BLUE RIDGE DIGEST FALL 2015

the most widely distributed travel publication in the mountains

FALL /WINTER

Blue Ridge & Great Smoky Mountains

The Virginia Museum of the Civil War Fall into Wonder at Grandfather Mountain!

Fall in Love with Wytheville!

MUSIC | FUN | FOOD | FESTIVALS

2015

The first one to close the generation gap wins.

There are many ways for kids and parents to enjoy every day in the Roanoke Valley. Climb on antique trains at the Virginia Museum of Transportation or cheer for the home team at a Salem Red Sox ball game. Don’t be surprised if the world-class mountain bike trails bring out dad’s competitive side. The young and the young at heart will love Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

visitvablueridge.com | 800.635.5535 #BlueRidgeDay

How will you enjoy your Blue Ridge Day? Virginia’s Blue Ridge region is filled with beautiful scenery, outdoor fun, inspiring arts & culture and, of course, great hospitality and delicious food.

The National D-Day Memorial 800-351-DDAY | www.dday.org

The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center 540-985-5900 | www.HotelRoanoke.com

Smith Mountain Lake 540-721-1203 | www.visitsmithmountainlake.com

RegisteR online to win a Blue Ridge Mountains getaway – visitvaBlueRidge.coM

Virginia Transportation Museum 540-342-5670 | www.vmt.org

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21st annual

Mountain Heritage Festival

September 19th

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ome to Sparta, NC for the 21st annual Mountain Heritage Festival! The Mountain Heritage festival is an exhibition of the rich history and culture of the Alleghany County area. There will be food and craft venders, live music, and many other attractions that will line Main Street. Headline events for the Mountain Heritage Festival include the Soap Box Derby, the crowning of the ‘Possum Queen’, the Jubilee Dancers, and also various musical performances. The musical artists who will be performing at the

www.blueridgedigest.com Mountain Heritage festival are Westwend, South Main, The Crooked Road Ramblers, Rise and Shine Band, and the music is kicked off by Alleghany’s very own Junior Appalachian Musicians showcase. The Mountain Heritage festival has craftspeople ranging from jewelry to woodcarving, and the variety of food venders will be sure to satisfy a wide array of tastes. The Cake Auction has many different types of cakes from bakers known

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for their excellent flavors.

Children will enjoy the many treats that the food venders will have to offer, as well as the fun activities that are planned to keep them entertained throughout the festival.Opening ceremonies at 10 am and concludes at 4 pm with the crowning of the Possum Queen. Experience the heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains, while celebrating the area’s unique music and crafts.

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For more exciting things to do in Sparta: www.sparta-nc.com

Todd Mercantile

Todd Mercantile Friendliest little store in the mountains located at 3899 Todd Railroad Grade Rd. in Todd, NC strives to carry merchandise handmade in the Appalachian mountains. Many of items are hand crafted in Todd by local artists. Stop by and check out their fresh baked goodies!

Fresh homemade cinnamon rolls are the most popular bakery item.

People come from miles around to sample their goodness! People drive for 4 hours just to get one – but please if you ARE going to drive that far give them a call so they can be sure to have some when you arrive! The cinnamon rolls come with or without their own delicious maple cream frosting and they have customers who love them both ways! Phone (336) 877-5401.

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www.blueridgedigest.com

P.O. Box 1758 Asheville, NC 28802 Phone: (828) 667-1607

Sixteenth Annual Blue Ridge Potters Guild Show and Sale October 16 – 18, 2015

www.blueridgedigest.com All articles and information supplied are printed accurately to the best knowledge of the management. The Blue Ridge Digest is not responsible for errors beyond its control.

THANKS TO THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY ASSOCIATION FOR THE USE OF THEIR CENTER-SPREAD MAP

Publisher: Thomas Hardy Design: Imagewerks Productions Need good design? Call (828) 681-8029

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Welcome to the Mountains!

Thank you for making your vacation an All-American experience in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain area.

Your vacation dollars go further on U.S. soil and by spending time in the mountains, you not only benefit communities and businesses in your own back yard, but avoid flight delays and exchange rates.

Now more than ever, Americans are looking for ways to stretch their dollars, spend time with family and friends, reconnect to the wonders of the natural world, and, if only for a moment, take a breath of fresh air.

The time you spend in the Blue Ridge Mountain area will provide all of this and more: go whitewater rafting, experience historic and cultural sites, find unique shopping areas, take a hike, taste delicious local foods, and just breathe the clean mountain air. Hopefully this issue of the Blue Ridge Digest will be an aid in planning your trip and a keepsake to remember your vacation in the mountains.

Enjoy your stay!

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oanoke will celebrate the ancient art of pottery again this fall as the Blue Ridge Potters Guild holds its 16th Annual Show and Sale, October 16, 17 and 18, at Patrick Henry High School. This is the largest all-pottery show in Virginia with 70 potters exhibiting and selling their work.

The theme for this year’s show is “Journeys,” that may be interpreted as traveling toward artistic achievement, places visited, achieving professional goals and more. The potters

exhibiting in this year’s show have made the journey from their first experience with clay to where they are today.

At this year’s show, members of the Blue Ridge Potters Guild will demonstrate how a hunk of clay becomes a finished piece. Because potters have their own style, each piece is unique. Visitors to the show’s demonstration area will see various techniques such as handthrown, hand-built and sculpted clay art throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday The Kids Korner, open Saturday and Sunday, will give children the opportunity to try their own talents at shaping clay.

Potters are happy to answer questions in their booths and

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discuss topics such as the various glaze finishes that result from electric , gas, wood, raku firing and more.

In the Gallery section of the show, potters will exhibit works that best represent the theme. This year’s Gallery will be judged by Chris Gryder, an accomplished potter.

Annual show attendance has grown to more than 3,000, and people return to the allpottery show and sale year after year. Mark your calendar for October 16-18 at Patrick Henry High School, 2102 Grandin Road SW, Roanoke, Virginia.

You won’t want to miss this opportunity to start your holiday shopping or find something special for yourself, and you will be hard-pressed to walk away empty-handed!

For more information about the Guild and the Show visit www.blueridgepotters.com or email bwisepottery@gmail.com.

Forget your cares...

… and return to a place and time you thought had passed. Alleghany County and Sparta NC are home to the Blue Ridge Mountain community where Parkway construction began. And it is still home to a relaxed, rural pace of life that retains much of the unspoiled beauty that it shares with the famous scenic byway.

With two state parks, New River and Stone Mountain, plus Doughton Park, the Parkway’s largest developed recreation area, camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing and bicycling opportunities abound. The New River offers canoeing, tubing, kayaking and fishing and is a welcome respite from summer heat.

Get schooled in mountain music at the Alleghany Jubilee’s weekly barn dance (alleghanyjubilee.com), the Monday jam at Crouse Park and at the big Fiddlers Convention (alleghanyfiddlersconvention.com).

Events like the Blue Ridge Mountain Fair and Mountain Heritage Festival (Sparta-NC.com/heritage) highlight the area’s craft heritage. Enjoy down-home fun at distinctively local pastimes, such as the demolition derby, and mud slings. Look for other upcoming events at CoolSparta.com.

Sparta, NC / Alleghany County

The community offers motels, bed and breakfast inns and vacation cabins to make your stay special. And there’s no better sleeping than snuggled under covers during cool mountain nights.

When you visit, stop by the Visitors Center, 58 S. Main St., just 7 miles south of the US 21/ Parkway intersection at Mile Post 229.6. Our welcome mat is always out and we’ll make sure you don’t miss a thing.

MP 229.6 - 58 S. Main St. • Sparta, NC • 800-372-5473 • Cool Sparta.com

Enjoy a delicious homemade breakfast

Our guests are number one - from check-in to check-out.

Our staff is always ready to be at your service in friendly mountain style. You’ll really enjoy the spacious rooms.

Conference Room Guest Laundry Restaurant on Site Free Wireless Internet 24-Hour Staff Open all year long

Beautiful scenic views

800-538-3508

Toll Free Reservations: 1-888-372-2501

contact@gladevalley.com Close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, mp 229 330 Shaw Lane Glade Valley, NC 28627

Rustic cabin also available

341 N. Main St. Sparta, NC

www.AlleghanyInn.com

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38th Annual Brushy Mountain Apple Festival

Downtown North Wilkesboro NC

Saturday October 3 8 am - 5 pm Downtown streets are filled with more than 425 arts and crafts, 100 food concessions, and 4 different music stages featuring a variety of music.

Cloggers, folk dancers, rope skippers, and square dancers provide additional entertainment venues for festival goers. Appalachian Heritage crafts are highlighted such as woodcarving, chair making, soap making, pottery throwing, and quilting. When walking through the streets of the festival observing and buying lots of the arts and crafts, And don’t forget the apples! Local apple growers set up throughout the festival selling their apples, apple cider, and dried apples. After all, this festival pays tribute to the fruit grown and harvested each fall by regional apple orchardists.

Admission: Free

www.applefestival.net (336) 921-3499

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RADFORD HIGHLANDERS FESTIVAL

September 26, 2015

clans, entertainers, children’s games, mist-covered mountains and massed bands. Just 10 minutes from Exit 109 off I-81, the Radford Highlanders Festival has something for everyone, while celebrating Virginia’s ScotsIrish Ancestry.

Bisset Park is transformed by artist, craftspeople and community all travelers making their organizations into way through Virginia’s an open air shopping scenic roads will want to mall. Start your make a stop in Radford. Follow Christmas shopping the skirl of bagpipes to Bisset early, while snagging Park, on September 26, 2015 something nice for yourself by for the 19th annual Radford shopping the over 40 vendors, Highlanders Festival. Join more which offer a diverse and than 9,000 people to experience interesting selection of clothing, the excitement and fun: live Celtic accessories, jewelry, and crafts. and Appalachian music, dancers, The Radford Highlanders Festival heavyweight games, Scottish is a daylong feast, with an

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assortment of foods provided by vendors. Savor classic festival food, authentic Scottish fare, or just plain good eats from pizza to burgers. Marvel at the power of the Scottish athletes will watching the “heavyweight” games, featuring the infamous caber toss.

Make a stop in Radford’s Bisset Park on September 26 to enjoy the diversity of vendors and events and take in the views of one of the most beautiful places on the East Coast, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

To learn more go to www.radford.edu/festival or find “Radford Highlanders” Festival on Facebook.

COULD YOUR DOG USE A PUPCATION?

Being a dog can be hard work so why not treat yours (and yourself) to a pupcation in the NC Smokies? If you love traveling with your pet, then search no more for the perfect pet destination. Haywood County is one of the best dog-friendly destinations in Western North Carolina for countless reasons. Not only are many of accommodations pet-friendly, Haywood County is home to miles of awesome hiking and walking trails trails along with cool swimming holes, rivers and creeks that are enough to make any water-lovin’ pup jealous.

Haywood County also has plenty of dog-friendly restaurants that offer outdoor seating and will welcome your pooch with open paws.

You can even enjoy a frosty brew with your dog as three of our four craft breweries gladly allow dogs. download “Have a Dog Gone Good Time” gallery.mailchimp.com/ f953bb84b930aee2b19308964/files/Dog_Friendly_Itinerary.pdf

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www.blueridgedigest.com

68th Annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands at the U.S. Cellular Center in downtown Asheville, NC,

October 15 – 18, 2015. show. They are joined by western North Carolina residents and tourists who appreciate the quality and history of the show, knowing it is an ideal destination for shopping and inspiration. Nearly 20,000 visitors to the Fairs each year invest in the regional and local economies while supporting artists working in the Appalachian mountains, and by spending a summer or fall weekend in beautiful Asheville, NC. In addition to providing a retail market for juried members, the Guild hosts craft demonstrations.

The October show features raised early 200 juried artists slip ceramic decorating, wooden of the Southern Highland dovetailed boxes, spinning and Craft Guild will be selling carding. Visit www.craftguild.org works of clay, metal, wood, press page for a complete list of jewelry, fiber, paper, natural scheduled craft materials, leather demonstrations. and mixed media.

Beginning With styles ranging on Friday during from traditional to each Craft contemporary, the Fair, mountain Fairs showcase the musicians perform rich talent, diversity live on the and craft mastery of arena stage.

Since the first fair in Guild members.

Gatlinburg in 1948, the music of Since 1948, the Craft Fairs the area has been woven into the have set the standard for fine craft shows across the country. Each year fabric of the Craft Fair experience.

From old time to bluegrass, this in July and October craft collectors and gallery owners from across the tradition is kept alive today. Visit country come to Asheville to see the www.craftguild.org press page for a complete list of performances.

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N RV SERVICES

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ASHEVILLE, NC Located just off I-40 exit #44 at 120 Highland Center Blvd.

30+ years RV repair experience.

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New Community

Bike Map

The city of Harrisonburg, in partnership with James Madison University, has released the new Harrisonburg community bike map. The new map is a resource to help bicyclists choose routes along city streets and separated paths to get them to school, work, and around the City.

Getting places by bike is a different experience than getting there by car; the best route for driving might not be the best route to bike.

The Harrisonburg community bike map can be downloaded and viewed at www. harrisonburgva.gov/bike-map

Wheels Through Time Transportation Museum

hill climbing, and original paint machines to American Dirt Track racing, choppers and bobbers, and one-of-a-kind motorcycles.

Open Thurs-Monday, late March through November. Check the site for hours and prices. Wheels Through Time is located at 62 Vintage Lane in Maggie Valley, NC For more information call 828-926-6266 or visit www.wheelsthroughtime.com

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ome to the world’s premier collection of rare American vintage motorcycles, “The Museum That Runs” houses more than 300 of America’s rarest and most historic classic

motorcycles, including HarleyDavidson, Indian, Excelsior, Crocker, Henderson, and much more. Enjoy dozens of motorcycle-related exhibits, ranging from board track racers,

FALL / WINTER 2015

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The Museum of North Carolina Minerals features interactive displays about the minerals and gems found in the region as well as the historical importance of the mining industry to the local economy.

The Museum also hosts a visitor center for the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce, with information he mountains near Spruce on local businesses, attractions, Pine, North Carolina lodging, food and more. A gift are among the richest in shop featuring souvenirs and minerals and gems in the United books on Western North Carolina States. More than 300 varieties are showcased in the Museum of is located in the museum.

The Museum is located at North Carolina Minerals, located Gillespie Gap, an important stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway. for Revolutionary War fighters on Because of the Parkway’s their way to the Battle of Kings popularity, this museum may introduce more people to minerals Mountain. Each September the Museum hosts an encampment of and gems that any other such facility in the country.

Museum of North Carolina Minerals

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FREE GUIDES AVAILABLE FOR THE NORTH CAROLINA SMOKIES

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re-enactors who assume the role of the Overmountain Men, primarily Scots-Irish settlers from Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina who came “over the mountains” and ultimately defeated the left wing of Cornwallis’ army at Kings Mountain, South Carolina.

Many historians mark this victory as the turning point in the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War. The museum is open year round, 9 - 5, 7 days a week, and has no admission fee. It is located at Milepost 331 on the Blue Ridge Parkway at the junction with NC Hwy. 226, Physical street address is 214 Parkway Road, Spruce Pine, NC. For more information call 828765-2761. The building also houses the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Visitor contact Station and the Mitchell County Visitor Center.

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Asheville Pinball Museum For only $12 you get to play more than 30 pinball machines ranging from 1960 to 2003 for as long as you like as well as over a dozen classic video games.

The museum is located in downtown Asheville, across from the Grove Arcade at 1 Battle Square, Suite 1B. Asheville, NC 28801 Call 828-776-5671 or visit them on the web at: ashevillepinball.com

Some pictures are worth more than 1,000 words.

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Planning a fall getaway, winter escape, or do you already have next year’s vacation on your mind? Regardless of when you are traveling toin the Smokies, here are some free helpful guides: NC Smokies Motor Touring Guide NC Smokies Bicycle Guide Haywood County Quilt Trails Guide Mountain Heritage Trout Waters Map/Plott Dog Trail

”Find your Adventure” Agritourism Guide Sam’s Summits Loop Trail Guide & Purchase Knob Hiking Guide Want to request a specific guide?

Call 800-334-9035 or stop by the Waynesville or Maggie Valley Visitor Centers.

No matter where you turn on our mountain, your heart will certainly be moved by the joy and wonder of it all. However, your mouth might be at a loss for words.

GRANDFATHER® MOUNTAIN www.grandfather.com

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Woolly What?

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he 38th Annual Woolly Worm Festival takes place the 3rd weekend of October 17 & 18, 2015 in the quaint mountain town of Banner Elk North Carolina. Admission is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children 6-12, under 5 years old, free. What is there to do once we get inside the festival gates? Of course wace your woolly worm! It is $5.00 to wace your worm and if you didn’t find one along one of the

many back roads before you get here, don’t worry the PTO will have them for sale inside the gate by the main gate information booth. Be sure to arrive early as the Worm Wace Wegistration fills up quickly. What a great time to think of the holidays and purchase great wares from our handcrafted juried artists from fun items to those for decorating your house with amazing furniture, and who wouldn’t love a nice piece of jewelry or pottery under the Christmas tree.

There are inflatables rides, live music and dance teams… Tickets can be purchased online at WoollyWorm.com so there is no need to stand in line unless you wish too. Remember the winning woolly on Saturday has the esteemed honor of predicting the

High Country weather and wins a huge pot of $$$ If you are very lucky your Woolly Worm will share it’s $1000.00 cash prize with its owner.

Can’t make it to the festival on Saturday?— not to worry — we begin the fun on Sunday at 9am until 4pm. Call the Avery County Chamber at 828-8985605 for more information. The fun starts Saturday morning at 9am and the woolly worm waces begin shortly after with Mr. Woolly Worm and Merryweather leading the fun!

Please note: • Free parking is on a

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first come basis Please no pets inside festival gates No ATMs on festival grounds

Martinsville Cruise-In

Saturday, Sept 19 and Oct 17, 2015 It’s Cruise-In Time! Come out and join car enthusiasts on East Church Street in Uptown Martinsville to see many makes and models of classical, custom, antique and restored cars and motorcycles.

This event is held the third Saturday of each month from 4 to 8 p.m. See cars that have been restored as well as other classy and unique vehicles. Not only can you admire the beautiful cars on display, but can stroll the streets while shopping at various locally owned boutiques and shops.

Make sure you visit the restaurants and coffee shops in the UpTown area as well. When you’re done admiring the cars, shopping and eating, make your way to the Historic Rives Theatre for a night of Bluegrass Music, featuring a different bluegrass band each month. Wheel Chair Access FREE Admission

More Info: (276) 632-5688 (276) 340-9144 www.martinsvilleuptown.com

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The Virginia Museum of the Civil War Where 257 Cadets from VMI made the difference

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he Virginia Museum of the Civil War, historic Bushong Farm, and self-guided battlefield tour provide many opportunities to reflect upon the Battle of New Market which raged just outside the museum and farm on May 15, 1864.

All areas of the park are easy accessible from the museum over relatively flat, grass covered ground, but there is also a park road which allows vehicular access. Allow about two hours to explore the grounds and facilities and remember that your Virginia Museum of the Civil War admission ticket is good for seven days from the date of purchase.

Begin your exploration of the New Market battlefield at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War. Artifacts and dioramas convey the story of Virginia in the Civil War. Features of this museum include: Stained Glass mural wall depicting the war in the Shenandoah Valley by abstract artist Ami Shamir; the Emmy Award-winning film, “Field of Lost Shoes” and the Virginia Room, which chronicles the war in Virginia. Battle of New Market items include a shell damaged cadet musket, a cadet uniform from the battle and much more.

Open daily year-round 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and is located at 8895 George Collins Parkway in New Market, VA For more information: 866-515-1864 or www.vmi.edu/vmcw

See Inside A MOUNTAIN!

Don’t Miss!

North Carolina's Only Caverns!

LINVILLE CAVERNS 19929 US 221 North Marion, NC 800-419-0540 828-756-4171

Located on U.S. 221 between Linville & Marion, NC. - Just 3 1/2 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Exit Milepost 317.4, turn left on U.S. 221 toward Linville Falls Village & Marion, NC

linvillecaverns.com

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Visit

“Gem Capital of the World” Franklin/ Nantahala, NC Franklin and Nantahala, NC are both located in the southwestern corner of North Carolina only 35 miles from the southernmost beginning of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Cherokee, NC.

Franklin, NC is know as the “Gem Capital of the World” where visitors can mine for their own gems from spring through fall. There are nine local mines where you will find rubies, sapphires, garnets and many other semi-precious gems and minerals. Nantahala, NC is known as “Nature’s Paradise” where visitors are surrounded by beautiful scenery, hiking, fishing, rafting and boating on the pristine waters of the Nantahala Lake and River.

(888) 440-3255 www.visitfranklinnc.com www.visitnantahalanc.com

FALL / WINTER 2015

Gorges State Park

managed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Currently, Gorges encompasses nearly 7,500 acres and is the only state park west of Asheville.

Gorges State Park opened its new 7,100 square-foot Visitor Center in 2012. The Center was designed and built to national green building standards.

Additionally two large picnic shelters with restrooms, and a maintenance facilities were completed. The Visitor Center is home to the park offices, large exhibit hall, a 75-person Plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, sheer rock walls and auditorium, 40-person classroom, one of the greatest concentrations of rare and unique species in and large covered wrap around decks offering outstanding the eastern United States are found within Gorges State Park. southern views of the escarpment and park. The center currently state of North Carolina, 10,000 n elevation that rises under review for “GOLD” status acres of the Jocassee Gorges 2,000 feet in only four by the national Leadership in in Transylvania County were miles, combined with Energy and Environmental Design rainfall in excess of 80 inches per placed in public ownership to be (LEED) program. preserved for future generations year, creates a temperate rain The Park is located at 976 forest and supports a collection of of North Carolinians. The Grassy Ridge Road, Sapphire, property was purchased by waterfalls.

NC 28774 GPS: 35.097, the state from Duke Energy In 1999, thanks to a unique -82.9522 Corporation, and the transaction partnership of industry, the (828) 966-9099 or environmental community and the created a 2,900-acre gameland gorges@ncparks.gov

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Boat-in campsites at Lake James State Park provide a new mountain lake experience.

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ake James State Park, between Marion and Morganton, NC has introduced a new mountain lake a premium recreation option experience, a boat-in camping complex at its Paddy’s Creek Area.

The facility has 30 campsites that can be reached only by boats, canoes or kayaks at three separate spots on the tip of the Long Arm peninsula, less than one mile northeast of the park’s swim beach. The reservation-only campsites are furnished with picnic tables, fire pits, tent pads and stunning views of the 6,812-acre lake.

The boat-in camping complex has no dock, but boaters will find gentle beach areas for docking.

For kayakers and canoeists, the campsites are an easy paddle from the bathhouse, and the location offers quiet coves for exploration. The sites have access to vault toilets, but no water is provided at the campground, and all trash must be carried out. Campers must have reservations, which can be made through the Central Reservations System or at the park office as late as the evening of the campout if a site is available..

For more information call (828) 584-7728 or www.ncparks.gov

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SHOPPORTUNITIES!

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evierville is famous for shopping. Two of the largest outlet malls in the area are located in Sevierville totaling over 120 highend, name

brand outlets. There are also a variety of galleries, antique malls, boutiques, specialty stores, flea markets, outdoor stores and more – which means you can find just about anything your heart desires in Sevierville.

Did you know that the scrapbook store with the largest inventory in the US, Your

Scrapbook Super-Store, is located in Sevierville? Or that the popular Tanger Five Oaks Factory Outlet Center is the largest authentic outlet center in Tennessee?

There are even mega-stores for the outdoorsman like Bass Pro Outdoor World and Orvis Company Store.

Pick up a copy of The Sevierville Coupon Book at the Sevierville Visitor Center on Highway 66 on your way in or download the coupons for savings on lodging, dining, attractions and shopping at www.visitsevierville.com

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We Families!

Reunite in the mountains!

Call 828-586-2155 or visit www.mountainlovers.com

PEACE AND QUIET ISN’T ALWAYS QUIET. In Shenandoah National Park, it’s easy to fi nd solace in the secrecy of a mountain forest. Where the leafy rustle of heavy breezes and the bright cascade of tucked-away waterfalls orchestrate the perfect soundtrack of nature’s silence. Hear it, and see it all, with a stay at Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge. goshenandoah.com Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge are managed by Delaware North at Shenandoah National Park.

P.O. Box 727, Luray, Virginia 22835 | 877-313-2586 ©2015 DNC Parks & Resorts at Shenandoah, Inc.

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FALL INTO WONDER AT GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN It’s no secret what draws visitors to the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall: eye-catching shades of red, gold and orange dotting the leafy slopes.

But what about those overlooked purple trees?

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he crimson or purpleish leaves of the sourwood tree are among the more unexpected tones of autumn, but at Grandfather Mountain, they’re celebrated.

There, one mile from the Parkway at MP 305, no species is neglected. Each earns the recognition it deserves, because it’s this diversity of hardwood species on the 5,946-foot Grandfather Mountain that makes it such an outstanding leaf-looking destination.

With a multitude of vantage points and hiking trails for all ages and abilities, the 700-acre nature park in Linville is ideal for enjoying fresh fall colors. Each Saturday and Sunday from Oct. 3-18, staff naturalists host “The Colors of Grandfather” guided hike. These short jaunts, held at 1 p.m. and included with park

admission, help visitors learn how to identify the numerous tree types that surround us and the factors that affect fall color change.

If you’re searching for sourwoods, look toward dry, rocky and south-facing slopes, like those visible from Grandfather Mountain’s Scheer Bluff overlook. Early in the season, you might see the white strings of summer blooms still holding on when the leaves begin to change.

You’ll also see maples, oaks, beeches, birches, cottonwoods, mountain ash — a true variety of Southern and Northern species — that intermingle in this unique mountain ecosystem.

For more info: 800-468-7325 or plan a trip at www.grandfather.com.

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Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

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himney Rock is best known for its 75-mile panoramic views overlooking Lake Lure. Ancient geological features like Devil’s Head and the Opera Box, scenic hiking trails, wildlife programs and guided rock climbing attract visitors from around the world. The 535-million-year-old rock monolith is accessed by climbing the 499step Outcroppings trail known as the “Ultimate Stairmaster” that includes newly reopened features the Grotto, Subway and Pulpit Rock, which offer unique views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and the Carolina Piedmont. John Mason, a self-taught, award-winning hammered dulcimer player of 30+ years can be found most days playing the dulcimer and entertaining guests with his stories at the base of Chimney Rock.

Bird lovers flock here for the annual Flock to the Rock, the region’s premier fall migration birding event on Sept. 19, featuring expert-led guided bird walks and live Birds of Prey programs. Marvel at the grand finale of WNC’s legendary fall colors, peaking mid-Oct. to early Nov., and take a guided

fall color or wildflower hike.

Admire leaf colors from a new perspective—on a rope—by booking a rock climbing lesson in advance with Fox Mountain Guides, no experience required.

Or simply gaze at a stunning 404-foot waterfall from a distance. Don’t forget your camera!

Grab a local burger with craft brews and relax to the tune of live Appalachian and bluegrass music on most October Friday and Saturday evenings, 6-8pm, on the Old Rock Café’s riverside deck.

The Park is located only 25 miles southeast of Asheville, N.C. off the Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 384.7. Open 8:30am7pm daily; Ticket Plaza closes 1 ½ hours before Park. Visit chimneyrockpark.com or call (800) 277-9611.

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The Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail

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he Trail is a driving trail with loops off the main trail, linking some of Virginia’s best mountain wildlife-watching areas with walking and biking trails.

The trail is the first statewide program of its kind in the United States, and the mountain phase features expansive vistas, endless forest trails, large inland reservoirs and a taste of the western piedmont. The mountain area contains 34 loops.

Fairystone State Park offers sightings of ruby-throated hummingbird, woodpeckers, eastern woodpewee, eastern phoebe, white-breasted nuthatch, Carolina wren, blue-gray gnatcatcher as well as wood thrush, gray catbird, brown thrasher, three species of vireo,

numerous warbler species, scarlet tanager, eastern towhee and red-winged blackbird.

In the Lower New River Loop, the New River Trail State Park is a 52.5mile long park that follows the New River from Pulaski to Galax.

In this area you can see many tree and bird species: yellow poplar and sassafras, trailside herbage including lesser stitchwort, woodland sunflower, everlasting pea and wild potato vine. Bird species include mourning dove, ruby-throated hummingbird, redbellied and downy woodpeckers, northern flicker, eastern phoebe, blue-gray gnatcatcher, eastern bluebird, American robin and gray catbird.

Along the Star City Loop, Mill Mountain Park and Star

MABRY MILL

Trail rises 800 feet above the City of Roanoke. Nature enthusiasts and wildlife-watchers would probably find most interest in hiking the Star Trail. This 1.7mile trail traverses from the Roanoke River to Roanoke’s highest point- the summit of Mill Mountain. See spring and fall migratory warblers and nesting migrants, such as bay-breasted Blackburnian prairie warblers, wood thrush, black-and-white warbler, white-eyed and red-eyed vireos, and indigo bunting.

For more information on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail visit: http://www.dgif.virginia. gov/vbwt/

Parkway Icon

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ravelers today see the daily patterns of life and the settled landscape here on the high plateau at places like Mabry Mill.

Cultural history demonstrations are offered in summer and early fall at the nearby blacksmith shop and Matthews cabin. www.mabrymillrestaurant.com or (276) 952-2947.

Radford’s Visitors Center

540-267-3153

(located inside Glencoe Musuem)

600 Unruh Drive Radford, VA 24141

www.VisitRadford.com

STEP AWAY FROM THE EXERCYCLE AND STEP OUTSIDE YOURSELF BraveHeart 5k & Highlanders Festival,

Sept 26

Haunted St. Alban’s tours Every Friday/Saturday in October

New River Brewfest

Oct. 10

Start your adventure today.

800.852.9506 ExploreBoone.com

16

From Backcountry to Breadbasket to Battlefield

AND BEYOND to the Shenandoah Valley's History.

Stop in to find out about the Park, the Partners, information about Self Guided Battlefield Driving Tours, pick up brochures, and to learn about things to do during the Summer of 2013.

Plan your visit to Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park, located just

outside of Middletown, Virginia.

Plan for a full day to visit the park and discover: • The story of the battle of Cedar Creek, the decisive battle than ended the Confederate hold on the Shenandoah Valley.

• Visit Belle Grove, the antebellum plantation home of Isaac Hite, brother-in-law of President James Madison.

Plan your visit knowing the hours of operation for the NPS Visitor Contact Station, Belle Grove, Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation, and Hupp's Hill Civil War Park.

For more information visit: www.nps.gov/cebe/index.htm or phone 540-869-3051

Shenandoah County Wine Trail

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he Shenandoah Valley is rich heritage, from Native Americans who first shaped the land, to pioneers of this frontier; this fertile area became one of the most important wheat producing regions of the entire South. The Valley also witnessed some of the most dramatic events of the Civil War, including the Battle of Cedar Creek, a decisive October 19,1864 Union victory.

The Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park Visitor Contact Station is located at 7712 Main Street, Middletown, VA. Their exhibits feature the many stories related

enture off the parkway and sip your way through Shenandoah County. Home to seven vineyards, two craft breweries and one cidery, Shenandoah County has something to suit all tastes and is even home to the winner of the 2015 Governor’s Cup, Muse Vineyards. Each of the seven vineyards along the Trail offers a unique ambiance where you can escape the crowds, relax and enjoy serene mountain views as you savor exceptional wines.

Visit the Winery at Kindred Point, for example, and taste local

wines and ciders, participate in a traditional game of cornhole, and take a peaceful walk along the trails throughout the property. Just down the road, cozy up to the fireplace at Cave Ridge Vineyards or take in the scenery or live music on their expansive patio. Cedar Creek Vineyard provides a personal educational tour by the owner/ winemaker and North Mountain Vineyard and Winery is pet friendly in a European setting and hosts a live music series on weekends.

Visit the oldest vineyard in the Valley and fourth oldest in the state,

Shenandoah Vineyards where you can sit on the patio and enjoy breathtaking views of Massanutten Mountain. Wolf Gap Vineyard specializes in producing exclusive smallbatch wines and is situated on a ridgeline with spectacular mountain views.

Beer lovers can visit Swover Creek Farms to sample craft beers made with ingredients grown right on the farm. These beers pair perfectly with their farm crafted sausages and homemade pretzels. Or relax over a hand crafted pint at the Woodstock Brewhouse, located in a restored former denim plant in historic downtown Woodstock.

Whatever your beverage of choice, Shenandoah County has you covered!

For more information: www.ShenandoahTravel.org or call toll-free 888-367-3965.

FALL / WINTER 2015

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17

Shadow of the Bear, a One-of-a-Kind Fall Experience

OVER 200 JURIED ARTISTS CRAFT DEMONSTRATIONS LIVE REGIONAL MUSIC

OCT. 15-18 U.S. CELLULAR CENTER DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE, NC

THU.-SAT.: 10AM-6PM SUN.: 10AM-5PM

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he elusive Shadow of the Bear appears seasonally for just 30 minutes a day Each fall, the side of Highway 64 near Cashiers in southwestern North Carolina becomes a location for one of the most unique leaf-looking experiences in the country – the Shadow of the Bear.

This naturally occurring phenomenon makes an appearance for just 30 minutes on sunny days at 5:30 p.m. midOctober through early November.

It starts with a small dark shadow at the bottom of the valley, and grows until it finally evolves into the bear.

Make sure to bring your camera to capture this unique sight and spectacular view as the sun sets behind Whiteside Mountain. The mountain, with an elevation of 4,930 feet, boasts sheer rock cliffs that are among the highest in the eastern United

States. It provides a splendid setting for viewing leaves throughout autumn, especially during the emergence of the Shadow of the Bear.

The best viewing spot for the shadow is right off Highway 64 in a place called Rhodes Big View Overlook, but watch out for busy highway traffic when parking and leaving the site. The Shadow of the Bear also occurs in late winter from mid-February through early March.

WWW.CRAFTGUILD.ORG 828-298-7928

JIM SAMS WOODART

Step Onboard for

By the numbers 5:30 p.m.: Time of day the Shadow of the Bear begins to form 30 minutes: Amount of time the shadow is visible each day 6 weeks: Length of time the Shadow of the Bear appears each year 4,930 feet: Height of Whiteside Mountain, where the Shadow of the Bear can be viewed

For more information, contact the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce at (828) 586 2155 or www.mountainlovers.com or watch a one-minute time-lapse video on YouTube at https: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dm9oaXSTQeQ

• Premium open air cars • First Class dining cars • Special Event trains Sample mountain moonshine on our new all-adult First Class car.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> FOR DETAILS: 800.872.4681 GSMR.com

LEGEND

The wondrous profusion of mountain flowers in spring and early summer, the high altitude coolness of the forest-clad mountains in summer, and the glorious coloring of these mountains in autumn provide an everchanging appeal.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is open 365 days a year, weather permitting. Sometimes road repair is undertaken in the winter months and detours are posted. The Parkway is not plowed or salted in the winter, so after snow or ice events, portions may be closed until the weather warms and makes the roadway safe for travel again. So as not to be disappointed when planning a winter drive, call the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 24-hour information line at 828 298-0398 for the latest road conditions.

Blue Ridge Parkway Facilities 01 Designates Milepost

New River Gorg National River

N Bluefield Pennington Gap

Morristown

40

92

Sevierville

Maryville 411 To Chattanooga 129

Townsend

Tapoco

Cherohala Skyway

143

Robbinsville

8

Murphy 129

e dge

19 76

129

Blairsville

Andrews

Hayesville

Sylva

Topton Franklin 64

Hiwassee 76

Balsam

GA

Waynesville

440 Graveyard 410

26

Mount Pisgah

Cashiers

Saluda 9

Lenoir

Valdese

40 221

To Greenville

Hillsville Laurel 58 Fork Fancy Gap

Elkin

16

90

18

Shelby

NC SC

To Charlotte Gastonia

85

8

Statesville 70

16

150

Columbus

WinstonSalem Clemmons 421

40

Hickory

321

52

601

Union Grove

Newton

108

11

Mouth of Wilson Independence

64

74

Tryon

8

M Galax 180 of Laurel Springs 221 Sparta 220 Stuart West Cumberland Knob rkway a P VA e g d Jefferson Ri Mount e N C u Airy l 21 Boone B 77 18 Doughton Park Pilot 270 E.B. Jeffress Park 74 Mountain

Morganton 321

Chimney Lake Lure Rock 74A

Clayton

To Atlanta

Crabtree Falls

Christi

Floyd

Moses H. Cone Mem. Park North Julian Price Mem. Park Wilkesboro Linville Falls 18

320

Black Mtn.

Pulaski

Wytheville

Blowing Rock 421

Spruce Pine

Craggy Gardens Marion

Parkway Visitor Visitor Center Center

Hendersonville Brevard Highlands Sapphire Lake Toxaway

441

NC

Asheville

Fields

107

Burnsville

Little Switzerland Weaverville

63

Valley

Bryson City

Sugar Mountain

Mars Hill

Marshall

40

Knob Maggie

Cherokee

74

19

Chatuge Lake

441

469

28

NC

Hartford

19E

Erwin

TN

Hot Springs

Great Smoky Mountains National ParkMile Waterrock

165 Fontana Village

70

Newport

Cosby Gatlinburg

Pigeon Forge

411

26

Greeneville

Farragut

75

Elizabethton

Radford

21

58

City

Johnson City Jonesborough

81

Damascus

421 Mountain

81

Knoxville

To Nashville

Bristol

Dublin

77

Marion

Abingdon

11E

75

16

20 km

Kingsport

33

Norris

19

20 mi

0

VA TN

To Lexington

0

460

100

19

Mooresville 77

85

Lexington

52

Salisbury

Kannapolis

52

Concord

109

To Gettysburg, PA

Winchester

Leesburg

Harrisonburg

250

220

Sk

11

340

Staunton

39

e ylin

na She

50

To Washington, DC

Luray

Elkton

42

66

340

D Na rive tio na l P a

Monterey

81

VA

W

V

Front Royal

New Market

33

211

rk 522

229 29

231

h oa nd

Warrenton

“America’s Favorite Drive” at your fingertips

Culpeper

29

Find attractions, history, nearby communities, lodging, hiking trails and more with or without connectivity.

33

Waynesboro

64

ge

220

Buchanan 311

Salem Blacksburg Roanoke

221

d

30

70

150

Vinton

Lynchburg

Bedford

501

Burnt Chimney 43 40

Gretna

360

Eden Reidsville 29

High Point 85

40 85 421

220

Asheboro

Snow Camp

Roxboro 49

Burlington

To Durham

58

501

158

87

Greensboro

311

24

Appomattox

Farmville

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY INFO:

Danville

8

158

To Richmond

DOWNLOAD HERE!

29

Kernersville

20

40

58

220

Cell service/internet conductivity is not 100% in or even near the mountains in many places.

This is a very comprehensive app with lots of information, and best downloaded on a wireless connection.

Chatham

Martinsville

58

FREE DOWNLOAD!

64

Altavista

220

57

15

29

Amherst

460

Rocky Mount

522

Peaks of Otter

Roanoke Mountain

Meadows f Dan

49

Otter Creek

120

Rocky Knob

64

60

Glasgow

460

Smart View

311

Lovingston

Buena Vista

90

Charlottesville

Mile 0 64

Humpback Rocks

Lexington

Natural Bridge

WV VA

iansburg

9

Martinsburg Charles Town Harpers Ferry 340

BRPweather.com

Your source for Parkway weather. Don’t get caught in the rain, fog, or snow! Know what lies ahead on all 469 miles. Accurate forecasts and local weather stations plus live Parkway weather cameras at www.BRPwebcams.org

POSSIBLE ROAD CLOSURES ON THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY A real-time road closure map for the entire Parkway is available at: www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/ roadclosures.htm

Need Travel Help?

Visit www.blueridgeparkway.org and start planning your Parkway journey today! Discover activities and points of interest for the entire Blue Ridge Parkway region - including lodging and camping, toprated attractions, arts, history and more.

20

The Autumn Leaves Festival

The festival began as a celebration of the end of the tobacco and apple harvesting season over 45 years ago.

Mt. Airy radiates with the spectacular scenery of the entire mountainside bathed in craftsmen line the streets, with autumn reds and luminous gold’s many demonstrating their talents set against the scenic backdrop and skills passed down through of the Blue Ridge Mountains. the generations.

The area is particularly beautiful Then, there is “Food for the Soul”, ham biscuits, collards and at this time of year when there’s still a chance to catch some cornbread, barbecue, ground warm sunshine and the leaves steak, Amish Doughnuts and start taking on their brilliant Pretzels and more served with colors. Where shadows last a hospitality by our local civic little longer, doors open a little and service organizations. It’s wider, conversation lasts a little a walker’s paradise with visual delights and mouthwatering treats longer and the spirit of our community has a captivating at every stop. quality on everyone who visits.

The festival showcases their This great community once again rich musical heritage, such as puts out the “WELCOME” mat Old-time, Bluegrass and Gospel performed by local musicians on and invites one and all to come and experience the true spirit of the downtown stage. It’s a toe America’s Hometown. tapping, foot stomping, handALL PETS are strictly clapping kind of weekend where prohibited inside of the festival old friendships are renewed boundaries. (Admission is and new friendships are made.

FREE). Hours are 9-9 Friday and The Autumn Leaves Festival™ Saturday and 12-6 on Sunday. is a homecoming where guests become neighbors.

™

Mount Airy, NC

The Autumn Leaves Festival™ 2015 from October 9-11 marks the 49th anniversary of one of North Carolina’s longest running and most successful events.

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he Autumn Leaves Festival™ has been consistently ranked as one of the “Top 20 Events” in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.

The roster of artisans and craftspeople covers such media as pottery, paintings, textiles and jewelry. The unique arts and crafts of more than 200

#LynchburgVA

Hip & Historic!

FALL / WINTER 2015

www.blueridgedigest.com

It’s Leaf Season in

North Carolina’s High Country T

he spectacular fall colors of the High Country of Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, West Jefferson, Wilkesboro and Beech Mountain will be on display as cooler weather and shorter days approach. Once again, the High Country’s “Fall Color Guy”, Dr. Howard Neufeld of Appalachian State University’s Department of Biology will be explaining and commenting on the change of the leaves in the mountains. You can follow the progress of the color and his forecasts on his website: http:// biology.appstate.edu/fall-colors In addition to the most spectacular display of leaf colors in the South, Fall brings a colorful parade of harvest festivals to North Carolina’s High Country.

Kicking things off is Tweetsie’s Ghost Train Festival beginning Friday, September 27th and running every Friday and Saturday

night through November 2nd as the ghouls come out to play and thrills and chills await you at every corner.

On October 5th and 6th, you can walk the Yellow Brick Road and meet your favorite Oz characters. Visit Auntie Em’s farm and hide from the tornado in the basement, its all at the Autumn at Oz Party on Beech Mountain.

The streets of downtown North Wilkesboro are filled with over 425 arts and crafts, 100 food concessions and four music stages for the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival on October 5th.

Cloggers, folk dancers, rope skippers, and square dancers provide additional entertainment venues. Local apple growers set up throughout the festival selling their apples, apple cider, and dried apples.

The old railroad town of Todd celebrates its heritage and the music of the mountains at the Todd New River Festival on October

12th. Several different bands will perform and at least 30 craft and food vendors will display their creations. Young and old can view the antique tractors, steam engines and a working grist mill grinding corn and making corn meal on the festival grounds.

On October 12th, join reenactors, artists, craftspeople, historians, musicians, storytellers and great cooks for the Boone Heritage Festival, an event celebrating Appalachian heritage. The festival will be held outdoors in the beautiful wooded setting of the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum.

Named for that peerless predictor of winter weather, the 36th Annual Woolly Worm Festival takes place in Banner Elk on October 19th and 20th.

More than 23,000 people will be welcomed to the community to make family memories and also to win the prestigious title of predicting the High Country weather and the chance to win the $1000 bounty!

Concurrent with (October 19th only), and just across the mountain from, the Wooly Worm Festival, is the Valle Country Fair, is an overgrown church bazaar set in the center of one of the most picturesque valleys in the North Carolina mountains at the peak of the fall color season.

For more info on traveling to the High Country, contact the High Country Host Visitors Information Center at 800-438-7500 or visit 1700 Blowing Rock Rd. Boone, NC 28607 Mon-Sat 9-5 • Sun 9-3 • MountainsofNC.com

21

Sequoyah Birthplace Museum They called him Sequoyah.

And, this great Cherokee Indian gave his people an enduring gift. He gave them a writing system - so that the greatness of the Cherokee Nation will live forever. Never before, or since, in the history of the world has one man, not literate in any language, perfected a system for reading and writing a language.

In recognition of his contributions, the Cherokee Nation awarded Sequoyah a silver medal created in his honor and a lifetime literary pension. He continued to serve Cherokee people as a statesman and diplomat until his death.

The museum hosts several annual events including the 24th Annual Cherokee Fall Festival September 12 & 13.

The Festival will include: craft vendors, Cherokee dancing, music, storytelling, Cherokee artisans, Cherokee time-line, Civil War Battle, food vendors, Cherokee Food demonstrations.

Admission is $5.00 per person, children 12 and under are free.

Hours 10-5 both days.

The museum is located in the East Tennessee on the shores of beautiful Tellico Lake, 37 miles south of downtown Knoxville, off Highway U.S. 411 in Vonore, Tennessee on Hwy 360. www.sequoyahmuserum.org or call (423) 884-6246.

22

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FALL / WINTER 2015

FALL FUN Times Five

in Pigeon Forge W

hile summer begins to fade, and autumn’s colors start to decorate the Great Smoky Mountains, you will find a variety of new diversions in Pigeon Forge. Here are five.

The biggest of the new is Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort.

The 300-room resort is tailormade for families. Guests get special Dollywood privileges, including free transportation to Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country, front-of-the-line access at Dollywood and early Saturday entrance at Dollywood.

The opening of the resort is part of Dollywood’s 30th anniversary celebration.

Zombie thrills and chills are the order of the day at Outbreak – Dread the Celtic Games, Clans and Music Undead, a Featuring Second Wynde and No Strings Attached high-energy, Children’s Activities, Food and Crafts walk-through www.radford.edu/festival experience 540-831-6255 at the A partnership between Radford University and the City of Radford, VA Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center. It joins the wax museum, Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors and Castle

Bisse t

Pa rk

RADFORD

Highlanders Festival Sept. 26, 2015

of Chaos as another reason to scream and laugh in Pigeon Forge.

Even on a cool autumn day, there’s wet and wild fun at the Outdoor Gravity Park. This is where you climb inside an OGO, a plastic sphere 11 feet in diameter and then roll down a 1,000-footlong hillside.

Take a friend or two along for added thrills.

There’s family fun indoors and outdoors at the new Bear Country Fun Park. It includes a three-story go-cart track, blaster boats, a classic carousel, the Country Barn

Arcade and a special area for youngsters called Cubs Country.

If you seek some relaxation and rejuvenation, there’s a new place to chill out and get pampered, too. It’s the St. Somewhere Spa at the Margaritaville Island Hotel.

You don’t have to be a hotel guest to gain a little “Mountain Latitude, Island Attitude” at the 5,200-square-foot spa Information about all Pigeon Forge attractions and activities is available by calling 800-251-9100 or visiting MyPigeonForge.com.

Best Pick in Virginia for…

tre ex Thea at the R ers Market d a o R Farm oked pping, f the Cro ate Park • Galax s • Unique Sho including the o ic s u M t m ts Time Ja ial Even er Trail S New Riv egrass and Old s • Annual Spec lu n B tio Weekly mmoda Convention! nd Acco r’s Dining a ous Old Fiddle am F d rl o W

888-217-8823 or 276-238-8130 www.visitgalax.com

FALL / WINTER 2015

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The 28th annual

‘Hard Candy Christmas’ Arts & Crafts show

REFUEL IN ROANOKE in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge

November 27 & 28

A

lways held inside the upscale Western Carolina University Ramsey Center in Cullowhee,NC.It is a ‘Mountain Christmas Tradition” in these parts.

Over 100 of the area’s most skillful craftsmen and

artists gather to sell their latest creations. Customers line up early for original art and fresh greenery wreaths at great prices.

Look for a wide array of heritage crafts like corn shuck angels, goatmilk soap and holiday quilts. The bee keeper has bees wax candles and mountain honey.

The ornament collectors always find a new santa,snowman or angels.

Other catagories are pottery, jewelry,glass ,wood art and specialty sweets and much more .

For all the information www.mountainArtisans. net or call 828 524 34054

An invigorating hike to the top

23

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ravelers seeking to refuel with food off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Roanoke can enjoy southern hospitality minutes from Milepost 120. If you are craving a homemade buttermilk biscuit stop in at the Roanoker Restaurant in business since 1941 serving an average of 500-700 biscuits a day. Next, satisfy your sweet tooth with a stop at On The Rise Bakery located in the historic Roanoke Farmer’s Market. For all you chocoholics, save room

for all kinds of gourmet chocolate at Chocolatepaper just across the street.

Looking for a menu with even more of a southern selection?

Thursday through Sunday, head to The Homeplace, a 1900s plantation style home turned restaurant, where heaping familystyled platters of fried chicken, country ham, green beans and mashed potatoes arrive upon request and just the way mom made ‘em. Don’t forget to save room for dessert! The Salem Ice Cream Parlor awaits your arrival with so many options you won’t be able to resist sample tastings before you make a final decision.

You’ll never view or taste Virginia’s Blue Ridge the same again!

For more information on Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge – go to www.visitvablueridge.com

or a ride that’s completely unexpected.

See Chimney Rock Differently. Tickets, Events and More Views: ChimneyRockPark.com

24

www.blueridgedigest.com

FALL / WINTER 2015

The Blue Ridge Digest can be found at these regional visitor’s centers!

GEORGIA Blairsville/Union County Chamber 129 Union County Rec Rd. • Blairsville, GA 30512; (706) 745-5789 www.blairsvillechamber.com Ellijay Visitor Center 205 Craig St.; PO Box 505 Ellijay, GA 30540; (706) 635-7400 www.gilmerchamber.com Fannin County Chamber of Commerce 152 Orvin Lance Drive • Blue Ridge, GA 30513 • (706) 632-5680 www.blueridgemountains.com Rabun County Welcome Center 232 Hwy 441 North, POB 750 Clayton, Georgia 30525; (706) 782-4812 www.gamountains.com/rabun Toccoa Welcome Center 901 E. Currahee St. P.O. Box 577 Toccoa, GA 30577; (706) 866-2132 Towns County Visitor Center 1411 Jack Dayton Circle Young Harris, GA 30582 (706) 896-4966 • www.mountaintopga.com

NORTH CAROLINA Alleghany Co. Chamber of Commerce 58 S. Main, POB 1237 BRD Sparta, NC 28675; (800) 372-5473 www.sparta-nc.com Andrews Chamber of Commerce 345 Locust St. • P.O. Box 800 Andrews, NC 28902 • (877) 558-0005 www.andrewschambercommerce.com Ashe County Chamber & Visitor Center 1 N. Jefferson Ave, P.O. Box 31 West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-9550 • www.ashechamber.com Avery County Chamber of Commerce 4501 Tynecastle Hwy • Unit 2 Banner Elk, NC 28604; (800) 972-2183 www.averycounty.com Banner Elk Visitor Center 100 Main Street West, Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828) 898-8395 www.bannerelk.org Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce 403A Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mtn, NC 28604; (800) 468-5506 www.beechmtn.com Black Mountain Chamber of Commerce 201 E. State St., Black Mountain, NC 28711; (828) 669-2300

Blowing Rock Visitor Center 192 Chestnut St • Blowing Rock Blowing Rock, NC 28605; 877-750-4636 www.visitblowingrock.com

Floyd Visitors Center & Chamber of Commerce 209 East Main Street Floyd, VA 4091 540-745-4407

Blue Ridge Mtn Stop Visitor Center 4220 Blowing Rock Blvd • Lenoir, NC 28645 • (828) 754-5400

Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce 425 Porter St. Franklin, NC 28734; (888) 439-park • www.franklin-chamber.com

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center 195 Hemphill Knob Rd Asheville, NC 28803 • 828-298-5330

Gaston County Visitor Center 620 Main Street • Belmont, NC 28012

Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 870 W King St. Suite A, Boone, NC 28607; (828) 264-2225 • www.VisitBooneNC.com

Greensboro Visitor Center 2411 West Gate City Blvd Greensboro, NC 27403; (800) 344-2282 www.VisitGreensboroNC.com

Bryson City Chamber of Commerce 210 Main Street • Bryson City, NC 28713; (800) 867-9246 • www.greatsmokies.com

Haywood Chamber of Commerce 28 Walnut St. • Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 456-3021

Burke County Travel & Tourism 110 E. Meeting Street Morganton, NC 28655; (828) 433-6793

Hendersonville Visitor Center 201 S. Main St • Hendersonville, NC 28792 (800) 828-4244 www.historichendersonville.org

Caldwell County Visitor Center 1909 Hickory Blvd. SE Lenoir, NC 28645; (828) 726-0616 Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce 202 U.S. 64, POB 238 BRD Cashiers, NC 28717; (828) 743-5191 www.cashiers-nc.com Cherokee County Visitor Center 20 Tennessee Street Murphy, NC 28906 828-557-2583 www.visitcherokeecountync.com Cherokee County Welcome Center 805 W. US 64 Murphy, NC 28906; (828) 837-2242 www.cherokeecountychamber.com Cherokee Smokies Chamber of Commerce 516 Tsali Blvd Cherokee, NC 28719 www.cherokeesmokies.com or 828-788-0034 Cherokee Welcome Center P.O. Box 460 • 498 Tsalis Rd. Cherokee, NC 28719; (800) 438-1601 www.cherokee-nc.com Clay County Chamber of Commerce 388 Business Hwy 64 Hayesville, NC 28904; (828) 389-3704 www.claycounty-nc-chamber.com Davie County Chamber of Commerce 135 S. Salisbury St., Mocksville, NC 27028-2337; (336) 751-3304 - www.mocksville.org

Hickory Visitor Center 1055 Southgate Parkway SW Hickory, NC 28602 (828) 328-6111 www.hickorymetro.com

Mount Airy Visitor Center 200 N. Main St. • Mt. Airy, NC 27030; (800) 948-0949 • www.visitmayberry.com NW NC Visitor Center 2121 East US Hwy 421 • North WIlkesboro, NC 28659 • (336) 667-1259 NC High Country Host Visitor Center 1700 Blowing Rock Rd. • Boone, NC 28607; (800) 438-7500 www.mountainsofnc.com Old Fort Visitor Center 91 S. Catawba Ave • Old Fort, NC 28762 (888) 233-6111 • www.visitmcdowell.com Piedmont Triad Visitor Center 700 NC Hwy 700 Pelham, NC 27311; (800) 388-9830 Polk County Visitor Center 20 E. Mills Street Columbus, NC 28722; (800) 440-7848 Smoky Mountain Host of NC, Inc 4437 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734 (800) 432-4678 • www.visitsmokies.org Spruce Pine Visitor Center 165 Locust St. Spruce Pine, NC 28777 (828) 765-7008

Lake Lure Welcome Center 2926 Memorial Hwy. Lake Lure, NC 28746

Statesville Convention & Visitors Bureau 118 W Broad St, Statesville, NC 28687; (704) 878-3480 or (877) 531-1819 www.visitstatesville.org

Highlands Chamber of Commerce 108 Main St., P. O. Box 404 Highlands, NC 28741 (828) 526-2112 www.highlandschamber.org

Waynesville/Haywood County Visitor Center 44 N. Main St. • Waynesville NC 28786 (800) 334-9036 www.visitncsmokies.com

Jackson County Chamber of Commerce 773 W. Main Street • Sylva, NC 28779; (800) 962-1911 • www.mountainlovers.com

Wilkes County Chamber of Commerce 717 Main St., PO Box 727 BRD N. Wilkesboro, NC 28659; (336) 838-8662 • www.wilkesnc.org

Jonesville Welcome Center 1503 NC Hwy 67W Jonesville, NC 28642 • (336) 526-1111 Madison County Visitor Center 56 S. Main Street • Mars Hill, NC 28754; (828) 680-9031 www.visitmadisoncounty.com Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce 2791 Soco Road, POB 279 Maggie Valley, NC 28751 (800) MAGGIE-1 • www.maggievalley.org McDowell County Visitor Center 1170 W. Tate St. • Marion, NC 28752; (828) 652-4240 • www.McDowellNC.org Mitchell Co. Chamber of Commerce 79 Parkway Rd • Spruce Pine, NC 28777; (800) 227-3912 www.mitchell-county.com

Winston-Salem Visitor Center 200 Brookstown Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 336-728-4205 • VisitWinstonSalem.com Yadkin Valley Visitor Center 116 East Market St. • Elkin, NC 28621; (336) 526-1111 • www.yadkinvalley.org Yancey County Chamber of Commerce 106 W. Main St. • Burnsville, NC 28714; (800) 948-1632 • www.yanceychamber.com

TENNESSEE Anderson County Visitor Center 115 Welcome Lane • Clinton, TN 37716; (800) 524-3602 • www.yallcome.com Clairborne Co. Chamber of Commerce 1732 Main St., Suite 1 Tazewell, TN 37879; (423) 626-4149 www.clairbornecounty.com

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The Blue Ridge Digest can be found at these regional visitor’s centers!

Coker Creek Visitor Center 12197 Hwy. 68 • Tellico Plains, TN 37385 (423) 261-2286

Albemarle Tourism & Adventure Center 5791 Three Notched Rd • Crozet, VA 22932 (434) 906-2713

Greene County Economic Development & Tourism 8315 Seminole Trail, Suite 2 Ruckersville, VA 22968

Rockfish Gap Visitor Center 130 Afton Circle Afton, VA 22920; (540) 943-5187 www.augustabusiness.org

Elizabethton Visitor Center 500 19E Bypass; POB 190 Elizabethton, TN 37644; (423) 547-3850 www.tourelizabethton.com

Appomattox Visitor Center 214 Main Street. PO Box 246 Appomattox, VA 24522; (434) 352-8999 www.TourAppomattox.com

Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center 212 S. Main St Harrisonburg, Virginia, 22801 VisitHarrisonburgVA.com.

(540) 432-8935

Salem Visitor Center 1001 Boulevard @ Civic Center Salem, VA 24153; (888) 827-2536 www.visitsalem.com

Greene Co. Partnership/COB 115 Academy St. Greeneville, TN 37743; (423) 638-4111 www.GreeneCountyPartnership.com

Abingdon Visitor Center 335 Cummings St. • Abingdon, VA 24210 (800) 435-3440 • www.abingdon.com

Lexington Visitor Center 106 E. Washington St. Lexington, VA 24450; (540) 463-3777 www.lexingtonvirginia.com

Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center 16430 Booker T. Washington Hwy. #2 Moneta. VA 24121 • 540-721-1203 www.visitsmithmountainlake.com

Loudoun County Tourism 112 South Street • Leesburg, VA 20175 (800) 752-6118 • www.visitloudon.org

Smyth County Visitor Center 408 Whitetop Rd., Chilhowie, VA 24319 (276) 646-3306 • VisitVirginiaMountains.com

Luray/Page County Chamber 18 Campbell Street. Luray, VA 22835; (540) 743-3915 - www.luraypage.com

Staunton Travel Information Center 1290 Richmond Rd. (I-81 Exit 222) Staunton, VA 24401 • (540) 332-3972 www.VisitStaunton.com

Buena Vista Visitor Center 595 E. 19th St. • Buena Vista, VA 24417 (540) 261-2880 • buena-vista.va.us.com

Lynchburg Regional Information Center 216 12th St. at Church St. Lynchburg, VA 24505; (800) 732-5821 www.discoverlynchburg.org

Staunton Visitor’s Center 35 South New Street, Staunton,VA 24401 540-332-3971 • www.VisitStaunton.com

Kingsport Visitor Center 151 E. Main St., POB 1403 BRD Kingsport, TN 37662; (423) 392-8820 www.kingsportchamber.org

Carroll County Visitor Center 231 Farmers Market Rd, Hillsville, VA 24343 (888) 785-2782 • (276) 730-3100 www.visittheBlueRidge.com

Madison County Visitor Center 110A N. Main St., Madison, VA 22727 (540) 948-4455 • www.madison-va.com

Loudon County Visitor Bureau 1075 US Hwy 321 • Lenoir City, TN 37771 (865) 568-3662 • www.visitloudoncounty.com

Charlottesville Visitor Center 610 East Main St Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 293-6789 • (434) 970-3641 www.visitcharlottesville.org

Gateway to Shenandoah Visitor Center at Hupp’s Hill Civil War Park and Museum 33229 Old Valley Pike Strasburg, Virginia 22657 540-465-5884

Historic Jonesborough 117 Boone St. Jonesborough, TN 37659; (423) 423-753-1010 • Toll Free: 866-401-4223 www.historicjonesborough.com Johnson City Visitor Center 603 E. Main St. Johnson City, TN 37605; (423) 926-2141, www.johnsoncitytn.com Johnson County Welcome Center 716 S. Shady St. (Hwy. 421S) Mountain City, TN 37683; (423) 727-5800 jcwc@preferred.com

Oak Ridge Visitor Center 102 Robertsville Rd • Suite C Oak Ridge, TN 37830; (800) 482-7821, www.visit-or.org Pigeon Forge Visitor Center 1950 N. Parkway, POB 1390 BRD Pigeon Forge, TN 37868; (800) 251-9100 mypigeonforge.com Rogersville/Hawkins County C of C 107 E. Main St., Ste.100 Rogersville, TN 37857; (423) 272-2186 Scott County Visitor Center 12025 Scott Highway Helenwood, TN 37755 • (800) 645-6905 Smoky Mtn Visitor Center 3540 Line Drive • Kodak, TN 37764 (865) 932-3696 Unicoi Visitor Center - 106 Unicoi Village Place PO Box 39 • Erwin, TN 37692 www.unicoitn.net 423-735-0426

VIRGINIA 1908 Courthouse Visitor Center 107 E Main Street Independence VA 24348 (276) 773-2471

Afton Visitor Center 130 Afton Circle • Afton, VA 22920 (540) 943-5187 • www.visitwaynesboro.net Bedford Visitor Center 816 Burks Hill Rd • Bedford, VA 24523; (877)-HiPeaks • VisitBedford.com Blue Ridge Visitor Center 2577 JEB Stuart Highway Meadows of Dan, VA 24120 • 276-694-6012

Culpeper Visitor Center 111 S. Commerce St. • Culpeper, VA 22701 Phone: (540) 727-0611 Toll Free: 844-490-2577. www.visitculpeperva.com

Martinsville-Henry County Visitor Center 191 Fayette Street Virginia Tech Visitor Info Ctr. Martinsville, VA 24112 965 Prices Fork Rd. • Blacksburg, VA (888) 722-3498 www.visitmartinsville.com 24061;(540) 231-3548 welcome@vt.edu Nelson County Visitor Center 8519 Thomas Nelson Hwy., Western Highlands Visitor Center Lovingston, VA 22949; (800) 282-8223 241 W. Main St. • Covington, VA 24426; www.Nelsoncounty.com (540) 962-2178 • www.alleghanyhighlands.com

Danville Visitor Center 645 River Park Dr • Danville, VA 24540; (434) 793-4636 • www.visitdanville.com

Orange Co. Visitor’s Center 122 East Main St. • Orange, VA 22960 (877) 222-8072 • www.visitorangevirginia.com

Discovery Center at Mill Mountain Roanoke’s Mill Mountain 215 Church Ave., Room 303 Roanoke, VA 24016 • (540) 853-1236

Patrick County Chamber of Commerce 20475 JEB Stuart Hwy • PO Box 577 Stuart, VA 24171; (276) 694-6012 www.patrickchamber.com

Explore Park Visitor Center Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 115 Roanoke, VA 24014 • (540) 427-1800

Prince William Visitor Center 200 Mill St. • Occoquan, VA 22125 703-491-4045 • ticctr@aol.com

Floyd Visitors Center 109 E. Main St. Floyd, VA 24091 www.VisitFloydVA.com 540-745-4407

Pulaski County Visitor Center 4440 Cleburne Blvd • Dublin, VA 24084 540-674-4161. www.pulaskicounty.org

Front Royal Visitor Center 414 E. Main St. • Front Royal, VA 22630; (800) 338-3576 • www.discoverfrontroyal.com

Radford Visitor Center 600 Unruh Dr. • Radford, VA 24141 (866) 605-6442 • www.visitradford.com

City of Galax Tourism Department 110 East Grayson St. • Galax, VA 24333 276-238-8130 www.visitgalax.com

Roanoke Visitor Information Center 101 Shenandoah Ave., NE Roanoke VA 24016 • (800) 635-5535 www.visitvablueridge.com

Winchester-Frederick County CVB 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Rd. Winchester, VA 22601 • (877) 871-1326 www.visitwinchesterva.com Wytheville CVB 975 Tazewell Street Wytheville, VA 24382; (276) 223-3355 Toll free (877) 347-8307 www.visitWytheville.com

WEST VIRGINIA West Virginia Welcome Center 37 Washington Court at US 340 Harpers Ferry, WV 25435; (866) -HELLO-WV • www.hello-wv.com

KENTUCKY Cumberland Gap Nhp Visitor Center US 25E South • Middlesboro, KY 40965 (606) 248-2817

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Mountain Lodging Food Fun NORTH CAROLINA ASHEVILLE, NC Asheville East KOA-Exit 59 off I-40 big rigs & tenters welcome. Wooded sites, with pool, lake & river fishing.

800-562-5907 or (828) 686-3121.

2708 Hwy 70E, Swannanoa, NC 28778. www.ashevilleeastkoa.com.

Asheville West KOA-Exit 37 off I-40 Something for everyone, RV’s, tenters, cabins. In foothills, wooded sites, hiking trails, pool. (800) 5629015. 309 Wiggins Rd., Candler, NC 28715. www.ashevillekoa.com Bear Creek RV Park - Exit Rt. 191 from Parkway; I-40 Exit 47; or I-26 Exit 2. 3 miles north of Parkway off Rt. 191. 5 mins. Biltmore House. 90 full hookups, paved sites, pool, laundry. Open year round. (800) 833-0798 www.ashevillebearcreek.com.

Campfire Lodgings - 7 mi. from dwtn Asheville, Mtn. top camping, full service RV sites, yurts & cliff house.

Open year-round. (828) 658-8012. www.campfirelodgings.com.

Carolina Foam, Fabric & Home Decor - Dress fabric, upholstery fabric & large selection of quilters fabric. I-40 Exit 64 in Black Mountain. (828) 669-2400.

Mast Store – Located at 15 Biltmore Ave., Downtown Asheville.

Restored to its 1940s heyday, this store features housewares, jams & jellies, camping gear, shoes & boots, clothing, and over 500 old-fashioned candy favorites. www.MastStore.com. 828-232-1883.

Rutledge Lake RV Park.

Exit 40 off I-26. 2 mi from Asheville airport. (828) 654-7873. 170 Rutledge Rd.www.rutledgelake.com.

Shoji Spa & Lodge - Relax at Asheville’s only outdoor hot tub spa.

Reap the benefits of the cold plunge, unwind in our sauna and rest in the Lodge. Specializing in couples massage. 2500 ft. above stress level. www.shojiretreats.com.

By appt. only. (828) 299-0999.

The Pines Cottages - 346 Weaverville Hwy, Asheville, NC. Cottages & cabins at hotel prices. A unique Asheville experience. 828-645-9661. Free WiFi. www.ashevillepines.com

BALSAM, NC Balsam Mountain Inn .5 mi. from pkwy mp 443 at Balsam Gap. Historic inn, gracious dining, porches, 50 rms. www.balsaminn.net 800-224-9498 Moonshine Creek Campground Cool, Shady Sites on Mountain Stream in the Heart of the Smoky Mountains. RV’s, Tents, Cabins, 5 minutes from the BRP with Fishing, Campfires, Hot Showers, and Campstore. 828-586-6666 moonshinecreekcampground.com

BANNER ELK, NC Smoke Tree Lodge - 12 miles south of Boone on Hwy 105. Nestled at the foot of Grandfather Mtn. Condo-apts, heated indoor pool, ESPN, Jacuzzi, saunas. (800) 422-1880. www.smoketreelodge.com

BEECH MOUNTAIN, NC Condominium And Chalet Rentals - By the day, week or month - kitchens, full linens, fireplaces, whirlpools, country club access (golf, tennis, heat. Pools, family activities) Coolest locations in south. Call 1-800-692-2061 or 828/387-4251. 503 Beech Mtn. Pkwy. (next to Fred’s General Mercantile) Beechwood Realty.

BLOWING ROCK, NC Alpine Village Inn - 297 Sunset Dr. Quaint cozy rooms & suites in the heart of town. AC, CCTV, & phones, Wi-Fi complimentary. Some fireplaces & Jacuzzi. Pet friendly rooms. www.alpine-village-inn.com (828) 295-7206.

Chetola Resort - Magnificent views, 87 acres, Lodge, Condos, Bob Timberlake Inn. Fitness Center, Restaurants, Orvis Endorsed. N. Main St., Blowing Rock, NC 28605. www.chetola.com (828) 295-5500 or (800) 243-8652.

Hemlock Inn & Suites - 134 Morris St. Downtown Blowing Rock. 1/2 mile to Parkway. Open year round.

Walk to shops and restaurants.

(828) 295-7987. www.hemlockinn.net.

Homestead Inn - 153 Morris St. Downtown. Open all year. Affordable rates. Immaculate rooms. Fire/jacuzzis/ efficiencies. Wi-Fi. (828) 295-9559. www.homestead-inn.com.

Jenkins Rentals - The finest rental homes, cabins and condos in the Blowing Rock area. Hot tubs & Mtn vews available. (800) 438-7803. www.jenkinsrentals.com.

Mystery Hill. - 129 Mystery Hill Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605. Family fun center. Feel the strange pull. Hall of Mystery artifacts. Museum open all year. 828-263-0507. info@mysteryhill-NC.com Riverside Log Cabins - 129 Mystery Hill Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605.

828-263-0507. One and two bedroom units. Riversidelogcabins.com. Open all year. Close to attractions.

Village Inns of Blowing RockNo Smoking, Wi-Fi/Breakfast.

Suites/Cottages/Rooms. Some Pet Friendly Rooms. (828) 295-3001

BOONE, NC Foscoe Rentals - Cabins, Condos and Vacation homes centrally located to Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock.

(800) 723-7341. www.foscoerentals.com Hidden Valley Motel- Birds, blooms and butterflies in the Foscoe Valley.

Hwy 105 south between Boone and Banner Elk. Call 828/963-4372. www.hiddenvalleymotel.com or email: jim@hiddenvalleymotel.com.

Horn in the West- Revolutionary War drama & Hickory Ridge - A living history museum. Open mid-June to mid August 2015. www.horninthewest.com KOA Kampground - From Boone, 194N 3 miles. Left on Ray Brown Rd. 1 mile. Beautiful view. Rec room, mini golf, laundry. 123 Harmony Mtn. Lane, Boone, NC 28607. 828-264-7250.

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Be sure to tell them you saw it in THE DIGEST! Mast Store – Located 630 W King St, Downtown Boone. Built in 1913/1917, you’ll find most everything you need for life: clothing, footwear, trail & travel gear, housewares, gifts, & old-fashioned candy. www.MastStore.com. 828-262-0000 NC High Country Host Visitor Center- 1700 Blowing Rock Rd., Boone, NC 28607. (800) 438-7500. www.mountainsofnc.com

BREVARD, NC Inn at Brevard - Lodging, dining, cocktails. B and B. European cuisine. 15 antique furnished rooms.

Breakfast. 315 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712. www.theinnatbrevard. com (828) 884-2105. brevard@theinnatbrevard.com.

BRYSON CITY, NC Historic Fryemont Inn Lodging & Dining - From $62.50 PP incl. breakfast & dinner. Great Food, Full Bar, Big Pool!

800-845- 4879. www.fryemontinn.com

BURNSVILLE, NC Alpine Village Resort - 1 & 2 bedroom condos. Great views.

Tennis, heated pool/summer, cable TV, special golf fees. 3 miles west of Parkway, exit Buck Creek Gap Hwy. 80. No pets. 828/675-4103.

CHEROKEE, NC Oconaluftee Indian Village - Share the rich history & traditions of the Cherokee at this replica of a Cherokee community of the 1750s. May thru Oct.

Be sure to tell them you saw it in THE DIGEST!

FALL / WINTER 2015

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Mountain Lodging Food Fun CHIMNEY ROCK, NC

LAKE TOXAWAY, NC

LITTLE SWITZERLAND, NC

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park – 40 min. SE of Asheville, exit milepost 384.7.

Come for the views. Discover infinite possibilities. Spectacular wildflowers, hiking, rock climbing instruction, special events, workshops and more!

26-story elevator inside mountain. Pet friendly. Admission rates: $15 Adults, $7 Youth ages 5-15, 4 and under free.

Open all year. Open daily 8:30am 5:30pm. Live it up! 800-277-9611 chimneyrockpark.com

Greystone Inn: Four Diamond Country Inn on shore of NC’s largest private lake. Incredible cuisine, golf, spa & more. 800-8245766. www.greystoneinn.com

Alpine Inn - Authentic mountain inn with unsurpassed views. Optional breakfast. Wi-Fi, Free Sunrises, Open April-November. 1 mile S on Hwy 226A at MP 334. www.alpineinnnc.com 828-765-5380.

FONTANA DAM, NC Fontana Village Resort & Lake Cabins - Lodge, camping, marina, boat rentals & guides. Fishing, dining, lounges, pools, disk golf, hiking & mtn biking. 800-849-2258. www.fontanavillage.com

GLENDALE SPRINGS, NC Mountain View Lodge - MP 256, Eight new cabins & one beautiful lodge, perfect for both small and large groups. Cabin amenities include kitchens, bedroom with king and queen size bed, large loft, cable TV, VCR/DVD, Jacuzzi tubs, fireplace, and decks with rockers and swings. www.mtnviewlodge.com (336) 207-7677.

HENDERSONVILLE, NC Mast Store – Located 527 N Main St, Downtown Hendersonville. Built in 1905, this store embodies the essence of the era and is packed with clothing, shoes & boots, camping gear, country gourmet foods, & candy. www.MastStore.com.

828-696-1883 Discover Hendersonville!

Check out our Stay & Play Packages & Room Availability!

Hendersonville Visitors Center, 201 S Main Street, Hendersonville, NC. 1-800-828-4244. Open 7 days a week, www.historichendersonville.org

LAUREL SPRINGS, NC Thistle Meadow Winery - Stop for wine tasting - Exit at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 248.

3 miles to winery on NC 18.

800-233-1505. Gas nearby. www.thistlemeadowwinery.com

LINVILLE, NC Grandfather Mountain - Grandfather’s lofty heights offer guests opportunities for rejuvenation, excitement and family memories in a natural haven that will endure forever. Marvel at 360-degree views from the Mile High Swinging Bridge, stand eye-to-eye with native wildlife in natural habitats and interact with our friendly, knowledgeable staff. One mile from Blue Ridge Parkway; take the Linville exit at Milepost 305 to U.S. 221 South.

Open daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. $20 adult; $18 senior 60+; $9 child 4-12; under 4 free. www.grandfather.com | (828) 733-4337 or (800) 468-7325

LINVILLE FALLS, NC Linville Caverns - 19929 US 221 N. Marion. 4 miles South of Parkway, MP 317. NC’s ONLY show cavern. 800419-0540. www.linvillecaverns.com.

Linville Falls Lodge & Cottages BRP Milepost 317.4, US 221S 1 mile to Rt. 183, left. Restaurant (ABC permit), Walk to falls & gorge. www.linvillefallslodge.com (800) 634-4421.

Parkview Lodge - Milepost 317.4, 500 ft. south of Parkway on US 221. Private Guest Rooms, one bedroom suite and secluded cabins available. Color TV, Swimming Pool, Crafts, Wine & Beer Shop. Free continental breakfast with guest room.Open All Year. 828-765-4787; 1-800-849-4452.

Big Lynn Lodge - AAA Historic Country Inn. Scenic views of mountains, valley & Blue Ridge Parkway. One of the few old fashioned places that gives you lodging & meals (evening & breakfast) for one low package price. 3200 ft elev. 1 1/4 mile E of Parkway. Exit at Spruce Pine, on NC 226A near milepost 331. Open April 15 to Nov. 5. 40 units. PO Box 459.

(828) 765-4257; 1-800-654-5232 Emerald Village - Real mines, mine tours, & gem mining. Other free displays: railroad, music museum, wildlife. MP334. 828-765-6463. www.emeraldvillage.com Switzerland Cafe & General Store MP 334 1/4 mile of the Parkway. Lunch and weekend dinners. Souvenirs and picnic items. Call 828-765-5289. www.switzerlandcafe.com Switzerland Inn And Chalet Restaurant - A little bit of Switzerland in NC. Fantastic mountain views, rooms, suites, cottages, dining, shopping, tennis. Located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Little Switzerland exit near Parkway Milepost 334. Little Switzerland, NC 28749. (828) 765-2153 or (800) 654-4026. www.switzerlandinn.com

MAGGIE VALLEY, NC Boyd Mountain Log Cabins - Secluded 130 acres near Maggie Valley, 7 Authentic cabins, fireplaces, AC, cable, WIFI. Choose n cut Christmas tree farm, trout fishing, hiking. (828) 926-1575. www.boydmountain.com

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Be sure to tell them you saw it in THE DIGEST! Haywood County Hotel & Motel Assoc.-Maggie Valley,Waynesville,Lake Junaluska. Quality lodging & dining within minutes of 4 BRP exits, MP 420-450. All accommodations adhere to Quality Standards.

See us @www.maggievalley.travel.

Jonathan Creek Inn & Maggie Valley Villas - MP 455.7 AAA 3 Diamond Rated. Creekside and Hot Tub Rooms, Creekside & Mountain View Villas, Indoor Heated Pool, Children’s Play Area. 1-800-577-7812. www.jonathancreekinn.com Maggie Valley Area Lodging Association - Affordable motel rooms, cabins, cottages or vacation rentals.

Visit our website www.visitmaggie. com to find your perfect home away from home in the mountains.

Rock- n-Robins - Maggie Valley’s largest ice cream shop. 32 flavors, burgers, dogs, steak subs, nachos. Located in Market Square at 3445 Soco Road in Maggie Valley

McDOWELL COUNTY, NC McDowell Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center - Shopping & food near center. Free coffee & area info.

Clean restrooms. From Parkway MP 317, 24 mi. S on US 221. From MP331: 15 mi S on NC226. (828) 652-4240.

MITCHELL COUNTY, NC Mitchell County, NC - Exit milepost 331. Gem mining, gem & mineral shops, specialty mineral & gem festival, rhododendron festival, indoor ice skating rink, white water rafting, Appalachian Trail. For more information, call 1-800-227-3912 or 828-765-9483.

MOUNT AIRY, NC Pilot Knob Inn -Tobacco barn cabins & honeymoon suites, whirlpools, fireplaces on 100+ acres, lake with boating & fishing, Pilot Mtn 1 mile off Hwy 52. Full breakfast and sauna. (336) 325-2502. www.pilotknobinn.com

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Mountain Lodging Food Fun NEWLAND, NC Secluded Valley RV Campground - 8 miles North Spruce Pine on 19E. 5 miles from Blue Ridge Parkway.

30 & 50 amp full hookups, children & pets welcome, level & spacious sites. (828) 765-4810. www.secludedvalleyrvcampground.com.

SPARTA & GLADE VALLEY, NC Alleghany Inn - 341 N. Main St., Sparta, NC 28675. 64 Rooms - Free Wireless Internet - Cable TV 60+ Chan, Guest Laundry - Restaurant on site.

888) 372-2501 Reserve online: www.AlleghanyInn.com . see ad page 3 Glade Valley B&B – Near MP 229.

Our modern, beautiful log home is surrounded with all the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. All rooms have private baths, some with jacuzzi tubs. Our breakfasts are all homemade and plentiful.

800-538-3508. www.gladevalley.com See our ad on page 3.

Thistle Meadow Winery - Stop for wine tasting - exit at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 248. 3 miles to winery on NC18.(800) 233-1505. gas nearby. www.thistlemeadowwinery.com

SPRUCE PINE, NC Bear Den Creekside Cabins On the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 324.8. All amenities, jacuzzis, decks, fireplaces. For 2 to 10.

(828) 765-2888.www.bear-den.com Res. recmd.

Bear Den Campground - On the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 324.8.

Complete facilities, serving the south for over 41 years. www.bear-den.com (828) 765-2888. Scenic beauty.

Peak Mountain Cottages & Retreat Center--On 300 acres, 7 miles N of Pkwy. Room to play or relax. Hiking trails, clear mtn streams. 460 Rabbit Hop Rd near Penland. Individuals, families or groups up to 25. 828-7659559. www.peakmountaincottages.com

FANCY GAP, VA

Skyland Lakes Golf Club - Right on Parkway at milepost 202.2. New 18 hole public course. Beautiful scenery.

Motel & golf packages available.

(276) 728-4923.

GROTTOES, VA

Grand Caverns - 5 Grand Caverns Dr, Grottoes, VA, America’s oldest continuously operated show cave.

Nature’s handiwork & gifts. 888430-CAVE. www.grandcaverns.com

VALLE CRUCIS, NC

FISHERSVILLE, VA

HARRISONBURG, VA

Mast General Store & Annex – Est. 1883 & listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this authentic general store in rural Valle Crucis features clothing, camping gear, shoes & boots, housewares, unique gifts, and over 500 old-fashioned candies. Visit our other historic locations in NC, SC, & TN. www.MastStore.com.

Antique Expo - 400 dealers exhibiting in halls, barns, tents & outside twice yearly. October 9-11, 2015.

Augusta Expoland. I-64, exit 91.

(434) 847-8242. www.heritagepromotions.net.

Harrisonburg, VA Visitor Center 212 S. Main St (540) 432-8935 www.VisitHarrisonburgVA.com.

Call for free materials!

WAYNESVILLE, NC Mast Store – Located 63 N Main St, Downtown Waynesville. Built in 1930s and filled with everything you’d expect in a general store – clothing, shoes, cast iron, candy, and camping gear. www.MastStore. com. 828-452-2101

TENNESSEE GATLINBURG, TN Ski Mountain Chalet & Condo Rentals - 1-6 bedroom units, hot tubs, jacuzzis, pool tables, kitchens, fireplaces, privacy. (800) 824-4077. www.skimtnchalets.com

VIRGINIA BEDFORD, VA Peaks of Otter Winery & Orchards - 2122 Sheep Creek Rd, 24523. MP 86. Fruit wine, fruit, jams, jellies, free tastings. Vacation rentl house. 540586-3707. www.iwineu.com or www.elmosrest.com

FLOYD, VA Blue Ridge Restaurant, Inc. - E. Main St., Floyd, VA (540) 745-2147.

For good home-style cooking try our daily specials. We are open early with gravy biscuits, hot cakes, country ham, and eggs every day.

Chateau Morrisette. - 287 Winery Rd., SW Floyd, VA 24091.

MP 171.5. Breathtaking vistas, award-winning wines and memorable dining. (540) 593-2865. www.thedogs.com Floyd County Tourism - Village Green Ste.7, 201 E. Main St. Floyd, VA 24091 Mountain town with unique music, arts, outdoor fun! www.VisitFloydVA.com 540-239-8509 Floyd Country Store: Famous venue for Heritage Appalachian music every weekend. Store and cafe open all week. www.floydcountrystore.com Floyd Visitors Center 209 E. Main St. Floyd, VA 24091 Mountain town with unique music, arts, outdoor fun! 540-745-4407 www.VisitFloydVA.com Hotel Floyd - 120 Wilson St, Floyd, VA. (540) 745-6080. www.hotelFloyd.com. Unique lodging off MP165 with themed rooms and located downtown Floyd. Don’t miss visiting this unique town and hotel!

The Village Inn - 1 mile south of I-81, Exit 243, on US 11. American Automobile Association Three Diamond Award. (540) 434-7355, toll free reservations-1-800-736-7355. www.shenandoah.org/villageinn

LOVE, VA. Royal Oaks - Cabins, chalets, store, gifts, deli, weddings. Near MP16 on parkway. Upscale lodging, hot tubs, fireplaces, equipped kit, bedding/linens. Beautiful views atop the BR Mtns. www.vacabins.com. 540-943-7625.

LURAY, VA. Allstar Lodging - Unique Cabins and Vacation rentals. Pools, Hot tubs, frplc, kitch, riverfront/mountains, hiking, canoeing, fishing in Shenandoah Valley. 866-780-7827. www.allstarlodging.com.

MEADOWS OF DAN, VA Primland Resort - 2000 Busted Rock Road. Resort Lodge, Fairway Cottages, Mountain Homes. Spectacular views. Golf. Spa. Dining, Outdoor activities. 276.222.3800 www.primland.com

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Mountain Lodging Food Fun NATURAL BRIDGE, VA Natural Bridge Zoological Park I-81 Exit 180A. Rt 11 North. Largest and most complete collection of birds and animals in Virginia. Elephant rides, white tigers, cougars, giraffes, zebras, bears, baboons, monkeys, Flamingos, pet & feed tame deer, Ilamas, goats and mini donkeys.

Safari gift shop, modern restrooms, free parking, free picnic pavilion.

Open daily 9am-7pm. March-November. Group rates. Fun for the whole family! www.naturalbridgezoo.com.

540-291-2420 Natural Bridge - I - 81 exits 175 and 180 - Natural Bridge Hotel and Conference Center offers the charm of a bygone era with modern amenities for today’s travelers. 140 tastefully appointed guest rooms features views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, on site restaurant and lounge as well as 10,000 square feet of conference/ banquet space. On site the Historic Natural Bridge as well as the Caverns at Natural Bridge, Monacan Indian Village, walking/hiking trails and Virginia’s unspoiled beauty. For reservations and packages call 540 291-2121 or 800 533-1410 or www.naturalbridgeva.com

RADFORD, VA Radford Visitor’s Center-Rt 8 to I-81 Exit 109 “Find It in Radford”-surrounded on 3 sides by the New River & overflowing with history 540-267-3153 www.visitradford.com.

ROANOKE, VA Bent Mountain Lodge B & B 9039 Mtn View Dr, Copper Hill, VA 24079. MP 136. 10 sts, pri baths, wedding venue. (540) 651-2500. www.bentmountainlodgeandbreakfast.com Colony House Motor Lodge 3560 Franklin Rd. Roanoke. 2 mi off Parkway on US 220. Suites available. HBO, ESPN, pool, Free Continental breakfast. Meeting Room available. Shopping and good restaurants nearby.

(540) 345-0411 or (866) 203-5850.

Roanoke Valley - Milepost 120.

Experience the largest family destination on the Blue Ridge Parkway featuring outstanding museums and attractions, shopping, restaurants and a wide variety of hotels and B&Bs. Follow signs to Visitor Center with Free Travel Guides.(800) 635-5535.

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Fall Right Off the Parkway

This is a great season to “fall” right off the Blue Ridge Parkway and land in Galax, Virginia.

SALEM, VA Come and visit Salem, Virginia that is only twenty minutes from the parkway. Take the walking tour of our historic downtown featuring quaint antique shops and restaurants. Stay for a while in one of our hotels or B&B’s and attend one of our many athletic events including NCAA National Championships in football, basketball and softball.

Salem is also the home of the Salem Red Sox, advanced Class “A” affiliate of the Boston Red Sox playing their games in spacious and comfy Lewis Gale Field.

SHENANDOAH CAVERNS, VA Shenandoah Caverns - 4 great attractions for one price. Only Va. cavern with elevator & closest to I-81 (exit 269). Also see spectacular floats in America’s Parade Float Hall of Fame and experience the new Yellow Barn, a whimsical agricultural experience.

Open all year. 888-4CAVERN www.shenandoahcaverns.com

WAYNESBORO, VA Cabin Creekwood- 2 miles from Parkway MP 13.6. Year-round, quiet, secluded.Fully furnished affordable mtn cabins (888) 942-2246. www.cabincreekwood.com.

Be sure to tell them you saw it in THE DIGEST!

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here’s a wealth of interesting things to see and do in this Southwest Virginia community. Visitors will find an abundance of outdoor recreation for all fitness levels, delicious local flavor restaurants, a variety of opportunities to learn about traditional artisan craftsmanship as well as more old-time and bluegrass music than your toes can keep up with.

Here’s one example of a great venue where you can experience authentic music in a historic atmosphere.

Every Friday night, 100,000 watts of heritage in the form of old-time and bluegrass music broadcasted live from

the historic stage of the Rex Theater. As a cooperative effort of the City of Galax and local radio station, WBRF 98.1 FM, “Blue Ridge Back Roads” is heard throughout Virginia and neighboring states and is streamed live via the Internet to a worldwide audience.

Beginning at 7:00 p.m., each fall Friday, listeners might enjoy the music of old-time and bluegrass legends or the latest up-and-coming group.

Take a little detour from your Blue Ridge Parkway drive and visit the land of music— Galax, Virginia.

For more information about all the area has to offer, call 276238-8130 or visit www.VisitGalax.com.

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Why would General U.S. Grant be so interested in little ole Lynchburg?!

way to Lynchburg, Early’s troops had been hard at work securing outer defenses. After the first day’s battle subsided, a clever ruse was staged fooling Union scouts into General David Hunter to proceed thinking Confederate to this important hub. reinforcements were With his orders in hand, Hunter arriving periodically crossed the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Lynchburg. headed east stopping briefly to raze That night, citizens the Virginia Military Institute and gathered at the train plunder Thomas Jefferson’s, Poplar station to cheer the Forest. He arrived in Lynchburg repeated "arrival" ctually, Lynchburg, Virginia June 1864 setting up headquarters of a single engine was (and still is) a thriving at Sandusky, a private home on with empty boxcars the outskirts. Fighting commenced city! And as a major running continuously with more Confederate gusto Confederate supply route via out of town then reversing back than anticipated and, much to his rail and James River, General to the depot. Hunter retreated to Ulysses S. Grant was determined surprise, Hunter was repulsed by West Virginia!

General Jubal Early’s troops sent to destroy or commandeer for Lynchburg offers Civil War

by Lee to intercede. While Hunter buffs many opportunities to himself these resources. In midyear 1864 he commanded Union was burning and plundering his experience life during those

A

These three festivals are coming soon!

October 3

October 10

December 5

Old Fort October Festival Mountain Glory Festival

Appalachian Potters’ Market

Details on these and other seasonal events are online.

Call for a FREE visitor guide.

8 8 8 - 2 3 3 - 6 111 | w w w . b l u e r i d g e t r a v e l e r s . c o m

turbulent times. The Visitor Center offers a Downtown Lynchburg Civil War Walking Tour conducted by interpretive guide.

Travel to old battle haunts and other historic interests like the Lynchburg Museum, once the old courthouse; Point of Honor, a Federal style home steeped in timeworn stories; Old City Cemetery & Arboretum, with over 2,000 Confederate graves; and so much more!

For more information about the places mentioned above, visit discoverlynchburg.org or stop by the Visitor Center at 216 Twelfth Street, Lynchburg, VA. (434) 485-7290

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Fall in Love with

Wytheville For more information about everything the area has to offer, contact the Wytheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, toll-free at 1-877-347-8307, or www.

VisitWytheville. com on your computer or mobile device.

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all is a great time to plan a getaway to the charming town of Wytheville, Virginia.

Easily accessible via Interstates 77 or 81, this Southwest Virginia destination offers a variety of cultural, historical, and recreational attractions which allow for relaxation and activity.

It’s also an excellent time to check out some of the unique events in the area.

On stage from September 10-October 25 at the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre is Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. This boisterous musical romance is fun for the entire family with matinees

Wytheville, Virginia…There’s Only One. and evening performances available.

Music can be found at several different locations throughout the Wytheville area, but one of the most beautiful in the autumn is the stage at Big Walker Lookout.

Every weekend is a musical one at this mountain top location with a variety of local artisans and demonstrations each Saturday and Sunday.

In October, don’t miss the pumpkin patches and festivals at many local farms throughout the area as well as when history gets a little spooky at the Haunted Graham Mansion.

New Visitor Center now open in Crozet, VA is is within shouting distance of the Blue Ridge Mountains The Albemarle Tourism & Adventure Center is located in the Historic Crozet Train Depot and is open Sun - Tues 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Wed - Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily to assist visitors during their stay in the Charlottesville and Albemarle area. Complete with hundreds of brochures highlighting area businesses along with our specially trained Travel Specialists, the Albemarle Tourism & Adventure Center is a one stop shop for travelers. Interesting and topical programs will be held every other Saturday at the center.

These programs will feature specific interests, from fly fishing and hiking, to bird watching, kayaking and cycling.

More info: (434) 906-2713 or www.visitcharlottesville.org/ adventurecenter/

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Home for the Holidays November 1 - December 31, 2015

C om e

D

“ Hom

Historic H e o t n derso e for a ys” nville, N C d i l t h e Ho

iscover an old fashioned holiday with small town charm, sprinkled with excitement and nostalgic atmosphere.

The area abounds with holiday activities such as the Flat Rock Playhouse productions, an Olde Fashioned Hendersonville Christmas, holiday concerts, hometown Christmas parade, and many other events for the whole family.

Catch the Christmas spirit in Historic Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Make a family Christmas tradition by exploring the Western North Carolina choose and cut

Christmas tree farms to select the perfect Christmas tree. Visit a North Carolina tree farm for a variety of fresh decorations: wreaths, garland and table arrangements. The farms grow mainly Fraser Firs and allow visitors choose and cut the tree, select a pre-cut tree or a living Christmas tree sold with roots intact for replanting.

The holidays are a time for celebration and dining with friends and family. Many restaurants in the greater Hendersonville area offer festive seasonal menus during the holidays. The “Home for the Holidays” Dining Guide list restaurants

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians Visit Cherokee’s newest museum conveniently located next to the Visitor Center and across from the Fairgrounds.

Through exhibits and videos visitors learn about early fly fishing legends, basic knots, fly-tying, types of gear, types of fish, regional fishing waters, and the history of fly fishing in the South. There’s even a Kid’s Corner with fun games and activities. The museum and gift shop are open 10 am - 7 pm (Mon-Sat); and 10 am - 5 pm (Sun). For more information call 828-788-0034.

that are open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Be sure to make reservations!

Check the calendar of events on the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority web site for dates, times and locations of each event.

For events in Western North Carolina, choose and cut Christmas tree farms, holiday dining guide, or to receive a Discover Historic Hendersonville Vacation Planner, visit the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority web site at www.historichendersonville.org.

For additional information call the Henderson County Visitors Center at (828) 693-9708 / 800-828-4244 or come by the Center located at 201 South Main Street, Hendersonville.

Our historic inn offers gracious dining, rocker-filled porches, fifty cheerful rooms and a warm library.

Come read, rest, ramble and romp in our mountains!

1/2 mile from Parkway milepost 443 Balsam Gap exit 828.456.9498 • 800.224.9498 www.balsammountaininn.net

December 4-5 and 11-12, 2015

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he Dillsboro Festival of Lights & Luminaries illuminates this mountain village the first two weekends in December. In an era of electronic gadgetry and LED lights, Dillsboro’s celebration is a throwback. Adapted from a Scandinavian custom of lighting the way for the Christ child, more than 2,500 candles in white bags line the streets with more than a dozen shops to explore.

Weather permitting, Jacobsen will create a winter wonderland at the corner of Front and Webster streets where children of all ages can

Journey back to the days of yesteryear. Experience the magic as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter and song! 2500 luminaries light your way to shops and studios. Horse and buggy rides available each night. Shopkeepers provide live music and serve holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa.

Carolers sing and children visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Live Nativity at Jarrett Memorial Baptist Church. Free shuttle service from Monteith Park. make snowmen and play in the snow.

In addition to the luminaries and snow, the town’s merchant “elves” trim their buildings – many of which date to the late 1800s – in traditional white lights. Shopkeepers also stay open late and serve coffee, warm cider, hot chocolate and homemade goodies to visitors. There will be sing-alongs throughout town, horse-and-carriage rides, WCU students strolling the streets in renaissance costumes, children’s art in the courtyard, plus Santa and Mrs. Claus setting up shop in Town Hall.

The Festival of Lights & Luminaries begins each evening at dusk and runs until 9 p.m. There is no admission charge.

Dillsboro is located on the Tuckasegee River near Sylva at the crossroads of U.S. Hwy. 23/74 and U.S. Hwy 441 in Jackson County. The town is less than an hour west of Asheville.

More info: www.mountainlovers.com 800-962-1911

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THE

SEQUOYAH BBIRTHPLACE MUSEUM Sequoyah gave his people an enduring gift: a writing system so the “Cherokee Nation would live forever.” Experience the Cherokee through exhibits, videos and gift shop. sho Hike our Shoreline Trail and visit the Cherokee Memorial Mound. We are Tennessee’s only Native American owned museum.

September 12-13 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

24TH ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL

Join us for the “Great Island Festival.” We will have vendors on hand, Cherokee dancing, music, storytelling, Cherokee artisans, Civil War Battle, food vendors. Admission $5.00 per person, children under 12 are free. Check the website for more info.

Open: Mon - Sat 9am-5pm and Sun 12-5pm 576 Highway 360 | Vonore, Tennessee 37885

423.884.6246 www.sequoyahmuseum.org

We Invite You T O L E A V E

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his is Bedford. Ruggedly beautiful. Teeming with history.

From its majestic mountains, wineries, and vast highland lake, to the bluegrass concerts, historic memorials, and walking tours, this is the perfect place to leave everything else behind.

Perfect for all ages, Bedford is centrally located right off U.S. 460 with nearby Interstate 81 as a main route. Bedford, a visit to remember...

Bedford Area Welcome Center • 1-877-HiPeaks • www.visitbedford.com

38953346

Dillsboro Festival of Lights & Luminaries

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SP3023

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34 Towards dusk people begin to gather for a dinner break or a well-earned libation in the wine and beer garden before the evening’s entertainment begins.

In addition to regular storytelling, nighttime shows include Midnight Cabaret, which is a Friday latenight concert, and open-air ghost stories on Friday and Saturday.

The 2015 festival will run October 2 – 4, with regular programming scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

There’s a variety of separate ticketed events throughout the

Let Me Tell You a Story.

The National Storytelling Festival Oct 2 - 4, 2015 Most days, Tennessee’s oldest town, Jonesborough, is a quaint and quiet sort of place. But each autumn, the first weekend in October, it undergoes a swift transformation. Across town, big-top tents are raised, chairs are carefully arranged, and local merchants prepare for the 10,000 souls who will need coffees and sweets and souvenirs.

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hey’re there for the National Storytelling Festival, which draws visitors from across the country—and, increasingly, from around the world. As the nation’s first, and most prominent, celebration of the oral tradition, the Festival taps the art form’s top talent for three solid days of folk

tales, ghost stories, humor, songs, tall tales, and personal stories.

What began as a local tradition more than 40 years ago has since turned into a bone fide phenomenon. Storytellers take turns performing all day on stages scattered across Jonesborough’s scenic downtown.

weekend for those who don’t wish to purchase full passes, as well as two preFestival concerts— storytelling icon Donald Davis on Wednesday, September 30, and renowned humorist Jeanne Robertson on Thursday, October 1.

The National Storytelling Festival is sponsored in part by the Tennessee Arts Commission, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

For information and ticket prices, visit www.storytellingcenter.net or call 800-952-8392, ext. 221.

“HARD CANDY CHRISTMAS Art & Craft Show

November 27 - 28 WCU Ramsey Center Cullowee, NC Adults: $4.50

Visitortips.com, where F.P.I.S., the east coast’s premier brochure distributor, brings you an online virtual brochure display. This site allows users to access brochures by city or region before leaving home or while traveling. With links to attractions websites & social media platforms we are delivering the power of brochures to the internet.

Scan this QR code to download this app:

“A Mountain Christmas Tradition” mountainar tisans.net (828) 524-3405

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e l l i v e h t y W

there’s only one. visitwytheville.com 1-877-347-8307