional, national and international jazz stars and fosters an appreciation for the art form in a younger generation.

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A Real Benchmark Achievement

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New River Organic Growers

50 108

Photo by James Fay

Everything from your local surveyor’s maps to the orange burst of flame erupting from a missile strike at a test range out West can trace its detailed location and elevation data to small iron disks called benchmarks.

Watauga County, for instance, is home to 240 benchmarks. Discover the fun, history and significance of benchmarks inside this issue.

Photo by Todd Bush

By supplying fresh, locally grown and produced food to area restaurants and groceries, New River Organic Growers helps support farmers and preserve farmland, and the organization is working to establish the High Country as a local food destination.

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Limo-Scene

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Mountain Modern

108

Photo by Patrick Pitzer

90 Photo by Peter Damroth

Whether you are the guest of honor at a third grade birthday party or Miss Universe, Air Haven Limousines and its staff will make you feel special and valued as you travel to any and all destinations in its fleet of seven eclectic vehicles that match class with comfort.

The Linville Ridge home of Denny and Paul Feinsilver is breathtaking in its design and decoration. Most importantly, the house reflects the artistic interests of its owners, and the colors and textures make the striking abode a home.

Sugar Mountain Golf Course A public, 18-hole executive course, Sugar Mountain Golf Course features a welcoming staff, a dedicated teaching professional, affordable green fees and a course that is fun for all skill levels.

98 D E P A R T M E N T S

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From the Publisher Calender of Events

14 Mountain Echoes

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Parting Shot: Jump Into Summertime

S E E A D V E R T I S E R S ’ I N D E X O N page 1 1 8 6

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FROM T H E PUB L ISH ER

A Publication Of High Country Press Editor & Publisher Ken Ketchie Creative Director Courtney Cooper Production Manager Michelle Bailey Graphic Artists Tim Salt and Patrick Pitzer

Here They Come

T

Ken Ketchie

hey’re back—those distinctive Florida license plates. And I couldn’t be happier to see them! I know, I know, some of us “locals” will come close to blowing a head gasket this summer when we find ourselves behind one of those slow moving Florida cars, especially when we’re in a hurry on account of work or need to get somewhere fast. But hear me out on this.

I learned an important lesson some 30 years ago about how cruicial our summer residents and visitors are to the health of our local economy. It happened when our newspaper ran a column by a talented local writer named Pat Jobe. He came into the office one summer day fuming about following a car with Florida tags into town, going so slow he felt he could have walked faster. Well, a couple of weeks later he came back with a column on that subject that ended up being one of the most talked about columns we ever published. He called it “The Florida School of Mountain Driving.” Even to this day I still hear comments about it.

Pat started out his column by describing how it was not unusual for bugs that hit the windshields of Florida cars to survive to tell about the experience. He went on to try to explain how going around a curve at the appropriate speed limit would not cause a car to be sucked off the road and down the mountainside by centrifugal force.

When the column came out in the newspaper, we heard more laughter and comments than you could imagine. We had people calling us wanting the column to be published again, people wanting copies to send to their friends.

But then I began getting calls from folks in the tourism industry. They didn’t think it was so funny. I had to listen to a number of lectures about how important Floridians, as well as all visitors to the High Country are to the local economy. Believe me, I still remember those lectures.

I think today our summer residents probably play an even more important role to our local economy than back then. We just had a story in our newspaper by Managing Editor Sam Calhoun with the numbers and facts that once again show how much impact these folks have locally.

The Avery County tax assessor estimates that 60 percent of all taxes paid in the county come from summer residents. The mayor of Blowing Rock says that Blowing Rock’s local population of 1,450 swells to more than 8,000 during the summer months, and the village’s tax rates stay low because of summer residents who don’t require municipal services (fire, police, etc.) for most of the year. Sam’s research shows that the number of summer residential homes in communities like Linville Ridge, Elk River Club, Grandfather Golf and Country Club, Hound Ears and Eseeola is close to 2,000. It’s easy to see that’s another 4,000 people at least with the time—and lots of money—to patronize our restaurants and shops, as well as to employ hundreds of local residents for services needed at their resorts.

Summer residents also open their pocketbooks for charity. Recently, they were responsible for raising $9 million of the $10 million needed to construct Avery’s new YMCA, and, as one observer pointed out, “they don’t even really use it—they have their own gyms at their resorts.” What’s more, our hospitals have received millions of dollars over the years from charity golf tournaments hosted at the resorts.

These summer residents love our mountains as we do and I hope you’ll join me in welcoming back our friends and neighbors from down south.

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High Country Magazine

June 2010

Advertising Sales Beverly Giles and Bryan McGuire Associate Editors Anna Oakes Corinne Saunders Sam Calhoun Contributing Writers Sally Treadwell Val Maiewskij-Hay Randy Johnson Bernadette Cahill Harris Prevost Jason Gilmer Barbara Adams Linda Kramer Contributing Photograhers James Fay Karen Lehmann Todd Bush Peter Morris Lonnie Webster Richard Boylan Ron Davis Peter Damroth Finance Manager Laila Patrick High Country Magazine is produced by the staff and contributors of High Country Press newspaper, which serves Watauga and Avery counties of North Carolina

HIGH COUNTRY MAGAZINE P.O. Box 152, Boone, NC 28607 828-264-2262 Follow our magazine online where each issue is presented in a flip-through format. Check it out at:

HighCountryMagazine.com Reproduction or use in whole or part of the contents of this magazine without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Issues are FREE throughout the High Country. © 2010 by High Country Press. All Rights Reserved.

Enjoy summer in cool, comfortable, classic style. Visit Mast Store to see the Summer Woolrich Collection

Valle Crucis • Boone • Waynesville • Hendersonville • Asheville, NC Greenville, SC • Knoxville, TN • MastGeneralStore.com • 1- 866 -FOR- MAST June 2010

High Country Magazine

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Calendarof Events June 2010 1-13

Amy Sedaris, July 9

Rhododendron Ramble, Grandfather Mountain, 800-468-7325

4-13

Day Out With Thomas, Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, 877-TWEETSIE

5

Mountain Home Music: Skeeter & the Skidmarks,

Golden Dragon Acrobats, July 10

Blowing Rock School Auditorium, 828-964-3392 7

Monday Night Concert Series, Broyhill Park Gazebo, Blowing Rock, 828-295-5222

8

Storytellers Series: Orville Hicks, Todd General Store, 336-877-1067

10-13

Charity Horse Show: Saddlebred, Tate Show Grounds, Blowing Rock, 828-295-4700

11

Gallery Crawl, downtown West Jefferson, 336-846-2787

11

Concerts on the Lawn: Forget-Me-Nots & Sound Traveler, Jones House, downtown Boone, 828-264-1789

11

Sunset Stroll, Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock, 828-295-6991

17

King Bees in Concert, Tate-Evans Town Park, Banner Elk, 828-898-8395

18

Main Street Cruz-In, downtown Newland, 828-733-3558

11-13

High Country Pride Weekend, various Boone locations, www.highcountrypride.org

18

Concerts on the Lawn: Upright & Breathin’ & Cedar Creek, Jones House, downtown Boone, 828-264-1789

12

Art in the Park, American Legion grounds,

18

High Country Jubilee Chorus Concert, Lees-McRae College, Banner Elk, 828-264-8811

18

Horn in the West Opening Night, Horn in the West amphitheater, Boone, 828-264-2120

19

Mountain Home Music: The Butter-Pats & Mary Greene, Blowing Rock School Auditorium, 828-964-3392

20

Grandfather Mountain Highland Pipes and Drums,

Blowing Rock, 828-295-7851 12

Loren DiBenedetto Art Social, The Art Cellar Gallery, Banner Elk, 828-898-5175

12

Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame, Walker Center, Wilkes Community College, 336-667-3171

12

Mountain Home Music: Jeff Little, Blowing Rock

Memorial Park, Blowing Rock, 828-295-7851

School Auditorium, 828-964-3392 13

Jazz Society 10th Anniversary Concert,

21

15

Storytellers Series: John Ashburn, Todd General Store,

21-26

Summer Auction, American Legion Hall, Blowing

22

Animals’ Birthday Party, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-2013

10

High Country Magazine

June 2010

Storytellers Series: Dianne Hackworth, Todd General Store, 336-877-1067

Rock, 828-295-9928 or 336-667-9265 16

Boone Blue Ridge Parkway Celebration, downtown Boone & Grandfather Mountain, 800-852-9506

336-877-1067 15

Monday Night Concert Series, Broyhill Park Gazebo, Blowing Rock, 828-295-5222

Meadowbrook Inn, Blowing Rock, 828-295-4300

24

Woody Pines in Concert, Tate-Evans Town Park, Banner Elk, 828-898-8395

DON’T FORGET

EVENTS

Mountain Home Music The 2010 season of Mountain Home Music, a concert series honoring the music and musicians of the Appalachian region, returns to Blowing Rock this year with numerous performances taking place throughout the summer and fall. Don’t miss shows by Skeeter & the Skidmarks, the Butter-Pats, The Dixie Dawn Band, the Forget-Me-Nots, Steve Lewis, David Johnson, Scott Freeman and more.

Summer & Fall

G A L L E R Y

&

F R A M E M A K E R S

Concerts on the Lawn Summers in Boone mean free concerts every Friday evening on the beautiful front lawn of the historic Jones House Community Center on King Street. In June and early July, enjoy performances by Upright & Breathin’, Cedar Creek, the Forget-MeNots, Sound Traveler, traditional musicians, Surefire, the Dollar Brothers, The Neighbors and the Sheets Family Band. Don’t forget your lawn chair or blanket.

Every FRIDAY

Horn in the West

June / Loren DiBenedetto, Jim Chapman July / Gregory Smith & Branch Richter, Valerie & Rick Beck August / BRAHM Collection, Plein Air Exhibit MON-SAT 10-5 / 828-898-5175 / WWW.ARTCELLARONLINE.COM

FINE ART & FINE JEWELRY: 920 SHAWNEEHAW AVE (HWY 184), BANNER ELK

Feature Artist Gabriel Ofiesh July 22 - 25 Thurs. 1-5, Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-5 Sun 1-4

One of only three annual outdoor dramas in the state of North Carolina and one of the nation’s oldest Revolutionary War dramas being performed today, Horn in the West is not to be missed. The show portrays the lives of pioneers who braved the wilderness to settle in the Blue Ridge Mountains, seeking freedom from British tyranny. Numerous performances will take place from Friday, June 18, through Wednesday, August 11.

The historic Horn in the West amphitheater and Hickory Ridge Homestead, tucked in a wooded area in the heart of Boone, are worth exploring before the show.

Opens JUNE 18

828-898-4635

June 2010

High Country Magazine

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Charity Horse Show, June 10 to 13

24-26

Parkway Plein Air Competition, Crossnore Gallery,

3

828-733-3144 25

Concerts on the Lawn: Traditional Music Showcase,

25-27

Trade Days, Trade, Tenn., 423-727-3007

26

Blood, Sweat & Gears, Valle Crucis Elementary School, 828-264-8226

Avery Tour de Art, Avery County galleries and studios, 828-773-3144

26

Mountain Home Music: Bluegrass, Bagpipes & Burgers, Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock, 828-964-3392

3-4

Jones House, downtown Boone, 828-264-1789

26

MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove, July 9 and 10

Blood, Sweat & Gears, June 26

Independence Weekend Craft Show, Banner Elk Elementary School, 828-733-0675

5

Monday Night Concert Series, Broyhill Park Gazebo, Blowing Rock, 828-295-5222

6

Storytellers Series: Doyle Pace, Todd General Store, 336-877-1067

7

Broyhill Chamber Ensemble: Classical Folk Melodies, Rosen Concert Hall, ASU, 828-262-4046

Kiddo Fishing Derby, Coffey Lake, Beech Mountain, 800-468-5506

26

Heritage Day and Wood Kiln Opening, Bolick and Traditions Pottery, Blowing Rock, 828-295-5099

26

Campout at Elk Knob State Park, 828-297-7261

26

Jim Chapman Art Social, The Art Cellar Gallery, Banner Elk, 828-898-5175

26

Downtown Boone Ghost Tours, downtown Boone, 800-852-9506

26

Mountain Home Music: Dixie Dawn, Blowing Rock School Auditorium, 828-964-3392

27

Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-1333 29

8-11

2

9

9-10

Concerts on the Lawn: The Neighbors & The Sheets Family, Jones House, downtown Boone, 828-264-1789 MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove, Historic Cove Creek High School, Sugar Grove, 828-297-2200

July 2010 1

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-1333

Celebration on Riverwalk, Riverwalk Park, Newland, 828-733-2023

Johnson Brothers in Concert, Tate-Evans Town Park, Banner Elk, 828-898-8395

Summer Auction, American Legion Hall, Blowing Rock, 828-295-9928 or 336-667-9265

30

8

Storytellers Series: Sherry Boone, Todd General Store, 336-877-1067

29

Broyhill Chamber Ensemble, July 7

Singing on the Mountain, MacRae Meadows,

9

Sunset Stroll, Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock, 828-295-6991

Rhodes Brothers in Concert, Tate-Evans Town Park,

9

Amy Sedaris, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 828-262-4046

Banner Elk, 828-898-8395

10

Downtown Boone Art Crawl, downtown Boone

Golden Dragon Acrobats, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 828-262-4046

galleries and businesses, 828-262-4532 2

Concerts on the Lawn: Surefire & Dollar Brothers, Jones House, downtown Boone, 828-264-1789

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High Country Magazine

June 2010

For Fourth of July events, see page 16.

DON’T FORGET

EVENTS

Todd Summer Music Series The Todd Summer Music Series runs for seven Saturdays in June and July at Cook Park in the Todd community. This year’s concerts feature the King Bees on June 19, Amantha Mill on June 26, the Sheets Family on July 3, Lost Ridge Band on July 10, EoldBlue on July 17 and the Worthless Son-in-Laws on July 24 and Laura Boosinger and Josh Goforth on July 31. Admission is free, but throw a few bucks in the pickle jar to help support the series. The series presenters also bring Doc Watson to the stage on August 21 and Wayne Henderson and Helen White on September 4.

Begins JUNE 19

Singing on the Mountain The 86th annual Singing on the Mountain at Grandfather Mountain is an all-day gospel sing and fellowship held in MacRae Meadows. Performers include The Greenes, The Primitive, The Cockman Family, Naomi and the Segos, The Carolina Quartet, Michael Combs, Naomi & The Segos, Carlton and David Moody, George Hamilton IV, George Hamilton V and Tim & Roddy Smith. Dr. Greg Mathis will bring the message.

Camping is available on the field.

SUNDAY June 27

Your Mountain Proper ty Specialists

828.264.5111 • 800.264.6144 P.O. Box 2617 Boone, NC 28607

Quality Through and

Through!

An Appalachian Summer Festival Begins JUNE 27

The month of July at ASU is full of music, seminars, art and more for the 26th annual An Appalachian Summer Festival.

This year’s festival features Amy Sedaris, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys, the Golden Dragon Acrobats and many more.

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High Country Magazine

13

mountain

echoes

Insider tips, fascinating facts, conversation starters and fun stuff to do

Changes Come to Summertime Theatre

F

or those who have grown accustomed to

“It’s just so vital and important to have

superb theatre performances in the High

access to the performing arts,” said Gary Smith,

Country each summer, the stages may look a

a founding member of Ensemble Stage.

bit different this year. The economy has taken

This summer, the company will produce

a toll on the arts sector, meaning larger-sized

three full productions in July, monthly game

production companies have had to scale back.

shows at the ReelHouse Cinema in Boone,

In the meantime, however, community and

a murder mystery at the Meadowbrook Inn

grassroots theatre groups have stepped in to

in June, staged play readings and benefit

ensure that theatre will have a presence here

performances. The company also hosts free

this summer.

informal play readings open to the public every

Lees-McRae Summer Theatre, which

Tuesday. For info, call 828-919-6196 or click to

typically presents three productions using a

www.ensemblestage.com.

The Blue Ridge Community Theater will

cast and crew of professionals from around the country, will only present one show this

present Willy Wonka, a musical based on the

season—Ragtime, taking place July 28 to

Roald Dahl classic Charlie and the Chocolate

August 6.

Factory, July 30 to August 1. Click to www.

“This production is a huge undertaking, and

brctnc.org for more info.

By Anna Oakes

we have worked diligently to ensure that it will be an outstanding production,” said Dr. Janet Barton Speer, Summer Theatre artistic director.

“It’s just so vital and important to have access to the performing arts.”

Summer Theatre was forced to scale back to one production when Lees-McRae College could not provide the upfront expenses to operate the theatre, which are typically paid back from ticket sales after the season. Summer Theatre launched a small fundraising campaign this past winter and raised enough to produce one large show. For info, call 828-898-8709 or

Gary Smith, founding member of Ensemble Stage Company

click to www.lmc.edu/web/SummerTheatre.

As most already know, the Hayes Performing Arts Center and its resident Blowing Rock Stage Company have suspended operations while the center undergoes a repositioning phase. The Repositioning Team and Board of Trustees hope to reopen the center in summer 2011. For info, click to www.brcac/org.

Founded in 2009, the Ensemble Stage Company, based in Blowing Rock, has really taken off, having already produced several shows.

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High Country Magazine

June 2010

mountain

echoes

The Blue Ridge Parkway, After the Storms

A

fter an especially harsh winter, people are noticing as they drive

of the damage took place from Grandfather Mountain north—Mileposts

the Parkway in the High Country that a number of what used to

298 to 230—and “north of Roanoke [Va.], there was not significant

be healthy, green treetops have been reduced to more closely resemble spear tips. Other trees were snapped in half and still others have

damage.”

The Parkway awarded two contracts totaling more than $1 million to private vendors to help in clean-up efforts, and the vendors will also

significant branches broken and still dangling.

Blue Ridge Parkway Chief of Maintenance

help with corridor trimming (removing low-hanging

Michael Molling said that he has not seen damage

limbs along the roadway) and with removing “hazard

this severe since the remnants of Hurricane Katrina

trees”—two types of ongoing Parkway maintenance,

blew through. Crews have done “a fair amount of

Michael said. “It’s going to be a much cleaner

storm damage removal this spring,” he said. “This was

presentation than what was there prior to the storm

a pretty significant storm pattern that came in before

damage.” The May 1 deadline for clearing and opening all campgrounds, picnic areas, visitors centers and

Christmas.”

The first thick blanketing of snow had not melted when the Christmas Day ice storm arrived, and the ice storm “really contributed to bringing

other developed areas was met, but efforts to remove storm debris from road shoulders will continue into the middle of summer, he said.

trees down,” Michael said. “Our efforts to start doing debris clearing were

For more information about the Parkway, click to www.nps.gov/blri/

hampered by the weather; it stayed below freezing from Christmas really

index.htm. To learn how you can help clear storm debris on trails off the

through the first of February.”

Parkway, call Shawn Rhodes, volunteer coordinator, at 828-271-4779,

Along the Parkway, most of the damage took place in North Carolina, with Virginia’s section of the roadway largely escaping the beating. Most

Tish’s Dad only got a hammer.

This Father’s Day give

extension 242.

By Corinne Saunders

Finders Keepers Antiques

Dad the gift of Comfort

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Banner Elk

Located at Grandfather Center 3990 Hwy. 105 South, Banner Elk Over 5,000 Square Foot Showroom Highway 105 S.

Grandfather Center

June 2010

Boone

High Country Magazine

15

mountain

echoes

Construction Instructions T hink of it as more time to enjoy the view.

One of the prices of progress is road construction, and as of late

the High Country is, well, quite progressive. Although plenty of our main

thoroughfares are in the midst of facelifts, and work will continue through the summer, it’s easy to get where you need to go if you plan ahead.

Yes, the Highway 321 road construction is still going on—it, understandably, takes a few years to move mountains, and if you haven’t checked out the progress between Lenoir and Blowing Rock recently, you really should have a look-see. During the summer, Highway 321 will be

cannot, by contract, close a lane of traffic Monday through Friday

closed between Lenoir and Blowing Rock four times a week: on Mondays

between 7:00 and 8:30 a.m. and between 3:30 and 6:00 p.m. Otherwise,

at 7:00 p.m. until Tuesdays at 5:00 a.m., on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. until

check High Country Press for construction updates. For more info on

Thursdays at 5:00 a.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 2:00

NCDOT construction work, call 1-877-750-4636 (INFO).

p.m. For more info on the Highway 321 closure, call 828-265-8000.

Eastbound traffic entering the High Country through Boone via

Sadly, during its 75th anniversary year, the Blue Ridge Parkway is still trying to recover from this past winter’s brutal snow and ice storms.

Highway 421 will undoubtedly notice work on the Highway 421 widening

Whereas the Virginia portions of the popular scenic roadway are open

project this summer. The N.C. Department of Transportation and its

and operational, one Parkway section is closed in North Carolina, south of

hired contractor for the project have utilized few road closures during

Boone between Milepost 399.7 and Milepost 405, where the Parkway is

high-traffic times thus far and have been diligent in notifying local media

closed because of rockslide fears. For more information on Parkway road

when a closure is expected. To be safe and avoid delays, plan on traveling

closures and weather conditions, call 828-298-0398.

By Sam Calhoun

through Boone on Highway 421 during rush hours, as the contractor

Fourth of July in the High Country

S

tandard Independence Day celebratory events such as parades and fireworks

will be abundant in the High Country,

SPECIAL EVENTS

as will other special events—festivals, picnics and more. With the Fourth of July

• July 3, Christmas in July, West Jefferson,

falling on a Sunday this year, many events

9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 336-846-9196

will take place on Saturday, July 3. A

• July 3, Safety Fest, Seven Devils,

partial listing can be found below. For full

828-963-5343

events coverage, check the High Country

• July 4, 4th of July Picnic, Buckeye

Press newspaper as the holiday weekend

Recreation Center, Beech Mountain, 11:00

approaches.

a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 828-387-9283 • July 3, 47th Annual Roasting of the

PARADES

FIREWORKS

• July 3, Banner Elk, 11:00 a.m., 828-898-8395

• July 3, Beech Mountain, 828-387-9283

• July 3, Elk Park, 11:00 a.m., 828-733-9573

• July 3, Boone, fields across from National

• July 3, Liberty Parade, 11:00 a.m., Todd, 336-877-5016

Bagpipes & Burgers, Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock, 6:30 p.m., $15 advance/$18 door/$10

• July 4, Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, $5 parking, 800-526-5740

• July 3, Festival and Parade, 2:oo p.m.,

High Country Magazine

• July 3, Mountain Home Music: Bluegrass,

828-262-4530

• July 4, Ashe County Park, 336-846-5501

downtown Blowing Rock, 828-295-5222 16

kids, 828-387-9283

Guard Armory, Hunting Hills Lane,

• July 3, King Street, Boone, 3:00 p.m., 828-268-6200

Hog, Beech Mountain, 3:30 p.m., $15 adults/$6

students, 828-964-3392 • July 3-4, Independence Weekend Craft Show, Banner Elk Elementary School, 828-733-0675

By Corinne Saunders June 2010

NEW CONSTRUCTION • RENOVATIONS REMODELING • ADDITIONS • UPDATES

Green Built In The Blue Ridge

out the benefits of green building @ KELTICO.COM Home Energy Audits Green Construction & Additions Energy-Saving Renovations Renewable Energy Solutions

BUILDING COMPANY, INC. P.O. BOX 1631 • BOONE, NC 28607

828.963.6229

June 2010

High Country Magazine

17

mountain

echoes Protecting Our Most Famous Mountain

T

his isn’t your grandfather’s Grandfather Mountain.

At 11:59 p.m. on Halloween night 2009, Grandfather Mountain, Inc. ceased

operation of the Western North Carolina travel attraction famous for Mildred the Bear and the Mile-High Swinging Bridge, and the 58-year-old attraction became an arm of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. Earlier in 2009, Gov. Beverly Perdue authorized the creation of Grandfather Mountain State Park after legislation to create the new park passed both chambers of the General Assembly without a dissenting vote.

Fulfilling the endgame to afford Grandfather Mountain protection for generations to come, the Morton family decided to sell the 2,601-acre undeveloped portion of the private nature park, sometimes called the backcountry, to the state in 2008.

Although the mountain’s backcountry was sold for $12 million, the Mortons retained an easement on the remaining 604 acres where Grandfather Mountain Inc. facilities are located and will continue to run the travel attraction through the newly formed nonprofit.

“My grandfather [Hugh Morton] always felt like this was God’s mountain—the mountain of the citizens of North Carolina,” said Crae Morton, president of Grandfather Mountain, in 2008. “This new arrangement provides for the best protection of this entire mountain for future generations.”

In addition to forever protection, the sale of Grandfather Mountain to the state means hikers no longer have to pay fees to use the mountain’s extensive trail network, however they still have to adhere to a registration system. If hikers begin their hike at the Profile Trail off Highway 105 or begin at the Tanawha Trail or Daniel Boone Scout Trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway, they must provide emergency contact information on a registration form that can be found in a box at the Profile trailhead or in a box at the convergence of the Tanawha Trail and Daniel Boone Scout Trail.

Admission fees for the travel attraction are still charged at the Grandfather Mountain entrance gate, which hikers must pay if they wish to start their hike at the many trailheads located on top of the mountain near the Top Shop.

“When you buy a ticket to the travel attraction, all the proceeds will go to the conservation and preservation of Grandfather Mountain,” said Grandfather Mountain Marketing Director Catherine Morton.

By becoming a nonprofit, said Jim Morton, “we’ll have new resources we’ve never had from donations, grants and tax incentives. We’ll be able to use those to further our conservation and education missions and perhaps assist in some of the state’s expenses in running the backcountry.”

In the next few weeks, Grandfather Mountain will unveil its new Top Shop, which is thoughtfully designed to blend into its natural setting—a noted improvement from the original structure. Built from concrete and recycled stone from the old Top Shop building—dating back to the 1950s—the new stone-grey, 6,000-square-foot, threestory structure will feature handicapped access to the Mile-High Swinging Bridge via elevator and ramp, a new gift shop and restrooms, new educational and interpretive exhibits, state-of-the-art climate and weather equipment and a host of sustainable components.

By Sam Calhoun 18

High Country Magazine

June 2010

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June 2010

High Country Magazine

19

“Whatcha Gonna Do This Summer?”

L et’s welcome back summer! After a winter for the record books, it’s time to get out and enjoy the warm, green mountains. To help you make a checklist, we’ve put together a picture spread of summer activities (see how many you recognize below) as well as a featured list of 10 things you ought to think about doing this summer. In last year’s June edition, we recommended 12 weekends’ worth of date destinations. This year, we bring you

10 more events and attractions you should consider giving a try.

They’re all in our backyard, but chances are you’ve never visited or haven’t been since you were a kid. Some, like ziplining above the treetops, will get your heart pounding and leave you with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Plus, we all need ideas for entertaining guests, grandkids, friends and family when they come up the mountain to visit. Here’s your checklist.

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How Many Places and Events Do You Know?

U) Howard’s Knob Park overlooking Boone T) Elk River Falls near Elk Park, Avery County S) Linville Caverns: See inside a mountain R) Chetola’s Symphony by the Lake Q) Farthing Auditorium: An Appalachian Summer P) Linn Cove Viaduct: Parkway’s 75th Anniversary O) Jones House Jam Sessions

N) Blowing Rock’s Charity Horse Show M) Horn in the West Outdoor Drama L) Price Lake on the Blue Ridge Parkway K) Rosen Outdoor Sculptures J) Fred’s Summer Sunday Concerts at the Gazebo I) Sugar Mountain’s Summer Lift Rides H) Jones House Concerts on the Lawn

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WEB

12 summer dates from June ‘09 issue

http://www.highcountrypress.com/hcmag/vol4_issue6_june2009_p29.htm High Country Magazine

June 2010

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G) Todd General Store’s Friday Night Jams F) Hebron Colony Falls E) Blowing Rock’s Memorial Park D) Tweetsie Railroad C) MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove B) Grandfather Mountain Highland Games A) Banner Elk Concert Series

ON THE Last Year’s To Do List 20

H

EVERY

WEEK

U MAY 20, 2010 • 56 PAGES1

High Country Press Y O U R W E E K LY

N E W S PA P E R

FREE

The Economic and Social Impact of Summer Residents “Summer residents are very important to Who are we? our community. We couldn’t make it without Are we a vacation locale anthem; their philanthropic giving is very imchored by a university? Are we portant. And they keep our village tax rates one of the last bastions of the hipdown because they don’t require services pie culture, living out our days (fire, police, etc.) for most of the year.” while absorbing new recruits? Are we are a bunch of tourist towns?

Blowing Rock Mayor J.B. Lawrence Are we a ski region, only known as a winter resort destination? Are paying job? Or are we a place for all we a summer retreat, inhabited by those seasons for all people, as we promoted wealthy enough to escape the heat of the ourselves decades ago? flatlands and those fortunate enough to Perhaps all of the above, yet, for all we make the move without having to worry are, we often struggle with our identity. about the prospect of finding a good

As much as we speak of and promote the idea of being a ‘local’ and the seniority that comes with the label, our population is about as diverse as any national region can be, albeit lacking significant representation with certain race and ethnicities.

Whereas by winter, we are pioneers, waking up every morning to fight the cold and hammer out a living in a place that is somewhat inhospitable— in terms of climate and economy—in summer, our population transfers in a matter of weeks; as soon as the univerContinued on page 16

Summer views such as this at Linville Ridge and an average summer high temperature of 74 degrees attracts hundreds of seasonal residents to the High Country every summer. At one resort, the resident population balloons from eight residents in the winter to more than 270 in the summer months.

Watauga Voters To Decide on Quarter-Cent Sales Tax Through Referendum Tax Would Fund Future Recreation, Community Facilities

Photo by Peter Morris

Final Open House at the Current Watauga High School

Watauga High School (WHS) students Sarah Triplett and Anna Day work on a banner that hung at the Last Chance Dance (Second Chance Prom) on Saturday, May 15. The public and especially WHS alumni were invited to attend the dance as well as an open house that took place on the same day at the high school.

“I thought [the dance] was a very nice event,” said Four Eggers of Eggers, Eggers, Eggers & Eggers law firm in Boone.

The Second Chance Prom actually marked the fourth prom he and his wife Kim attended Continued on page 8

Mountain Home Music Series Begins May 30 Mountain Home Music, an annual concert series that honors the music and musicians of the Appalachian region, begins its 17th season on Sunday, May 30, with its Memorial Day Weekend concert, “Bluegrass & Brass,” at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock.

The concert begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door for the general public and $10 for students.

The 2010 series, which takes place in summer and fall and concludes with a Christmas concert in December, features a slate of Mountain Home Music regulars along with artists new to the lineup.

On August 31, Watauga County voters will go to the polls to decide through referendum whether to enact a quartercent sales tax that will be used to fund future recreation and community facilities, after the Watauga County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution calling for the referendum on May 18.

The commission- If adopted, the sales ers hope to utilize the tax is anticipated to tax to meet pressing generate $1.3 million capital needs—such as building a new county in revenue per year recreation center, con- in Watauga County. structing a long-awaited eastern Watauga community center and expanding current recreational offerings at schools and throughout the county—without having to raise county property taxes.

If adopted, the implementation of a quarter-cent local option sales tax is anticipated to generate $1.3 million in revenue per year in Watauga County, the equivalent of 1.5 cents of property tax revenue.

“We always try to balance out performers that the audience knows with performers that they don’t know, just to keep it fresh,” said Joe Shannon, Mountain Home Music executive director. “We have the same core group each year, and then we add in new people.”

The commissioners said that many recreational and community projects have been identified as important by citizens, and they believe the sales tax is the way to fund future construction. The three main projects that the sales tax would fund are the county recreation center, an eastern

Continued on page 5-B

Continued on page 13

For more ideas of what do this summer

Walk with the Clouds: Grandfather Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge

H

ave you walked across the Mile High Swinging Bridge lately?

The folks at Grandfather Mountain figure some 10 million people have made the trek across its 228-foot span since it opened on September 2, 1952. The “Mile High” part of the name may make it seem a bit scary to cross, but the bridge actually spans an 80-foot chasm that is a mile high above sea level. A survey of visitors found that about 70 percent of women and 87 percent of men will actually cross the bridge—some holding on tight to the railings, and others just skipping along. With the completion of the new “Top Shop,” an elevator eliminates the need to climb 50 stairs to reach the bridge. Even if you don’t cross the bridge, the views are breathtaking, and the ride up to the parking lot makes you feel like you’re going to the top of the world. A great place to take summer guests, a journey across the bridge to the other side is a highlight of any visit to the High Country.

#1

Summer Hours: 8:00 to 7:00 Ticket Sales End at 6:00 pm ADMISSION PRICES Adults age 13 - 59 $15.00 Seniors 60 plus $13.00 Children 4 - 12 $7.00 Under 4 years Free Gate House - 828-733-4337 Office - 800-468-7325

See Mountain Home Music

#2 J

oe Shannon will be serving up his 17th season of Mountain Home Music, an annual concert series that honors the music and musicians of the Appalachian region.

The 2010 series, which takes place in summer and fall, features a slate of Mountain Home Music regulars along with artists new to the lineup.

“We always try to balance out performers that the audience knows with performers that they don’t know, just to keep it fresh,” said Joe Shannon, Mountain Home Music executive director.

“We have the same core group each year, and then we add in new people.”

While most Mountain Home Music concerts take place at the Blowing Rock

School Auditorium, the series occasionally holds events at other locales. The Meadowbrook Inn is one of two new venues for the music series this year.

One concert, a Fourth of July concert and cookout on July 3, will take place for the first time at Chetola Resort.

Since 1994, Mountain Home Music has produced more than 250 concerts, featuring three National Folk Life Award winners, seven North Carolina Folk Heritage Award winners, three members of the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame and more than 1,000 local and regional performers.

For more information about Mountain Home Music, call 828-964-3392 or click to www.MountainHomeMusic.com.

Schedule of events June 5, 8:00 p.m., Blowing Rock School Auditorium: Old Time Banjo & Fiddle: Skeeter and the Skidmarks June 12, 8:00 p.m., Blowing Rock School Auditorium: Piano Man: Jeff Little, with Steve Lewis and Josh Scott June 19, 8:00 p.m., Blowing Rock School Auditorium: Generations of Mountain Music: The Butter-Pats, Mary Greene, Ericka Godfrey June 20, 9:00 a.m., Meadowbrook Inn, Blowing Rock: Bluegrass & Western Swing: Scott Freeman and Steve Lewis June 26, 8:00 p.m., Blowing Rock School Auditorium: Carolina On My Mind: David Johnson & The Dixie Dawn Band June 27, 9:00 a.m., Meadowbrook Inn, Blowing Rock: Appalachian Folks: Bryan Haas and Friends July 3, 6:30 p.m., Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock: Bluegrass, Bagpipes & Burgers: Mountain Home Bluegrass Boys, Sarah Storm, Bill Jones July 18, 9:00 a.m., Meadowbrook Inn, Blowing Rock: Songs and Sounds of the Hammer Dulcimer: Steve and Ruth Smith July 25, 3:00 p.m., St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Boone:Folk Song Sing-a-long: Strictly Clean & Decent August 1, 9:00 a.m., Meadowbrook Inn: Mountain Traditions: Sheets Family August 7, 8:00 p.m., Blowing Rock School Auditorium: World Travelers: Whitetop Mountain Band, Tommy and Tracy Smith August 14, 8:00 p.m., Blowing Rock School Auditorium: Beach Music and Boogie: Nightlife August 22, 3:00 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, Boone: Celtic Traditions: The Old & the New: The Forget-Me-Nots September 5, 8:00 p.m., location TBA: A Labor Day Salute: Mountain Home Bluegrass Boys June 2010

High Country Magazine

21

Participate in a 4th of July Parade

#3 W

hy not? Anybody can put together an entry of some sort for the parade—just get a few people together (surprise them). All it takes is a little red, white and blue, and you’ll fit right in.

Call your friends and family and tell them you’ve signed them up for the parade. Grab some bikes or get a fancy car…or a wagon. Don’t just sit on

Children’s Boutique

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the curb waiting for the parade to come by; be in it! Put on your patriotic colors, lace up your walking shoes and practice your wave—what better way to celebrate America’s birthday? Your friends and family might balk at participating at first, but you’ll win them over. It’s a cool feeling, being in a parade.

Call here to find out about how to sign-up to be in a parade Boone • 3 pm on July 3 / register by calling 268-6200 Banner Elk • 11 am on July 3 / Just show up 30 minutes early - info at 898-8395 Blowing Rock • 2 pm on July 3 / register by calling 295-5222 Todd • 11 am on July 3 / just show up one hour early - info at 336-877-5016

www.floraottimer.com

Conquer the Climbing Tower

T

try’s Coun h g i The H Choice New panion om for C Products al m Ani

MOUNTAIN DOG

his could seem a little scary at first glance. Climbing up a 40-foot wall using your hands and feet might seem a little out of your league at first glance. But trained guides will get you to the top while watching your every move, offering encouragement and all the while keeping you safe with a rope and hardness. The tower has more than 4,000 square feet of varying terrain and is a great introduction to the sport of rock climbing. It’s great practice for beginners or seasoned climbers. Groups of all types and sizes can be accommodated—birthday parties are especially popular. All the gear you need is available on site.

and Friends

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Technical Gear for Active Dogs Highway 105 Foscoe • 828-963-2470 info@mountaindogandfriends.com 22

High Country Magazine

June 2010

Located in Dowtown Boone In the Footsloggers Courtyard on Depot St. Pricing starts at $15.00 and varies according to time, groups and gear.

CLASSES ALSO AVAILIABLE 828-265-3544 www.RockDimensions.com

#4

F

Take a Ride On a River

rom fast-moving rapids to gentle waters, there are a number of mountain rivers from which to choose, right here in our backyard. Area outfitters give you the opportunity to enjoy a day rafting the wild rapids or gently floating down-

#5

stream in a canoe or inner tube. You can never too old for this; it’s perfectly safe with experienced guides watching over you. Get out on the water for a unique adventure for the whole family.

Call here to find out about getting on the river: Wahoo Adventures: 262-5774 - www.WahoosAdventures.com High Mountain Expeditions: 800-262-9036 - www.RaftingNC.com River & Earth Adventures: 963-5491 - wwwraftcavehike.com Edge of the World Outfitters: 800-789-EDGE - www.edgeoworld.com Zaloo’s Canoes: 800-535-4027 - www.Zaloos.com

#6

Gem Mining with Surprises

E

meralds and rubies and sapphires... oh my! Don’t laugh, or you could be laughing at yourself catching a bit of gold fever when you start finding gemstones

Call here

while panning through buckets of dirt in a slush. It’s a blast and beats buying a lottery ticket –at least here, you know you’ll go home with a prize.

Greater Foscoe Mining Co.: 963-5928 - www.foscoeminingco.com Foggy Mountain Gem Mine: 963-4367 - www.FoggyMountainGems.com Grandfather Trout Farm: 963-5098 - www. GrandfatherTroutFarms.com Emerald Village: 828-765-6463 - www.EmeraldVillage.com

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High Country Magazine

23

#7

Go to One of the Farmers Markets

T

he bright reds and greens and yellows and purples of fruits and vegetables, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the sounds of laughter and conversations and notes from a guitar, and the warmth of sunshine and the feeling of a summer breeze—the farmers’ markets are truly an event not to miss. It’s a place where people take time to stop and chat, where whole families shop together. It’s finding locally grown

food and fresh eggs, high quaility arts and crafts and whatever is “in season.” Wake up early for the Watauga and Ashe County markets—what a great way to start your Saturday. The Watauga Farmers’ Market is held in the Horn in the West parking lot and has been in operation since 1974. The open-air market atmosphere is indeed a pleasure, and the surprises you’ll find are worth the trip.

WATAUGA FARMERS MARKET: Every Sat.& Wed. 8 am to Noon 828-355-4918 - www.wcfm.info ASHE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET: Every Sat. 8 am to 1 pm. 910-309-1932 - www.ashefarmersmarket.com BLOWING ROCK’S FARMERS MARKET: Every Thur.. 4 pm to 6 pm. - www.blowingrock.com/farmersmarket HIGH COUNTRY FARMERS MARKET: Every Sun.. 10 am to 2 pm. - 828-264-5630

#8

Hike the Rough Ridge Trail

T

his entry always shows up on all our lists of things to do because it’s just so darn beautiful and accessible. Once you go, you’ll be back often because it requires just an easy, short hike from the parking lot at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 302.8. The classic mountain trail first crosses a stone and wooden bridge and then goes up a up a

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24

High Country Magazine

June 2010

member

703 W. King street boone

slight incline to a wooden boardwalk, from which there are beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Linn Cove Viaduct. The boardwalk was just refurbished this spring. Hikers of all persuasions are drawn to this trail because very few other places so close by offer the views you find along this mountain path.

Zip Line - Fly Along Above the Trees

T

he zipline course at Hawksnest is the longest on the East Coast, offering more than 1.5 miles of cable riding. Ten different cable rides take you through and over trees, with awesome views of the surrounding mountains. Zipline riding is an exciting and safe experience for the entire family—children can start riding at age 5 and the weight limit for adults is 250 pounds. You don’t have to be crazy to do this, either. Brace yourself for the thrill of flying through the air with your legs dangling freely, and then get ready to turn around and do it again!

Located in the Town of Seven Devils The 10 Cable Tour Cost $75.00 Tours take about 1 1/2 to 2 Hours.

First tours start at 10 am / Last tour at 4 pm There must be two Zipliners to conduct a tour

Reservations Required 828-953-6561• 800-822-4295

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If we don’t have it ... You don’t need it Grocery Deli • Clothing Hardware Gifts Books • Maps Wildbird Supplies Footwear Clothing • Hiking

#9

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Summer SunSet ConCertS All concerts start at 6:30pm July 11 – The Cockman Family July 18 – Rebecca Eggers Gryder and her Band July 25 – Skeeter and the Skidmarks August 1 – Watauga Community Band August 8 – Joe Shannon and the Mountainhome All-Stars

828-387-4838

Open from 7:30 am to 10pm every day 501 Beech Mountain Parkway • Beech Mountain, NC www.fredsgeneral.com

Watch ‘Em Dance at the Apple Barn

#10 I

f you’re to shy to dance—that’s OK. The dancing is just part of the show that will bring people to the Apple Barn six times this summer for the real down-home deal. The most important elements of mountain music are community and tradition, and the dancing and music at the Apple Barn is as traditional as it gets. Each evening features a band, a caller and volunteers.

Schedule of events

June 12., Saturday Contra Dance.

Caller: Jack Mitchell, Band: Skylark.

June 24, Thursday - Boone All-Star Cast. Caller: Connie Carringer. Band to be annouced. 7:00 to 10:00 pm

The dance starts at 8:00 p.m., but if you show up at 7:30 you can be part of a beginners’ workshop. Admission is $7 and $3 for high school students and younger. The Apple Barn was built in 1911 as a dairy barn and today is part of the Valle Crucis Conference Center, located in beautiful Valle Crucis—home of the original Mast Store.

July 10. Saturday Contra Dance. Caller: Dean Snipes.

Band: Sons of the Full Moon.

July 22. Thursday - The Dances of Greater Appalachia.

Caller: Fredrick Park. Band: Hands Four. 7:00 to 10:00 pm

August 7. Saturday Contra Dance. Caller: Jesse Edgerton.

Band Mock Turtle Soup.

September 11. Saturday Contra Dance. Caller: Diane Silver.

Band The Forget-Me-Knots.

June 2010

High Country Magazine

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Five Vineyards, Five Miles Apart Join us for these upcoming festivals: Herb Festival - July 30, 31 & Aug. 1 Harvest Festival - October 9 & 10 (Free Admission) Holiday Open House - December 4 & 5 (Free Admission) Directions:

5/28 The Blindside 6/4 Casablanca 6/18 Yes Man 6/25 The Dark Knight 7/2 Leatherheads 7/9 Sixteen Candles 7/ 7/16 An American in Paris 7/23 Casino Royale 7/30 The Bucket List 8/6 Dirty Dancing 8/13 Sherlock Holmes 8/20 Breakfast At Tiffany’s 8/27 Up 9/3 Julie & Julia

Only an hour from the High Country!

Take Highway 421 South to Exit 267: Windsor Rd. Follow the Signs.

336-835-9463

336-468-9463

336-468-9274

336-468-5000

336-468-4770

For more info and directions, visit www.Swancreekvineyards.com

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Adults $6 Students $4

• Acupuncture • Chinese Herbal Medicine • Oriental PT • Hair Mineral Anaylsis

3226 Shulls Mill Rd. Boone, NC 28607 www.crestwoodnc.com 26

High Country Magazine

June 2010

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Banner Elk Realty “THE ONLY NAME YOU NEED TO KNOW IN MOUNTAIN REAL ESTATE”

When you get serious about wanting superior, knowledgeable service in buying or selling real estate in our beautiful High Country, then contact Banner Elk’s oldest full time brokerage firm. Put 30 years experience in our local real estate market to work for you!

We are committed to professional service.

John D. Davis, III Owner/Broker

30

The Strength Behind

Your Securit

SHOWERS • KITCHENS • BACKSPLASHES • FLOORS • AND ALL THE REST

828-963-TILE www.stonecavern.com CELEBRATING 91 YEARS

The Strength Behind Your Security

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High Country Magazine

27

‘America’s Favorite Journey’ Continues Story by Barbara Adams and Corinne Saunders

This image is being used for Rock the Blue Ridge, an upcoming cycling event tracing the spectacular ridges of the North Carolina High Country. Along with many other events, the ride honors the 75h Anniversary of the Blue Ride Parkway. With 75-mile and 35-mile untimed routes and a heritage-themed après-ride party, the event is set for Sunday, August 29, and stages at Appalachian Ski Mountain outside of Blowing Rock. For more information, click to www.RockTheBlueRidge.com. Photo by Todd Bush 28

High Country Magazine

June 2010

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The Blue Ridge Parkway Celebrates Years We’ve all heard about it, seen pictures of it, and fortunately—due to its close proximity—almost all of us have experienced it. As a true preservation of beauty, nature and wilderness while linking the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway has become much more to the High Country than just a scenic road. It is the keeper of memories —of hikes, cookouts, camping and adventures with family and friends. Celebrating 75 years this year, the Parkway has meant something different to each of us, but the impact—both personally and economically —of the 469-mile road referred to as “the Scenic” in the early days of construction, cannot be denied. With a piece of history right in the backyard of the High Country, it is easy to wonder where it all began.

We take a look at the 75-year road behind us.

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n truth, we can thank President Franklin D. Roosevelt himself, for the Parkway would never have received funding without his cooperation. Blue Ridge Parkway plans originally began in 1909 but were halted due to World War I. In 1933, when Roosevelt visited the construction of the Skyline Drive, which runs the length of Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Sen. Harry Bird suggested an extension to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In hopes of boosting the American economy by providing jobs and also to promote tourism, Roosevelt eagerly agreed. Some speculate that due to Roosevelt’s physical ailments, he also liked the idea on a personal level; he was unable to experience nature by hiking and therefore found the idea of experiencing nature through the window of an automobile particularly enticing.

Construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway began on September 11, 1935, near Cumberland Knob in North Carolina, located close to the Virginia state line, under the direction of landscape architect Stanley Abbott. Close to 6,000 workers and $16 million were invested in the project. By 1942, half of the Parkway

Groundbreaking at Beacon Heights. Left to right are Sen. Ervin, Gov. Moore, Acting Director Bill, Rep. Broyhill, Supt. Liles and Blue Ridge Parkway Association President Ligon. Although the groundbreaking took place on October 22, 1968, this final section of the Parkway was not completed until 1987. Photo courtesy of W. L. Eury Appalachian Collection, Appalachian State University 30

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* Track Tractor Hauling in 1936. For this project near Doughton Park in Alleghany County, dynamite had to be used to blast the rock into pieces small enough to be loaded onto this track tractor. By the late 1900s, nitroglycerine had replaced basic gunpowder for explosions, and during the early 20th century, the first experiments were done with charges. In 1930, the U.S. Bureau of Mines was formed to upgrade safety. In 1935, DuPont introduced the first commercially successful non-nitroglycerine ammonium nitrate (AN) blasting agents. Thus, during the early construction period of the Blue Ridge Parkway, blasting technology was expanding. This greatly increased the accuracy of carving the roadbed out of the mountainsides.

was open; however, construction stopped because of WWII. After the war was over, it took a few years to get the project going strong again. An article in Virginia’s Roanoke Times dated February 27, 1959, reported that the entire Parkway was open to traffic except five miles around Grandfather Mountain and a 15-mile stretch around Roanoke, Va. It was not until 1987, though, as construction of the Linn Cove Viaduct near Grandfather Mountain finished up, that the Blue Ridge Parkway was officially completed.

The brief timeline of history, however, does not fully illustrate all that really occurred during the construction of the Parkway.

The rich history of the Blue Ridge Parkway—all 75 years of it, as of 2010—is not only a history of a scenic roadway, but it is our history. As state Sen. Joe Sam Queen, member of the Western Delegation of the North Carolina General Assembly, said, “This is our public park and our national park. We all own it and want to protect and preserve it to pass it on to our children.”

Before we continue forward, though, we take a few moments to explore some of the lesser-known stories that make up the long and winding history of the Parkway. The road originally was not even supposed to run through the High Country. Those building it faced the same challenges as their counterparts in the rest of the country at the time—the Great Depression, discrimination for some and the incessant conflicting values and ideas that make up any human saga. The name of the Parkway was almost changed in 1952 to honor a North Carolina legislator, and

the road nearly became a toll road. Legislators and citizens alike let their voices be heard decades ago, though, fighting for their vision of the Parkway to become reality, and their determination shaped our past, present and future.

The Civilian Conservation Corps and the Blue Ridge Parkway Roosevelt’s new program helped promote Parkway construction and encourage job training, while African-Americans struggled with local oppression and resistance.

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s the United States felt the beatings of the Great Depression, President Roosevelt needed to create jobs—and fast. He quickly made plans to create a program under his “New Deal” that would unite young American men and bring them jobs, all while reconstructing and improving conservation projects and preserving the nation’s natural resources. Roosevelt was inaugurated in March 1933, and the Civilian Conservation Corps, commonly known as the CCC, inducted its first enrollee 37 days later. Roosevelt’s peacetime army to help mediate the destruction of America’s natural resources had begun.

Meanwhile, construction plans for the Blue Ridge Parkway were in the works. Hired private contractors did the majority of the construction of the Parkway; however, the CCC was brought to work on the Parkway from a conservational standpoint. The CCC, targeted towards ages 18 to 26, was an ideal program to preserve the natural resources of the Parkway through planting trees and shrubs, constructing roads and building guardrails, guard walls and overlooks. The CCC has been credited with planting more than three billion trees from 1933 to 1942, and thus was often called “Roosevelt’s Tree Army.”

blue ridge parkway The CCC already had a large number of enrollees by the time of the inception of the Blue Ridge Parkway project. CCC “boys,” as they were called, were each assigned to a camp and were typically unmarried, unemployed and on local relief. They were required to be in peak physical condition because of the manual labor required.

CCC boys were each paid $30 a week; while $25 was sent home to their families, the remaining $5 could be used as personal spending money.

Along with the guarantee of stable employment, the CCC also offered a variety of educational classes and job training opportunities. More than 90 percent of enrollees participated in the educational programs, and more than 40,000 illiterate CCC boys learned to read and write.

The CCC proved to help provide a strong foundation for many of its boys, including Petro “Pete” Kulynych, a top Lowe’s Home Improvement executive.

Pete left Pennsylvania after high school and joined the CCC at the age of 17. While in the CCC, he helped work on the Blue Ridge Parkway. “That was during the real depression,” Pete said.

“Instead of working in the coal mines, I went into the CCC and made the same money.”

Pete went on to work with the National Park Service, serve in World War II, and later got a job as a bookkeeper with North Wilkesboro Hardware Store in 1946. “I was the first employee,” Pete said of the company that soon became Lowe’s Companies, Inc., the nation’s second largest home improvement chain.

In 1942, CCC recruitment stopped due to WWII. After the war ended, post-war construction of the Parkway progressed slowly. Funds were difficult to obtain, and equipment was sparse.

As of the mid-1950s, only half of the Parkway had been completed. In response, a development program called Mission 66 was established to spur the completion of the Parkway. Mission 66 helped to accelerate progress and is also responsible for constructing campgrounds, lodges, public-use facilities and visitor centers.

* The YCC. In tandem with the CCC, the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture created the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) in 1971, a threeyear pilot program to bring young Americans together to work and develop educational and social skills. The YCC became a permanent program in 1974 and continues to complete valuable projects for the Blue Ridge Parkway to this day.

Photos with an asterisk (*) are reprinted with permission from Building the Blue Ridge Parkway, by Karen J. Hall, Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Inc. Available from the publisher online at www.arcadiapublishing.com or by calling 888-313-2665.

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blue ridge parkway

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* Discrimination. This three-man crew operates a striping truck in June 1973. African-Americans played an important role in the CCC but faced discrimination—work camps were segregated and

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African-Americans could comprise no more than 10 percent of CCC enrollees.

Racial Tensions in the Civilian Conservation Corps

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frican-Americans played a significant role through the CCC in the conservation and promotion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. During the first nine years of the CCC, more than 250,000 AfricanAmerican men were involved in the program. Nonetheless, discriminatory regulations were expected and established for African-Americans. Robert Fechner, CCC director, ordered that CCC camps be segregated. Fechner maintained that enforcing segregation was not intended as supportive of discrimination.

In a 1935 letter to NAACP President Thomas Griffith, Fechner wrote, “This segregation is not discrimination and cannot be so construed.”

Specific rules were placed against African-Americans; for example, only 10 percent of CCC enrollees could be AfricanAmerican.

In another letter by Fechner to Robert Buckley in June 1936, Fechner explained the local resistance to African-American participation in the CCC. “Whether we like it or not, we cannot close our eyes to the fact that there are communities and States that do not want and will not ac-

June 2010

cept a Negro Civilian Conservation Corps company.”

Fechner wrote that he found a community in which to begin setting up a camp for African-American enrollees, but soon discovered the same discrimination in that community. “When the citizens of the community learned that a Negro company was to be sent to the camp, they absolutely refused to permit the company to occupy the camp and we were forced to abandon the project.”

When the CCC began in 1933, few efforts were made to recruit African-Americans. Thanks to later efforts by those such as Edgar Brown, racial affairs advisor for the CCC, African-Americans were soon more often recruited. In the early 1940s, as many white enrollees left to work in other industries, the CCC finally decided to actively pursue and recruit African-Americans to help fill their spots.

In a 1941 pamphlet by Edgar Brown titled “The CCC and Colored Youth,” statistics and benefits of the CCC were listed to help bring in new African-American enrollees. The pamphlet specifically emphasizes the exciting benefits and opportunities the CCC offered.

“Current movies, health education films, lectures on geography, conservation, history and other topics, and plays are included in the camp educational and

entertainment program. Trips to nearby museums and other points of interest are frequently scheduled…experience and training afforded by the CCC has helped many boys to secure employment.”

African-Americans were not the only minorities who faced struggles in the CCC. Native Americans with low incomes were at first discouraged from joining the CCC; however, about 14,000 Native Americans were allowed to enlist as of 1933.

Spanish American and WWI veterans were also given the opportunity to join the CCC in 1933, and Roosevelt removed all age and marital restrictions.

A Naming Controversy A large park along the Parkway was named in honor of Rep. Doughton after his decades of service in Congress and for his role in the creation of the Parkway…but for some, it was not enough.

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February 21, 1952 article in the Charlotte Observer stated that Rep. Chatham (D-NC) introduced a bill with the intention of changing the name of the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Robert L. Doughton Parkway. The name would honor Rep. Robert Lee Doughton (D-NC), who at the time had recently announced he would retire at the end of the current session of Congress.

An Alleghany County native, Doughton (1863-1954) represented North Carolina’s 9th district in Congress from 1911 to 1952 and was honored with a park bearing his name. Dough-

blue ridge parkway ton Park, which encompasses 7,000 acres and includes a campground and more than 30 miles of hiking trails, is located at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 240, near Glendale Springs.

The bill to change the name of the entire Parkway, however, was met with serious opposition in both North Carolina and Virginia.

A February 22, 1952, article in the Winston-Salem Register titled “Mr. Doughton Due Honor, But Not This One, Please!” stated: “Had it not been for Mr. Doughton, it is true, there might have been no Blue Ridge Parkway. It was he who led the move to get appropriations for its construction. But the name Blue Ridge has poetry in it; it’s a natural for a highway crossing the Land of the Sky; it identifies the Parkway geographically with a mountain land that’s known from coast to coast; it has become so firmly attached to the Parkway, we suspect, that whatever Congress had to say on the subject, the public would continue to call it by its present name.”

The article “Don’t Change Parkway Name,” published on February 22, 1952, in the Greensboro Daily News, listed four reasons to not change the name: it “is a high-sounding name which attracts tourists from all parts of the country;” if the Parkway “can’t be named for all it may not be fair to name it for one;” Doughton “already has a park on the Parkway named after him;” and, finally, “we don’t think much of naming roads, dams and so on for living persons, especially when Congress is doing the naming. It offers too much temptation to log-rolling.”

A February 24, 1952,, article in Virginia’s Richmond Dispatch

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75

Blue Ridge Parkway

Events

Communities along the Parkway are celebrating the 75th anniversary with numerous events throughout the year, but each community also has a certain week where the celebration will officially focus on that area.

For a full listing of events, searchable by community, region or month, click to www.blueridgeparkway75.org.

Boone (June 21 to 26) June 18 —Horn in the West opening, Parkway and Watkins’ panels on display, www.horninthewest.com

June 20 —Watauga Historical Society Ice Cream Social, with singers from Horn in the West, downtown Boone post office, www.wataugacountyhistoricalsociety.com June 22—Town of Boone Reception, with display of Parkway art, Town Hall chambers, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

June 23 —Headwaters Hike, Linville near Grandfather Mountain 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., free but reservations required, Donna Lisenby 828-262-1500 June 24 —Bluegrass Jam at Jones House Community Center, downtown Boone, 828-262-4576

June 25 —Concerts on the Lawn: Bluegrass and BBQ, Jones House Community Center, Boone, 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., 828-262-4576 June 26 —Ghosts of the Blue Ridge Walk, downtown Boone post office, 6:00 p.m.

July 3 —Blue Ridge Parkway is Grand Marshal of Fourth of July Parade, downtown Boone, 2:00 p.m.

Blowing Rock (September 11 to 18) Various events will take place in Blowing Rock throughout the week, leading up to a Blue Ridge Heritage Days Festival on September 18, said Tracy Brown, executive director of the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority.

Main Street will be shut down that day, and about 75 vendors will set up shop. The festival’s opening ceremonies, featuring local, state and national dignitaries, will kick of at 11:00 a.m., and the event includes a parade of 75 cars representing the past 75 years, Tracy said. The parade will begin on the Parkway, run down Main Street and end in Broyhill Park, where an old-fashioned community gathering will take place— complete with heritage foods, a community picnic and old-timey games such as potato sack races. Live music will be ongoing throughout the day, and “cultural and heritage displays downtown [will celebrate] our link to the Parkway and, just as importantly, our culture and heritage in this area,” Tracy said. A street dance at night will close out the festival.

For more information or for a full schedule of Parkway 75 events in Blowing Rock, call the Blowing Rock Visitors Center at 828-295-4636.

Avery County Ever since it was built, the scenic overlooks of the Blue Ridge Parkway have been favorite locations for plein air artists. The Avery Arts Council and the Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery will host the Parkway Plein Air Competition from Thursday to Saturday, June 24 to 26. The contest is open to both professional and amateur artists working in all mediums, and the fee is $25 per artist, except those 17 and under, whose registration is free. After registering and having canvases stamped, artists may set up to paint along the Blue Ridge Parkway from Linville Falls to the Linn Cove Viaduct. Completed works must be turned in by noon on Saturday, and a reception and awarding of prizes will take place that afternoon from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The public is encouraged to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and stop and observe the artists as they work, and also to attend the reception at the close of the competition.

For more information, call the Avery Arts Council at 828-898-4292 or click to www.averyartscouncil.org.

July 4 to 10 —The Blue Ridge Parkway and its History: NEH Landmarks in American History and Culture Workshops, for K-12 teachers, ASU, 828-262-6879

July 8 —“Driving through Time: From the ‘B’ Drawer to the Digital Blue Ridge Parkway,” ASU, brpasu@appstate.edu or 828-262-6879 July 11 to 17—The Blue Ridge Parkway and its History: NEH Landmarks in American History and Culture Workshops, for K-12 teachers, ASU, 828-262-6879 34

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June 2010

Linville The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games will present music of Appalachia in celebration of the Blue Ridge Parkway 75 during its 55th gathering, which takes place from July 8 to 11. Colin Grant Adams, a traditional Scottish balladeer, will host one of the Grove stages that will feature regional groups performing a combination of old time, bluegrass and Celtic music. Born out of the Blue Ridge, these groups include R.G. Absher and Celtic Connections, a collection of highly talented musicians from Wilkes County, and The Forget-Me-Nots, the sensational trio of young fiddlers from the High Country. For more information about the performances, click to www.thecelticforce.com or call Celtic Force Enterprises at 336-499-9733. For more information about the Games, click to www.gmhg.org.

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took a more emphatic stance in “Heah!

Heah! Those Tar Heels Are On the Rampage Again.” The article pointed out that 140 miles of the Parkway lie in Virginia.

“Not content with swiping the Buggs Island dam, which is wholly inside Virginia, and naming it for Representative Kerr, of North Carolina, some of our Tar Heel friends are trying to stage another coup d’etat by naming the Blue Ridge Parkway for North Carolina’s Representative Doughton.”

The article continued, “It went through the House of Representatives on greased skids last Thursday. The immediate task is to stop it in the Senate. Mr. Doughton himself protested that it was a ‘mistake,’ and the Raleigh News and Observer says so too.”

Virginia’s Radford News Journal also stated in a February 23, 1952, article that Doughton himself opposed the name change.

The bill did not pass through the Senate, much to the relief of many North Carolinians and Virginians—past and present— and the Blue Ridge Parkway remains a tribute to the Blue Ridge Mountains range of the Appalachian Mountain Chain.

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Almost a Toll Road Having sufficient funding is a worrisome aspect of any project, and concerns over the still-under-construction Parkway were no different. To maintain the road, the National Park Service hoped to set up a fee system.

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t’s hard to imagine having to pay a fee to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially for those of us who live in close proximity to the recreational road, but had a 1955 decision gone the other way, the Parkway would have been a toll road.

As reported in a January 12, 1955, article in the Roanoke, Va., paper The Roanoke Times, “Five members of the Blue Ridge Parkway Association executive committee ended a three-hour session yesterday with a stalemate on the controversial fee system to be imposed on the Parkway May 1.”

W. Doug Kouns of Asheville, president of the association, and Hugh Morton of Boone, the other North Carolina member, both bitterly opposed any sort of fees for use of the Parkway, the article said. The story noted that two Virginia members of the executive committee “expressed limited June 2010

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blue ridge parkway approval of the charge and the third agreed to a fee for facilities but opposed entrance fees.

“All committee members criticized the one-dollar fee, which will be good for a 15-day period of travel on the Parkway,” the article said. “The other charges of $2 for an annual permit and $3.50 per passenger seat annually and $1 for commercial buses drew milder attacks.”

Parkway Superintendent Sam Weems fielded “a barrage of informational questions” as he explained his instructions from the National Park Service for setting up the charge system, the article stated. He explained that by establishing a fee system, even after taking into account the necessary additions of 30 employees during the May 1 to November 1 proposed collection period, the “the Parkway believes it can recover most of the half million dollars it spends annually for operation and maintenance from the fee collection after costs are subtracted.”

Weems admitted that collecting fees from the Parkway’s 600 entrances posed a problem. “But we believe 80 percent of the travelers can be reached at 20 collection points,” he stated, “and the fees from the other 20 percent would not pay for the trouble it would take to collect them.” Weems said that collecting entrance fees for Parkway motorists was discussed in 1942, but wartime travel restrictions prevented initiation of the charges.

After the heated debate at the executive committee level, action was referred to the association’s board at a meeting scheduled for January 27 in Boone. The board, comprised of representatives of each chamber of commerce along the Parkway, totaled

more than 60 members, according to the article.

And the final outcome? As any motorist who has traveled the Parkway can tell you, there is no fee to drive the road.

Cafe Portofino ´

Traveling Free. A couple admires a view of Grandfather Mountain.

Under orders from the National Park Service, Parkway Superintendent Sam Weems was supposed to set up a charge system in 1955, but strong opposition by the Blue Ridge Parkway Association’s executive committee and board led to a different route—keeping driving on the Parkway free. Photo courtesy of W. L. Eury Appalachian Collection, Appalachian State University

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Location, Location Among the many Parkway movers and shakers, R. Getty Browning stands out. Unsatisfied with the proposed route through Tennessee, he armed himself with evidence that the Parkway should traverse North Carolina mountains and took a train from Raleigh to Washington, D.C. to make his case.

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. Getty Browning believed in the beauty of Western North Carolina, and his stalwart determination to make the region more accessible to the general public literally swayed the course of the Blue Ridge Parkway and forever altered the history of the region.

“He located the Parkway through North Carolina and managed to get the land,” said Harriet Davant, the sole daughter and the youngest of Getty’s four children.

Harriet and her daughter Dianne Davant Moffitt went to Charlotte in November 2009 for the induction ceremony for the 2009 class of the North Carolina Transportation Hall of Fame, where Harriet accepted a plaque on behalf of Getty, who passed away in 1966 at nearly 83 years old.

The recognition meant a great deal because Getty, an important figure in the state’s history, was finally given his due.

“My father came to North Carolina from Maryland in 1920 when North Carolina first formed its Highway Commission,” Harriet said in the acceptance speech she gave at the induction ceremony. “He became chief location and claim engineer and played an important role in the location of many of North Carolina’s highways, including the Blue Ridge Parkway,” the speech

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Remembering Her Father. Harriet Browning Davant, a resident of Blowing Rock, holds a picture of her father, R. Getty Browning, who convinced President Roosevelt’s designated Parkway committee that the Blue Ridge Parkway should run through North Carolina instead of Tennessee. In front of the picture are boots Getty wore at age 2.

“Who knew he was going to grow up and walk that whole Blue Ridge Parkway!” Photo by Corinne Saunders

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continued. “It was his presentation before Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes that swayed Ickes and his committee to approve the location of the Parkway through North Carolina rather than Tennessee. It is a well-known fact that my father walked every mile of that location himself.”

Harriet, who resides in Blowing Rock in the home into which she and husband Charles Davant moved in the 1950s, keeps the speech (penned on a sheet of white paper) tucked with other precious memorabilia related to her father in her copy of Anne Whisnant’s book, Super-Scenic Motorway: A Blue Ridge Parkway History. Anne wrote the book because, after discovering Getty’s involvement with the Parkway, she decided he never got the recognition he deserved and wanted to correct that, Harriet said.

“I was 10 when he went to [Washington,] D.C. We put him on the train, [and I was] totally not interested, just interested in the train,” Harriet recalled with a smile.

“He assembled all photographs of the proposed location through North Carolina and had all the information to substantiate [his claim] so they would see how beautiful this part of the state is.”

President Franklin D. Roosevelt had organized a committee to handle the details of the Parkway, Harriet explained, because “he had too many people pulling at him.” And after her father’s presentation, all of the committee members—led by the notably resolute Harold—agreed the proposed North Carolina route was “outstanding, much to the chagrin of [the senator of Tennessee].”

However, there was a catch: “They said, ‘North Carolina can have the right of way, but you have to get the right of way through the Cherokee Nation.’” Getty, always a “charming man,” went to the Cherokee to try to persuade them—the chief at the time was opposed to the road, Harriet said.

Getty took a tour of the reservation led by a woman who was going to run for chief, and upon entering one house, saw a grandmother roasting a frog over the fire to feed a grandchild; and that was all he needed.

“That was his talking point,” Harriet said.

He told the Cherokee to think of all the road could bring them; the tourists, the industry and the ability to make money so they wouldn’t starve to death—all while keeping their land. “They convened their council [and] argued about it,” but Getty had con-

June 2010

*

Cherokee Vacation. After more than five

years of debate, in February 1940, the Ridge Route was accepted by the Cherokee Tribal Council as the path to be taken by the Blue Ridge Parkway. They received $40,000 for the right-ofway through the reservation, with hopes of a start to ending their economic depression.

vinced enough of them, and they agreed to allow the Parkway into their land.

The Cherokee were not the only ones Getty would convince in order to get the Parkway in the North Carolina mountains.

He walked the entire length of North Carolina’s portion of the future road, one section at a time, often coming across rattlesnakes and moonshine stills in the woods—“both were very dangerous.” He found himself, on more than one occasion, talking down a gun barrel to persuade its owner that the road would be profitable and beneficial.

“He wanted [the landowners] to understand what a significant influence this would have on their lives; [that] they were not only getting paid for [their land], but making a contribution to the future of the area.” The majority of the area’s population at the time practiced subsistence farming and was very poor, Harriet said.

She still has the altimeter (for telling him the elevation) that he carried with him at all times. She also has a pair of boots her father wore when he was 2: “Who knew he was going to grow up and walk that whole Blue Ridge Parkway!”

A Saturday Evening Post writer from New York came to North Carolina to write about the Parkway, and was told to talk to Getty. “He ended up writing about R. Getty Browning,” Harriet said, producing a copy of the article, originally published

blue ridge parkway in 1952 and republished in The Blowing Rocket in 2005.

“He was always an outdoorsman. He grew up in western Maryland,” she said, adding that one of the reasons he loved the area was that it reminded him of western Maryland. Coming from a long line of hunters, Getty often took his three sons—all of whom became different types of engineers—hunting.

Getty’s great-great-grandfather Meshack Browning was a pioneer in western Maryland and wrote a book late in life titled 44 Years in the Life of a Hunter, she noted.

“A lot of his success as locations engineer had to do with his knowledge of nature—which side of the mountain deer used to go back and forth, the elements…he had all this experience with nature and how it could affect a road.”

Harriet, who was born and raised in Raleigh, got to accompany her father on daytrips to Durham or Greensboro, spending time with him while he oversaw various roads under construction. “He was a wonderful father and a wonderful man.” When she recalls how he died in her arms after suffering a heart attack during a blizzard in 1966, it is with a mix of sadness and pride—“what a privilege to hold him in my arms.”

A more-than-6,000-foot mountain, located west of Asheville near Waterrock Knob, was christened Browning Knob, and a plaque at a Parkway overlook (Milepost 451.2, facing Browning Knob), also honors him.

challenges that the future of the Parkway presents. Progressive plans for protection, funding and preservation are being created to ensure that the Parkway continues to hold the same value it has for the past 75 years.

With the explosion of technology, how will current and future digital generations respond to the needs of the Parkway? Well, only time will tell, but we do have the opportunity to educate new generations about the Parkway—both its history and its needs—through cutting-edge technology.

Anne Whisnant, director of Research, Communications and Programs in the Office of Faculty Governance and adjunct associate professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and also author of Super-Scenic Motorway: A Blue Ridge Parkway History, — Stanley Abbott, explained that UNC-Chapel landscape architect and Hill received funding for a first Parkway superintendent digital collection of the Parkway called Driving Through units of America’s National Park Service, Time: The Digital Blue Ridge Parkway drawing about 20 million visitors annuin North Carolina. The collection will ally, it is more than just a road, trail, byinclude a variety of digital maps, photos way, park or tourist attraction. “It’s not and historical documents and is expected a route, but an experience,” said Lewis to be ready in 2011, Anne said. Innovative Ledford, director of the North Carolina ideas and tools such as the digital collecDivision of State Parks and Recreation. tion at UNC-Chapel Hill are the forerunThe experience—that’s what the Parkners for what lies ahead for the Parkway. way is really all about. But alas, what hapThe Blue Ridge Parkway continues pens to the Parkway from here? Instead, to not only be a memorable aspect of we should ask: what do we do from here?

American history, but also a piece of the This is our Parkway, and in order to make High Country’s heritage, bringing into sure the Parkway continues to be what it is the area a stream of visitors and money today, we should look forward with open crucial to the area’s economy, while preminds and innovative thinking. serving swaths of pristine land and exAs the times change, so do the needs posing visitors to our individual mounof the Parkway. “Our challenge is to tain community flavors. As we reflect on ensure that these resources will be pro75 years, however, we understand that tected for future generations,” said the Parkway is not only a glimpse of the Randy Burgess, Pisgah District Ranger past, but also represents the present—the of the U.S. Forest Service. Officials from “right now.” Perhaps most importantly, groups such as the Mountain Resources the Blue Ridge Parkway signifies what Commission, U.S. Forest Service and lies before us—and what we decide that State Parks and Recreation (to name a legacy will be. few) are all currently rising to the great Photo by Todd Bush

“[The Blue Ridge Parkway] has but one reason for existence, which is to please by revealing the charm and interest of the native American countryside.”

Moving Forward With the completion of “the Scenic” behind, Parkway advocates today are concerned with preservation and promotion.

A

fter 75 years, we find ourselves asking, “What really is the Blue Ridge Parkway?” As the most visited of the 391

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39

Stepping

off the

By Sally Treadwell Photography by Peter Morris

Edge

Boone painter Richard Tumbleston quit three years ago.

And then he started over, painting from a different place.

T

here’s a haunting painting of an elderly man in Richard Tumbleston’s studio. “I see exactly who you are,” the ageless eyes seem to say, staring steadfastly out of a face that the years have rode hard and put up sweaty. “I see you, and I dare you. Stop wasting time. Just do what it is you really want to do.”

Now, Richard won’t tell you that painting those eyes is what eventually made him throw up his hands and say “I QUIT,” oh, just about three years ago. He’ll tell you what happened. He went to an art exhibition out west, and, because he’d seen the painter’s work years before, he was stunned by the total change in direction and passion—a sea change. And it crystallized everything that he’d been starting to feel: that he had to let go, paint the way he really wanted to paint. Step off the edge.

“I discovered a need,” he said, “to cut myself loose from what I’d been doing—to find a deeper, more spontaneous, more emotional place to paint from.”

Maybe, unconsciously, the old man’s challenge had triggered that initial yearning for change. Or maybe it was just timing. His kids were grown and independent, his wife Susan was happy heading up a physical activity program out of nearby Appalachian State University. Freed from the realities of keeping the pantry stocked, he could take the time to find whatever was left to find within himself. So, galvanized by the exhibition, he sat by Old Faithful and committed to opening himself up to an expansion of style and subject matter, to traveling, as he puts it, “on the path where there is no path.”

“I have to be still, meditative,” he explained. “I have to learn to trust the dormant time; listen to the unconscious; stop controlling the paintings and allow them to come to me.”

Richard has been one of the most consistent and popular artists in the High Country for many years. People who love the area find rest in his evocative, finely-detailed watercolors and alkyd paintings of cherished places like Bass

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Lake, Mast Farm Inn, the Jones House and Cone Manor’s carriage house. He knows each scene he paints intimately, sometimes re-visiting a place dozens of times before he’s ready to put brush to canvas.

But if you think you know his work just from his bestselling lithographs and gicleé prints, you sure haven’t visited his studio. “It looks like 20 different people have painted these pictures,” his daughter told him one day. And it does—one would never associate Richard’s name with the oddly elegant, layered painting of a sheep, for instance, or the pungency of salt-slapped oyster boats, or a plantation worker stiffening as he catches the painter’s gaze. He’s experimented with egg tempera, a tricky but luminous medium, and “learned to paint all over again” with bold acrylics.

Richard, clearly, never has stayed on a single path, although he readily admits that there are many paintings that “never got painted.

“When you’re trying to make a living as an artist,” he said, “just running the business end of it takes a surprising amount of time.”

The Making of an Artist Richard grew up in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, hunting and fishing and exploring the rich salt marshes. His family lived right behind the old country store they ran— “when we canned butter beans, we’d put up 250 quarts. I didn’t want to have anything to do with gardening for a long time after I left home”—and sold vegetables from a stand at the side of the road.

He started playing with his sister’s discarded drawing set during a bout of mumps, and came up with a pretty good picture of a train. “My fifth grade teacher was thrilled,” he snickered. “She was glad I could finally do something.”

The designated class artist segued into the art and reli-

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41

“I like the texture of the trunk, the twisted, gnarly old tree that can still bear fruit, and the strong sense of solitude that surrounds it. I tried to leave a lot of room for the viewer to come in and participate; sometimes it’s the hardest thing to leave space.”

Tribute — “What I was really painting. what I really saw in those boats, was my mother and father’s graves with the earth piled on them. The worker bailing water is me digging the graves. My uncle Virgil lived with us and was like a second father to me— we had to make sure there was space for him next to them, so you can see part of his grave, too.”

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June 2010

“I discovered a need to cut myself loose from what I’d been doing—to find a deeper, more spontaneous, more emotional place to paint from.”

gion double major at Mars Hill College.

But in the exuberance of the shacklesnapping early 1970s, he got Cs as a realistic painter and As when he went the abstract route, making art from melted Coke bottles and spouting flames. So, frustrated, he drifted to seminary to explore the intellectual part of his nature

and “fine-tune” his theology.

But two things happened. He did a charcoal sketch that “felt wonderful—a lot better than Hebrew.”

And then Andrew Wyeth’s cry of grief for his father, a painting of a boy running down through fields, finally brought it home to him that to make a division be-

tween abstraction and realism was false.

Wyeth, he felt, had a lot to teach him.

“There’s an abstract dimension that goes into realistic paintings, the things that come into my mind when I paint,” he said. The emotion in an egg tempera oyster boat painting done in the early 1990s, for instance, draws one in—and yet on the surface it’s simple, almost angular, and its sole figure is just a busy fisherman.

“What I was really painting,” Richard noted quietly, “what I really saw in those boats, was my mother and father’s graves with the earth piled on them. The worker

June 2010

High Country Magazine

43

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bailing water is me digging the graves.

My uncle Virgil lived with us and was like a second father to me—we had to make sure there was space for him next to them, so you can see part of his grave, too.”

Back in 1977 Richard gave himself five years to make it as a professional artist. “I think I made $1,800 that first year—and that was before expenses,” he said wryly.

He’d met Susan at Mars Hill, and in 1979 the two of them decided to make their home in Boone, where Susan’s family lives. At first he painted 50 or 60 hours a week out of Susan’s aunt’s dark basement, emerging only to walk to the store to grab a Coke and a Nabs. “Sometimes that was the best part of my day—I’m not exactly an introvert!”

Although he’s not mountain-born, a love of the natural world is such an inextricable part of his make-up that he found it easy to become deeply attached to the High Country, exploring the landscape and learning its secrets. He learned to paint the subtleties of its wildlife, and the textures of the seasons, the hidden life beneath the snow. Sometimes the secrets came from other people’s memories—for his bestselling print “Easter Flurries,” he set out to paint a traditional farmhouse, but honored the memories of the collector who commissioned the work. He recreated for him the original log construction, still hidden under the siding…and oh, there used to be a split-rail fence…and daffodils along it… and remember the old saying, winter isn’t over until the Easter flurries?

Not too many years passed before he and Susan contracted to buy a former hayfield out in the Bamboo area, and Richard set about designing and building a house set in still-evolving gardens, created from scratch.

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June 2010

The lushly-planted grounds around Richard and Susan’s pretty house are key to his work process. He finds that gardening and cooking are the perfect antidote to what, he said, Buddhists call “monkey mind,” and he describes as “a waterfall of thought”—the busy intellectual activity that’s not easily shrugged off by the introspective artist. “I think way too much,” he laughed.

Mindful of his resolve to paint with his heart and intuition rather than his intellect, he approached his current work, a rich narrative of the Blue Ridge Parkway, with patience. “I must have gone out into

“At times an idea grabs you simply because of its beauty, and then there are those ideas that call you deeper into a part of yourself—a part you deeply love, even a part you don’t know very well. When beauty moves beyond the sublime, then you really have something.”

“After all these years, the Blue Ridge landscape still inspires me...

I am moved by the mystery and beauty of this place.”

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45

Robert Graves wrote eloquently of mythology’s triple goddess: the maiden, mother and crone, muse to us all. Richard Tumbleston’s painting of a Montana landscape and its ghosts echoes this idea. “We all have in us the warrior, the chief and the shaman. By the time you’re my age, 58, you need to be well along in the process of understanding and reconciling all those parts of yourself. I didn’t understand why I was doing this painting, but then I realized that each figure represented a part of me—this was me coming to terms with midlife.”

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June 2010

A Portrait of the Blue Ridge Parkway

R

ichard is currently painting the Blue Ridge Parkway in celebration of its 75th birth-

day. “The Blue Ridge Parkway is a complex road that called forth a complicated painting.

It wasn’t designed like most highways, to get from point A to point B. It’s a long, wandering road with twists and turns and curves, ups and downs, highs and lows. I’ve tried to incorporate that natural, graceful flow and instill the wonder of it into the viewer. It’s a complex image yet, I hope, balanced and meditative.

“I began thinking about the painting four or five years ago while working on the North Carolina lighthouse painting, but I wanted the Parkway to dictate the subject matter and composition to me. I didn’t want to begin sketching too soon. It’s dangerous to put lines

emerge. There are vacant places in the draw-

down, because I get attached to them. One

ing; they are there intentionally to leave room

line leads to another, but every mark made

for the image to grow and expand.

rules out endless possibilities.

“I think this painting is about creation, about

“The drawing has taken over two weeks. I

evolution, nature and the human hand on na-

moved slowly and tried to allow the composi-

ture doing some of its best work. To me that is

tion to be born organically; often the subject

what the Parkway is: a union of nature and hu-

matter would come unexpectedly. The actual

manity. Harmonizing. The natural world is a gift;

painting process will begin before everything

we are called to stewardship, and inspired to

is figured out. I like the possibilities that will

delight in stillness and compassion.”

the yard at least 50 times last week to look for the daffodils starting to come up. I’m trying to move slowly, to allow the composition to come organically. I already have the feeling that I didn’t have anything to do with the painting, the arrangement, the design. This is good; the work has already taken on a life of its own.”

Drawing the initial study took more than two weeks. The painting itself will take 600 to 1,000 hours, some three months; and then will come the exacting process of fine art reproduction. But Richard welcomes the work after the long incubation of the concept. “I feel really lucky right now; I know what I’m going

w

to be doing for a while.”

As much as his heart still settles into ‘home’ when he’s back in the familiar horizontal planes of the Lowcountry; and as much as it soars when he’s in North Carolina’s verdant mountains, Richard has found one more place that seduces him—the West. Maybe it’s the blood of his Cherokee great grandmother. But the pull of his visits to Montana has resulted in paintings of the Madison River, elk grazing in a wide-open vista, Three Dollar Bridge, warrior chiefs and shamans, as Richard continues his quest for selfdiscovery. It’s all part of the drive to grow that fuels every artist.

“At times an idea grabs you simply because of its beauty, and then there are those ideas that call you deeper into a part of yourself—a part you deeply love, even a part you don’t know very well. When beauty moves beyond the sublime, then you really have something.”

He brought back a rock from one of his trips, a talisman, something to keep his desire to find a deeper core and reconnect with his father fresh in his consciousness. But somehow, it seems as if that old man is keeping an eye on him from the wall anyway. Keeping him honest.

“Come on, son. I dare you. Dig even deeper. There’s more to come.”

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June 2010

High Country Magazine

47

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June 2010

High Country Magazine

49

Classic Cars and Love Affairs

Story by Bernadette Cahill Photography by James Fay & Ron Davis

G

arrett Clawson hangs around helping his dad sell strawberries in Boone, but his eyes are elsewhere. On the same K-Mart parking lot, chrome-sparkling visions of a bygone era are pulling up: High Country Classics is assembling for its Friday night cruise-in.

“Is that the kind of car you drove, Dad?” “No,” laughs Joey Clawson. “That’s the kind my mom and dad drove.”

No matter; young Garrett has headed off towards the cars. He’s in love.

Joey, who works at the Boone Sheriff’s Department full time and “peddles produce” part-time, explains. “When cars came out like today, some cars are just massively produced and it’s no mean thing.

But some cars…every teenager dreams of having one.

“Those few cars are classics because the rest of the cars are no big deal. Who cares about them? People who grew up in that time frame would give their eye teeth for them. [It’s] the car [they] always dreamed of having.”

The cars pulling up for the High Country Classics bi-monthly cruise-in are mostly Chevrolets and Fords of the 1950s and 1960s.

Appropriately, 1965’s “This Diamond Ring” by Gary Lewis & The Playboys blares out of the speakers the club has just set up.

“We play 50s and 60s music to set the atmosphere,” says Roger Dalton, President of High Country Classics. “A lot of people my age, I’m 60, they grew up with these cars and they used to drive them, that’s what they used to see on the road all the time…and people like working on them.”

Dalton—he and his wife have been in Boone four years—originally owned a 1936 Chevy. He now owns a 1956 model, which he bought in 1981 from a friend in a Winston-Salem antique car club. The paint and interior of the ’56 were then “pretty much” in the condition they are today, but during his almost 30 years of ownership, Dalton has changed the motor, the transmission, the rear end, the wheels and tires.

Owning classic cars, says Dalton, “is kind of like money in the bank because they don’t lose their value.”

The Chiffons’ “One Fine Day” has now begun to thrum in background.

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“ I know people who buy them and just have somebody

else do all the work, but there are people who spend hour after hour working away. It’s something they look forward to bringing out every summer. ” The Cars Are Almost Sacred

High Country Classics usually has about 30 cars attending each cruise-in— with owners, drivers, wives and friends coming along for the ride. If it’s raining, however, don’t expect them to turn up; the cars are almost sacred—only the best weather is good enough for them.

The cars are so cared for partly because of the amount of money in them; a ’57 Chevy owner talked of $75,000 to refurbish it. There’s also the huge investment of time.

Marquita and Doug Hamby, who drove their ’71 Chevy Vega Panel Wagon from North Wilkesboro for the cruise-in, are members of the Wilkes County Cruis-

ers. They found their car in North Carolina but have traveled to several states trying to buy parts. “It was in pretty rough shape,” says Doug. “I took it down to the bare metal, took everything off it you could take off it. I spent about two years fixing it up.”

Besides time and money, these cars are special for memories. “1971 is the year we graduated from high school,” says Marquita.

Mary Wells’ “My Guy” from 1964 now throbs from the speakers.

‘We Played Around’

All around the cruise-in, women are visiting, and men are standing in groups

just looking. They all have their hands in their pockets.

George Shore stands in this classic pose, one of three men, in front of his ’57 Chevy BelAir. “Why do men stand around cars with their hands in their pockets?”

“Well,” says George, without skipping a beat, “We have to keep our money in there to keep other people from getting it.

See I got my change purse right there.” He shows the purse, grinning.

“But you stand with your hands in your pockets looking at the car as if it’s going to do something.”

“Is this better?” says the middle bystander, rearranging his arms across his

June 2010

High Country Magazine

53

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The ’57 BelAir is beautiful. “It’s got a lot of chrome on it and back in its day I had one and courted in it for five years,” says George.

The car interior has acres.

“What did you do in it?”

“We played around.”

“In the back seat?”

Suddenly everyone’s erupting in laughter.

“Yeah,” says George.

“What did you do?”

“Yeah,” says George, suddenly cagey.

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High Country Magazine

June 2010

George’s wife Ann is laughing too, but denies everything. “He must have been with somebody else.”

The Shirelles’ 1961 hit, “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” starts up in the background.

‘I Should Have Stayed in Bed’

Across the parking lot, Howard Hayes and wife Lucy stand beside a Ford twodoor post custom-line, sporting a “For Sale” sign. Howard bought it for his 50th wedding anniversary.

“I found this ’56 down in Taylorsville, bought it and went through our anniversary, took Lucy to the church and that,” he says.

But it wasn’t what he really wanted.

“I have a ’55 over at the house. When

Classic Car Hunting: The High Country Classics 6th annual Car and Bike Show ta kes place at Wata uga H ig h School on H ig hway 105 in Boone on July 10.

The High Country Classic Club meets the first Monday night of each month at Poplar Grove Baptist Church. Classic car ownership is not required for membership.

Cruise-ins take place on the second and fourth Friday of each month at the K-Mart parking lot. For more information, click to highcountryclassics.com or email information@highcountryclassics.com.

I n Newla nd, the Main Street Cruz-in ta kes place this yea r on Ju ne 18, July 16, Aug ust 20, Septem ber 17 a nd October 15. For more in formation, call Cla ude Bucha na n at 828-733-3558.

Classic cars might be considered a genetic trait when it comes to the Shore family. George Shore (above right) jokingly blames his brother Gordon (above left) for getting him into classic cars, and for all the money that goes with it. Go to any local cruise-in and you’re likely to see George and his ‘57 BelAir, along with Gordon, his wife Nancy and their ’55 Chevy. Even Gordon’s son Jeff (middle) shares the Shore family passion for classic cars .

me and my wife was married, it was a ’55. That’s why I’m selling my ’56. This is as good a car as any, but it’s just not a ’55, and we were married in that, and that makes a difference, doesn’t it?”

The ’56 is a beauty, but the ’55 Ford two-door post-custom-line is a gem.

“Just like the one we was married in…and [it] has only got 9,602 miles on it. We found it in Detroit.”

“Don’t know much about history….” Sam Cooke’s “Wonderful World” has just struck up.

“A man bought it right out of the factory,” says Howard. “It has a bronze interior with torch red and snowshoe white and the one we had, had a regatta blue bottom with black top. That’s the

only difference. The rest is identical to the one I had.”

The original owner had died after the 9,000-plus miles, and the Ford stayed in a garage for 41 years. When the family finally took it out, they touched it up and put some new tires on it. Howard bought the four originals.

Howard’s hunt for a ’55 Ford was due to 40 years of regret, after he sold

A classic car show took place at Phil’s Citgo in Boone on May 15. Phil Halbedel, owner of the service station on Hardin Street, has made car restoration a hobby for many years.

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“We travelled 123,000 miles singing gospel music all across the country in that car, the one we was married in, the one we brought our children home in from the hospital, the whole works. It had too many memories and I sold it. That was the biggest mistake I ever made.”

Lucy and Howard Hayes, with their ‘55 and ‘56 Ford two-door post custom line cars, which Howard hunted down for his 50th wedding anniversary to replace the one he lived to regret selling 40 years ago. Below, Lucy and Howard with their original Ford back in the 1950s.

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Carl Campbell of Boone brought out his 1955 second series Chevrolet truck to a cruise-in at Kmart in May. Carl’s wife got the truck for him 40 years ago. “I worked on it for the previous owner for his sons, they didn’t appreciate it and kind of ruined it and it sat for a long time and my wife bought it for me for Father’s Day one year.”

OK. The new one was a little larger, we thought we needed it, but we really didn’t.

We could have kept it a little longer, or just kept it forever and restored it.”

The Reflections’ “(Just Like) Romeo & Juliet,” cranks up.

Simpler to Work On his original for a larger model for a growing family.

“I should have stayed in bed the next morning when I decided to sell that car and I was always sick that we had ever sold it. We traveled 123,000 miles singing gospel music all across the country in that car, the one we was married in, the one

we brought our children home in from the hospital, the whole works. It had too many memories and I sold it. That was the biggest mistake I ever made. I’d dream about that car.”

Lucy had loved it, “but we needed a little bit more room for the kids. So I thought, if that’s what he wants, that’s

Classic cars are often a family affair.

Howard’s son found his ’55 Ford on the internet. George Shore’s brother Gordon and his wife Nancy are also present at the cruise-in with their ’55 Chevy, and George jokingly says it’s his brother’s fault he has spent “about $50,000 or $75,000 of my money” because Gordon got him into classic cars.

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An array of classic cars and an antique model are displayed at last fall’s 5th Annual High Country Toy Run that the Peacemakers Chapter of the Christian Motorcyclist Association organized. Onlookers adopt the common “hands in the pockets” pose. Some claim that this classic pose is due to respect for the cars—touching them is considered bad etiquette.

Carl Campbell of Boone owes his 1955 second series Chevrolet truck to his wife.

“I worked on it for the previous owner for his sons, they didn’t appreciate it and kind of ruined it and it sat for a long time and my wife bought it for me for Father’s Day one year.”

That was about 40 years ago.

“I always wanted a truck and couldn’t afford it. She’d been saving her baby-sitting money and paying a little bit every week on it so I can’t ever get rid of it,” he says.

In the 40 years, Carl has rebuilt the truck twice and “added stuff” so it’s “real driveable now”—by which he means it has a different engine, drive train, more comfortable seats and air conditioning.

“It’s just like driving a modern car,” he says.

But the great thing is, “They’re mechanical and a lot easier to understand. You don’t have to have a whole bunch of instruments and gauges to work on it.

“Everything you could possibly want 58

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June 2010

Foreign Classics in the High Country

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ars have been part of Nigel Horbury’s life since he was 5 years old, when he first spotted a Ford Zodiac in the adjoining street in Sheffield, England. It had white walled tires, chrome everywhere and a Croupier’s peak on the windshield. He’s now the European classic car specialist in the High Country, looking after European classics and servicing regular European and other foreign cars.

A British classic car show took place in Elkin early in April, and Nigel is considering organizing a European classic car event at his business, Sport 4 Automotive on Honey Bear Campground Road in Boone.

“We were all car enthusiasts in our family, especially my brother and I,” he says. “He’s gone on to be head of design at Volvo and he was head of design at Ford, Lincoln, Mercury in Detroit for four or five years.”

Nigel himself worked with cars, in such places as BMW’s racing and tuning capital in North America, Korman Autoworks of Greensboro, when he owned a 1976 Jag coupe, a 1973 BMW 3.0CS and a 1980 Pininfarina Spider.

“Now I employ the people who know how to fix [these] cars,” he says.

European classics also include vehicles such as the VW Bug and the Aston Martin.

“Classic cars aren’t necessarily everything that’s old,” Nigel says.

“Classic cars are what is rare and not usual.”

But they are also linked with nostalgia. “You remember the good times, when you were young, riding around driving your dad’s car or your early cars, or seeing them,” says Nigel. “I can still remember [when] I actually saw an Aston Martin on the road.”

The Aston Martin DB5 became famous from the 1964 James Bond movie, Goldfinger. “I remember traipsing around the whole town

to find anybody who had a Corgi model of that car. I was about 9 or 10 years old. [It was] dark, because [the movie] came out in winter. I found it in the most unlikely department store.”

The bright metal of the old cars is still an attraction, Nigel says, “and guys like mechanical things. There’s something about the shape and the form that gets you from A to B…[that appeals]. It wasn’t just expensive cars…if I had the money I would get my hand on some of the earlier Fords or GM Vauxhalls, some of the more ordinary cars that you associate with your childhood.”

Classic cars doesn’t actually mean higher quality, he says, for cars have become progressively safer and more efficient over time, with such things as better brakes and better suspension.

“They are more reliable,” he says. “Now we take for granted all the things like radios, air conditioning, heaters and electric windows.

“What you would expect in a car then as a luxury car we just take for granted now as [standard].

In England in the old days we would fake to our cousins the sound of an electric window when we were wildly [turning the handle] just to pretend we were like the expensive Rolls Royces. What you get in your car today is 300 percent more than what you’d get in the 1950s.”

In the old days too, when cheaper labor allowed more manual input, it gave more opportunity for things to go wrong; deliberately, sometimes, Nigel believes, referring to “wrongly badged cars because they had individual chrome letters.”

“For many years, a friend of ours had an Austit Maxi. You’d see from time to time instead of an XJ6, an XLJ6 or the letters just jumbled up. The guys in the production line [were] just goofing

“The bright metal of the old cars is an attraction,” Nigel Horbury, the High Country’s specialist in foreign classics says. “And guys like mechanical things. There’s something about the shape and the form that appeals.”

around…bored on a Friday afternoon.”

But the old cars still have their appeal. If he owned a classic today, it would be some sort of Jag, a BMW or a Ferrari 288 GTO—“just beautiful, superfast and rare.”

With any type of classic, “it’s a passion,” Nigel says. “I know people who buy them and just have somebody else do all the work, but there are people who spend hour after hour working away. It’s something they look forward to bringing out every summer.

“It’s the enjoyment of the drive that people look for. These things have such old technology that most modern cars would run circles round them. But it’s the involvement that some of these cars have. It’s still nice to have a good stick-shift car and drive and feel all of the sensations of the driving experience. It’s a combination of chassis, brakes, performance, the type of engine, the type of fuel injection versus carburetors in the old days. It’s a visceral feel that appeals to all your senses.”

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for them is available,” he says. “If you start messing around with one of these new cars you’ve got to have $100,000 worth of tools to start… and if you short something out you can cause a computer to burn up, and these here you can make a mistake and go back and fix it.”

The classics’ chrome is really important, he says—not just how it looks, but because it’s safer. “It’s just so much brighter and shinier. These cars today to me, that’s why there’s a lot of accidents. They don’t have anything on to catch your eye, they’re all gray like the road…and you pull out in front of them…there’s no brightness to the vehicles. They’re all a little blob running around the same color as the pavement.”

“She comes on like a rose:” The Coasters’ 1959 hit “Poison Ivy” now comes over the speakers.

Carl had a ’55 car, like the truck

“The classics’ chrome...is so much brighter and shinier. These cars today... that’s why there’s a lot of accidents.

They don’t have anything on to catch your eye. They’re all a little blob running around the same color as the pavement.” he owns now, when he was in high school. “That’s kind of what we grew up with is those vintage cars that we started driving. They weren’t vintage then. If we’d known then what we know now we’d have put a whole bunch of them away. “[They’re considered classics] because of their age. Most of them are outstanding models of that type,” he says. “There was cheaper models and station wagons, those aren’t real

desirable, everybody’s after the ones with more chrome on them, they look nicer.”

A “big benefit,” he adds, is that the cars hold their value with insurance companies, unlike today’s new cars. “These companies that insure [them], [there’s] a limited amount of driving you can do, but they insure them a lot less than a standard vehicle. I’d much rather take one of these on vacation.”

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Roger Dalton, president of High Country Classics, which organizes cruise-ins twice a month at the K-Mart parking lot, stands with his ‘56 Chevy, which he bought in 1981. Its paint and interior are “pretty much” the same today are they were in 1956, but Dalton has changed the motor, the transmission, the rear end, the wheels and the tires. A classic car, says Dalton, “is kind of like money in the bank because they don’t lose their value.”

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The Blowing Rock Jazz Society Story by Anna Oakes

Making Jazz a Local Standard for 10 Years

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“

an you believe 10 years have gone by?” asks Fred Germann from the microphone, before yielding the stage to the Page Brothers at the May monthly concert of the Blowing Rock Jazz Society. The evening, a tribute to jazz guitar greats, begins with an upbeat number, with saxophonist Todd Wright invited to join the band.

In the back, Zack Page bounces vertically and lurches forward in time to the music while plucking at his standup bass.

Guitarist Andy Page, seated, studies his fretboard for a moment, slides his fingers down the instrument’s neck and then glances up, smiling in the audience’s general direction. As the audience enjoys the music while eating dinner at their tables, the clinks of forks on plates mix with the drummer’s whisk and snare.

While some make light conversation at their tables, most watch and listen to the music intently, applauding after every solo.

“It’s a definite asset,” said Nita Langer, a long-time Jazz Society supporter. “You can just tell by the people’s faces—they’re enrapt when they’re watching it. And they get caught up. You can’t just sit there and not get caught up with the music. It’s not uncommon to see people get up and move and dance in the back—you just can’t sit still.”

While some may break out into dance or clapping, many are content to simply move their heads. But they do so in ohso-many ways. There’s the slow nod—and the double-time one. Some rock their noggins from side to side, while others snake around in a more complicated fishtail. One gentleman, seated to the left of the stage, nods slowly and thoughtfully during a saxophone solo, as if the instrument had just articulated a point with which he agreed.

Oscar Perez, a New York-based Latin jazz pianist and composer, has performed for the Blowing Rock Jazz Society on at least two occasions. “Well I’ve got to tell you, they were very appreciative, you know,” Oscar recalled. “It was really fun to play in. They were very attentive, very knowledgeable of the music.”

The Blowing Rock Jazz Society is the second jazz society to be founded by Fred Germann. The first was the Hilton Head Jazz Society at Hilton Head Island, S.C., which in its heyday had a membership of 500 and featured performances by such jazz greats as Charlie Byrd, Tommy Dorsey, The Four Freshmen, Buddy Rich and Count Basie.

As a kid growing up in the Buffalo, N.Y., area, Fred was first introduced to jazz by two of his neighbors, a pianist and a bassist, and he learned to play drums

and started “ playing in local bands and church groups at about 12 years of age.

“I put together $35 for my first rickety old set of drums,” Fred remembered.

Fred’s other love, broadcasting, also began at an early age, as he was the youngest contributor to a local kids’ radio show called “Uncle Bill’s Club” at 10 years old.

“I actually never left broadcasting since then,” he said. “I’ve been blessed to mix a broadcast career with a music career.”

Indeed, Fred possesses the type of animated, sonorous voice that is well suited to radio or television—and he certainly doesn’t shy away from the limelight.

“Fred’s so funny,” said his wife Patricia, quietly joking while watching Fred pontificate from the stage during intermission at the May concert. “He’ll open the refrigerator late at night, the light will come on, and he’ll do a 20-minute act. He loves the spotlight.”

For a while, Fred worked for a local TV station in upstate New York. Patricia, a master quilter, would travel to teach an annual seminar in Hilton Head, and she persuaded Fred to accompany her one year. He did—and decided to stay for good. Fred got a job at a local radio station, and Patricia opened up her own quilt shop and fabric store. Fred continued to play jazz on the side, performing as many as 211 times in one year—including three times on a single New Year’s Eve. Inspired by a jazz society in Savannah, Ga., Fred decided to begin a jazz society in Hilton Head about three years after moving there, around 1980. “We wanted people to embrace jazz as the American art form,” said Fred. “The art of jazz is improvisation, painting and creating content and new ideas on an ever-changing musical canvas.”

Above, Teddy Adams of Savannah, Ga., sounds his trombone during a Blowing Rock Jazz Society concert. The society has presented more than 100 concerts since its start in June 2000. Photo by Fred Germann

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“The art of jazz is improvisation, painting and creating content and new ideas on an ever-changing musical canvas.”

Fred Germann, founder and president of the Blowing Rock Jazz Society The group was comprised of musicians, jazz lovers, business leaders and members of the media and bounced around several venues before finally settling at the Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort. After only five years, the organization had already grown to 300 members, and the society raised enough money to award an annual college scholarship. “[Fred] was a force in the jazz scene when he was here and did a great job promoting jazz,” said Bob Masteller, a college buddy and owner of The Jazz Corner music club in Hilton Head.

Then, sometime in the 1990s, Patricia accepted a position at Appalachian State University in Boone. The Germanns purchased a home in Blowing Rock and retained their home in Hilton Head, traveling back and forth between the two. They soon fell in love with the High Country area, as it reminded them of their old country home in upstate New York.

“And one day we finally said, ‘We love it here too much—let’s stay.’” said Fred.

The couple moved to the High Country full time in the late ‘90s.

Fred started working at a local High Country radio station, and he soon met Peggy Rogers, head of the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce, a fellow jazz aficionado with whom he frequently conversed about his days with the Hilton Head Jazz Society.

“And she said, ‘Why don’t you do one here?’” Fred was uncertain.

“I knew that I could go to Rosen Hall and hear students in the Jazz Studies program, and I appreciated it so much to see that there were young, energetic Jazz Studies students wanting to take it on that seriously.” Despite that, however, Fred was a little doubtful about the viability of a jazz society in the Appalachian Mountains, where bluegrass was king.

But Peggy continued to bug Fred about the prospect, and she offered up a contribution to help get the society started. “I finally said, ‘It’ll happen,’” Fred recalled. “With all due respect to the great heritage of our bluegrass and mountain music and this wonderful environment…I thought it was time to create a centerpiece of the American art form—jazz.”

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Fred Germann, center, speaks from the stage at a May 2010 Blowing Rock Jazz Society concert featuring the Page Brothers, reminding audience members about the society’s 10th anniversary concert in June. Germann is the founder and president of the Jazz Society. Photo by Lonnie Webster

Fred used money from his own pocket, along with Peggy’s contribution, and “I figured, okay, so, what do I have to lose, you know, but my money? And it worked.”

The first organizational meeting was held May 12, 2000, at the Green Park Inn in Blowing Rock. Nine people—local educators, media, business people and hoteliers—gathered for the first meeting.

“People that were very enthused about the prospect of bringing jazz on a regular basis,” added Fred. “Each person that attended the meeting then became cheerleaders, and told friends, and got friends excited about becoming members.

“I thought Blowing Rock lended itself visually and artistically and culturally, as a resort destination of people who would embrace this,” Fred explained. “I think it was a good decision.”

The first Blowing Rock Jazz Society concert took place about a month later, in June 2000, at the Meadowbrook Inn, “and we’ve been at the Meadowbrook Inn ever since.”

The first concert featured Josh Day, Ben Toth and Brandon Miller, three musicians who had been playing in the pit during Blowing Rock Stage Company per-

June 2010

Trumpeter Jon Thornton, who has played for the Blowing Rock Jazz Society on three occasions, said performing for jazz societies is much different than playing at a nightclub, where people come for different reasons.

“It’s a whole different ball game,” said Jon. “You’re playing for an audience of people who want to be there to hear what you’re doing. They’re excited and enthusiastic.” Photo

by Fred Germann

Jazz Society Membership and Concert Info The Blowing Rock Jazz Society hosts a concert on the second Sunday of each month from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock. Tickets are $15 for the general public, $5 for students and free for Jazz Society members. Annual memberships are available for $75. Call the Meadowbrook Inn at 828-295-4300 for reservations—no reservations will be taken on the day of the concert. Reservations will be held until 6:30 p.m.

The Jazz Society’s 11-member board of directors includes Fred and Patricia Germann, Frank Borkowski, Jim Fleri, Bruce and Wanda Huester, Ed and Marilyn Merritt, Pamela and Paul Wells and Todd Wright.

Below is a list of upcoming concerts.

For more information about the Blowing Rock Jazz Society, call 423-727-0795 or click to www.brjazzsociety.com.

June 13 10th Anniversary Concert with Lynn Roberts and Bob Alberti

July 11 Larry Lapin with Michelle Amato August 15 Noel Freidline Quintet September 12 Jim Ketch Quintet October 10 Jon Metzger November 14 - TBA

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The performers who have graced the stage at Blowing Rock Jazz Society concerts are regional, national and internationall jazz stars. From left are artists Bob Smitherman, Beth Chorneau, Renée Ebalaroza, Michelle Amato and Toni Tupponce. Photos by Fred Germann

“The essence of good jazz is live performances in front of a live audience.”

Bob Masteller, musician and owner of The Jazz Corner in Hilton Head, S.C. formances, and attracted about 50 people, Fred guessed. “Which wasn’t too bad.”

The Blowing Rock Jazz Society “was premised and founded to obviously honor…jazz, which is America’s original art form; to present, to educate, to enjoy, to preserve all of those things that will keep it alive and well and healthy,” stated Fred. “We…honor the past jazz legends.

They had the torch in their hand for a period of time; now it’s in our hands, to pass it on to the younger generation.”

The Blowing Rock society was modeled after the society in Hilton Head, with members paying annual dues. “Currently, members get 11 concerts for $75 a person. It’s the best possible entertainment deal anywhere,” said Fred, emphatically. “If you went to New York or San Francisco or Chicago, a member would probably have to pay $300 to get those 11 concerts.”

Early on, Fred was able to call in favors to a lot of his music friends from Hilton Head and around the country, inviting musicians he had met throughout his career to help fill out the Blowing Rock Jazz Society performance schedule.

The Jazz Society concerts take place at the Meadowbrook Inn in a small dining area surrounded by a semicircular wall with large windows, except behind the stage area, where black curtains provide a backdrop and—along with low ceiling lights and candle lights—contribute to the evening ambience. Initially, concert attendees were able to enjoy cocktails with the enter66

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Pianist and vocalist Noel Freidline has performed for the Blowing Rock Jazz Society six or seven times. “They’re very, very generous, and really ready and willing to support you and whatever music that you’re playing,” Noel said. “It’s one of the most invigorating feelings.”

tainment, but the Jazz Society events later evolved into dinner shows. Reservations are strongly suggested for nonmembers attend-

June 2010

ing the shows, and in the summer months, when concerts have the highest attendance, even members have to make reservations to

June 13—The 10th Anniversary Concert The Blowing Rock Jazz Society will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a concert by Big Band singer Lynn Roberts and pianist Bob Alberti on Sunday, June 13, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock.

Bob Alberti spent most of his life in Hollywood studios as musical director for NBC and ABC television shows. He was twice nominated for an Emmy Award for best musical direction and best original composition for a television show. He returned to his first love, jazz, in 1993, and has performed with jazz luminaries Buddy DeFranco, Harry Allen, Scott Hamilton, Carl Fontana and Bucky Pizzarelli.

Lynn Roberts began her career at age 15 and has performed with Charlie Spivak, Vincent Lopez, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Benny Goodman and Harry James. She has toured internationally and performed on Broadway.

Drummer Jimmy Lackey and bassist Mike Holstein will join in the performance. Jazz Society President Fred Germann will have plenty of photographs and memorabilia from the past 10 years on display.

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ensure they’ll have a seat.

“We’ve actually had to turn people away,” noted Fred. For artists like Noel Freidline, one of the Jazz Society’s most popular featured performers, people “try like hell to get in, but if you don’t have reservations way in advance, you can’t,” Nita said.

Concerts have featured everything from the Great American Songbook to Charlie Parker to Latin jazz. “We’ve had big success with our Latin music concerts.

People enjoy it; they just love it,” Fred said. Even the most radical, experimental forms of jazz have garnered appreciation from the Jazz Society, he added.

“We provide such an eclectic mix of performance levels. We provide great vocalists, great instrumentalists that really give people a taste of all the flavors of jazz,” he said.

Nita is especially thrilled with the excitement of an improvised jam session.

“They can all get together, no one has practiced a note and they’ve not been together before in their lives, and they’ll create music,” she said, with awe in her voice even after about eight years as a Jazz Society regular. And Wanda Huester, a

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Jazz Society board members are (front row, from left) Marilyn Merritt, Pam Wells and Paul Wells; and (back row) Bruce Huester, Wanda Huester, Ed Merritt, Todd Wright, Fred Germann and Patricia Germann. Not pictured are Jim Fleri and Frank Borkowski. Photo by Lonnie Webster

Jazz Society volunteer and board member, said she enjoys the society’s educational offerings. “It seems like every time I come to one of the concerts here, I learn a little bit more history,” she said.

Attendees and members include people who travel from Hickory, Lenoir, Johnson City, Tenn., Asheville, Charlotte and

Burnsville, along with prominent politicians, Hollywood entertainers and even the former owner of an NFL team.

“People from everywhere, all walks of life, have been very supportive of the organization and of jazz,” Fred remarked.

Nita, who sometimes helps sell tickets at the door, said, “[The Jazz Society] has been a

real boon to the area. It has attracted so many top people. [Fred has] done such a great job with bringing artists in from all over.”

Jazz societies are important because they offer the opportunity to promote jazz through education and live concerts, noted Bob, who performed for the Blowing Rock Jazz Society several years ago.

“The essence of good jazz is live performances in front of a live audience.”

Oscar said that jazz societies pick up where jazz clubs left off. “Clubs fall short sometimes. There aren’t as many clubs as there used to be,” he said. A lot of jazz music happens in two places—jazz societies and universities, he added. “I find that through my performances at different jazz societies, I have been able to get more fans who follow me,” he said, noting that fans who first saw him in Blowing Rock have traveled to other parts of the Carolinas for his concerts.

Noel Freidline, who has performed six or seven times for the society, expressed similar sentiments.

“In many ways, it’s the jazz societies that have been one of the last bastions as far as venues and opportunities for jazz to be performed,” he said. “Jazz societies have really done an amazing job of keeping the art form alive.”

“I think that Fred deserves to be commended, as do the people of Blowing Rock for keeping that venue alive for 10 years,” said Bob. “Unfortunately with the economy, a lot of jazz societies have had to cut back. It’s great to hear that in a place like Blowing Rock it’s alive and well.”

Although Fred continues to be the main engine behind the machine—promoting the concerts, setting up the PA and lights, etc.—more and more people have offered to help along the way.

“I’m sort of the pilot with great stewards,” he said. And, he added, “thanks to the support of our corporate sponsors, we continue to move in a positive direction.”

For the past six years, the Jazz Society has made an annual contribution to the ASU Jazz Studies program, donating more than $15,000. The society has also raised money to send musicians to local schools. Fred said he hopes to one day establish a Blowing Rock Jazz Society scholarship, as in Hilton Head.

“The most important part…to me, personally, and this Jazz Society, is I keep saying, you know, we have to keep the torch burning; we have to keep it alive,” Fred said. “The only way it keeps going is with the support of people that will invest in the students and invest in the youth that will carry it forward.”

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Jazz Society Releases Centerpiece In commemoration of its 10th anniversary, the Blowing Rock Jazz Society will soon release a jazz compilation titled Centerpiece. The album will feature artists who have performed for the Jazz Society over the years, including Rick Simerly,

Southern Fried, Larry Lapin, Jon Metzger, Bill Hanna, Noel Freidline, Toni Tupponce, Michelle Amato, Seth Carper, Jeff Lashway, Greg and Kathy Gelb and Jed Levy.

Proceeds from album sales will be donated to the ASU Jazz Studies program.

Photo by Lonnie Webster

Photo by Lonnie Webster

More past performers of the Blowing Rock Jazz Society are (top left) Michael Holstein, (middle left) Christian Tamburr and (bottom right) West End Mambo. Fred Germann (bottom left), Jazz Society founder, continues to perform as a jazz drummer and vocalist. Photos by Fred Germann June 2010

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A Real Benchmark Achievement Story by Randy Johnson 70

High Country Magazine

June 2010

Photo by Randy Johnson

T

he first time I climbed Grandfather Mountain, I did a double take when I saw the National Geodetic Survey benchmark embedded in the precariously perched boulder of MacRae Peak. It seemed like an incongruous bit of civilization in the wild.

Back then, with no Sugar Top, and only a few houses on surrounding slopes, the marker made me wonder about the people who had climbed to this spot and thousands of others like it to document remote locations with triangulation stations.

Triangulation station? If you’ve never taken a map and compass and geometrically “triangulated” your location based on bearings to known mountain peaks, you can be forgiven for saying, “what the heck?” at the previous sentence.

Suffice it to say that everything from your local surveyor’s maps to the orange burst of flame erupting from a missile strike at a test range out West is based on detailed location and elevation data about

the earth’s surface that’s been painstakingly gathered from known points like that metal disk on Grandfather.

The low-tech quest to plot those known points in the United States started in the mid-1800s and led to the earliest topographic maps. Prior to that, it’s safe to say that all maps in the nation were only figurative representations of the country’s surface relief—not too much better than the little mountain bumps drawn on maps since the 16th century.

Technology repeatedly improved on that—and the massive technological leap to a globe girdled by GPS satellites has led to an organic portrait of earth that has never been more accurate…to about a half meter,

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Geo Markers # 3

This Gaging Station benchmark (above) pinpoints the level of Boone Creek on Depot Street, a key piece of data in flood plain mapping. The Triangulation Station atop Grandfather Mountain’s MacRae Peak (previous page) always attracts hikers’ attention—as does distant Mount Mitchell. Photos by Patrick Pitzer 72

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if you’re wondering. But believe it or not, even the oldest benchmarks are not obsolete. They’re merely “out of date,” said Gary Thompson, director of the North Carolina Geological Survey. “For when they were measured, they were as good as the technology permitted.”

New technology is on the way.

Right now, those old touchstones of the earliest United States Geodetic Survey system are undergoing a major “National Height Modernization Program”—and North Carolina is one of the most prominent of 11 states to be targeted with that re-calibration as “Height Modernization Partners.”

North Carolina is second only to California in having this process funded based on the “importance/relevance to NOAA mission goals, scientific/technical merit, qualifications of applicant and planned activities for outreach and education.”

The net result of the new research: there are surprises out there. Granted, the metal disk on MacRae Peak is intended to determine accurate bearings to other peaks, not establish elevation.

But, with or without a true benchmark, the Height Modernization Program

and just plain newer technology are yielding new information.

Not far from MacRae Peak, Grandfather’s highest peak, Calloway, has always been listed as 5,964 feet—despite lacking a benchmark disk. That elevation seems to have been established in the early 1900s by a state report that simultaneously called the summit the highest peak in the Blue Ridge—the loftiest on the absolute eastern edge of the mountains, the line of summits called the Blue Ridge.

No one knows how accurate the source of that measurement was, but in 2008 GPS satellites like those aiding the Height Modernization Program discovered that Calloway was not 5,964 feet—it was 5,946 feet. Who knows— a dyslexic technician might have been working on that earlier document, as 64 is pretty close to 46. But in all likelihood, the elevations of benchmarks and even unmarked peaks are likely to change as the future arrives.

What is a Benchmark?

The dictionary defines “benchmark” various ways, but many fields of endeav-

or and types of scientific research use the term to mean a stable point of reference used to compare or make sense of new data or more recent information.

In the geodetic sense, Webster’s defines benchmark as, “A surveyor’s mark on a permanent object of predetermined position and elevation used as a reference point.”

In the case of the metal disk benchmarks established by the National Geodetic Survey, “the best term might actually be geodetic monument,” said Thompson. These monuments come in many forms and bear a variety of marks and abbreviations depending on their precise function. Thompson explained that a true benchmark establishes elevation only. Those “vertical control points” measure elevation above mean sea level.

Many other “monuments pinpoint horizontal location, as in longitude and latitude,” thus those are called horizontal control points. The earliest benchmarks focused on that function, while “triangulation stations got their start at the coast and were important for establishing measurements critical to trade and navigation.” Lacking to-

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Benchmarks are hidden everywhere right in front us. The most typical kind of benchmarks, and the ones that most people are aware of, are those that establish elevation above mean sea level. This one does just that. If you follow the lines of the brick wall away from the disk embedded in The Shoppes at Farmers Hardware, it’s not hard to tell that this targets the elevation of King Street— and of Boone (3,233.6 feet). Photo

by Patrick Pitzer

Geo Markers # 6

“The interesting thing about benchmarks is that a majority of them are located in plain sight [though largely ignored by the general public].” day’s global positioning system, the triangulation stations allowed baselines to be drawn between distant points, which then permitted the position of other locations to be accurately calculated.

Thompson said scientific mapping started in the United States in 1807 with Congress enabling President Thomas Jefferson “to cause a survey to be taken of the coasts of the United States.” That created the nation’s first civilian scientific agency. Thompson proudly pointed out that North Carolina can claim the oldest intact baseline in the nation—the Bodie Island Baseline, established in 1848.

Under President Ulysses S. Grant, the Coast Survey turned its attention to the vast interior by undertaking a survey of the 39th parallel. In 1878 the Coast Survey became the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (USC&GS). In 1970, when the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

(NOAA) was created, the National Geodetic Survey took over its duties.

The establishment of triangulation stations and creation of baselines in the Western North Carolina mountains started with the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey in the 1870s. Major efforts to consolidate the surveys included the North American Datum of 1927 (NAD 27) and North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83). The practice of triangulation ended in the 1960s with the use of electronic distance meters, but long before then, flimsy, acrophobia-inducing Bilby towers permitted surveyors to perch above trees to take measurement on many North Carolina peaks. The last Bilby tower was erected by the National Geodetic Survey near Hartford, Conn. in 1984 at a monument then named BILBY. North Carolina has it’s own state agency, North Carolina Geodetic Survey, orga-

nized in the early 1960s. In 2007, the 200th anniversary of the Coast Survey, the nation’s horizontal network took another leap and was re-calibrated using GPS data.

It’s been a rich tradition of research.

One early Coast Survey ship, the USS Washington, took control of the slave ship Amistad in 1839 after the boat had been taken over by Africans bound for slavery. A great grandson of Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Dallas Bache, served as the second superintendent of the Coast Survey. John Muir was a guide for the Coast Survey along the 39th Parallel in Nevada and Utah.

Why Benchmarks?

The National Geodetic Survey says accurate elevation data is “critical for a wide variety of applications that effectively support modern social requirements.” The long list of reasons why accurate mapping monuments are needed includes, “im-

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proved transportation systems, subsidence monitoring, sea level rise analysis, flood plain mapping, urban planning, storm surge modeling, habitat restoration, emergency preparedness, coastal resource management, precision agriculture, construction, mineral extraction and seismic and crustal monitoring, among others.”

The most obvious value of stable benchmarks, and even surveys, dates back to the time when the original task was mapping the country’s coast. Navigation requires accurate locations for shorelines, shoals and rocks, even low and high tide levels. Benchmarks may have great significance for documenting the height of our local summits—but in this era of “global warming,” they can also tell us how fast nature is stealing our Outer Banks.

On higher ground, accurate, up-todate elevation measures can keep track of flood plains and even help predict floods.

That, and the role of benchmark survey data in planning transportation infrastructure, are a primary reason for the new measurements, especially in a quickly developing, once largely rural state like North Carolina, said Thompson.

The data gathered from benchmarks can also help measure the amount of horizontal and vertical movement caused by earthquakes and even the drift of tectonic 76

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plates. The detailed network of benchmarks needed to do such studies didn’t exist until the 1940s, but smaller measurements made after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake permitted resurveys and led to a policy of re-measurement as soon as possible after seismic events.

Gary Thompson doesn’t leave recreationists out of the equation. Whether you hunt, fish, hike or indulge in geocaching, Thompson said, “When someone walks up to a benchmark in the backcountry, we want it to be as close to the correct position as possible on GPS.”

Why Search?

“The interesting thing about benchmarks,” said one geocaching website, “is that a majority of them are located in plain sight [though largely ignored by the general public].” That’s certainly the case with the one on Depot Street in Boone, inset into the bricks of the The Shoppes at Farmers Hardware store, which seems perfectly aligned with the elevation of King Street. Factor in the elevation of the Gaging Station benchmark just down Depot Street at Boone Creek and you can learn a lot about how big a flood it would take to reach King Street.

Besides glancing up at that disk in downtown Boone, anyone interested in

June 2010

finding benchmarks today can have at it. Type the coordinates of a benchmark into your GPS device and start the search.

That may sound easy, but even experienced GPSers rely on the longstanding, physical directions that are listed in the benchmark database maintained by the National Geodetic Survey.

Each benchmark has a Permanent IDentifier, called a PID, and there’s a complete datasheet of information attached to it, which includes detailed directions for how to find one on the ground.

How detailed? Check this out, The bench mark named “FZ2082 INVERSHIEL”.....

“IS LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF NC 105 AND NC 184 IN THE SOUTHWEST QUADRANT, APPROXIMATELY 250 FEET NORTHWEST OF THE INTERSECTION IN THE 3RD AND LAST CURBED PARKING ISLAND OF TEXACO SERVICE CENTER... MARK IS 29.4 FEET SW OF C/L OF NC 184. 21.6 FEET NW OF C/L OF PAVED N ENTRANCE OF TEXACO SERVICE STATION. 18.2 FEET W OF TOP CENTER OF GRATE OF CATCH (DRAIN) BASIN....” See what I mean?

Finding benchmarks and the myriad other geodetic monuments is great fun. There are more than 240 in Watauga County alone.

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The task of mapping and measuring the United States, both “horizontally” (location by latitude and longitude), and “vertically” (elevation above mean sea level), has been a complex task appropriate to the nation’s earliest civilian scientific agency. This 1970 map shows North Carolina’s many triangulation stations. Zero in on the inset to see the High Country’s most prominent research

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points—Grandfather Mountain’s MacRae Peak (see photos, opening spread) and Mount Mitchell (see photos, next page).

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Mount Mitchell’s new tower sports plaques that point out distant peaks. The mountain’s benchmark (inserted in a state map) is a newly designed disk intended to honor Mount Mitchell’s special status as “East’s highest.” Photos by Randy Johnson

However, finding geodetic monuments still isn’t always easy. Some benchmarks listed on topographic maps may have been placed by the U.S. Geologic Survey—not the National Geodetic Survey—and so may not be in the National Geodetic Survey database. Some have been defaced.

Others have been displaced by development. Others have been stolen.

Disk Etiquette When you find a benchmark disk—be aware, you can’t keep it. Thompson said, “People sometimes try to take the disk with them—please don’t. They’re very important for people in many, many ways.

So much work has gone into them.”

Disturbing a benchmark is decidedly against the law, so says Title 18, Sec. 1858 of federal law, which states: “Whoever willfully destroys, defaces, changes, or removes…any monument or benchmark of any government survey, shall be fined not 78

High Country Magazine

more than $250 under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.”

The disks are so fascinating it’s no wonder that many people want to own them.

Luckily, replicas are manufactured for that purpose. They’re great collectibles. So don’t take one—buy a replica “paperweight.”

On Mount Mitchell you can. Recently with the rebuilding of a new rampaccessed observation tower on Mount Mitchell in 2009, a new benchmark was set in place. “There was an old disk up there that you couldn’t see—it was on the roof of the old tower,” said Thompson.

But that tower was replaced and now the benchmark is embedded on the tower deck in an impressive new map of North Carolina with the benchmark positioned to show exactly where the mountain is located. The state park’s Balsam Shop gift store carries replicas of the mountain’s benchmark disks, available for $25, and there are also lapel pins and key chains available for $6.

June 2010

The website MountainClimb.com carries all kinds of benchmark replicas, including zipper pulls and earrings for Mount Mitchell! Want your own custom benchmark?

MountainClimb.com sells them. “This is the real thing—a survey benchmark, customized for your vacation home, family homestead or business location. Imagine your 4-inch bronze marker embedded in a boulder in the backyard or as an unique architectural detail welcoming your guests or customers at the door,” the website says.

The site sells summit benchmarks from all over the world, including other nearby mountains: Mount LeConte in the Great Smokies (6,593 feet), and Mount Rogers in Virginia (5,729 feet).

After you’ve snagged your Mount Mitchell souvenir benchmark, slipped the earrings into your ears or attached a benchmark zipper pull to your parka, stroll up to the summit tower and peer out at the surrounding peaks. Thanks to wonderful

Intrepid High Country Press photographer Patrick Pitzer was an Eagle Scout who’s skill at orienterring was once legendary. Nevertheless, he nearly struck out on recent searches for this article. But Patrick shouldn’t feel bad—many of the markers are unfortunately being destroyed by development or covered up in one way or another by the passage of time. For these remarkable photos, he had to brush the lane paint out of this nearly invisible benchmark on the Watauga River bridge near the Mast Store in Valle Crucis on NC 194. Photos by Patrick Pitzer

painted plaques on the tower railing it’s easy to identify the peaks on the horizon.

All of those distant summits are perfectly named and positioned—no triangulation required.

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Randy Johnson has been bagging benchmarks since he was a Cub Scout. He’s the author of “Hiking North Carolina” and “Hiking the Blue R idge Parkway ” among other books. For more information, click to www. randyjohnsonbooks.com and www.youtube. com/user/randyjohnsonbooks.

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Photography by Karen Lehmann & Richard Boylan

Growers Story by Val Maiewskij-Hay

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e in the High Country are fortunate that we have many local farmers, many of whom grow organically. Our local farmers are an important asset to the community and contribute to our quality of life. They offer us the opportunity to eat food that lives where we live, reflecting our unique environment, micro-climates, and soil. Local farmers are also important in maintaining green space in our area, keeping alive our agricultural heritage, and contributing to the local economy. Local farmers are local business people, and it is in all of our interests to support them.

In many parts of the country, the local farmer no longer exists. Consequently, people do not have access to local food but must rely on food grown in large monocrop fields, often transported thousands of miles, resulting in loss of taste and nutrition and having a negative impact on the environment in the process. This type of agriculture and distribution network also increases the likelihood of contamination in our food supply. As the fear of food-borne illness grows, people increasingly turn to local food—they want to know where their food comes from and how it is grown. They enjoy meeting the farmer and visiting the farm, and this personal connection grows their sense of community.

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Organic

Sally Thiel tends her cauliflower crop on her Zydeco Moon Farm in Ashe County.

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Above, Charles Church pauses at his Watauga River Farms in Valle Crucis beside a field where he planted squash, beans and rhubarb.

Left and inset, Jeff Thomas raises free-range, natural cattle and chickens for eggs on his Creeksong Farm in Ashe County.

NROG (New River Organic Growers) is an agricultural cooperative formed to help organic farmers market their products. It is a local wholesale distributor of local foods, including organic vegetables and fruit and natural meat, eggs and other agricultural products, to restaurants and retailers. NROG also helps farmers by offering educational and technical support, use of shared equipment and common purchases of seed and other supplies.

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It is a community of organic farmers who understand the challenges and joys of organic farming and support each other.

After facing many challenges in the field (weather, pests), farmers face the challenge of selling their products at a price that will allow them to continue to farm and perhaps even to expand. Selling opportunities for the individual farmer are limited. Large grocery stores typically only purchase through corporate buyers,

June 2010

not at the local level. Restaurants, unless they have a special relationship with a farmer, don’t like to deal with individual growers because it can be too cumbersome—buying from individual farmers takes more time to receive the necessary product mix. Although retail opportunities exist at farmers’ markets and roadside stands, for most it is an uncertain market, does not necessarily provide an outlet for all of the product and it takes

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time to sell at the retail level. In recent years, some farmers have turned to Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs), where customers prepay for a season of product supplied typically on a weekly basis. In most cases these outlets are not enough for the farmer to be able to survive, much less to expand, which is why NROG is of great benefit to the farmer.

NROG grew out of the efforts of Sue Counts, former Watauga County Cooperative Extension director. In 2000, Sue, along with Frank Bolick, livestock and field crop agent, pursued a Golden LEAF Foundation grant to open up opportunities for tobacco farmers to transition into growing crops that were compatible with their farm size and equipment.

Organic vegetables fit the small-scale field size of most tobacco farmers in Ashe and Watauga counties. Crops such as broccoli and other Brassica family crops could be started in tobacco greenhouses and transplanted into the field as seedlings using tobacco transplanting equipment. Demand for organic produce was growing at the time and continues to skyrocket

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“His willingness to mentor young farmers, and his knowledge and creativity in farming make him a great asset to NROG and to the community.” ~ Richard Boylan, NROG member, speaking about Charles Church

Charles Church digs potatoes at his organic farm in Valle Crucis.

at upwards of 300 percent, making it a potentially profitable crop.

By August of 2001, broccoli was in several fields, and the project was called The Organic Broccoli Project for about a year. Farmers diversified quickly into other Brassica crops such as cabbage and collards and into non-Brassica crops. Because organic farmers must rotate their crops—the same family of crops cannot be planted in the same location year after year due to nutrient depletion in the soil and infestation of pests—they quickly diversified into other crops. Since they were new to organic vegetable

farming, the group at first met once a week and later every two weeks, discussing mutual problems and offering each other support. Richard Boylan, Ashe and Watauga counties alternative agricultural agent, guided them in their efforts. Richard’s position was created after the New River became a protected American Heritage River in 1998. In order to safeguard the river from pollution and erosion, sustainable agricultural practices in the New River watershed were encouraged. Richard taught the farmers organic growing practices, pest management, methods of main-

At right, Jeff Thomas (center) with his son Will (left) and Richard Boylan (right), alternative agriculture extension agent, use a bed shaper/mulch layer on Jeff’s farm. This equipment was provided by N.C. A&T State University.

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taining a sustainable farm and provided soil testing and other technical support.

The group evolved into a cohesive producers’ association. Since most growers were based in Ashe and Watauga counties in the New River watershed, they named the association New River Organic Growers in 2002. They were incorporated as a tax-exempt agricultural cooperative in 2007, giving them the authority to set prices and to manage the organization in a more formal way.

NROG has applied for and received a number of grants, which have allowed NROG to buy a refrigerated truck for deliveries, ice machines and farm equipment such as a mulch tunnel layer, potato digger and potato washer, and to create a website.

NROG is now composed of 36 farmers in Watauga, Ashe, Avery, Wilkes, Alleghany and Yancey counties. NROG’s customers include 20-plus restaurants, Earth Fare, Bare Essentials and the High Country CSA. Currently, NROG is in negotiations with Appalachian State University’s Food Services and hopes to be able to supply a local food option in the cafeteria. “Local,” for NROG, means within a 50-mile radius of Boone.

Charles Church has been a farmer in Valle Crucis for most of his life.

When he was 10 years old, his father died, and by the time he was 12 Charles was taking care of the crops. His pri-

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Ann Rose weeds onions on her Rose Mountain Farm in Lansing.

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“We grow food that nourishes our community and the community’s support allows us to exist.

We’re all connected and that’s beautiful. It’s one big circle.” ~ Ann Rose, marketing director for NROG

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mary commercial crop was tobacco, but in the late 1970s he also grew broccoli for a friend who sold produce to restaurants.

In the late 1990s, Charles recognized that tobacco was on its way out, so when he had the opportunity to participate in The Organic Broccoli Project, he did. Charles has successfully transitioned out of tobacco farming into organic vegetable and free-range pork production on his 80-acre Watauga River Farms. Three years ago, he grew his last tobacco crop.

“NROG has really helped local farmers succeed by finding outlets for their product,” said Charles, a member of NROG since the beginning. “Farmers have to make a living, and if they can’t sell it, they can’t grow it. Sharing equipment and buying together helps the small farmer keep down costs, and we’ve got to have that.”

Said Richard, “Charles is a successful farmer and a successful businessman. He has been an inspiration to many farmers who are just starting out. He shows them that it’s possible to succeed at organic farming. His willingness to mentor young farmers and his knowledge and creativity in farming make him a great asset to NROG and to the community.”

Ann Rose, marketing director for

June 2010

NROG, has been a member since 2005.

She owns 28-acre Rose Mountain Farm in Ashe County, growing a variety of produce and raising pigs, goats and sheep. Farming is her second career; she was a registered nurse for more than 20 years, five in the Intensive Care Unit. After her daughters grew up, she decided she needed a change and began farming. Ann grew up on a tobacco farm in Yadkin County and all her life had kitchen gardens. She knew that hard work and challenges came with farming, but so did the satisfaction of growing food on her land and being her own boss.

For her, “health and a greater sense of wellbeing” accompanied her second career.

Ann is an enthusiastic supporter of sustainable agriculture and of NROG. “I think we in NROG are helping to grow the High Country. We grow food that nourishes our community, and the community’s support allows us to exist. We’re all connected, and that’s beautiful. It’s one big circle.”

In 1976, Jeff and Bettie Thomas, after graduating from ASU, bought a farmhouse with a half-acre of land in Ashe County with the intention of being self-sufficient, living off the land. Bettie was a school speech therapist, and Jeff farmed. By 1979, he was farming commercially—selling to restaurants in Charlotte and at the farmers’

Above, Joe Martin stands by a sunflower field that he planted as a cover crop and to provide a beneficial insect habitat on his Zydeco Moon Farm. At left, David Sengel has only a few vegetables for sale at the Watauga County Farmers’ Market because his crops were destroyed by a hailstorm. “The season is starting later for me this year,” David said. At right, Jeff Thomas grows most of his vegetables from seed, which he starts in his greenhouse.

market. From the beginning he farmed organically, because “I was growing for my family and didn’t want toxins on our food or on our land. When I started to sell, I just kept growing the same way.” Today, Jeff and Bettie have 60 acres of land on their Creeksong Farm on which they grow a variety of vegetables and raise cattle.

Their son Will, after graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill, moved back to Ashe County to become a second-generation organic farmer.

Farming is a second career as well for Sally Thiel and Joe Martin. Sally was a social

worker and Joe an attorney in Louisiana. When they retired, they purchased land in Ashe County, and after taking Richard’s class in 2005 on organic farming, they decided to give it a try. Their farm Zydeco Moon Farm was certified organic in 2006, and they have been active commercial growers since then. Sally is the current president of NROG. “NROG has grown considerably,” she commented. “New members include young farmers who have no farming experience, people returning to their family farms after having pursued other careers, conven-

tional farmers who are turning to organic growing, and retirees like us. If NROG is to succeed, we need to increase our volume and our product mix. We need more farmers to join NROG.” Each year, NROG holds a recruitment dinner to introduce farmers to what it does.

Farmers can join NROG even if they don’t sell through the organization. Some farmers join the group for support and information. Member David Sengel of Fog Likely Farm has not sold products, used shared equipment or bought supplies through the cooperative. He is a local grower who

June 2010

farms organic and sells all the produce he can grow through the local farmers’ market.

“I go for the support… we’re all trying to make it farming organically, and it’s hard,” David said. “It helps having a group of people that understands the problems and challenges we face every day.

We are a community of organic farmers, and we help each other.” Last month, a devastating hailstorm hit Deep Gap and destroyed David’s crops, shredding them. When David attended the scheduled NROG meeting the following Monday, he was surprised

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e in the High Country can support our local farmers by buying from them directly or from businesses that they

supply. The following are some High Country establishments that carry NROG products.

Bare Essentials

Mast Farm Inn

Bistro Roca

Our Daily Bread

Earth Fare

Reid’s Catering

Frasers

Stickboy Bread Company

Gamekeeper

Storie Street Grille

Grandfather Country Club

Sweet Aromas Bakery & Café

Hob Nob Farm Café

Vidalia

Inn at Crestwood

Westglow Spa

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Chef Sam Beasley of Gamekeeper examines steaks delivered from NROG.

to find that the NROG members, hearing of his loss, spontaneously brought him seedlings and plants. “I was touched by their generosity and support,” David said. “We really are a community.”

Across the country, there has been a revived interest in food—from nutrition, to gardening and cooking, and, of course, to eating. We are rediscovering the pleasure of real food even if only vicariously through celebrity chefs on TV, shows about cooking and an entire TV network devoted to food. In the High Country, Fire on the Rock is a very popular annual chef competition held in Blowing Rock.

Many High Country chefs use local and seasonal ingredients whenever possible. Although the cost of local organic food is higher than that carried by national food service distributors, many chefs believe that the quality and freshness of local food is worth the extra cost. Diners increasingly seek out restaurants that offer local food and consider eating local food to be part of experiencing the area. The demand for local food has grown so much that national distributors are beginning to carry “local” food. (The USDA last month defined “local” as being within 400 miles.) NROG coordinates the growing schedule for the farmers with the restaurants, tells the restaurant what is available each week, takes the order on Tuesday and delivers in its refrigerated truck to the restaurant on Thursday.

Wendy Sykes-Gordon and Ken Gordon bought the Gamekeeper in 2000 and from the beginning featured local ingredients. Ken said, “That’s what our

Ann Rose delivers fresh product to The Gamekeeper, located on Shull’s Mill Road near Blowing Rock.

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Sam Ratchford, chef-owner of Vidalia in Boone, receives a delivery of food from NROG.

“It’s great having a variety of local food from one distributor. I also buy from NROG because I want to support the local economy since we’re all here together.” ~ Sam Ratchford, chef-owner of Vidalia

restaurant is about—that’s our concept.

Local, seasonal ingredients prepared so that the essence of the food stands out.”

The Gamekeeper, located on Shull’s Mill Road near Blowing Rock, has been one of NROG’s best customers through the years. Sam Beasley, chef at Gamekeeper and winner of this year’s Fire on the Rock competition, said, “What I like to do is to see what the really fresh, great ingredients are and create the dish based on them—not the other way around.

That way I showcase what is at its best.”

Boone’s Vidalia is also a strong supporter of local food. Chef-owner Sam Ratchford said, “I try to use as much local food as I can. NROG supplies us with eggs, cheese, salad stuff, herbs and seasonal vegetables—it’s great having a variety of local food from one distributor. I want to support the local economy since we’re all here together.”

Chef Chuck Nelson at the Inn at Crestwood believes that the High Country has the potential to become a food destination. “We have many creative

chefs here and great locally grown ingredients. Concentrating on the food we have here can set us apart and make us a food destination.”

Support of local sustainable farmers helps protect the future of the High Country. Preserving farms is important to our community and identity. As demand for local food grows, more farmers, if it is profitable for them, will grow food for our community. Just as Ann Rose said, NROG is “growing the High Country.” w

NROG purchased this refrigerator truck with grant funds.

Ann Rose picks up food from the farmers and delivers it to restaurants in this truck.

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Story by

Jason Gilmer

• Photography by

James Fay

Limo-Scene Air Haven Limousines Offers Motorized Class and Comfort for Every Occasion

F

ive soon-to-be wine tasters stood by a parking lot stop sign and waited to board Dana Addison’s trolley.

They stepped on and got a jovial reprimand from the driver of the hulking look-alike to San Francisco’s famed trolleys.

“For those who boarded the trolley in the wrong place, I’ve already gone over the details,” he said with a slight grin, “and I’m not doing it again.”

The other riders aboard the green and red trolley laughed before Addison quickly relented and went into his talk about where to be picked up after frequent tips of the glass at the Grand Tasting of the recent Blowing Rock Wine and Food Festival.

When Addison, owner of Air Haven Limousines, is in the driver’s seat, he also serves as parttime comedian and tour guide, as well as the chauffeur who drops riders off at their destinations.

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Since 2000, Addison’s successful business has driven for countless social functions, family reunions, shuttles to the airport, bachelor parties, weddings and many other occasions in the High Country.

With seven cars in his company that range in capacity from two passengers to more than 30, Addison has found his niche in the area.

When you step into one of Addison’s rides, he wants you to feel as special as the President does when riding in Air Force One. “Whether you’re doing a third grade birthday party or carrying Miss Universe around, everyone has value and they are all special to us,” Addison said. “Whether everyone in the world knows you or no one does, you should feel special and feel that sense of value.”

Don’t be surprised if you hop onto Dana Addison’s trolley for a ride to or from a local event and see him wearing his best clothes and a stylish driving hat. Addison takes his work seriously and looks the part of the driver, even though he’s the owner of the trolley and not just a paid employee.

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Accidentally Into the Limo Business The buildings where the vehicles for Air Haven Limousines are stored is near Addison’s home off Highway 421. It wasn’t built for storing cars, though.

Addison’s plans were for a family fun center there, a reservation-only venue for birthday parties and corporate team-building events.

For that business, Addison bought a 20-passenger stretched SUV to pick up those coming to the center.

When there were problems getting the buildings to pass inspection, Addison turned to a different business idea.

“I never had intended to get into the limo business,” he said.

With the stretched SUV, though, he had the perfect starting point. That vehicle, however, didn’t make it long. After replacing the transmission seven times, because the mountains were too demanding on the vehicle’s torque, Addison bought other automobiles.

And he was suddenly in the business of driving High

Country residents in comfortable and classy vehicles.

The business is tightly run with family members and close friends used as the drivers.

But it isn’t just trips in the Blue Ridge Mountains that Addison has done. His company takes clients to Washington, D.C., picks up summer residents in Miami and brings them back to their condos and takes groups to Charlotte where they can enjoy a tailgating party and Carolina Panthers games.

He’s looking into buying a motor home-type of vehicle that can be used for driving clients to Florida where they can go on a cruise. The thought is that people would rather ride with Addison than drive or fly down, have to get a hotel and then drive back home.

He thinks he can save clients money, too. There’s also the added bonus of a group of people being together in one car for the trip, because they will get to meet and socialize before being in different rooms on the ship.

“The last group we took down in the 20-passenger

It’s a bit odd to see the Excalibur car used by Air Haven Limousines being driven around the High Country, as the car is more likely to be seen in Hollywood. Stars like Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Arnold Schwarzenegger have owned Excaliburs.

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theater bus,” Addison said, “said they remembered the ride down, watching the TV all together, as one of the more enjoyable parts of the trip.”

Vehicles for Safety, Comfort and Class Don’t expect to climb into one of Addison’s cars and have your knees up to your chin or have to sit sideways or backwards.

He’s learned through this venture that the clientele in this area don’t like that. While it may be easier to interact with others in the car when facing each other, there are too many curves.

There are no Cinderella cars—like the long white stretched limos used for weddings or prom dates—in Addison’s fleet.

“We work with more retired people who want class and comfort,” he said. “That’s the biggest thing we’re about now. We’re going with class and comfort instead of looks.”

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o r t s i B

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While the Excalibur may be perfect for a wedding, other cars in the Air Haven fleet are perfect for working drives to the airport.

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r day party o th ir b e d ra g a third s value ou’re doing veryone ha e , “Whether y d n u ro a in s Universe er everyone th e h carrying Mis W . s u feel all special to , you should s e o d and they are e n o r no nows you o e.” ison the world k nse of valu ~ Dana Add e s t a th l e fe d n a l specia

His cars, though, have great looks. From the Mercedes Executive Limousine to the Excalibur Convertible, the Air Haven cars match style with safety.

When the company bought the $250,000 trolley, Addison made sure it had a braking system that would hold up on hills. The TELMA retarder, a system of hydraulic magnets on the driveshaft, makes it safe for mountain driving.

Competing companies have called Addison to ask how he keeps costs down when traveling in the mountains because they spend so much money replacing brakes after trips.

“We felt like safety was more important than anything else,” Addison said. “We did our homework and felt like we got the best system possible that we can put on a vehicle that size coming down the mountain.”

Another Venture for the Local Entrepreneur The large wooden desk in Addison’s basement office has papers stacked neatly in piles on the top. He doesn’t like to go to bed until the desk is clean.

One odd difference between Addison’s office and most other businessmen is the lack of a computer.

He has no need for a Dell or iMac and doesn’t really know how to work one. He’d rather pick up his phone

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and talk with clients than send emails back and forth.

“I’m a dinosaur in the way I work,” he said.

Maybe so in his desired ways of communication and use of writing on a desk calendar instead of typing on a BlackBerry.

But he’s an old-school workaholic, too. After chauffeuring patrons to the wine festival back and forth to their cars from noon to after 6:00 p.m., he did two more jobs that night, including a bachelor party that kept him out almost until the sun rose again.

Addison came to Boone to attend ASU, fell in love with a local girl and never left town.

He began two other successful businesses while in town—Air Ball and Air Walk. He recently sold the two inflated game businesses but still gets calls from people asking about renting them for parties.

“I blew up more inflatables than anyone in the world probably in my lifetime,” he said.

That isn’t part of Addison’s world anymore.

Now, he has a fleet of cars and he’s happy to serve in many roles as the owner. His trolley is in its third year and should be good for 18 more.

“I say I’m going to retire when my trolley retires,” he said.

So Air Haven Limousine will be a part of the High Country for many years to come. w

There are plenty of options for riders, from the theater bus with its ability to watch a movie on the road, to the Mercedes Executive limousine with its satellite TV. Air Haven Limousines owner Dana Addison works from home to get riders to and from their events.

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The Cars of Air Haven Limousines Trolley

Excalibur Convertible

Cross Over Suzuki

The 35-passenger trolley has multiple uses, including shuttling people for different community events, bachelor and wedding parties and even trips to other cities. The trolley can ride safely on the highway, as well as take mountain curves.

This 1964 car will certainly turn heads. It’s used a lot for weddings and the front passenger seat can be removed to accommodate a large, puffy wedding dress. Similar cars are owned by celebrities because of its classy look and feel.

When clients needed to be taken to the airport in this winter’s snowstorm, this was the car used. It’s four-wheel drive helped get people there in plenty of time to catch their flights and its low-fuel costs make it economic.

Chevy Passenger Van

Mercedes Executive Limousine

Ford Shuttle Bus If a group of people want to head to Washington, D.C. to do some sightseeing, here’s a great ride. There’s a large flat-screen TV in the bus and movies can be watched. The seating is comfortable and a trailer can be added to store luggage.

For smaller groups, this fiveperson van is perfect for airport runs.

Each seat has massage and heating capabilities for maximum comfort.

Cadillac DTS Sedan Air Haven’s smallest car, it’s perfect for getting from point A to point B. It’s used for airport runs as well as driving around in-town celebrities.

There’s satellite TV, black leather, birds eye maple trim and plenty of other conveniences. The eight seats are like lounge chairs and some can be removed to accommodate a smaller group

Wedding parties often use the 35-passenger trolley (above) or the Cadillac Sedan (left) to transport bridemaids and groomsmen from the church to the reception.

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M ounta in Modern Linda Kramer Photography by Peter Damroth Story by

G

eorge Carlin once said, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the ones that take our breath away.” The home of Denny and Paul Feinsilver at Linville Ridge takes your breath away.

Cast aside the rustic mountain furniture and the twig bark; this 4,000-squarefoot, three-bedroom home, built in 2003, rises at the top of a winding drive and gracefully steps up to its hillside-hugging, 3.5-acre site, showing off a contemporary flair that is unique to the mountains.

Denny and Paul, who live in North Miami, Fla., chose the High Country for a vacation home to be near Denny’s aging parents on Beech Mountain and to join friends with homes in the area.

The time spent here gives them a respite from the summer heat and their busy life in Florida, where Paul owns FMS Bonds, a tax-free municipal bonds firm. Denny is a major fundraiser for cancer research and is on the board of governors at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is also a past vice-chairman of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Miami.

Their elegant home, which is a visual dialogue, reflects the owners’ love of contemporary art, while striking that elusive balance between sophistication and comfort in meeting a family’s needs.

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“

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the ones

“

that take our breath away.

The downstairs guest room is the home’s most neutral space with a mushroom pallet that shows off the natural elements of wood. A textural linen spread and headboard rest against a grass cloth focal wall behind the bed and are complimented by an eclectic collection of lush pillows made of rope, organza and velvet. Zinc bedside lamps on stacked chunky log side cubes further accessorize the space.

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Denny and Paul Feinsilver’s home shows off a contemporary flair that is unique to the mountains while striking a balance between sophistication and comfort (above.) Glittering limestone (left) creates a focal wall in the downstairs powder room, part of the remodel, with a Venetian glass mirror, stainless pedestal vanity with marble top, a reflective silver tin ceiling and glass brick floors.

It’s a mountain-modern house; unified and warmed by a palette that plays with a combination of muted tones and primary colors, creating a look that is sleek and witty—contemporary, but not clinical and dramatic, but not severe.

The Feinsilvers purchased the house that originally had a very traditional interior in 2008 and wanted to make some changes to create a modern feel.

Boone architect Joseph Pavelchak Jr., drew up plans for an addition that included a downstairs powder room and an interior stairwell for another entry to

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the downstairs living area previously accessed only by an elevator.

Boone builder Alex Johnson completed the addition and expanded, at the owner’s direction, what turned out to be a substantial remodeling job.

Pamela McKay, ASID, interior designer for Dianne Davant and Associates, with the help of Denny, created interiors that speak to the imagination and are strengthened by the influence of Pam’s strong art background.

Pam effortlessly juxtaposed patterns and rough textures against the clean

effortlessly juxtaposed patterns and rough textures against the clean lines of the architecture transform the formal interiors into a dynamic, contemporary, visually functioning environment Dramatic scones by Bill Brown hug a hand-blown etched glass mirror in the foyer over a custom-made concrete ledge by Classic Stone Works.

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A glass-topped dining room table is supported by sturdy locust tree trunks. Vibrant hues of red are thrown into high relief in the bold, red Schumacher patterned chair fabric that goes for the drama in the bright primary colors that Denny loves.

lines of the architecture, transforming the formal interiors into a dynamic, contemporary, visually functioning environment that suits the owner’s personalities.

An easy-living, open floor plan on the main floor ties together the kitchen, dining area and living room.

A neutral palette of soft mushroom is consistent throughout the home, punched up with bursts of color in artwork that burst with life, sleek metal materials that enhance and balance the warm tones and the ever-present textural accents that are repeated in key elements and are as essential as color.

The kitchen blends industrial elements with the warmth of hickory wood cabinets given a clean face-lift with sleek, modern fronts and new hardware. A commercial range and

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copper hood, new lighting and a wet bar, new tile and countertops and plumbing fixtures were also added to update the old look.

Not everyone would think to introduce art in a kitchen, but a contemporary acrylic by Tim Turner, red lacquer sculptural glass selected for its vibrancy and art glass pendants suspended over the kitchen bar accomplish the unexpected.

Adjacent, a glass-topped dining room table is supported by sturdy locust tree trunks. Vibrant hues of red are thrown into high relief in the bold, red Schumacher patterned chair fabric that goes for the drama in the bright primary colors that Denny loves. Repetitive colors and the neutral mushroom of the living room sofa and soft, natural linen drapes hanging from hand-forged

“Denny wanted to incorporate unusual art elements throughout the house, like the Brand Van Egmond “Flower Power” chandelier in dining room and the Oliver Tilbury “Bursting Chair” in the living.“ Not everyone would think to introduce art in a kitchen, but a contemporary acrylic by Tim Turner, red lacquer sculptural glass selected for its vibrancy and art glass pendants suspended over the kitchen bar accomplish the unexpected.

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“organic chic”, the term used for a look created with natural materials in contemporary interior design, providing spaces that are a study in contrasts.

medallions by local iron sculptor Bill Brown, pull the eye around the room and then out to cushions on the outside porch as well.

Expansive curved glass surrounds the living and dining areas, fully engaging the outdoors and views of Grandfather Mountain and its swinging bridge. The day’s light reflects, through its intensity, the organic unity of man and nature that is a recurring theme demonstrated in the many textures throughout the home, meeting the definition of “organic chic”— the term used for a look created with natural materials in contemporary interior design, providing spaces that are a study in contrasts.

The consistent soft hues mixed with sharper, brighter jewel tones are present again in the living room where a mushroom-colored sofa wearing a lush fox throw anchors the room’s practical seating area.

Whimsy is added with the sheepskin covered chair by Oliver Tilbury, and hand-made chunky mountain wood tables give a soft edge to other contemporary pieces. “Self Portrait with Prime Numbers” by Greg Smith on a focal wall helps fulfill Denny’s wish to display works by local artists.

A woven wool Kilim step-runner carries you down the stairs to the 104

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sq.ft..

4,000 bedrooms

3 acres

3.5 The master bedroom is the most contemporary of the rooms, but retains a romantic feel and neutral theme. Elements of warm fabrics and soft edges contrast with shiny metals. The handmade bed with chenille spread is flanked with sleek, contemporary chrome reading lights that repeat the glitter of the dramatic overhead chandelier.

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The consistent soft hues mixed with sharper, brighter jewel tones are present again in the living room where a mushroom-colored sofa wearing a lush fox throw anchors the room’s practical seating area. lower level, and is dramatically highlighted with hand-wrought iron railings by Bill Brown. Here, where the family enjoys a state-of-the-art home theater and game room with a wet bar, pool table and wine cellar, open proportions also apply. Coffered ceilings and suspended monorail track lighting hang over the pool table. The same neutral pallet dances with splashes of color in the pumpkin leather theater seats. A natural stone fireplace warms the space dominated by a 96-inch diagonal transparent woven screen set into the wall, and a Sony projector in the ceiling displays Direct TV satellite programming or Blu-ray discs.

Old cabinets and sink were removed from the open bar and replaced with a sleeker slate and marble countertop.

Pam said, “Denny wanted to incorporate unusual art elements throughout the house, like the Brand Van Egmond “Flower Power” chandelier in dining room and the Oliver Tilbury “Bursting Chair” in the living room. Working with her was a treat because of our mutual interest in art.

We just fell into sync with one another.” Together they provided the focus and foundation of style throughout house—Denny as curator and Pam pulling together a harmonious mix of raw, tactile fabrics of organic materials and a textural style, demonstrating that decorating is about telling a story that shares an owner’s life: interiors that tell who you are and what you love; and that when you surround yourself with what you love, you are what you live. w

The lower level is a state-of-the art theater and game room with a pool table, a wet bar and pumpkin leather theater seats facing a 96-inch diagonal transparent woven screen set and Sony projector.

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Sugar Mountain What’s Right With

Golf Course

Golf

I

n recent years, the number of rounds of golf played in America has stayed relatively flat even though the game is more popular. The United States Golf Association (USGA), the body that makes the rules of the game, conducts its national championships (US Open, US Amateur, etc.) and works to improve the health of the game, has identified some obstacles to expanding the game.

According to a USGA survey of players who have given up the game, there are three reasons: it takes too long to play, it’s too expensive and the game is too hard.

Tom McAuliffe, director of golf for Sugar Mountain Golf Course, adds a fourth reason: the intimida108

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tion factor in the pro shop and on the course.

“Beginners can be intimidated at the counter,” he said. “And once on the course, they worry about hitting embarrassing shots and keeping up.” McAuliffe has a two-word solution for all golf’s challenges: “Sugar Mountain!”

Sugar is an 18-hole executive golf course that is a lot of fun to play. It is always in excellent shape, and its greens are as good as any in the area. That’s saying a lot, considering that Sugar is at the epicenter of the finest collection of private clubs in the state of North Carolina.

Executive courses are usually a mixture of par threes and short par fours. Sugar has nine par threes,

Harris Prevost Photography by Todd Bush Story by

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“There’s a down-home feeling here.”

Bill Hagna, local businessman

The clubhouse at Sugar Mountain houses both the golf and tennis pro shops as well as the popular Caddy Shack sandwich shop. The building features 1,000 sq. ft of deck overlooking the golf course with stunning views of Grandfather Mountain, Invershiel, Seven Devils and Beech Mountain. In winter, the clubhouse serves thousands of snow tubers and ice skaters visiting the Sugar Mountain Resort.

eight par fours and one par five. It takes a lot less time to play Sugar than championship courses.

The course measures 4,443 yards from the back tees and 4,071 from the regular tees. From the back, the par threes average a healthy 166 yards and the par fours, 319 yards. The lone par five is only 394 yards, but it is an uphill dogleg that plays much longer than its yardage and features streams left and right. Because the course is short, players with higher handicaps or who don’t hit the ball very far usually get to the greens with fewer strokes, which is why the course is fun. But once on the greens, the challenge at Sugar is as strong as any championship course in the state.

John Gantt knows the Sugar course well, having worked in the pro shop for 15 years before retiring. He also knows how to play the game. He was a member of the N.C. State golf team when Arnold Palmer was at Wake Forest. “Iron play and putting are the keys,” he advised.

The fairways are narrow with strategic hazards such as bunkers, ponds, creeks, terrain changes, woods and rhododendron thickets. A long ball hitter best play Sugar relying heavily on the six-inch space between his ears—or else he is in for a long day!

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Any golfer can post a decent score, but having a great score is another story. The course’s defense is its fast poa annua greens. Gantt said, “Augusta doesn’t have them any faster.” Because of the slopes and undulations, there are places you can end up on a green where you have no chance to make your putt.

A favorite mountain saying, “You can’t get there from here,” explains it best.

Strategy and shot-making are a premium at Sugar. That’s why the course is fun for the better players, too. In fact, Sugar is a popular hangout for the assistant pros who work at the area’s great championship courses. There is no better place to improve their short game, thinking and shot-making, and perhaps relaxing, than Sugar Mountain.

McAuliffe has been director of golf at Sugar for 10 years, and his best score for 18 holes there is only two under par.

The best score by Randy Glover, PGA Tour Rookie Of The Year and multiple tournament winner in the 1960s and ‘70s, is three under. No one knows for sure what the course record is or who has it, but Gantt thinks the score is 58.

His best round is a four-under par 60.

The late Francis J. Duane designed the Sugar Mountain course. Duane is not well known among the general public, but

Sugar’s course is a great place for relaxing family fun or serious game improvement.

in his day he was highly respected in golfing circles, having spent 20 years as senior project manager for Robert Trent Jones, Sr. He was president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects in 1972 and 1973 when he designed Sugar. The course was completed in 1974.

Duane and Arnold Palmer designed courses together from the late 1960s to the late ‘70s. Duane and Palmer were asked to make Massanutten Ski Resort a four-season resort, just like Sugar, by designing its first course, Mountain Greens.

Some of Palmer and Duane’s designs include Kapalua, Honolulu Country Club

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Sugar’s signature hole is the 321-yard fifth. The hole is drivable for the long hitters but stray drivers lead to double bogeys. For those who play safe, a downhill second shot to a small elevated green protected by a pond makes par a nice accomplishment.

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and Royal Lahaina in Hawaii and Half Moon Bay (Old Course) in California.

The two split up later and Arnold Palmer brought in Ed Seay as his chief designer.

Seay had been working with Ellis Maples, and the two designed neighboring Grandfather Golf & Country Club.

Duane formed his own design company.

Some of his courses are Brae Burn Country Club in New York, Sea Pines Country Club in Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach National (West and King’s North) at Myrtle Beach and three courses at the Spring Lake resort (Bobcat, Cougar & Panther) in Sebring, Fla. Duane also designed Spook Rock in New York, once a Golf Digest Top 100 public course.

In addition to being a fun, well-designed golf course, Sugar is also a friendly place. The welcome feeling is evident at the course’s beautiful new clubhouse. The pro shop has a nice selection of top-of-the-line clubs for sale or rent, and balls, bags, apparel and other items are available to meet a golfer’s every need. The Caddie Shack, a spacious, comfortable grill, is operated by the same folks who manage the Sugar Mountain Ski Resort food service.

Green fees are very reasonable. During the summer, a round of golf with cart is $40. If you walk after 4:00 p.m., green fees are only $15. Season memberships are available. Year-round High Country residents enjoy a preferred program as do property owners in the Village of Sugar Mountain.

Golfers represent a social melting pot of every profession and income level.

“We have the broadest mix of people at Sugar, everybody’s equal and everybody gets along,” McAuliffe said. “We are every man’s golf course. You see lots of families out here, students from Lees-McRae, members from other clubs, beginners, good players. They all have a good time.”

Bill Hagna, vice president of SunTrust Mortgage of Banner Elk, is a regular. “It’s a fun course,” Bill said. “There’s a downhome feeling here. It’s a great place to come over in the afternoon. It doesn’t take long to play, and it’s affordable.”

For those who feel like the game is too hard, Sugar Mountain has the answer for them. Look no further than Sugar’s teaching professional, Ken Worthington. The former Wake Forest scholarship golfer and PGA touring pro retired to the area five years ago after a distinguished teaching and playing career, and he loves teaching at Sugar.

“There may be golf instructors in this

Sugar Mountain Golf Course teaching professional Ken Worthington is often on the course with clients, shown here giving Wimsey Powell helpful tips about the game.

“There may be golf instructors in this world as good as Ken, but there is none better.”

Tom McAuliffe

world as good as Ken, but there is none better,” McAuliffe said. “Heck, he took his oral exam on the golf swing at the PGA School from Horton Smith and Tommy Armour, the Silver Scot, in 1961. There’s nothing about any golf swing he hasn’t seen before. Most of all, he just loves to teach.”

As a municipal course and a valuepriced facility, Sugar Mountain is well positioned, located perfectly among the area’s great private courses. “Every day is

like a Saturday here at Sugar in the high season,” McAuliffe said, while admitting that “every season, some first-time visitors are skeptical about a par 64 golf course, but not after they play here.”

The experience at Sugar Mountain solves every problem the USGA (and Tom) identified as hampering the growth of the game. The course is a lot of fun for all players, the staff is welcoming, a great teacher helps players improve their games,

and golfers play a wonderful course in a short time and at very affordable green fees. Sounds like the USGA needs to stop by, spend some time playing Sugar Mountain and take home the answers to how to grow the game of golf. Sugar Mountain does it right.

For more information about the Sugar Mountain Golf Course, call the pro shop at 828-898-6464 or click to SeeSugar.com. w

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High Country Press • READERS CHOICE • June 2010

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How The Sugar Mountain Golf Course Came To Be

ugar Mountain was part of land down. The economy was a disaster, with option to purchase the golf course, grant property owned by the inflation and interest rates close to 20 Dale Stancil and Ray Costin leased Lenoir family that was sold in percent, and no one was buying prop- the ski operation from the bankruptcy 1888 to Hugh MacRae. Included in erty. Also, no one was skiing. An Arab court. They brought in Gunther Jochl the 16,000-acre property was Linville embargo led to gas rationing, and a very to run the operation. A couple of years and Grandfather Mountain. MacRae warm winter closed the slopes for much later, Stancil, Costin and Jochl bought formed the Linville Improvement Com- of the season. With no revenues com- the ski resort. pany to manage the property and de- ing in, Sugar could not meet the interAndrews leased the golf course for velop the Linville resort. When he died est payments on its debt. In 1976, Sugar several years to Sugar, but his plan for in 1952, the property was the course was a concern for split up among MacRae’s those who loved the course. Forheirs. Hugh Morton inhermer mayor of Sugar Mountain, ited Grandfather MounDavid Nixon, understood from tain, and his sister Aggie friends that Andrews wanted the property where Grandto cut the course down to nine father Golf & Country holes and make the other half a Club is located. Morton’s tennis development for his son, cousin, George MacRae, a tennis pro. Andrews’ health inherited Sugar and Flat and the loss of his son in an auTop mountains. tomobile accident derailed the plans. Andrews died not long In 1969, George and his after. Andrews’ attorney was wife Chessie formed the directed to sell the golf course.

Sugar Mountain Company with their good friend Dr. Several people were interThomas Brigham, a ski viested in purchasing the course.

From a nearby peak, this photograph depicts a view of Sugar sionary who helped start A group that included profesMountain Golf Course soon after it was completed in 1974. The course Beech Mountain. Joining the sional golfers Davis Love and group were retired Air Force is located on 60 acres at the base of the Sugar Mountain ski slopes.

Chip Beck and basketball legGen. Alex Andrews and Al end Michael Jordan, a close Johnson, a Tennessee banker. friend of Love’s, made an offer, Their dream was to make Sugar a four- declared bankruptcy and was taken over but the attorney for Andrews’ estate season resort that included skiing, tennis by First Union National Bank. didn’t like their representative or their and golf. Chessie asked Francis Duane to Grouse Moor was never built, but the proposed owner-financing terms. He design the executive course, which sits 1,800-acre tract on Flat Top Mountain wanted a clean sale, and he wanted to on 60 acres at the base of the ski slopes, was purchased from the bank by Naples, see the course saved and in local hands. and he turned her down two times.

Fla., developer Raymond Lutgert in In 1987, Andrews’ attorney apPart of the Sugar vision was to have 1978, and in 1983, the George Cobb- proached Jochl about purchasing the a golf course on top of Flat Top Moun- designed Linville Ridge opened for play. course. Jochl acted as the go-between tain with a hotel served by a tram that Gen. Andrews was owed money by with his partner Stancil—they both felt ran from Sugar Mountain. Chessie took the company, and he was able to acquire the course should belong to the village.

Duane up to the top of the mountain and a 10-year option to purchase the course Nixon said, “Gunther and Dale helped us told him he could also design that course, out of bankruptcy for $70,000. An- out a lot. They were all for what we were which was to be named Grouse Moor, if drews also owned the property where trying to do.” The village had to move he designed the executive course. This Diamond Creek sits today. He had quickly, so they threw together a bond istime Duane agreed. planned a combination ski/golf resort sue that wasn’t presented very well. Sugar The completion of the executive for the property, all of which was de- Mountain’s residents voted it down. course in 1974 normally would be cause signed by master snow maker Bob Ash. Jochl ran for a village council seat for celebration, but a perfect storm of Because of health issues and advancing so he could fight for the golf course. problems were lining up that would soon age, he abandoned his plans.

Since the Village of Sugar Mountain bring the Sugar Mountain Company While Andrews was exercising his was only two years old at the time, the 114

High Country Magazine

June 2010

The tremendous variety of holes at Sugar, along with its scenic vistas, make the course fun for everyone—from beginner to professional.

state of North Carolina would not allow it to take on a large debt level, and it would take several years before it could legally borrow the money. Stancil stepped up to became a hero. He set up a corporation to borrow money from a bank in order to purchase the golf course from Andrews’ estate. The selling price was $800,000 with the village putting up $200,000 from its cash reserves and Stancil’s corporation supplying the other $600,000.

at Sugar Mountain Golf Club

Later, the village was in financial position to secure its own loan with state approval and pay Stancil back. Last year, the village made its last payment to retire the loan. It also built a beautiful new clubhouse.

“We worked out a deal where the town leases the clubhouse to the ski resort in the winter to handle our tubing and ice skating operations,” Jochl said. “The arrangement is helping to pay for the building. We let the town use our water, and we are working to

get the golf course a new irrigation system.

The mountain and the town work together very well. We both come out ahead.”

Nixon likes where Sugar Mountain is headed these days. He feels the ski resort is well run, is having good seasons and that the golf course is a great asset to the community. “Gunther has done a lot of good things for Sugar Mountain,” he reflected. w

Serving

Lunch & Dinner

Restaurant, 828-898-TXLA (8952)

Open 11:30 am daily - Located in the Center of Village Shoppes One block from the stoplight in Banner Elk June 2010

High Country Magazine

115

Three People Who Make Sugar Mountain Golf Course Work T A weekend of GLBT Pride Events

June 11-13

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Business: 828-773-1874 Cell: 828-773-1874 martyrice@bellsouth.net 116

High Country Magazine

June 2010

om McAuliffe’s job as director of golf is to run the golf shop, service the carts, collect green fees, sell merchandise and handle anything else related to golf.

He is also an expert club fitter and club repairman. In 1995-96, he got his start doing all the club repairs for Wesley Crum at his famous Peanuts Club Shop in Foscoe. Before coming to Sugar Mountain, McAuliffe worked in the ski business in the winter and operated Tom’s Custom Golf Shop in the summer out of the French-Swiss Ski Shop in Foscoe.

Ten years ago, Sugar Mountain’s town manager, Deron Geouque, now Watauga’s assistant county manager, offered McAuliffe the golf director’s job, and McAuliffe turned him down three times before Deron said, “We want you to bring your shop to Sugar.” That offer made too much sense to turn down again. In addition to repairing and fitting clubs for the general public, McAuliffe repairs clubs for many of the area’s private clubs from his shop at Sugar Mountain.

McAuliffe moved to Charlotte from Ohio, and while a teenager, his family chose the High Country for their vacations. He fell in love with the area and decided to get his college education at Appalachian State. The day after graduation, McAuliffe began working for Ken Ketchie (publisher of High Country Magazine) on an alternative newspaper called the Sundown Times.

In addition to working in the golf business, McAuliffe writes about it. His knowledge and love of the game combined with his ability to paint a picture with words make him one of North Carolina’s finest golf writers. He is a member of the Carolina Golf Writers Association and is published regularly in Carolina Life magazine. He’s also a regular contender in the Golf Writers’ annual golf tournament.

Tom McAuliffe

“I’m the luckiest guy in the world,” Tom said. “I follow two rules in hopes of keeping this job forever: take care of the town’s money and make people who play here feel welcome.”

S

ugar Mountain’s excellent reputation is built around its greens. Their slopes, undulations and challenging shapes make for exciting golf. They are also as beautifully conditioned as any greens in the High Country. Credit for the condition of the greens as well as the entire golf course goes to its superintendent, Bill Daniels and his crew.

“We get a lot of play,” Daniels said, “so there are areas of wear and tear that we have to tend to. We have a limited budget, but we make do. I take great pride in how the course looks and how it is presented. I try to maintain it in as good a condition as any course around.

My staff is fantastic. They have that pride, too.”

Daniels acquired his skills from North Carolina’s first family of golf course superintendents, descending from the legendary John Forbes and his son-in-law Arl Greene. Forbes built the Linville Golf

Bill Daniels

Ken Worthington Club in 1924 and served as its about how to handle a golf superintendent until 1942. course problem, he has a builtGreene followed Forbes as su- in support network second to perintendent until his retire- none. “I don’t hesitate to call on my family,” Daniels proudment in 1968.

Daniels’ great grandfather ly said. “They are always there was Arl Greene. This five- for me. Our family has always generation family tree of su- been really close knit, and perintendents helped build the we stay in touch. My grandfollowing golf courses: Lin- father’s brother Bernard got ville, Mountain Glen, Linville me through college. It was his Ridge, Seven Devils, Diamond wish that the fifth generation Creek, RedTail Mountain and of the family get into it. Now Cleghorn Plantation in Ru- we have two in our generation: my cousin is an assistant therfordton.

Some courses where mem- at Linville Ridge.”

Daniels also has tremenbers of Daniels’ family have served as superintendent in- dous support and respect clude Linville, Linville Ridge, among those who call Sugar Mountain Glen, Colonial Mountain home. “When Bill Country Club (Thomasville), was a member of the Ski Patrol, Pine Needles, Raintree (Char- he saved several lives,” said an lotte), Granada Farms, Blow- admiring Gunther Jochl. “He’s ing Rock Country Club, Dia- a great young man. He’s hardmond Creek, Crowne Plaza working. Smart. I have a lot of (Asheville), Cleghorn Planta- respect for him.” tion, Seven Devils, Whispering Pines, Country Club of North Carolina, Beech Moun- “ ince I started playing tain, Foxfire, Oakwoods golf, all I ever wanted to (Wilkesboro), Southern Pines do was be a pro,” said Ken Country Club, Beacon Ridge Worthington, Sugar’s teach(West End), Roan Valley (now ing professional, and he has RedTail) and Grove Park Inn been for more than 50 years.

Country Club.

He said Tommy Armour, one If Daniels has a question of the finest golf instructors

S

and players the game has ever known, taught him how to teach. Worthington’s mentor, though, was Grant Bennett.

“He instilled dedication into me,” Worthington said. “No one worked harder to be a professional than him. He influenced me more than in golf.”

Worthington played the PGA Tour from 1963-65 and did well enough to make a living. At that time, golf purses were small, and touring pros didn’t make much money. With a wife and small children along, he said that the tour wore his family out. “My wife figured out that in nine months, we were in 43 states. We decided to settle down, and I would become a club pro,” Worthington said. After a successful career, he “retired” to Beech Mountain, where he served as the club’s professional and now, with energy and enthusiasm, teaches at Sugar. As a 78-yearold, he still plays regularly and shoots in the 70s.

Worthington said he learned the game on his own, mostly by caddying for a fine amateur golfer named Billy Dykes. “He had a beautiful swing. It looked like Ben Ho-

June 2010

gan’s,” Worthington remembered. “He told me to watch what he did and copy him.

That’s how Hogan learned. I spent a lot of time watching Hogan swing. He influenced me a lot.

“Dr. Bob Rotella was also a big influence,” Worthington continued. “I spent eight hours with him in a workshop, and I use what he said in every lesson I give. My philosophy of teaching is to get the basic fundamentals down first and stick with them, then adjust the swing to what your body will let you do.”

Golf lessons with Ken Worthington are by appointment. Call the pro shop (828898-6464) or call him direct at his home (828-387-3011).

Because Sugar does not have a practice range, Worthington teaches in the morning and uses the 12th and 18th fairways (before golfers get around to those holes) as the range. He also will use those two greens to help develop a player’s short game. Lessons are $50 per hour. Worthington also gives playing lessons.

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ADVERTISERS INDEX Please patronize the advertisers in High Country Magazine, and when you purchase from them, please be sure to mention that you saw their ad in our pages. Thank them for their support of this publication by giving them yours! Without their support, this magazine would not be possible. To all of our advertisers, a most sincere thank you.

All Area Codes are 828 unless noted.

ADVERTISER

PHONE

PAGE

ADVERTISER

PHONE

PAGE

A Cleaner World . ............................................ 265-1888 ������������������������� 56

Dande Lion, The............................................... 898-3566 ���������������������������� 5

Abbey Carpet & Floor . .................................... 265-3622 ������������������������� 19

David Patrick Moses......................................... 898-6396 �������������������������� 25

Advanced Realty.............................................. 264-5111 ������������������������� 13

Deer Valley Luxury Condos............................... 264-5583 �������������������������� 48

Affordable Auto Care Centers, Inc..................... 898-4145 �������������������������� 74

DeWoolfson Down .....................................1-800-833-3696 �������������������� 33

All Things Pretty............................................... 773-0077 �������������������������� 97

Dianne Davant & Associates . .......................... 898-9887 ������������Inside Front

An Appalachian Summer Festival................. 800-841-ARTS ����������������������� 83

Doe Ridge Pottery............................................ 264-1127 �������������������������� 17

Antiques on Howard ........................................ 262-1957 ���������������������������� 2

Echota......................................................... 800-333-7601 ��������� Back Cover

Appalachian Energy ........................................ 262-3637 ����������������������� 101

Emerald Mountain............................................ 387-2000 �������������������������� 23

Art Cellar, The.................................................. 898-5175 �������������������������� 11

Eseeola Lodge, The.....................................1-800-742-6717 ��������������������� 44

BJ’s Resot Wear............................................... 898-4229 ���������������������������� 7

Finder’s Keepers Antiques................................ 898-1925 �������������������������� 15

Banner Elk Realty............................................. 898-9756 ������������������������� 27

Flora Ottimer.................................................... 295-9122 �������������������������� 22

Bayou Smokehouse & Grill............................... 898-8952 ������������������������ 115

Forget-Me-Nots Landscaping & Gardens.......... 297-5479 ���������������������������� 2

Bear Creek at Linville........................................ 733-5767 �������������������������� 61

Fred’s General Mercantile................................. 387-4838 ������������������������� 25

Best Cellar, The................................................ 295-3466 �������������������������� 24

Gamekeeper..................................................... 963-7400 ������������������������� 86

Bistro, The....................................................... 265-0500 ������������������������� 36

Gems By Gemini.............................................. 295-7700 ������������������������� 38

Blowing Rock Estate Jewelry............................ 295-4500 �������������������������� 67

Golden Corral Buffet & Grill.............................. 264-9909 �������������������������� 85

Blowing Rock Interiors..................................... 295-9800 ������������������������ 102

Greater Avery Tour de Art ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 58

Blowing Rock Properties, Inc............................ 295-9200 ������������� Inside Back

Green Leaf Services, Inc................................... 737-0308 �������������������������� 85

Blowing Rock Resort Rentals & Sales, Inc......... 295-9899 �������������������������� 24

Haircut 101...................................................... 262-3324 ������������������������� 35

Blue Ridge Acupuncture................................... 265-8668 �������������������������� 26

Hardin Fine Jewelry.......................................... 898-4635 �������������������������� 11

Blue Ridge Birds & Gardens............................. 264-8801 �������������������������� 48

Harmony Timberworks...................................... 264-2314 ���������������������������� 3

Blue Ridge Realty / Todd Rice.......................... 263-8711 ������������������������ 105

Hawksnest Zipline............................................ 963-6561 �������������������������� 35

Blue Ridge Vision ........................................... 264-2020 ������������������������� 44

Headwaters at Banner Elk, The...................... 866-200-3290 ������������������������� 1

Boone Drug Down Town................................... 264-3766 �������������������������� 67

Hemlock Inn.................................................... 295-7987 ������������������������ 119

Boone Mall...................................................... 264-7286 �������������������������� 19

High Country Pride.............................. www.HighCountryPride.org ������������ 116

Broyhill Home Collections................................ 295-0965 �������������������������� 65

High Country Timberframe............................... 264-8971 ������������������������ 104

Cabin Store, The.............................................. 295-8005 �������������������������� 19

Horn in the West.............................................. 264-2120 �������������������������� 68

Café Portofino.................................................. 264-7772 ������������������������� 36

Isley Construction Company............................. 898-7544 ������������������������ 119

Canyons.......................................................... 295-7661 ������������������������� 37

Jo-Lynn Enterprises, Inc................................... 297-2109 �������������������������� 23

Carlton Gallery................................................. 963-4288 �������������������������� 49

Julia Tyson DDS............................................... 265-1112 �������������������������� 77

Celtic Building Company, Inc........................... 963-6229 �������������������������� 17

Lincare............................................................. 263-5999 �������������������������� 49

Chick-fil-a....................................................... 264-4660 �������������������������� 97

Linville Land Harbor..................................... 888-909-8333 ����������������������� 32

Classic Stone Works........................................ 737-0040 �������������������������� 73

Logs America, LLC........................................... 963-7755 ������������������������� 57

Coldwell Banker / Marty Rice........................... 773-1874 ������������������������ 116

Makoto’s Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar... 264-7976 �������������������������� 97

Constructive Solutions..................................... 297-2072 ������������������������ 103

Maple’s Leather Fine Furniture ........................ 898-6110 ��������������������������� 2

Crestwood........................................................ 963-6646 �������������������������� 26

Mast General Store .....................................866-FOR-MAST ������������������������ 9

118

High Country Magazine

June 2010

ADVERTISERS INDEX All Area Codes are 828 unless noted.

ADVERTISER

PHONE

PAGE

ADVERTISER

PHONE

PAGE

Melanie’s Food Fantasy.................................... 263-0300 ���������������������������27

Professional Property Maintenance, Inc............ 898-6162 ���������������������������74

Mona Vie......................................................... 963-3333 ���������������������������95

Proper Southern Food...................................... 265-5000 ���������������������������49

Mountain Bagels.............................................. 265-4141 ���������������������������49

Pssghetti’s....................................................... 295-9855 ���������������������������68

Mountain Construction Enterprises, Inc............ 963-8090 ������������������������102

Red Onion Cafe................................................ 264-5470 ���������������������������48

Mountain Dog & Friends.................................. 963-2470 ���������������������������22

Rustic Rooster.................................................. 898-5161 �����������������������������5

Mountain Home & Hearth................................. 262-0051 ���������������������������37

Shoppes at Farmers Hardware.......................... 264-8801 ��������������������������13

Mountain Land............................................. 800-849-9225 ������������������������54

Sorrento’s........................................................ 898-5214 ���������������������������93

Mountain Top Golf Cars, Inc......................... 800-328-1953 ������������������������17

Stick Boy Bread Company................................ 268-9900 ���������������������������86

Mountaineer Landscaping................................ 733-3726 ���������������������������43

Stone Cavern................................................... 963-8453 ���������������������������27

Open Door, The................................................ 355-9755 ���������������������������24

Sugar Mountain Resort................................ 800-SUGAR-MT ���������������������111

Outdoorsman, Inc., The.................................... 268-1313 �������������������������119

Sugar Top Resort Sales.................................... 898-5226 �������������������������103

Page Denistry................................................... 265-1661 ���������������������������97

Sunalei Preserve.............................................. 263-8711 �������������������������107

Parkway Craft Center........................................ 295-7938 ���������������������������74

Superior Spas.................................................. 963-6624 ��������������������������48

Pepper’s Restaurant.......................................... 262-1250 ���������������������������19

Tatum Galleries & Interiors............................... 963-6466 ���������������������������17

Pet Place, The.................................................. 268-1510 �����������������������������2

Todd Bush Photography................................... 898-8088 ���������������������������53

Planet Tan........................................................ 262-5721 ���������������������������58

Tom’s Custom Golf.......................................... 898-6464 �������������������������115

Play It Again Sports.......................................... 264-8955 ���������������������������93

Vincent Properties / Firethon............................ 295-0700 ���������������������������77

Precision Cabinets........................................... 262-5080 �������������������������105

Vineyards of Swan Creek, The........... www.SwanCreekVineyards.com ������������26

Precision Printing............................................. 265-0004 ���������������������������79

Watauga Insurance Agency, Inc........................ 264-8291 ��������������������������27

A Blowing Rock Tradition...

The Outdoorsman, Inc.

Hemlock Inn

Buying Gold, Silver & Coins

Since 1975

www.YourItemsWanted.com

Quality Service

Downtown Blowing Rock

www.hemlockinn.net (828)295-7987

value

Gold Chains, Rings, Earrings, Bracelets Clean Your Jewelry Drawers - Cash in Today!

The Outdoorsman, Inc., Since 1975 828-268-1313 Appointments Welcome • 135 Hardin St. Log cabin across from Dan’l Boone Inn

828-898-7544 June 2010

High Country Magazine

119

Parting Shot...

By

Todd Bush

Jump Into Summertime

S

Everything at the lake and the park is free.

ometimes you just have to take the

Lifeguards will be on duty to supervise

plunge.

Akin to pulling a loose tooth, sometimes

swimmers. A shallow swimming area is

we just have to force ourselves to rid

designated for younger children, and a

our minds of the stresses of work and

deeper swimming area is available for use

the economy and indulge in the simple

by adolescents and adults. The lake also

pleasures of summertime, one of which

has a white sandy beach area.

is taking a cool plunge into Banner Elk’s

Fishers can also take advantage of

Wildcat Lake for some respite from the

the lake. Eventually, the lake will be re-

summer heat.

stocked with bluegill, bass and trout. Nonmotorized boats, canoes and kayaks can

The cathartic power of water cannot be denied, and some of that aqua therapy is available seven days a week at

access the lake. A new addition to the lake is a grassy strip along the top of

Wildcat Lake, which is a 13-acre recreational lake located on Hickory Nut

the dam that picnickers and strollers can walk across for a spectacular view.

Gap Road in Banner Elk. Owned by the Edgar Tufts Memorial Association

Edgar Tufts Park includes a playground and two covered picnic shelters

(ETMA), the lake is entering its second year of being open after it was closed

available for family picnics, reunions and church functions.

Contributions to the future upkeep and operation of the lake are

for nearly four years for repairs.

The lake will be open to the public through August 16 from 10:00 a.m. to

gratefully welcomed. ETMA is a nonprofit organization, so donations are

8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.

tax deductible. Send contributions to ETMA, PO Box 2519, Banner Elk

After August 16, the lake will be open on weekends only through Labor Day.

28604. For more information, call 828-898-5465.

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High Country Magazine

June 2010

w

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Views, lovely cottage landscaping, flat entry and one level living. tons of stone work, garage and golf cart garage. Large Elk Stone wood burning fireplace in T&G paneled den with vaulted ceiling.

Totally RENOVATED. $642,500 PATTERSON: Walk in level 2BR/2BA furnished condo. Private covered porch views, indoor pool with recreation room, outdoor pool with waterfall and Adirondack club house and fitness center, fishing ponds, 25 acre nature preserve with hiking trails and Watauga river access. $289,900 LYNAGH: Uncomparable Mountain Retreat on 7.7 exceptional acres close to Blowing Rock! Long range valley & Grandfather Mountain views. 4BD/5BA, 5 real stone masonry fireplaces and gourmet kitchen. $2,395,000 KING: Outstanding Quality home overlooking the 11th fairway of the BR Country Club. Architect designed, custom cabinets and bookcases in maple, teak, and cherry. Rais Soapstone Swedish fireplace, alarm system and humidifier. Central vac, heated workshop, 1-car garage and heated 2-car tandem garage. $899,000 HuBBARD: Evergreen Springs is a low density (12 Units) condominium close to Main Street Blowing Rock. 2BD/2BA with easy entry access, hardwood floors, stone fireplace, granite tile kitchen countertop and covered back deck. $239,900 GREER: Incredible long range views with infinite attention to details.

Elevator! Dramatic GR, gourmet kitchen w/ granite and mahogany counters. 14 foot island, hickory flooring, custom hand finished cabinets, cathedral T&G ceilings, Family room with kitchenette for the 2 bedrooms each with private bath. $1,290,000 EVANS: Private Sweetgrass home w/rushing stream just out the door! Master suite on main w/heated floors in master bath. Spacious loft, gourmet kitchen w/ granite tops, stainless appl. and custom Knotty Alder cabinets. Natural stone fireplace, covered side porch and open deck w/river views. Community clubhouse on 280-acre property w/lakes, streams, & mountain views. $699,500 DuBOSE: Chetola Resort 3 BR/3BA upstairs condo w/floor to ceiling stone fireplace. Tastefully decorated including most furnishings.

View from covered deck over the ponds and a delightful brook.

Excellent location—just a short walk to Bass Lake. $574,500 BYRD: Luxury townhome w/Grandfather Mtn views located in one of the best neighborhoods in Blowing Rock. Master on the main floor, one car garage and covered deck with view. Furnishings available. $488,500 CAYLOR: Perfect timberframe home located on 1.56 acres in private Twin Rivers Community. Exterior just painted/stained and features cedar shakes, board-and-batten siding, mountain laurel railings and lg. covered redwood deck. Spacious GR w/vaulted ceilings, stone fireplace and a wall of windows. Master suite on main w/great interior décor. Furnishings negotiable $650,000

Blowing Rock Properties, inc

800-849-0147 • 828/295-9200

www.BlowingRockProperties.com June 2010

High Country Magazine

C

Actual morning view from Echota on the Ridge overlooking the Watauga River Valley.

Second Home. FirSt cHoice.

Like the inspiring views, the reasons Echota has become the High Country’s most successful community are clearer than ever. Lock-and-leave luxury. And a central location between Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock. See for yourself why Echota was the only choice over 450 families could make.

800.333.7601 EchotaNC.com

VisitDone Hofi gour sales offices located Main St, Suite C, Blowing Rock, NC or 133 Echota Pkwy, Boone, NC • Condominiums from $199,900 h C oun try M a g a z iat n 1107 e June 2010

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Ask us about our new condos coming soon from $199,900!