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YOUR 2015 AUTUMN GUIDE TO THE HIGH COUNTRY • HighCountryNC.com
Autumn in the
BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS Leaf Looking, Fall Festivals, Dining and more
SweetGrass Lake Welcome home to SweetGrass. The good life as designed by you. SWEETGRASS.COM
AUTUMN TIMES
2015
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2015
Welcome to the High Country
A
utumn in the High Country is unlike autumn anywhere else. The fall season brings a vibrancy to our natural landscape and a shifting palette of colors, sights and sounds that perfectly blend with the area’s year-round complement of art, music, shopping and scenic wonders. Combine this with the unique sense of place that the High Country offers, and you’ll find an unparalleled combination. In this year’s Autumn Times, you’ll find stories and features on all of these
things, in addition to the outdoor activities, attractions, arts and nightlife that make the High Country that special one-stop fall destination. And because no one issue could contain the ever evolving offerings of the region, visit our online complement, highcountrync.com, for up-to-date information about what’s happening in the High Country. Tom Mayer Editor Autumn Times
Table of Contents Appalachian State
Gem Mining ................................... 19
University Football ........................ 61
General Stores ............................... 18
Appalachian State University
Golf ............................................... 42
Performing Arts Series ................. 82
Grandfather Mountain ................. 44
Appalachian State Visiting
Halloween ..................................... 32
Writers Series ............................... 68
Hickory Ridge Living
Art Crawls ..................................... 94
History Museum .......................... 36
Art Galleries .................................. 92
High Country Host ......................... 8
Blowing Rock Christmas ............... 75
HighCountryNC.com ...................... 6
Blowing Rock Art
Home Sweet High Country Home .. 76
and History Museum ................... 85
Horses ........................................... 60
Blowing Rock Music Festival ........ 78
Leaf Looking .................................. 16
Blue Ridge Parkway ...................... 62
Linville Caverns ............................. 25
Breweries ...................................... 22
Music Festivals .............................. 79
Calendar ......................................... 95
Mountain Biking ........................... 46
Camping ......................................... 52
Mystery Hill ................................... 17
Canine Camping Etiquette ............ 54
Theater .......................................... 80
Chambers of Commerce ................. 8
Towns of the High Country ............. 9
Choose and Cut ............................. 64
Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train ..... 31
Cycling ........................................... 41
Turchin Center for the Visual Arts .. 65
Disc Golf ....................................... 40
Valle Country Fair ......................... 74
Discovery Course .......................... 29
Walker Center ............................... 69
Emergency Numbers ....................... 5
Walking Trails .............................. 48
Farmers’ Markets ......................... 24
Watersports ................................... 59
Festivals ......................................... 71
Wineries ........................................ 23
Fishing .......................................... 30
Woolly Worm Festival ................... 73
Frescoes ......................................... 87
Zip Lines ....................................... 28
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM
Eyeing autumn Birds of prey and other migratory birds are eyeing autumn as it approaches in preparation of moving south. Red-tailed hawks, such as this one, tend to stay in the area they live in, but there will be a time this fall when you can witness them heading south. Hawks, falcons, kestrals, eagles and others, begin to head to warmer climates through September. Grandfather Mountain is a prime location to view the movement.
AUTUMN TIMES
2015
Fall in the Mountains
Numbers of Note Avery County
Law Enforcement Watauga County Watauga County Sheriff’s Office (828) 264-3761 Boone Police Department (828) 268-6900 Blowing Rock Police (828) 295-5210 Appalachian Regional Healthcare System Police (828) 262-4168 Appalachian State Police (828) 262-2150
Ashe County Ashe County Sheriff’s Office (336) 846-5633 Jefferson Police (336) 846-5529 West Jefferson Police (336) 246-9410
Avery County Sheriff’s Office (828) 733-2071 Banner Elk Police (828) 898-4300 Elk Park Police Department (828) 733-9573 Newland Police Department (828) 733-2024 Seven Devils Police Department (828) 963-6760 Sugar Mountain Police (828) 898-4349 Beech Mountain Police (828) 387-2342
Health Care Watauga Medical Center (Boone) (828) 262-4100 Blowing Rock Hospital (828) 295-3136
Cannon Memorial Hospital (Linville) (828) 737-7000 Ashe Memorial Hospital (Jefferson) (336) 846-7101 FastMed Urgent Care (Boone) (828) 265-7146 AppUrgent Care (Boone) (828) 265-5505
Animal Control Watauga County Animal Control (828) 262-1672 Watauga Humane Society (Boone) (828) 264-7865 Animal Emergency & Pet Care Clinic of the High Country (Boone) (828) 268-2833
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2015 Autumn Times Staff Gene Fowler Jr. Publisher Charlie Price Advertising Director Tom Mayer Editor Rob Moore Production Chief Johnny Hayes Sandra Shook Layout Artists Emily Robb Production Specialist Andy Gainey Circulation Manager Jesse Campbell, Jeff Eason, Erika Giovanetti, Erik Hoffmann, James Howell, Anna Oakes, Garrett Price, Jamie Shell, Matt Laws and Sandra Shook Writers Mark Mitchell and Rick Tobin Sales Meleah Bryan Creative Services Director Marianne Koch, Kristin Powers Creative Services
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2015
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM The perfect vacation could be fishing the Watauga River in Watauga County, but you could always plan one by visiting HighCountryNC.com.
Love at First Site HighCountryNC.com raises the bar on tourism in Western North Carolina
G
etting it right in the High Country has never been easier. You’ve reached the peak of Western North Carolina tourism with HighCountryNC.com. “With more than a dozen professional journalists on staff and more than 125 years of continually serving the High Country, we are in the unique position of providing unparalleled regional tourism content to both our locals and to our out-of-area visitors,” Mountain Times Publications publisher Gene Fowler said. “We are investing in digital infrastructure that will keep us at the forefront, providing the amassed content our team of outstanding staff has cre-
ated.” HighCountryNC.com incorporates the efforts of the largest media group serving the North Carolina High Country. Drawing on more than a century of local tourism promotion and press, HighCountryNC.com is the ultimate, all-inclusive resource for High Country tourism traditions, events and happenings. We’re here to help you get it right with the High Country’s authoritative source for all things recreation and tourism in our area. From hiking, bed and breakfasts, golf, snow sports, outdoor adventure, fine and casual dining to everyday living, HighCountryNC.com is the definitive resource for these activi-
ties and more for visitors, tourists and guests. Whether it’s your first visit to our mountain home, or you’ve decided to make our home yours, HighCountryNC.com brings together the inside scoop on the best places to see and things to do the next time you explore North Carolina’s High Country. “HighCountryNC.com is a valuable clearinghouse for content and context that you can’t find anywhere else,” Mountain Times Publications executive editor Tom Mayer said. “No one has covered our area from a seasonal publication perspective with more content in the past 20 years than Mountain Times Publications, and this website serves to enhance the award-
winning coverage that our readers have come to expect.” Mountain Times Publications has been at the forefront in showcasing the best of the best in the region for more than a century. That mission, expanded with the launch of the Summer Times print publication in the late 1990s, was followed by the introduction of the Autumn Times and Winter Times publications. Together, these publications have won multiple awards for content and design. Now, Mountain Times Publications is taking the lessons learned along the way to get it right with HighCountryNC.com. We invite you — locals and visitors, alike — to start your journey by clicking to www.HighCountryNC.com.
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2015
High Country Chambers of Commerce ASHE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Ashe County, home to the Jeffersons (West Jefferson and Jefferson, that is), is just about as far as you can go in the High Country before entering Southwestern Virginia. The county is considered, in many respects, a step back in time to the way the Appalachian Mountains used to be. The chamber can direct travelers through the scenic and sparsely populated area of Christmas tree farms and rugged mountain landscapes, while offering a wide selection of brochures and maps. 1 N. Jefferson Ave. West Jefferson, N.C. 28694 (336) 846-9550 ashechamber@skybest.com www.ashechamber.com
information on lodging, dining, attractions, shopping and other businesses in Avery County. 4501 Tynecastle Highway, No. 2 Banner Elk, N.C. 28604 (828) 898-5605 chamber@averycounty.com www.averycounty.com
BANNER ELK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Located in the heart of town, the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce promotes the area as a unique place to live in, work and visit. Information on area lodging, dining, shopping and more is available Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by visiting www.bannerelk.org.
AVERY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Avery County Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is conveniently located in the Shoppes at Tynecastle at the intersection of N.C. 105 and N.C. 184. The center offers
100 W. Main St. Banner Elk, N.C. 28604 (828) 898-8395 bechamber@skybest.com www.bannerelk.org
BEECH MOUNTAIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Whether you’re looking for a North
Classic Surroundings, Modern Amenities
Carolina mountain vacation full of adventure, or just a few days to relax and breathe the fresh mountain air, Beech Mountain, at an elevation of 5,506 feet, will give your soul something to smile about. The area offers plenty of activities and attractions for the whole family to enjoy, but also plenty of peace and quiet for a relaxing and rejuvenating time. The Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce is here to help. 403-A Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mountain, N.C. 28604 (828) 387-9283 chamber@beechmtn.com www.beechmountainchamber.com
BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Blowing Rock is considered one of the crown jewels of the Blue Ridge. Its chamber of commerce knows this tight-knit community as no one else, and its representatives are always willing to share this knowledge with visitors. Aside from general information, lists of camping and fishing sites, and brochures, the Blowing Rock Chamber
of Commerce also has a generous stock of menus from the town’s many eateries. 132 Park Ave. Blowing Rock, N.C. 28605 (828) 295-7851 info@blowingrock.com www.blowingrockncchamber.com
BOONE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is one of the High Country’s most active chambers, with both a dedicated membership and an overall commitment to the betterment of the area as both a vacation destination and business hub. Now at a new location in downtown Boone on King Street, the chamber is an ideal place to stop for information on area activities, brochures and maps of the community. 870 W. King St., Suite A, Boone, N.C. 28607 (828) 264-2225 info@boonechamber.com www.boonechamber.com
Meet Your Host High Country Host Visitor’s Center
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he staff at the High Country Host Visitor’s Center has heard a fair amount of questions about this area, including everything from, “Where’s the purple house on the parkway with the pottery?” to “I’m lost! Where am I?” The Visitor’s Center is a nonprofit organization for those visiting Wilkes, Mitchell, Alleghany, Watauga, Avery and Ashe counties. Located at 1700 Blowing Rock Road in Boone, it is easy to find and is open seven days a week. The center was started in 1980, when local businesses and area tourist attractions were invited to meet and work on problems with the tourist industry. The damaging effects of inflation and the energy crisis were discussed, leading to negotiations that would allow organizations that were already a part of their local chamber of commerce to join a new area organization, the High Country Host.
The Visitor’s Center is full of brochures for member organizations and information on what to do, where to stay and what to eat in the area. There is even a book of local menus that visitors can peruse before visiting one of the area’s eateries. The organization is also a resource for locals; in addition to information about specific attractions, the Host promotes the businesses of the area through everything from co-op projects to advertisements in local media, including magazines, newspapers and radio. The Visitor’s Center is also a call center, fielding questions on driving directions, upcoming weather information, and even where the best mattress in town is. As the customer service representatives like to say, “We don’t just answer questions; we help people make a memory.” For more information, call (828) 264-1299.
AUTUMN TIMES
2015
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More to LOVE at Libby's!!! We've expanded our LOOK.
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM Boone is home to several parks and outdoor opportunities. This gate is the entrance to the Greenway Trail.
Largest Selection in the High Country
(336) 846-9551 205B Long St. Shamrock Square Jefferson, NC 28640
OUR TOWNS
W
elcome to your High Country vacation! But it’s more than that. A trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains is a veritable getaway, an escape to nature that area residents are lucky enough to call home. The towns and communities that make up the High Country are diverse and quaint, vibrant and picturesque, offering visitors amenities aplenty, from dining, lodging and shopping to top-notch entertainment and nightlife.
Watauga County Boone
No matter which activity draws you to the High Country, it’s likely that you’ll end up in Boone at some point during your visit. Boone is the hub of Watauga County, the gathering place for people of all walks of life, whether resident or visitor, student or retiree, socialite or seeker of peace and quiet. The town is home to Appalachian State University, one of the 17 colleges and universities that makes up the University of North Carolina system and draws about 17,000 students. Interest in the school boomed after the Mountaineers’ football team won three consecutive NCAA Division I national championships in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The university’s presence helps create a young and friendly vibe throughout the town. Just make sure not to cross anyone by mispronouncing the name: It’s “App-uh-latch-un.” Adjacent to the university is King
Street and the surrounding area, one of the town’s best shopping destinations. One-of-a-kind stores and eclectic boutiques dot the landscape, interspersed with legal offices and a diversity of restaurants to suit almost any taste. Departing from downtown, big-box stores and other shopping areas ensure that residents and visitors lack nothing in the way of modern conveniences. But Boone has an eye on its past, too. Named for the pioneer and explorer Daniel Boone, the town dates back to about 1800, when Jordan Councill opened a store on what is now King Street. In 1820, he opened a post office, and other homes and stores began to spring up nearby. When Watauga County was created in 1849, Boone was picked as the county seat. It remained a typical small town until the university began to grow in the 1960s. A relic of Boone’s storied past, the historic Jones House Community Center, is located right on King Street. The house was built in 1908 and was given to the town in the early 1980s. Today, the home is a go-to source for art and community functions. Boone is a town where old and new mix, and visitors are made to feel like part of the family. For more information, visit www. townofboone.net. SEE OUR TOWNS, PAGE 10
www.libbyslook.com
Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Closed on Sunday
Let’s Go Hiking Check out our “Hike” tab under “Play” for a complete list of trails
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live the adventure
AUTUMN TIMES
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more at Bear Creek Traders, treats, snacks and other tail-wagging goodies for your furry friends at Mountain Dog & Friends and the luxurious linens of Dewoolfson Downs. If you’re shopping for outdoor fun, cast a line with Foscoe Fishing Company, or pan for gold with the Greater Foscoe Mining Company. Hungry? Sample some home-cooked Southern goodness at the Foscoe Country Corner and Deli. Some of the High Country’s finest gourmet sandwiches and baked goods await at Eat Crow, while burgers, billiards and family fun are on cue at Country Retreat Family Billiards. Foscoe’s also home to one of the views that made Grandfather Mountain famous — the ridgeline’s appearance of iconic profile of an old man reclining.
OUR TOWNS FROM PAGE 9
Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock manages to cram a ton of beauty and fun into just three square miles. The town’s name comes from an immense cliff overlooking Johns River Gorge, where the winds whip in such a way that light objects thrown over the rock float back to their owners. Anyone wishing to experience the phenomenon firsthand can visit The Blowing Rock attraction, which is open certain dates in winter, weather permitting, to showcase the town’s namesake and the Native American legend that surrounds it. For another dose of history, visit the renovated and restored Green Park Inn, a site on the National Register of Historic Places that has been a hotel since 1882. After closing due to age and the recession in May 2009, the building was purchased a year later by Irace Realty Associates and immediately underwent a complete overhaul. While clinging to the small-town charm and Southern graciousness of its past, Blowing Rock also includes nearly 20 hotels and inns and more than 100 shops. Find a place to park early in the morning and spend the rest of the day on foot, exploring the shops and parks of downtown. Clothing, antiques, home furnishings, mementos and delicious treats will fill your shopping bags and your stomach as you examine the town’s treasures. Make sure to visit Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway on U.S. 321 to find name-brand items at outlet prices. The benches in Memorial Park at the center of Main Street make the perfect spot to settle down with coffee or hot chocolate and watch the world go by. The less-traveled Broyhill Park down Laurel Lane paints the perfect summer scene, complete with a shady gazebo and glistening pond. The trails surrounding Moses Cone Memorial Park and Bass Lake offer another scenic stroll. The picturesque town of Blowing Rock is the perfect place to have an active summer vacation — or to relax and do nothing at all. For more information, visit www. blowingrock.com.
Valle Crucis
Just off N.C. 105 south of Boone, Valle Crucis offers simplicity and serenity in a pastoral riverside community. The valley contains the site of the only known Native American village in the immediate area. The first
2015
PHOTO SUBMITTED Blowing Rock’s name comes from the rock formation that looks out over the Johns River Gorge.
European settler of Watauga County, Samuel Hicks, also built a fort in the area during the American Revolution. Today, the community offers several historic inns, art galleries, farms and churches that provide service and comfort to all who enter. The Episcopal church has played a role throughout the community’s history. An Episcopal bishop entered the community in 1842 and provided its name, which is Latin for the “Vale of the Cross.” The Valle Crucis Conference Center, on the National Register of Historic Places, stays busy with retreats for numerous groups, and Crab Orchard Falls is a short hike from the conference center. The original Mast General Store provides a central gathering space in the community, as it has since 1883. Residents appreciate the store for its post office, morning news and coffee, while visitors can also find gifts, apparel and souvenirs. Just down the road is the Mast Store Annex, which opened about 25 years later. Behind the annex is a gravel road to the Valle Crucis Park, a recreational area with walking paths, riverfront, picnic areas and sports fields. Dining highlights include Simplicity at the Mast Farm Inn and the 1861 Farmhouse Market, formerly the Ham Shoppe, which boasts some of the best sandwiches in the High Country. For more information, visit www. vallecrucis.com.
Todd
Todd is a town so nice it’s claimed by both Watauga and Ashe counties. The community’s main drag, Railroad Grade Road, is popular with
bicyclists and walking tours as it winds along with the New River, one of the few in the world that flow north. The Todd General Store is an oldfashioned mercantile that dates back to 1914 and was built in anticipation of the Norfolk and Western “Virginia Creeper” railroad. Todd was the last stop of the route and got much of its supplies from the train. Today, the store offers dinner, bluegrass, book signings and demonstrations. The Todd Mercantile features the work of local artists and crafters, as well as mountain honey and other local goods, while also hosting monthly square and contra dances, with traditional mountain music by local performers. The ever-crafty Elkland Art Center, known for its colorful parades and environmentally conscious puppet shows, offers summer workshops and programs for those with a flair for creativity. The river itself provides plenty to do, from canoeing and kayaking to excellent fishing. Several companies, including RiverGirl Fishing Company and Wahoo’s Adventures, have outposts near Todd to provide gear and instruction for anyone interested in hitting the river. For more information, visit www. toddnc.org.
Foscoe
Nestled between Boone and Banner Elk is the unincorporated community of Foscoe. But don’t let its size fool you. The community is brimming with shopping, art, dining and outdoor fun. Shopping includes mementos and
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM The small town of Seven Devils is home to a gem of a waterfall called ‘Otter Falls.’ It’s an easy to moderate short hike, but worth the visit.
Seven Devils
From elevations of some 5,200 feet, the town of Seven Devils straddles both Watauga and Avery counties. From many areas in the town, one has views of Grandfather Mountain, as well as Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Rich Mountain and Mount Rogers in Virginia. Seven Devils is just a few minutes from Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and Valle Crucis and can be found off N.C. 105. One of the smaller towns in the region, Seven Devils began life in the 1960s as the Seven Devils Resort, and, SEE OUR TOWNS, PAGE 11
AUTUMN TIMES
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OUR TOWNS FROM PAGE 10
Banner Elk
The mountain valley town of Banner Elk has grown from a tiny hamlet to a town offering year-round amenities and memorable vacations for the entire family. Banner Elk is home to Lees-McRae College, a small, private, four-year coeducational liberal arts college affiliated with Presbyterian Church U.S.A. with more than 900 students from more than 20 states and countries. The old stone buildings nestled across campus make for a photographer’s delight. The town hosts numerous shops and restaurants and stays abuzz with activities and events. Visitors can picnic or walk in the town park, hear live music, enjoy exquisite shopping or simply relax by the mill pond and stay in one of the inns after dinner in a fine restaurant. Banner Elk is in the heart of the High
Country’s many attractions, and just a short drive will take you to numerous natural settings where you can relax and revel in nature’s beauty. Banner Elk also offers many cultural happenings, with a celebrated summer theater program by Lees-McRae and art festivals by some of the area’s many galleries and artisans. Visitors are encouraged to return to Banner Elk each autumn for its annual Woolly Worm Festival, which attracts close to 20,000 people annually. Cutting between the peaks of Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain and Grandfather Mountain, the topography of the town provides natural definition and gentle undulation through the town’s boundaries. For more information or a calendar of events, call Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce at (828) 898-8395, or visit www.bannerelk.org.
Beech Mountain
At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is the highest town in Eastern North America. That means two things: When winter comes, it’s a great place to ski, and, of importance right now, is that even on the hottest day of the summer, it’s cool on top of Beech Mountain. Even when it’s steamy in the “lowlands” of 3,000-plus feet, the temperature stays comfortable atop Beech. The rest of the world seems distant when you settle down on the front porch of a rental condominium and survey the magnificent view that is one of Beech Mountain’s trademarks. As the cool summer night air sends you looking for a sweater, you’ll probably smile at the thought of how hot it is in the lower elevations. Beech Mountain is a four-season
resort. There are more than 5,000 beds available on top of the mountain. These range from rustic cabins to mountain chalets to luxury condominiums. When it’s time to eat, you can enjoy anything from a deli sandwich to pizza to a gourmet meal by candlelight. During the days, there are many specialty stores for shopping, a golf course, horseback riding, tennis, swim-
Crossnore
Crossnore is a town steeped in educational history. The town is home to Crossnore Academy, founded by Drs. Eustace and Mary Martin Sloop. The Sloops traveled the steep dirt trails in isolated mountain valleys to bring medicine to the people and convince farmers to let their children come to school. Because of poverty and SEE OUR TOWNS, PAGE 12
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PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM Beech Mountain’s hike/bike trail system, Emerald Outback Trails, is loaded with trails that wander through a mystical forest. The mountain bikers can expect easy to difficult terrain; for hikers, easy to moderate.
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in 1979, the resort became incorporated as the town. How did it get its name? According to the Seven Devils website,“The L.A. Reynolds Industrial District of Winston-Salem, N.C., formed the resort in 1965 and the founders were met with the challenge of naming the resort. At this time there was a rumor about an old man on the mountain who had seven sons ‘as mean as the devil.’ People were heard commenting that in the winter the mountain was ‘as cold as the devils’ or ‘as windy as the devil.’ “The founders wanted a catchy, unique name that would bring attention to the mountain. They noticed the repeated appearance of the number seven, including the seven predominant rocky peaks surrounding Valley Creek, as well as the many coincidental references to ‘devils.’ ‘Seven Devils’ seemed to suggest a frivolous, mischievous resort where people could ‘experience the temptation of Seven Devils.” In the 1960s, the town grew with a golf course, ski slope, lake, riding ground and camping area. After the resort venture experience financial trouble, the town was incorporated. While the golf course and ski slope have been closed for a number of years, Hawksnest has become one of the town’s centerpieces. Among the attractions at Hawksnest (www.hawksnest-resort.com) are zip lining and snow tubing. For more information and events at Seven Devils, visit www.townofsevendevils. org.
ming and hiking. There are nearby canoe and raft runs that are among the best offered in the Eastern United States. Nightlife is alive and well on the mountain. Whatever your musical taste, you can find a spot to enjoy an after-hours scene. There’s another good thing about Beech Mountain. The mountain is so huge that much of it remains in a natural state, with rich forests dotted by rolling farmland. And it’s only a short drive from the “downtown” to the country or resorts. Take your pick. Our guess is if you spend some time in Beech Mountain, you’ll want to come back to do some real estate shopping. Or at least book a slope side condo for the ski season. For more information, visit www. beechmtn.com.
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2015
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM This is from the upper viewpoint of Erwin’s View overlook, looking down at Linville Falls. These are some easy, and hard, trails to hike, but with beautiful views. Linville Falls has been around for some time and you can feel the power of the water going into the gorge from just about anywhere along the trails.
OUR TOWNS FROM PAGE 11 distance, the Sloop school in Crossnore eventually took in boarders and built dormitories to accommodate them. It gained a national reputation for effectiveness in changing lives and in breaking the cycle of poverty, moonshine and child marriages of mountain families. Mrs. Sloop eventually put these tales to paper in her autobiography “Miracle in the Hills,” which has since been used as the basis for a drama of the same name that takes place each summer in present-day Crossnore. The Sloops built a school, hospital, dental clinic and eventually, a boarding school to give children the basis for an improved life. They brought to Avery County the first electricity, telephone, paved road and boarding school. Through the Sloops’ advocacy, public schools flourished in Avery County. Today, Crossnore Academy carries on the work of the original school and has reclaimed the educational foundation beneath its commitment to give hurting children a chance for a better life. The school’s teachers enable it to meet not only the special needs of Crossnore residents, but also the needs of area students who live at home and whose educational needs are best met at Crossnore. The school is also home to Miracle Grounds Coffee Cafe & Creamery, a working vocational classroom, featur-
ing specialty coffee drinks, homemade snacks, sandwiches, milkshakes, ice cream, WiFi and more. Crossnore is famous for its Independence Day parade and celebration, and the town’s Meeting House is home to the Crossnore Jam, a series of gatherings and concerts by local musicians on the first Friday night through the summer and fall months. For more information, visit www. crossnorenc.com.
Elk Park
The town of Elk Park borders the state of Tennessee and offers a unique visiting experience. From the old-time feel of Brinkley’s Hardware Store to the additional Lower Street antique shops and classic barbershop, Elk Park takes visitors back to a simpler time. The town’s original thoroughfare, Lower Street, and many businesses originated when Elk Park hosted a train depot for the old East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad and Tweetsie Railroad. Elk Park thrived due to the industry and remained vibrant after the trains stopped running through town. For more information, call Elk Park Town Hall at (828) 733-9573.
Linville
The community of Linville is located just south of the intersection of U.S. 221 and N.C. 105 in Avery County. The community was founded in 1883, designed by Samuel T. Kelsey of
Kansas and named for William and John Linville, who were reportedly killed by Cherokees in 1766. East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad passed through the community from 1916 through 1940, when a major flood washed away the tracks. The old rail route later became N.C. 105 in 1956. Linville has three country clubs in the area: Eseeola, Grandfather Golf and Country Club and Linville Ridge; all open late spring to early fall. Eseeola Lodge is also a popular destination for golf and lodging during the summer months. A number of local tourist areas within a short drive share the Linville name, including the Linville River and majestic Linville Falls, Linville Caverns on U.S. 221 and Linville Gorge wilderness area. For visitors considering making Linville a part-time or full-time home, they can visit Linville Land Harbor, where units are available for sale or rent in a cozy community featuring its own golf course and amenities. A number of residents reside at Land Harbor part time, while others stay year-round to enjoy the beauty of the area’s four seasons. During the winter months, Linville is only a short drive to nearby ski slopes at Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain, popular skiing and snowtubing destinations. Perhaps the most popular tourist attraction housed in Linville is Grandfather Mountain. The newest
among North Carolina’s state parks, Grandfather Mountain offers hiking trails, picturesque views during all four seasons, animal habitats and attractions and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge.
Newland
With the highest county seat east of the Mississippi River at 3,589 feet, the town of Newland was incorporated in 1913 as the county seat of the newly formed Avery County. Its original name was “Old Fields of Toe” because it is located in a broad flat valley and is at the headwaters of the Toe River. Newland was a mustering place for Civil War troops. Toe is short for “Estatoe,” an Indian chief’s daughter who drowned herself in the river in despair because she could not marry a brave from another tribe. The town of around 700 residents, Newland succeeded over three other areas for the honor of county seat. The recently renovated courthouse, originally constructed in 1913, overlooks a classic town square, bordered by shops and churches and complete with a memorial to Avery County veterans. Adjacent to the courthouse building is the original jail, which has been converted into the Avery County Historical Museum. Exhibits in the museum, which is free of charge to visit, include the original jail cells, numerous artifacts and information SEE OUR TOWNS, PAGE 13
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OUR TOWNS FROM PAGE 12 about the history of Avery County. During the summer and fall months, visitors can check out the farmers’ market that meets on Saturday mornings outside of Newland Elementary School, and visitors traveling out of town can picnic or hike at Waterfalls Park, a unique recreation spot sponsored by Newland Volunteer Fire Department. Heritage Park hosts rodeo events on weekends during the summer and is the permanent home for the county’s annual Agriculture and Heritage Fair each September. Newland hosts an annual Christmas parade through downtown, with decorations adorning the town reflecting the area’s rich Christmas tree industry. With a number of restaurants and boutiques downtown, Newland is a prime destination for dining and shopping, or just to stop in on a visit to nearby Roan Mountain or Grandfather Mountain. For more information, visit www. townofnewland.com.
Sugar Mountain
If outdoor activity is your thing, look no further than the village of Sugar Mountain. Offering more than just great skiing, Sugar Mountain also provides its visitors with an array of ways to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the High Country. One attraction in particular is the summer lift rides on Sugar Mountain. On weekends, weather permitting, visitors can ride the ski lift to the 5,300foot peak of Sugar Mountain. The 40-minute round-trip ride features a spectacular view of the High Country and runs from Independence Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. If heights aren’t what you’re looking for, Sugar Mountain can also be seen on foot. With numerous trails that wind throughout the village of Sugar Mountain, you can see both the brilliant greens of the summer, as well as the vibrant reds and yellows of fall. The trails of Sugar Mountain are not just for those on foot. Many cyclists choose the village of Sugar Mountain for its variety of challenging and picturesque terrain. The village of Sugar Mountain also gives tennis and golf lovers an opportunity to enjoy their favorite sports in the beautiful mountain setting. With Sugar Mountain’s golf course, six fastdry clay courts and full service tennis pro shop, visitors will never be faced with the problem of finding something to do. Whether you come for a day or stay
in one of the many comfortable lodgings the village has to offer, Sugar Mountain will soon become your destination for great outdoor fun. For more information, visit www. seesugar.com.
Ashe County Creston
Located in the northwestern corner of Ashe County, Creston lies on the border of Tennessee. The curvy winding roads can offer travelers some of the most beautiful scenic byways in the area. The Riverview Community Center is located off of N.C. 88 West in Creston and is home to festivals and other events all year long. Worth’s Chapel at Creston United Methodist Church is located in Creston and was listed as a National Historic Building in 2005. The chapel was built about 1902. The interior of the chapel is finished, in part, with American chestnut wood, harvested before the blight reached the northwestern mountains of North Carolina.
Fleetwood
Located just off of U.S. 221 between West Jefferson and Deep Gap, Fleetwood is home of great community gatherings at the Fleetwood Community Center and the local volunteer fire department. On your way to and from the busy towns of Boone and West Jefferson, stop by to look at local crafts, antiques and civic pride in Fleetwood.
Glendale Springs
Home of the breathtaking and aweaspiring fresco painting by Ben Long at Holy Trinity Episcopalian Church, Glendale Springs has become revered for its budding arts scene and is home to the Florence Thomas Art School. The community has become a must for anyone visiting Ashe County. Proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway is an added bonus as summer sets in and fall colors begin to explode.
Grassy Creek
Just south of the North CarolinaVirginia border, Grassy Creek is a tightly knit community that is dotted with smiling faces and countless rows of Fraser fir Christmas trees. Check out the sights around the nationally renowned New River, where you will also find the River House Country Inn and Restaurant for delectable dinners.
SEE OUR TOWNS, PAGE 14
PAGE 13
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OUR TOWNS FROM PAGE 13
Jefferson
A rich history, dating from 1799, lies in the picturesque town of Jefferson. Jefferson was founded prior to its counterpart, West Jefferson, and stood at the base of Mount Jefferson. The town was first known as Jeffersonton, but then became Jefferson, and was one of the first towns in the nation to bear the name of U.S. founding father Thomas Jefferson. The town is the county seat of Ashe and is home to the new courthouse, as well as the historic 1904 Courthouse. The Museum of Ashe County History is located in Jefferson and can be found in the 1904 Courthouse. The museum, through items collected and on display, offers a look at who the citizens of the county are, where they came from, how they got to the town, what did they do on the way and where do they go next? Ashe County Park and Foster Tyson Park are also located in Jefferson, the former of which hosts a nationally celebrated disc golf course.
Lansing
Whether you’re looking for a town reminiscent of the past or a town that offers whispers of tomorrow, the small,
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM One constant that connects all of the towns, and Ashe County, is the New River.
friendly town of Lansing beckons to travelers from near and far to visit and relax, while browsing its shops, trying some home cooking and tasting some locally made wine. The town, in the northwestern section of Ashe County, is 20 minutes from Jefferson and West Jefferson and only 45 minutes from Boone. Travelers can arrive in the town in less than an hour from Abingdon, Va., or Mountain
City, Tenn. The town has one red light, and several businesses line the street. Homecooked meals can be found at Country House Restaurant, while pizza, sandwiches and salad, along with specialty teas and fresh roasted coffee are available at Pie on the Mountain. The first post office in the town was established in 1882 and served a rural community, made up of a village and
CELEBRATING
outlying farms until the railroad made its appearance, according to www.lansingnc.com. The economy and population begin to take off by 1914 as the Norfolk and Western Railroad, better known as the Virginia Creeper, came to town. A big commodity for area residents was iron ore mined from the mountains. The railroad served as an avenue to transport the ore to markets in Richmond, Va., and Pittsburgh, Pa. During its history, Lansing had a cheese plant, clothing store, coffin shop, doctor’s office, bank and a restaurant, according to the town’s website. The cheese plant allowed area farmers to bring their goods to sale instead of having to travel into West Jefferson. The town was chartered and incorporated in 1928. Lansing faced two devastating fires in the 1930s and ’40s and faced Hurricane Hugo later that century. Despite these setbacks, the town continued to flourish and expand. The Works Progress Administration built the Lansing High School in 1941, using local granite stone. The school still stands today. The scenic Virginia Creeper biking trail is available to visitors, as is the town’s park. For more information about Lansing, visit www.lansingnc.com. SEE OUR TOWNS, PAGE 15
21 YEARS
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Celebrating 33Years From a Textural Point of View by Andrew Braitman & Toni Carlton Continues thru September 20th
Autumn Group Exhibition &
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM This is a view of West Jefferson from Mount Jefferson.
OUR TOWNS FROM PAGE 14
Laurel Springs
Another border community, Laurel Springs prides itself with small town charm and beauty that entices motorists from the Blue Ridge Parkway for a quick bite to eat before continuing their adventure on the scenic byway. Although it is located at the top mountain and touches Wilkes, Alleghany and Ashe counties, Laurel Springs is never more than a 30-minute drive from the listed county seats. Also, be sure to stop by the Thistle Meadow Winery for individualized tours of a family owned wine business.
West Jefferson
With a thriving arts district and Christmas trees galore, West Jefferson makes its mark on the High Country as a destination for locals, as well as visitors. The town was built around the Virginia-Carolina Railroad depot during the early 1900s. According to the town’s history, the first ownership of the valley now known as West Jefferson began in 1779 when N.C. Gov. Richard Caswell granted 320 acres to Col. Ben Cleveland, who battled the British at King’s Mountain. More than a century later, the West Jefferson Land Company surveyed the new town and fixed its limits as a square one-half mile north, south, east and west of the Virginia-Carolina Depot. The town was chartered in 1915. The town’s initial growth came through the railroad, but early development was also spurred by the open-
ing of the First National Bank of West Jefferson in 1915. The bank’s branch office, built in 1962, is now home to West Jefferson Town Hall. The town continues to thrive today and has a little something for everyone. Those visiting the town can browse one of the many art galleries, gift shops and retail stores. West Jefferson is home to many varieties of artwork, from paintings and photographs to sculptures and quilted items. More information about the area’s art district can be found at the Ashe Arts Center, located at 303 School Ave., just off of East Main Street. The center is home to the Ashe County Arts Council, which sponsors a variety of community programming and exhibits throughout the year. A popular spot in the town is the Ashe County Cheese Plant where visitors can see cheese made and go across the street to the Ashe County Cheese Store to purchase a variety of cheeses, from cheddar to pepper jack and the celebrated cheese curds. Old-fashioned snacks and candies and locally made wines can also be purchased at the store. The cheese plant is open yearround and located at 106 E. Main St. in West Jefferson. Just outside West Jefferson, in the Beaver Creek community, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church can be found. The church is the location for a fresco of Jesus on the cross by renowned artist Ben Long. A painting of Madonna with child also hangs on the sanctuary wall. Local eateries and cafes offer all sorts of tasty treats, coffee, spirits and more, from one end of the town to the other. For more information, visit www. visitwestjefferson.org.
Celebrating a Lifetime of Art by Warren Dennis September 26 thru November 15th Opening Reception September 26, 2-5pm
Holiday Open House November 27th and 28th, 10am-5pm Located 10 Miles South of Boone on Highway 105 in Grandfather Community 828-963-4288 | www.carltongallery.com | carltongallery@carltongallery.com
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2015
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM The scenery can be spectacular when the leaves change. This view looks to Beech Mountain in the distance from the western part of Watauga County.
Don’t Go Blindly into Leaf Looking Tools Available to Inform your Fall Color Visits BY ANNA OAKES
I
n September, the wave of autumn leaf change begins to descend from the mountain summits. For visitors hoping to time their visits perfectly with peak fall color conditions, tools are available to help. Appalachian State University biology professor Howie Neufeld for years has compiled fall color reports, incorporating temperature and precipitation data in attempts to forecast peak color at various elevations. He publishes his weekly reports, which began in August, at http://biology.appstate.edu/fall-colors. In addition, you can also find his reports at facebook.com/
FallColorGuy. “It appears we are heading for our usual great fall leaf color season,” Neufeld said in an Aug. 21 post. “It appears that the timing of fall leaf color in this region is essentially invariant. Despite warm or cool summers or falls, peak colors only drift three to four days either way.” The Blue Ridge Parkway offers recorded late season wildflower blooming and fall foliage information at (828) 298-0398, option 3. Visitors can follow park updates on social media at facebook.com/ BlueRidgeNPS. The U.S. Forest Service also invites national forest visitors to use the NCtrails.org web application for planning their fall foliage adventures.
ILLUSTRATION SUBMITTED This map produced by Michael Denslow and Howie Neufeld of the ASU Department of Biology depicts an approximation of peak fall color dates by elevation and latitude.
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PAGE 17
Laws of Gravity Have Been Repealed Mystery Hill Offers Unusual Phenomena and Local History to Visitors BY JEFF EASON
M
ystery Hill is the only place in the High Country where the laws of gravity have been repealed. For more than six decades, visitors to Mystery Hill have been awed by unusual phenomena, including balls that seem to roll uphill. Mystery Hill has four main attractions that allow time for fun and games, offer a historical view of life throughout the Appalachian Mountains from the 19th century and give the chance for visitors to see Native American artifacts. The former owner of the land, William Hudson, operated a cider mill on an old wooden platform. Identical twins worked the mill, and no matter how they stood, the twin on the north end always looked taller. The Mystery Platform was discovered, and visitors can experience this same illusion today.
• Cloches • Compost • Container Gardens • English Antiques
PHOTO SUBMITTED Mystery Hill offers visitors a unique opportunity to ‘break’ the laws of gravity.
The second phenomenon was Hudson’s apple trees. The trees in the orchard grew toward the north, directly into the prevailing winds. Hudson had a path through the apple orchard, which was crooked for no apparent reason. He had rebuilt the path, but to his surprise found himself being pulled onto the old path time and time again. Even the apples fell and collected on
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the old, crooked path, but not on the new, straighter path. In 1948, while reading a LIFE magazine, Hudson found an article about a strange place in California, which had similar idiosyncrasies. The Hudsons visited the site and built the first Mystery House when they returned to Boone. In 1957, Buford Stamey and Rondia J. Underwood were looking to build a
restaurant and took a tour of Mystery Hill. Throughout the tour, Hudson explained about the phenomenon that existed throughout the mountainside. It seemed that the gravitational pull on the side of the mountain caused unusual things to happen. Underwood purchased the entire operation in 1958. Today, more than 65 years old, Mystery Hill is still open and growing. The current facility includes the original Mystery Platform, the Mystery House, Hall of Mystery, the Native American Artifacts Museum and the Appalachian Heritage Museum, providing hours of fun for visitors. Admission for children ages 5 to 12 is $7, $9 for ages 13 to 59 and $8 for senior citizens. Mystery Hill is located at 129 Mystery Hill Lane, just off U.S. 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock. For more information, call (828) 2642792, or visit www.mysteryhill-nc. com.
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2015
Generally Speaking High Country General Stores Offer an Old-Fashioned ‘Family’ Atmosphere for Shopping FROM STAFF REPORTS
Mast General Store
T
he Mast General Store is the granddaddy of regional general stores, having opened the door in its Valle Crucis location in 1883, opened by Henry Taylor and eventually co-owned by W.W. Mast. It developed a reputation for living up to the “general” in its name, carrying everything a family might need, from “cradles to caskets.” But besides the goods, the store served as community gathering place, with a post office, wood stove, a porch suitable for checkers or politics, and sometimes both. Today the store is the flagship for a family of general stores owned by John and Faye Cooper, including the Old Boone Mercantile downtown location and the Annex in Valle Crucis, famous for its “candy barrel.” The stores now contain an array of clothing, outdoor gear, footwear, food, books, maps, caps, gloves, decorative items and more. Hours at the main Mast General Store on Broadstone Road in Valle Crucis are 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call (828) 963-6511. Downtown Boone store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call (828) 262-0000.
Fred’s General Mercantile Fred’s General Mercantile has just about everything you need, and if you can’t find it there, you might ask yourself if you really need it. Fred and Margie Pfohl launched the store in 1979 on Beech Mountain, living above the retail space for many years. That helped them maintain a “family” atmosphere and business. The main store consists of a grocery store, hardware store and clothing store. Its fully stocked grocery store
PHOTO SUBMITTED The Mast General Store opened its doors in 1883 and still provides quality merchandise to the High Country.
carries everything from canned goods to gourmet foods, and Fred Pfohl stays price-conscious because he jokes that he originally started the store as a protest over a high-priced can of tuna fish. The store carries fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, homemade breads and a plethora of beers and wines, as well as plenty of snack foods. The hardware section carries tools, supplies, home-improvement goods, tire chains, nuts and bolts, and plenty of fix-it supplies. The clothing store has hundreds of T-shirts, sweatshirts and brand-name clothing. The Backside Deli features sandwiches, soups, desserts, salad, pizza, ice cream, cookies, and beer and wine, and is a cozy place to get warm on those snowy days. Usual hours are 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.,
although the store stays open half an hour later when the ski slopes are open. Through the addition of a ski shop, Fred’s General Mercantile has become a favorite landmark of Beech Mountain.
The Old Hampton Store The Old Hampton Store in Linville was built in 1921 as a stop on the Tweetsie Railroad. The store features cornmeal ground from an on-site grist mill, has an adjacent art gallery, and features guest musicians. The store also features food and antiques. For more information. call (828) 733-5213.
Todd General Store The Todd General Store is open
through Christmas in the historic Todd community. It’s open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily except Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Sunday hours are noon to 4 p.m., and it stays open late Friday evenings for supper and traditional music. The store was built in 1914 and features a deli, collectibles, antiques, groceries, rustic furniture and several rooms’ worth of exploration. It’s also on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information, call (336) 877-1067. Todd Mercantile features a bakery, antiques, local handicrafts and other treats, with a little pot-bellied stove for winter months. The store also holds monthly contra and square dances featuring local musicians. For more information, call (336) 877-5401.
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PAGE 19
Treasures of the High Country BY DANIEL MYLETT
F
or untold years, many have sought the “treasures” found deep within the mountains surrounding us today. The prospectors from these times underwent many hardships: unpredictable weather, wild animals, competitors and the mountains themselves. Today, the pursuit of “treasures” continues, but the search has been made much easier with gem mining offered for all ages and in comfortable and safe surroundings. Gem mining has been practiced in North Carolina for hundreds of years, and the state was the site of the first gold rush in the U.S., catalyzing the vast interest in what lays inside and around our mountains. Gem mining in the High Country today, however, is still somewhat old fashioned. These days, visitors to gem mines pan and delve into buckets of dirt that can yield one or more of
some 40 different minerals, emeralds, rubies, aquamarine, sapphire, tourmaline, garnet, topaz, amethyst, citrine, quartz and several other possibilities. Many gem mines guarantee at least one find. Digging through the mud has never been so entertaining and exciting. Gem mining is fun and a great activity for children and their parents. Get your hands dirty, and keep an eye out for clarity, color and crystals among what you find. If you find an extraordinary rock, some gem mines in the High Country have on-site cutting, polishing and appraisal to get it ready for jewelry. Most gem mines also offer jewelry in their gift shops. Some of the gem mines in the High Country include Doc’s Rock’s Gem Mine and Foggy Mountain Gem Mine. Doc’s Rock’s is located at Mystery Hill, just beside Tweetsie Railroad on Highway 321. Open seven days a week, the facility’s hours run from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Buckets stop being sold 30
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PHOTO SUBMITTED Don’t miss your chance to leave with some of the most ancient treasures in the High Country.
minutes prior to closing. Doc’s Rock’s Gem Mine also offers wheelchair access. Birthday parties and school or group rates are also available.
The High Country’s gem mines offer visitors and residents alike a chance to dig into history and take home some of the Earth’s oldest treasures.
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2015
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PAGE 21
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2015
Boone a Home, Destination for Beer Lovers BY ANNA OAKES
P
erhaps in part because mixed drink sales were banned here for so many years, Boone has long been a beer-loving town. Now it’s quickly earning a place on the map as a beer-making destination, as well. Leading the Boone beer revolution has been Appalachian Mountain Brewery, which has quickly grown into an award-winning, regional leader in craft brewing. AMB offers more than a dozen brews on tap and donates a portion of proceeds to area nonprofits. The taproom also plays host to live music, yard games and many other weekly activities. The brewery and taproom are located at 163 Boone Creek Drive and are open Mondays from noon to 10 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays from noon to 11 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. SEE BEER, PAGE 23
PHOTO BY ANNA OAKES Behind the scenes at Appalachian Mountain Brewery.
“I saw the perfect tree in Boone, NC”
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www.WataugaChristmasTrees.org or www.ExploreBooneArea.com 800-438-7500 or 828-264-3061
2015
AUTUMN TIMES
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Wine Country Mountain Venues Emerge in Storied Industry BY JESSE CAMPBELL
W
PHOTO BY ANNA OAKES Booneshine owners and brewers Carson Coatney, second from right, and Tim Herdklotz, far right, are pictured inside the new brewery, along with Basil’s Pasta & Deli owner Patrick Sullivan, far left, and Garrett Williams, brewery assistant.
BEER FROM PAGE 22 For more information, visit www. appalachianmountainbrewery.com or look the brewery up on Facebook. Joining the Boone brewing community earlier this year was Booneshine, a microbrewery distributing to local restaurants and retail locations throughout the High Country. Follow the lantern to Booneshine’s tasting room, located inside Basil’s Fresh Pasta and Deli at 246 Wilson Drive, Suite L, in Boone. Basil’s hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and closed on Sunday. In downtown Boone, visit Lost Province Brewing at 130 N. Depot St. Opened in August 2014, Lost Province Brewing Co. is a destination microbrewery and wood-fired gastropub that brews authentic and innovative craft beer and serves Neapolitan wood-fired pizza and local foods. Also in the area, Blowing Rock Brewing Company debuted Blowing Rock Ale several years ago and later opened the Blowing Rock Ale House at the former Maple Lodge on Sunset Drive in Blowing Rock. The venue offers eight rooms and a full
pub and is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday (except Wednesday) and on Sundays. Friday and Saturday hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.blowingrockalehouseandinn. com. In Ashe County, Boondocks Brewing Tap Room & Restaurant is located at 108 S. Jefferson Ave. in West Jefferson, offering small batches of handcrafted beers, as well as more than 30 craft beers with a strong focus on North Carolina brews. The tap room is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Check out www.boondocks-brewing.com for more information. In the Alpine Village at Beech Mountain Resort, Beech Mountain Brewing Co. is open year-round to serve skiers, snowboarders, mountain bikers and other resort visitors. Beech Mountain Brewing Co. is open Thursday through Sunday. Call (800) 438-2093 for hours of operation. And in Plumtree, check out the Blind Squirrel Brewery, restaurant and lodge on U.S. 19 E. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www.blindsquirrelbrewery.com.
hen you think of a fine wine to accentuate that perfect autumnal evening or meal, wine from the North Carolina mountains normally doesn’t come to mind as a logical choice. But that connotation is rapidly changing, as High Country vines and their bounties are reaching the taste buds of experts across the state and have begun to rival the offerings of the renowned Yadkin Valley. Some of the region’s well-known vineyards and wineries have brought home several medals from state competitions, and tourists from far and near are coming up the mountain for more than just Christmas trees and Ashe County cheese these days. Take Grandfather Vineyard for instance. At the 2011 North Carolina State Fair, the vineyard won a gold medal for its Ice Wine and bronze medals for its Terrace Gold and Profile Red wines. Like many wineries in the area, Grandfather Vineyard is preparing for an eventful harvest season. In anticipation for the end of the season, the vineyard is hosting a Harvest Party this October. This will allow people to come and see the winemaking process firsthand and will be able to sample the unfinished product, said winemaker and general manager Dylan Tatum. “We haven’t set a date yet, but we are definitely doing it,” said Tatum of the Harvest Party. The wines at the vineyard change daily, but the locally grown Profile Red and Profile wines are some of venue’s most popular samplings. The vineyard is currently open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The winery will be closed on Tuesdays following the Thanksgiving holiday. Admission is free, but costs of wine tastings vary depending on the number of wines. A short distance up the road from
Grandfather is the Banner Elk Winery, which debuted in 2006. According to the winery’s website, this venue also produces prize winning grapes into award winning wines. Since opening, the winery has brought home several national and international medals, including a gold medal from the 2012 NextGen Wine Competition in California and the N.C. State Fair. Along with lush and thriving vineyards, the winery also offers a villa luxury bed and breakfast and is known for its weddings and elopement packages. The winery offers tours through the month of October. Tours are offered at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. Private tours are by appointment only. For more information, click to bannerelkwinery.com.
Wineries Banner Elk Winery & Villa 60 Deer Run Banner Elk, NC. 28604 (828) 898-9090 www.bannerelkwinery.com Grandfather Vineyard & Winery 225 Vineyard Lane Banner Elk, N.C. 28604 (828) 963-2400 www.grandfathervineyard.com Linville Falls Winery 9557 Linville Falls Highway Newland, N.C. 28657 (828) 765-1400 www.linvillefallswinery.com Plumtree Valley Winery 4716 U.S. Hwy 19E Plumtree, N.C. 28664 (828) 765-9696 www.toeriverlodge.com Thistle Meadow Winery 102 Thistle Meadow Laurel Springs, N.C. 28644 (800) 233-1505 www.thistlemeadowwinery.com Watauga Lake Winery 6952 Big Dry Run Road Butler, Tenn. 37640 (423) 768-0345 www.wataugalakewinery.com
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2015
It’s Harvest Time!
Buy Fresh and Local at Weekly Farmers’ Markets BY ANNA OAKES
T
he fall harvest comes fresh to your table each week, courtesy of the High Country’s farmers, growers, producers and artisans. Visit a farmers’ market for heirloom varieties of apples; butternut and acorn squashes; fall greens; pumpkins; honey; locally raised lamb, pork, beef and chicken; herbs; eggs; pastas, pastries and bread; jams, jellies and cheeses; and arts and crafts. In November, look for special holiday items for your Thanksgiving and Christmas, including holiday décor, greenery, gift items and special foods.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WATAUGA COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET Nestled in a wooded area in the center of Boone, the Watauga County Farmers’ Market is a lovely setting for buying the freshest local goods for home and table.
Watauga County Farmers’ Market
Saturdays through November, mornings 591 Horn in the West Drive Boone (828) 355-4918 www.wataugacountyfarmersmarket. org
Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market
Thursdays, through Oct. 16, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Park Avenue, Blowing Rock (828) 295-7851
Ashe County Farmers’ Market
Saturdays through Oct. 25, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Holiday markets: Nov. 22 and 29; Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Backstreet, West Jefferson (910) 309-1932 ashe.farmers.market@gmail.com www.ashefarmersmarket.com
Avery County Farmers’ Market
• At Avery County Cooperative Extension, Newland: Mondays through September, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. • At AC Pride (old elementary school), Banner Elk: Thursdays through September, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. info@averycountyfarmersmarket.org facebook.com/averycountyfarmersmarket
Johnson County Farmers’ Market
Saturdays through Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 110 Court St. Mountain City, Tenn. johnsoncountyfm@gmail.com johnsoncountyfm.org facebook.com/pages/ Johnson-County-FarmersMarket/353262790131
Market Tips These tips will help make the most out of your farmers’ market shopping experience.
Check our website: www.FredsGeneral.com
Come visit us at Eastern America’s Highest Town
• Arrive early for the best selection. • No pets, except service animals. • Carry small bills. It’s easier for vendors to make change. • Ask. Learn about unfamiliar varieties and even how to prepare them. • Use large, reusable bags or baskets. Eliminate the need for plastic or paper bags.
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Linville Caverns’ Beauty is Unmatched
T
he immense, quiet power of slowly dripping water is difficult to overstate. Give it a night’s worth of time in a broken faucet and it will waste gallons, but provide it with unchecked millennia in the resolute darkness that exists only under a mountain and it will shape stone. One such display of ancient architecture can be found buried deep under McDowell County’s Humpback Mountain in Linville Caverns. First opened to the public in 1937, Linville Caverns is an active limestone cavern system that is home to an array of extraordinary natural rock formations made easily available to the amateur spelunker. “Linville Caverns offers a total walking tour,” said Lanie Gross, a manager and 14-year employee of the caverns. “You won’t have to crawl or get dirty; you don’t have to be afraid of the dark.” The caverns have been retrofitted with a system of concrete paths and ample electric lighting that make a trip under the mountain as simple as walking in and sticking close to the tour guide. Discovered in the early 1800s by local fishermen following trout into what appeared to be a solid rock wall, Linville Caverns has played host to an eclectic group of denizens in its long history. During the American Civil War, deserters from both sides of the conflict are said to have used the cavern system as a welcome, however dark, respite from their inevitable capture. In 1915, two teenage boys carrying only one lantern and undoubtedly on a mission imbued with all the recklessness that comes with their age, were lost in the cavern system for two days in the complete darkness. Their eventual escape was only made pos-
sible by their decision to wade into the frigid, chest-deep water and follow its current to the mouth of the caverns. Linville Caverns is home to a variety of wildlife that, until recently, included a population of blind trout that unfortunately came off worse in a life and death struggle with a river otter who broke into their quiet, otherwise safe neighborhood, for a late night meal. The cavern staff has since restocked the — now sighted — fish and they can be seen flitting rock to rock in the creek that runs adjacent to the cavern path. Joining the trout in their subterranean habitat are a smattering of cavern insects, including granddaddy long legs and cave crickets that seem to work in tandem. They cover some of the cavern walls like a crawling, many legged tapestry. Conspicuously missing from the typical roster of cave life are bats. Linville Caverns, along with many other cave and cavern systems in Eastern North America, has been affected by the spread of white-nose syndrome, a disease that affects hibernating bats. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, white-nose syndrome has killed 5.5 million bats in the U.S. and Canada and in some cases has a 90 percent to 100 percent mortality rate. There does appear to be some progress being made in treatment of bats with WNS. Scientists are now using a special bacteria to prevent and even reverse the effects of the disease. Geomyces destructans, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats, has no effect on humans, according to scientists. Linville Caverns provides an unequalled service to those visiting the High Country. Natural wonder aside, the courtesy and professionalSEE CAVERNS, PAGE 28
PHOTO BY GARRETT PRICE These are ribbon stalactites, referred to by the staff as ‘Cave Bacon.’
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AUTUMN TIMES
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2015
A Complete Hardware & Building Supply Store With Good Old Fashioned Customer Service.
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AUTUMN TIMES
2015
PAGE 27
for over 30 years
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2015
Sightseeing the Zip Line Way BY DANIEL MYLETT
W
hile there are many activities in the High Country that will expose you to breathtaking views, there is nothing quite like taking an elevated zip line to really soak in the beauty of the North Carolina mountains and neighboring landscapes. Zip lines offer scenic views of forests, creeks, valleys and other sites found in the area. Most zip line tours serving the High Country and surrounding area will also be found in close proximity to campsites, hiking trails, rock climbing walls, rafting sites and many other outdoor activities. Safety is a primary concern at zip line operations in the region, so all participants are required to wear the appropriate harnesses, head protection and supplemental gear while partici-
pating on tours. Several zip lines serve the High Country, including Sky Valley Zip Tours of Blowing Rock and Hawksnest in Seven Devils.
SKY VALLEY ZIP TOURS Ascending more than 300 feet and covering more than 140 acres, Sky Valley Zip Tours provides some of the most aesthetically satisfying zip-line tours that can be found, a spokesman for the zip line said. With a line traveling more than 1,600 feet, embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure that takes guests in and above the trees. While you are there, don’t just try out one of the nine zip lines offered, but take advantage of all the recreational activities that the course offers. Other activities provided include cliff SEE ZIP, PAGE 29
PHOTO SUBMITTED Kathryn Palmer, a junior at Appalachian State University, strikes a pose for the free photo service provided by Sky Valley Zip Tours.
CAVERNS FROM PAGE 25
PHOTO BY GARRETT PRICE The caverns boast a diverse and immense color palette.
ism of the cavern’s staff is special. “You have a unique opportunity (at Linville Caverns) to see what water can create,” Gross said. “The experience is made even more valuable with one of our guides because of their experience and enthusiasm.” The tour guides are equal parts wellinformed and entertaining and are more than ready to answer questions or to take photos for a visiting group. “There is just so much that I like about the caverns,” Gross said. “Everytime I go in I am amazed and I feel like I see something new.” For more information on Linville Caverns click to its website at www. linvillecaverns.com/ or call toll free at (800) 419-0540. Linville Caverns is open to guests daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in August, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in September and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in November and December. It is located at 19929 U.S. 221 North in Marion.
2015
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PAGE 29
Learn the Ropes at the Discovery Course
R
ock Dimensions manages climbs on the 40-foot outdoor tower at its downtown Boone location, as well as excursions to real rock cliffs, providing all the equipment and guidance needed. Owner Ryan Beasley said many families prefer the convenience of climbing the tower, where they can show up without advance reservations. Others prefer to call ahead and plan a half-day session or full-day session at an area site, including the challenging multi-pitch climbs on larger rock faces, such as Linville Gorge or Table Rock. “The neat thing about that is there’s climbs there that are real low angle that are appropriate for beginners,” Beasley said. Rock Dimensions also leads tours of a high ropes course and zip line at the Blowing Rock Conference Center. The three-level Discovery Course allows individuals or families to test their skills on ever more challenging
obstacles before experiencing the rush of a zip-line descent. The course also includes the “giant swing,” which allows harnessed participants to hop off a platform and free fall for seconds before the rope catches and they swing high above the earth. “It takes people a while to build up their courage, because you are just sliding off the platform,” Beasley said. He said the High Country’s climbing community is strong, and Rock Dimensions is ready to open its arms to those who want to learn the craft. “We get a lot of people here that say, ‘Hey, I’m not in the best physical shape. I can’t rock climb,’” Beasley said. “Somebody might think, my 5- or 6-year-old kid, they’re too little, they can’t climb.” But he stressed the organization works with all ages and abilities. “We want people to be successful and feel good about climbing,” he said. Visit rockdimensions.com, or call (828) 265-3544 for more information about local climbing options.
ZIP
zip-lining facility on the East Coast, with 20 zip lines and four mega zips, ensuring a top-notch zip-line canopy tour. Mega zips at Hawksnest feature trips that travel a distance more than 2,000 feet long and 200 feet high. Zip lines cover more than four miles of terrain and reach speeds up to 50 mph. The most popular tour at Hawksbest is the Hawk Tour. This is a great experience for firsttimers, Hawksnest officials said. The tour travels 1.5 miles. Riders will utilize 11 cables, with a couple swinging bridges as well. This tour is $80 a person and has a weight capacity up to 250 pounds for a participant. For more information on Hawksnest Ziplines, visit https://hawksnestzipline.com.
FROM PAGE 28 jumping, a swinging bridge, waterfalls and more. All zip-line equipment is provided by Sky Valley Zip Tours, free of charge. Equipment includes a full-body harness, helmet, gloves and two trained canopy rangers per group. For a cost of $79 per person, the tour lasts approximately three hours. All riders must be at least 10 years of age and between 70 and 250 pounds. Closed-toe shoes are also required. For more information on Sky Valley Zip Tours, call (828) 264-8600, or visit www.skyvalleyziptours.com.
HAWKSNEST ZIPLINES Hawksnest Ziplines offers the largest
PHOTO SUBMITTED The High Country climbing community is strong and places like Rock Dimensions teaches the skills needed to complete a successful climb.
The High Country’s Complete Mountain Adventure Store
102 South Jefferson Ave West Jefferson, NC
336.246.9133 mtnoutfittersnc.com
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2015
Fishing in the High Country BY DANIEL MYLETT
T
here is no better time than autumn to pick up a fishing rod in the High Country, as the aesthetics and wildlife of the mountains really come to life. The High Country features a variety of fish in numerous bodies of water. Such fish as trout, bass, catfish, pike, bluegills and many more can be found and caught throughout the area. The best way to come across most of these fish is to explore still waters.
There are many places to go to cast your line, however, the most popular of the bunch is the Watauga River. Originating in Foscoe and at the foot of Grandfather Mountain, this river has been wellknown for the abundance of large trout pulled from it. The Watauga River runs along Highway 105, between Boone and Foscoe. A prime location along the Watauga River is just down the river from the bridge on Highway 194. This is an impeccable spot for catching small-mouth bass, according to those who fish the area. You will find this location just passed the Mast Store along Highway 194. There are many other great spots to fish in the High Country, such as the New River, Dutch Creek, Laurel Creek, Boone’s Fork Creek, Beech Creek and even more. Parts of the Watauga River and New River are seasonally stocked each year with various arrays of fish. Local ponds are also an option for the inexperienced and for children who are too young to fish in regulated waters. Grandfather Trout Farm of Banner Elk is an example of such, offering free equipment,
tackle boxes and bait, with services catered toward families with children. Besides the phenomenal fishing locations, the High Country is home to some of the finest fishing outfitters. Highland Outfitters provides guided trout fishing tours, fly fishing, small bass fishing, Simms boots and clothing, yeti clothing and a guide shop. If you are novice or intermediate behind the rod, capitalize on this opportunity to go fishing with experienced fisherman around the High Country. Highland Outfitters is located at 8857 NC Highway 105 South Boone. Other fishing outfitters of the High Country include Foscoe Fishing, Appalachian Angler, Elk Creek Outfitters, Rivergirl Fishing, Grandfather Trout Farm, Rick’s Smallmouth Adventures, Rock on Charters and Watauga River Anglers. Before you go casting your line in the High Country, be sure to acquire a fishing license. A 10-day license to fish in the High Country is $5 for North Carolina residents and $10 for out-of-state visitors. An annual fishing license is $15 for N.C. residents and $30 for out-of-state visitors.
PHOTOS BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM Fishing the Watauga River close to the Mast General store in Valle Crucis is a prime location for all types of fishermen.
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Frights in the Night Tweetsie’s Ghost Train Returns for Six Weekends this Fall BY JEFF EASON
N
othing says nighttime in the mountains in the fall like a trip to Tweetsie Railroad’s Ghost Train and Halloween
Festival. This year, for the first time, Tweetsie’s Ghost Train will be open for six weekends, beginning on Friday, Sept. 25. For those unfamiliar with the spooky wonder that is the Ghost Train and Halloween Festival, Tweetsie Railroad gets a makeover that transforms it from a fun western cowboy village to something much more macabre. Locomotive conductor Casey Bones takes guests on a terrifying train trip through the woods between Boone and Blowing Rock where all sorts of creatures may be lurking. They might even get on the train with you. In addition to the spooky train ride, the Halloween Festival features SEE TWEETSIE, PAGE 32
PHOTO BY JEFF EASON The Spice Ghouls dance squad always entertains the visitors to Tweetsie’s Ghost Train.
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2015
BOO! High Country Fright Nights BY ERIKA GIOVANETTI
T
he Blue Ridge Mountains provide an autumnal atmosphere for all kinds of Halloween fun, between leaves peaking in October and sometimes even a snowy surprise on Halloween night. A High Country autumn is the perfect time for sweaters, corn mazes, warm apple cider and creepy crafts. The High Country has plenty of Halloween activities both for the young as well as the young-at-heart. Here’s a roundup of events happening in the Boone area and beyond.
New River Corn Maze
Sept. 11-Oct. 31
Set on the Brown Family Farm, the New River Corn Maze winds along the banks of the scenic New River, zigzagging through five acres of corn. The fun continues with a fall train ride and pumpkin patch, where you can handpick your very own pumpkin for Halloween. The corn maze is open on weekends from Sept. 11 until Halloween, operating from 10 a.m. till dark on Fridays and Saturdays, and 1 p.m. till dark on Sundays. Other days, you may visit the maze by appointment. Tickets for the maze are $7 for
adults, $5 for ASU and other students, and free for kids younger than 5. Train rides are $5, and combo tickets for both the maze and the train ride are $10 for adults and $8 for students and kids. For more information, visit www. newrivercornmaze.com or call (828) 264-2986.
Ashe County Corn Maze
Sept. 19- Oct. 31
The six-station Ashe County Corn Maze is a “fall tradition” in the area featuring an acre and a half corn maze that can take anywhere from 25 minutes to 45 minutes to hours to complete. In addition to the maze itself, the venue offers games such as cornhole, horseshoes and inflatable slides. There’s also a smaller hay bale maze for younger children. Visitors are also welcome to marshmallow roasting and face painting, on the weekends. Admission is $7 for adults and children and free for children younger than 3. For groups of 20 or more, admission is $6 for each person. The maze is open Thursday and Friday from 5:30 till 9 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. till 9 p.m.; and Sunday from 2 till 7 p.m. For more information and direc-
PHOTO BY ERIKA GIOVANETTI Max dresses up with his parents, Emily and Max Gettinger, as a Star Wars-themed Halloween trio.
tions, visit www.ashecountycornmaze. com or call (336) 982-6285.
Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train Sept. 25-26, weekends in October
Tweetsie Railroad’s 26th annual Ghost Train Halloween Festival con-
tinues this year, jam-packed with events for every pirate, mummy and ghost. The celebration begins Sept. 25 and continues every Saturday and Sunday night in October. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and the park closes at 11:30 p.m. Among the festivities in the park SEE BOO, PAGE 33
TWEETSIE FROM PAGE 31 Tweetsie’s Haunted House, Halloween shows, the 3-D Maze, Black Hole, Warp Tunnel, trick-or-treating, Freaky Forest, chair lift up to Mystery Mountain and more. Entertainment is a big part of the Ghost Train and you’ll be sure to want to catch the Spice Ghouls dance squad as they perform to Halloween-themed songs such as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
Tickets and times
Tweetsie Railroad’s Ghost Train and Halloween Festival opens each evening at 7:30 p.m. It is open on Friday and Saturday nights Sept. 25-26, Oct. 2-3, Oct. 9-10, Oct. 16-17, Oct. 23-24 and Oct. 30-31. Admission is $34 per person. Children ages 2 and younger are admitted free. For more information, visit www. tweetsie.com or call (828) 264-9061.
PHOTO BY JEFF EASON Travel with the crew of the Ghost Train as they take you on a scary ride through the countryside.
2015
AUTUMN TIMES
BOO FROM PAGE 32 are Ghost Train rides, the Haunted House, Halloween shows, a 3-D maze, the Black Hole, trick-or-treating, the Freaky Forest and the Warp Tunnel. Ghost Train passengers travel back in time to the “Great Train Wreck of 1914,” putting them at the scene of your imagination’s worst train wreck in fictional history. The train runs every 30 minutes. Visitors can also wind through the Freaky Forest, taking dark twists and turns sure to chill you to the bone. The Boneyard, which is in the Hacienda, is the home of the Black Hole, 3-D Maze and the Warp Tunnel. Brave visitors must not miss the Haunted House, which is home to 13 ghostly rooms, and is sure to send chills down the spines of its occupants. According to the Tweetsie Railroad website, officials recommend that children ages 8 and younger avoid going through the Haunted House, Freaky Forest or Ghost Train. However, patrons of all ages are welcome to trick-or-treating throughout the park, a black light show at the Haunted Palace Saloon, amusement rides at the Creepy Carnival, and a costume dance party on Tweetsie’s main street.
PHOTO SUBMITTED Master brewer Nathan Kelischek gets festive at Appalachian Mountain Brewery’s 2014 Halloween Party.
Tickets are already on sale for the 2015 festival. Ordering advance tickets is recommended, due to the limited number of tickets available for each evening. Admission is $34 for adults and children, while children ages 2 and younger are admitted free. The Ghost Train Festival tickets do not include admission to the park’s
daytime activities. For more information, call (877) 893-3874, or visit www.tweetsie.com.
Hillbilly Horror’s Fright Nights Weekends in October
Every October, Honey Bear
PAGE 33
Campground is transformed into an interactive trail where unsuspecting guests become the prey of insane hillbillies during Hillbilly Horror. In addition to Hillbilly Horror, Honey Bear Campground features the Zombie Defender, an interactive ride through the woods of Honey Bear Campground during which participants are given a paintball gun to fend off encroaching “zombies.” Also during Fright Nights, activities at the campground include hayrides, outdoor movies and a haunted trail. Although the haunted trail and Zombie Defender attractions may be too frightening for small children, the hayrides and movies are appropriate for all ages. Free transportation is available to anyone who needs it, picking up from convenient locations around Boone. The buses run from 7 p.m. till 12:30 a.m. Fright Nights activities last from 7:30 p.m. till 11 p.m. The attraction runs Fridays and Saturdays in October. Tickets cost up to $30, depending on the attraction. There is a $5 discount for students and campers. For more information and ticket sales, visit www.hillbillyhorrorboone. com. SEE BOO, PAGE 35
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2015
BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Blowing Rock FALL 2015 CALENDAR
SEPT Thurs. thru Blowing Rock Farmers Market Oct 15 800.295.7851 Fri. thru Music on the Lawn Oct 23 The Best Cellar 19 The Blowing Rock Music Festival 828.295.7111 25 thru Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train Oct 31 800.526.5740 OCT 3 Art in the Park 800.295.7851
1
enjoy all it
NEW
has to offer...
24 Ensemble Stage Staged Radio Drama 828.414.1844 31 Blowing Rock Halloween Festival 828.295.5222
Fall Arrivals
2
Women’s Apparel & Accessories
NOV
3990 NC Hwy 105 S, STE 8 Banner Elk, NC 28604 Grandfather Center 828.898.2155
20 Area Ski Resorts Open (Projected) 27 Choose & Cut Christmas Tree Season Begins 27 Christmas in the Park & Lighting of the Town 828.295.5222
537 North Main Street Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Across from the Chetola Resort 828.295.4200
28 Christmas Parade 828.295.5222
1
2
3
3
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2015
BOO FROM PAGE 33
Lansing Haunted House
Sept. 25 and 26, weekends in October Hosted at the former Lansing School building, the Lansing Haunted House is the perfect setting for a creepy Halloween hideaway. “We have special effects and makeup artists along with lots of wonderful volunteers putting in work and everyone has a blast putting the haunted house together every year,” organizer Justin Bunton said. Admission is $7, and hot dogs and refreshments are available for sale. The building is located at 9710 N.C. Highway 194 N. Parking is available at the gravel lot out front and also at the American Legion Ball Field, weather permitting. “The Lansing Haunted House is open every Friday and Saturday in October from 7 p.m. until we run out of victims ... er … customers,” Bunton said. Bunton added that the haunted house goes on regardless of weather and recommends that guests come early to get a spot in line. The tour lasts 15 minutes, but many folks go through multiple times. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ LansingNCHauntedHouse.
Beary Scary Halloween at Grandfather Mtn. Oct. 31
Celebrate Halloween at Grandfather Mountain with spooky family fun from 10:30 a.m. till 3:30 p.m. on Halloween. The festivities include Halloween crafts, a costume contest, trick-ortreating around the animal habitats and a special Halloween enrichment for the animals. All programs are included with the price of admission, and kids in costume are admitted for half price. For more information, visit www.grandfather.com.
Haunted Horn
Oct. 26-31
While ASU’s Appalachian educators are usually sugar, spice and everything nice, they trade in those three ingredients for something a little more sinister for Haunted Horn, which takes place this year on Oct. 26 through Halloween from 7 to 10 p.m. The theme for this year’s trail is “Mountain Madness,” an “apocalyptic
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outbreak” that is taking over the High Country. For 15 years, Haunted Horn has helped to fund the Appalachian educators’ annual service project that provides holiday gifts for underprivileged children from six Watauga elementary schools. Funding also goes to benefit the Southern Appalachian Historical Association. The trail uses strobe lights, fog machines and disorienting darkness, so it is not recommended for children younger than 10 years of age. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. Haunted Horn will take place at Horn in the West Drive. For more information, contact Janice Koppenhaver at (828) 262-6527.
Trick-or-Treat for Tots
Oct. 29 Appalachian State University’s Housing Office welcomes ASU faculty and staff, as well as community families, to bring the kids to this year’s Trick-or-Treat for Tots, which takes place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29. Costumed children are welcome to visit the residence halls on the east side of ASU’s campus, including Hoey, Cannon, Lovill, East, Doughton, White, Summit and Cone residence halls. ASU students will be handing out candy, and the hall lobbies will be bustling with treats, games and other fun activities, as well. Parents and children must check in at the East Hall parking lot, between Highway 321 and East Hall, to receive a map and instructions for the evening’s festivities. Parking is available in the faculty/staff parking lots on the east side of campus. For more information, contact ASU’s Shannon Jordan at jordansn@appstate.edu.
Boone BOO! Oct. 30
Families and visitors from all around Watauga County and beyond flock to Boone on Oct. 30 for the 15th annual Boone BOO! celebration, hosted by the Downtown Boone Development Association. The festivities start at the Watauga County Public Library at 4 p.m. and include trick-or-treating with downtown merchants from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. At the library, children can participate in arts and crafts, play games and listen to storytellers, as well as live music. At 4:30 p.m., the children parade to the Jones House Community SEE BOO, PAGE 36
PHOTO SUBMITTED The New River Corn Maze doubles as a great place to find your Halloween pumpkins.
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BOO FROM PAGE 35 Center for a silly and spooky haunted house. Prizes and candy are given out at the Jones House and, weather permitting, there will be outdoor games and entertainment at the venue, as well. Merchants in downtown Boone begin to pass out candy at 5 p.m. As for safety tips, organizers recommend that children stay together in groups, watch out for cars and carry glow sticks or flashlights. For more information about the event, contact the town of Boone Department of Cultural Resources at (828) 2686283 or visit www.townofboone.net or www.joneshouse.org.
Blowing Rock Halloween Festival Oct. 31
PHOTO BY JESSE CAMPBELL This is a look at how early Pioneers lived in the 1800s.
History Comes Alive at Living History Museum BY JESSE CAMPBELL
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ou don’t have to look far to see reminders of Boone’s colorful and rich past. At the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, those signs are a tad more visible. Perhaps known best for its association with the “Horn in the West” theatrical production, the museum allows guests to take a step back to the rugged frontier days of Southern Appalachia. The museum offers a microcosm of what life was like in the 1700s during
an era of national expansion. Keeping in character, the museum is staffed with interpreters who wear clothing from that period, according to the museum’s website. This allows guests to see a glimpse of daily life from the pivotal point in American history. The museum also provides insight into the self-sufficiency of the country’s forefathers by showcasing the skills they possessed, according to the website. Perhaps none of these frontier lessons are better exemplified than the annual Boone Heritage Festival.
This year’s installment takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Daniel Boone Park. Reenactors from the 18th century, historical demonstrations, kids’ activities, craft and food vendors, storytelling and music jam sessions complete this year’s featured entertainment. The Southern Appalachian Historical Association and the town of Boone present the festival in wooded setting of the living history museum. Admission to the event is free to see how the Pioneers lived in the 1800s.
On Halloween, Blowing Rock hosts its annual Halloween Festival from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. The festival, which is hosted in downtown Blowing Rock, features spooky spectacles such as hayrides, trick-or-treat, a moonlit scavenger hunt and the annual Monster March. The festivities begin at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, with fall fables starting at 1 p.m. and creepy crafts starting at 2 p.m. Later at Memorial Park, festival patrons can enjoy an air walk starting at 3 p.m. and hayrides throughout the town starting at 4 p.m. At the Recreation Center, children can practice their astronaut walk at the inflatable fun house. Games will also be available at the Recreation Center from 3 until 5:30 p.m. Afterward, children can show off their Halloween garb at the Monster March. To participate, line up at the American Legion building at 5:30 p.m. The trick-or-treating at downtown Blowing Rock begins at 6 p.m., followed by a costume contest, held at the Recreation Center starting at 7 p.m. Those wishing to participate must sign up by 6:45 p.m. After the costume contest, there is a Moonlight Scavenger hunt hosted at Broyhill Lake. Children age 6 to 13 can participate in teams of three or less; children should bring a flashlight. For more information, call (828) 2955222 or visit www.blowingrock.com.
Nightlife Nightspots throughout the High Country are also planning special Halloween observances. Check with your favorite to see what they may be offering.
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Photo by Jason Els
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PHOTO SUBMITTED Ashe County Park, Highland Hills and Beech Mountain Resort have courses that challenge even the best disc golfer in the High Country.
Disc Golfing in the High Country BY DAN MYLETT
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ith the unique landscape and diversified terrain, the High Country offers several exciting and exclusionary disc golf courses to the public. Disc golf is played like traditional golf, but with flying discs instead of balls and clubs. One of the popular venues for disc golf in the High Country is Beech Mountain Resort’s course. This 18-hole course is unique, as players can enjoy a spectacular view while playing on the mountain. The course is more than 8,880 feet long,
with a one-of-a-kind design. Lift tickets are available for players to enjoy a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, as they ascend to the top of Beech Mountain. Beech Mountain has the whole package. Once you have reached the peak of 5,506 feet, visit the SkyBar or head out to explore some trails. “I think the elevation and terrain really sets us apart from other areas,” said Talia Freeman, director of marketing at Beech Mountain Resort. Beech Mountain Resort is open Friday through Sunday, from June 5 through Sept. 27. The mountain resort is located at 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain.
“There is not a lot needed to play disc golf,” Freeman said. “Some sports you need special shoes, accessories and gear. With disc golf, you just need a disc and they are relatively cost efficient. We offer rentals, as well.” If you are looking for something fun, stimulating and inexpensive to do, you’re really in luck. Guests are offered 18 holes and a lift ride at a special price. A couple other courses can be found throughout the High Country, including Highland Hills’ disc golf course and Ashe Country Park’s disc golf course. Highland Hills is located in North
Wilkesboro and offers players a course of 20 holes, spanning 4,200 feet. All but three holes are located within 300 feet of the tee. Highland Hills is located at 22 S. Park Road, North Wilkesboro. Ashe Country Park’s disc golf course has 18 holes and a span of 6,992 feet. Ashe Country Park is open from 8 a.m. until dusk everyday and is located at Ashe Park Road, Jefferson. New to the offerings of disc golf in the area, Wahoo’s Adventures in Boone now offers a nine-hold challenge disc golf course at its New River location. For more information, call toll free (800) 444-RAFT or (828) 262-5774.
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PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Cycling through the mountains of the High Country offers riders several unique challenges, only matched by the fun of pumping up and down the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Mountains Give Cyclists Unique Challenge BY JAMES HOWELL
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he steep inclines, winding roads and twisting turns of the High Country offer added challenges and greater rewards for cyclists interested in riding through the mountains. Not only will cyclists enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains, they should also enjoy the cooler autumn weather that the High Country is so well known for. James Petrosky, from Bad Dog Racing in Lake Norman, recently praised the High Country for its climate and scenery after finishing first in the 57-mile leg of the Blue Ridge Brutal bike race in Ashe County. “It was beautiful out there,” Petrosky said. “You get to ride on the parkway in a controlled fashion, and it’s safe.” Petrosky was referring to the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the top locations for cyclists to traverse in the High Country. Along with beautiful scenery,
the low speed limit provides cyclists with added safety. “It was probably the most scenic ride we’ve been on in a while,” said cyclist James Barker after riding on the parkway. Roads in the High Country often have blind curves that can be dangerous for cyclists. Riders, especially those not used to mountain roads, should use caution by watching traffic patterns and always stay on their side of the road. Several cycling events have already come and gone during the summer months, but a few cycling events for serious riders still remain. “Boone and this area is one of the most cycling-rich communities in Western North Carolina,” said Boone Bike and Touring employee Mike Hubbard. The following events and summaries are listed at www. boonebike.com. The 11th annual Watauga Lake Triathlon will take place in Butler, Tenn., at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12.
The event includes a 1,000-meter swim in a pristine lake, 35-kilometer hilly bike ride and a challenging 8-kilometer run. Learn more at www.wataugalaketriathlon.com. Later in September, the 2015 Cycle North Carolina “Mountains to the Coast” ride will take place Sept. 26 - Oct. 3. The event will offer riders a chance to see what the state has to offer. Check in and packet pick up will begin at 10 a.m. on Sept. 26 in Waynesville at the Waynesville Recreation Center (550 Vance St., Waynesville). The seven-day route will take riders from Waynesville to Oak Island. For more information, call (919) 361-1133 or email cyclenc@ ncsports.org. The Boone-Town Throw-Down is race No. 4 in the N.C. Cyclocross Series and will be held at the High Country Fairgrounds on Sunday, Nov. 1. This year’s proceeds will benefit the Watauga Humane Society. Learn more at www. usacycling.org. Because the Throw-Down can be a
tough ride, a set of practices called the “Countdown to the Throw-Down” will be held to prepare riders for the rigors of the race. According to boonebike.com, there is no better way to prepare for the N.C. Cyclocross Series than the countdown, where riders will prepare their lungs and legs with weekly training races. The countdown races will take place at the High Country Fairgrounds on Wednesdays, starting at 6:15 p.m. on Sept. 16, Sept. 23, Sept. 30 and Oct. 7. For cyclists new to the High Country who want to learn about the best spots to ride, Boone Area Cyclists is a great group to get in touch with. They can refer cyclists to locations that match their comfort levels and riding experience. The club welcomes cyclists of all ages, riding abilities and styles. Boone Area Cyclists’ website offers information about group rides through the High Country. For more information, visit www.booneareacyclists.org/.
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Colorful Courses Highlight the High County Golf Experience BY ERIK HOFFMANN
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PHOTO SUBMITTED The openness of fairways on the golf courses in the High Country makes them a popular destination for golfers of all ages.
Let’s Go Kayaking Check out our “Kayak/Canoe/Tubing” tab under “Play” for a complete list of water sport activities
HighCountryNC.com
live the adventure
ith the changing of the season comes crisp, cool air, vibrantly colored leaves and the desire to spend a morning chasing a little white ball around acres of the most beautiful views available anywhere. The northwest corner of North Carolina offers several choices and levels of play from the novice to the expert. From Avery County to Ashe County and points in between, golfers choices are, well, the sky’s the limit. Boone Golf Club, located at 433 Fairway Drive in Boone, offers 18 holes of what Golf Digest considers “rated 4.5 stars.” The course was designed by Ellis Maples in 1959 and boasts 6,680 yards of golfing bliss. The par 71 course has blue, white, gold and red tees with three par 5 holes, 11 par 4 holes and four par 3 holes. Boone Golf Club also has a pro shop stocked with the latest apparel and equipment for both men and women golfers. It offers club repair, demonstrations, junior clinics and private instruction. Mountain Aire Golf Club, located at 1104 Golf Course Road in West Jefferson, has 6,404 yards of mountain views and challenging holes throughout its course. With four par 5 holes, 10 par 4 holes and four par 3 holes, Mountain Aire has four sets of tees to challenge anyone’s skill level. If there isn’t time for a full round of golf, check out Willow Creek Golf Course, located at 354 Bairds Creek Road in Vilas. It is a 9-hole Par 3 executive course with varying elevations and lush, green views all
around. Willow Creek was designed by Tom Jackson and has hosted many a golfer since its opening in 1975. With no tee times, Willow Creek operates on a “first-come, first-served” basis. The Mountain Glen Golf Club, located at 1 Club House Drive in Newland, was designed by George W. Cobb in 1964 and has remained unchanged ever since. The front nine has mostly flat and open fairways and the back nine goes upward to what was once called “Cranberry Draw.” Mountain Glen also offers a driving range with flag markers up to 200 yards, a practice putting green and chipping area. For anyone who just wants to hit the ball without keeping score, the Mountaineer Golf Center, located at 115 Beverly Heights Avenue in Boone, is the perfect spot for teeing up and smashing a few balls. Mountaineer Golf Center offers a practice facility with multilevel teeing stations, elevation stations to hitting areas and more. It also offers lessons with PGA professional Lee Sayre, who provides more than 40 years of experience and can help correct any golf swing, regardless of your experience. The links at Sugar Mountain Golf Course, located at 1054 Sugar Mountain Drive in Sugar Mountain, reach elevations more than 4,000 feet above sea level and offer a course that is second to none. The par 64 course includes nine par 3 holes, eight par 4 holes and only one par 5 hole. Many have referred to the course at Sugar Mountain as “Everyman’s Golf Course.”
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Caving • Christian Camps • Fishing • Gem Mining • Golf • Hot Air Balloon Rides • Shopping
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2015
Grandfather Mountain – The Peak of Leaf Season STAFF REPORTS
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old and stark, Grandfather Mountain’s proud visage dominates the local skyline for miles around. Incredible to see at any time of year, Grandfather is perhaps most impressive in the fall, when its wide sloping peaks are ablaze with the entire autumnal palette. Unique among the already impressive roster of local peaks, Grandfather Mountain offers visitors the opportunity to see changing foliage in many different stages because of the mountain’s large range of elevation change. This also allows for a longer period of time in which guests can see the changing leaves, as the lower elevation trees will keep their color for much longer. Guests have the chance to experience Grandfather’s incredible scenery
in many different ways. Those inclined to hike are afforded ample opportunity to do so, utilizing the mountain’s many miles of hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty. Visitors looking for a more slow-paced experience are still presented with astounding views from the park’s road system or Mile High Swinging Bridge. Grandfather is the perfect destination for leaf looking, not only because of the changing deciduous hardwoods, but also for the mountain’s huge range of other plants and wildlife. Along with the forest creatures one could expect to find in any such environment, Grandfather has seven enclosed habitats that house more elusive mountain wildlife. Grandfather is currently home to exhibits that house black bears, river otters, cougars, bald eagles and whitetail SEE GRANDFATHER, PAGE 45
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM Grandfather Mountain is home to some playful river otters, one of which was rescued from Avery County.
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GRANDFATHER FROM PAGE 44 deer. The enclosures, separated from visitors by elevation and moats, give visitors the opportunity to get a close-up look at the animals as they would live in the wild. There are several special events planned for this fall at Grandfather, including Fall Colors of Grandfather, Beary Scary Halloween and Creatures of the Night Bonfire Delight. “There’s a reason people call it ‘leaf season,’” said Frank Ruggiero, director of marketing and communications for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the nonprofit organization that manages the attraction. “Come autumn, the already impressive viewscapes transform into a kaleidoscope of fall color. It’s simply stunning. “One of the best ways to take it all in, though, is through our Colors of Grandfather program. This is where our experienced naturalists lead guided walks through the most colorful spots on the mountain, showcasing the changing leaves and explaining the science behind it all.” The Colors of Grandfather takes place
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM Grandfather Mountain has some beautiful leaf color, especially on the Boone Bowl side going up to Calloway peak.
at 1 p.m. Oct. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18 and is included with park admission. Meeting locations will vary, based on the fall color. Information about meeting locations will be posted at the entrance gate, Nature Museum and Top Shop. Beary Scary Halloween is Grandfather’s Halloween celebration on Oct. 31. The event features a full day of crafts, nature programs, trick-or-treating and a costume contest. Children who visit the mountain in costume will be admitted for half price. Creatures of the Night Bonfire Delight
offers visitors a rare chance to visit the mountain after hours. Guests will be able to visit the bear habitat and to meet some of the mountain’s other nocturnal wildlife. Online registration for the event opens Sept. 4; registrants should be at least 8 years old. Enjoyment of Grandfather Mountain is not just limited to outdoor enthusiasts, the mountain has a variety of indoor activities to choose from as well. The Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum hosts more than two dozen exhibits designed to educate visitors
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about the mountain’s natural history. Sharing buildings with the nature museum is Mildred’s Grill, a 140-seat diner serving burgers, sandwiches, salads and snacks. If that is not enough to satisfy the palate, Grandfather also offers an inhouse fudge shop that carries Hershey’s ice cream and a wide range of homemade fudges. Grandfather Mountain is open yearround as weather permits, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas days. Ticket sales end one hour before the park closes. The staff at Grandfather recommends that guests arrive before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m. on holidays and in fall color season to avoid large lines at the front gate. Ticket sales are offered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the park is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the fall and winter. Admission to Grandfather Mountain costs $20 for adults age 13-59, $18 for seniors older than 60, $8 for children ages 4-12, children younger than 4 are admitted for free. For more information, call the front gate at (828) 733-4337, the front office at (800) 468-7325 or (828) 733-2013 or visit www.grandfather.com. For more information on programs offered at the park, call (828) 733-4326.
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Going Off-Road in the High Country BY ERIK HOFFMANN
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t sure is nice to take a leisurely stroll around the river on a lazy Sunday afternoon bike ride. But if slow and steady isn’t your cup of tea, perhaps an adrenaline inducing mountain bike trail is more your shot of espresso and this region has plenty of trails to quench any extremist’s thirst. Starting out at Pisgah National Forest, the lands that make up the Grandfather Ranger District can be found between Lenoir and Blowing Rock on U.S. 321. There you will find a variety of bike trails from the 4.5-mile Watauga Turnpike gravel road trail to the most difficult rated 11.4-mile Wilson Ridge Trail. For a complete listing of available trails in the Grandfather Ranger District, visit www.trails.com/activity. aspx?area=13764. While wheeling around the area, Zack’s Fork Mountain Bike Trail is located in the heart of Lenoir with easy access to the downtown area. It is a single-track experience for novices or a fast flow trail for the more experienced cycler. The average ride time for the round-trip 5.6-mile trail is 55 minutes. For more information or current track conditions, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/ zacksforkmtbtrail or www.mtbproject.com/trail/5773178. Beech Mountain boasts the Emerald Outback Trails, which is a year-round destination for avid mountain bikers. The system includes more than 8 miles of awesome views and challenging trails. At 5,400 feet above sea level, the trails are free and open to the public seven days a week. For more information, visit www. emeraldoutback.com. For mountain bikers looking to stay around Watauga County, Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park is the perfect spot to pedal away. The park boasts four trails, starting with Rocky Branch Trail. Rocky Branch starts with a climb over rising and falling dips that run next to U.S.
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM The High Country has become a great place for mountain bikers to explore and hone their skills.
421. The 2.6-mile trail is rated moderate to intermediate. The Jump Start Skills area is on this trail. A more difficult trail, the 1-mile Middle Earth Trail takes bikers counterclockwise around a rockier terrain. The trail leaves and re-enters the upper leg of the Rocky Branch Trail. Make sure to check out the PBJ Skills Trail. It’s a stimulating ride named for it’s pumps, berms and jumps. The Boat Rock Loop is an advanced 3.6-mile trail found on the upper slopes of Rocky Knob. If you only want to do part of the trail, there’s a “bailout” spot. Finally, the Ol’ Hoss Trail is the highest elevation trail and most advanced trail at Rocky Knob. While the trail is three fourths of a mile, it reaches the summit of the mountain at 4,000 feet. There are drops and obstacles that cannot be avoided. After the climb up, there’s only one direction to go … down. For more information, visit the park’s Facebook page at facebook. com/RockyKnobPark or www.rockyknob.wordpress.com.
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www.ValleCrucis.com
Dutch Creek Trails 828-297-7117
St. John’s Church ca. 1858
Little Red School House ca. 1907
Original Mast General Store Est. 1883 828-963-6511
A haven for travelers since the 1800s, Valle Crucis, a National Rural Historic District, offers shops, beautiful bed and breakfast inns, delicious cuisine, wine tasting, rustic cabins, horseback riding, adventure and more.
Valle Crucis Log Cabin Rentals & Sales 828-963-7774 Mast Store Annex Outfitters & Candy Barrel ca. 1909 828-963-6511
Rivercross Made in USA 828-963-8623
Mast Farm Inn Lodging & Restaurant ca. 1812 828-963-5857
Over Yonder Restaurant & Bar 828-963-6301
Taylor House Inn Bed & Breakfast ca. 1911 800-963-5581
Valle Crucis Community Web Directory Dutch Creek Trails - dutchcreektrails.com Lazy Bear Lodge - lazy-bear-lodge.com Mast Farm Inn - themastfarminn.com Mast General Store - mastgeneralstore.com Mountainside Lodge B&B - mountainsidelodgebb.com Over Yonder - overyondernc.com Rivercross Made in USA - rivercrossmadeinusa.com Taylor House Inn - taylorhouseinn.com Valle Crucis Bed & Breakfast - vallecrucisbandb.com Valle Crucis Log Cabin Rentals & Sales - logcabinrentals.com
Mountainside Lodge Bed & Breakfasat 877-687-4333
Valle Crucis Bed & Breakfast & Valle Crucis Mercantile 828-963-2525
Lazy Bear Lodge Bed & Breakfast 828-963-9201
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2015
Going Strolling Walking Trails of the High Country BY STAFF REPORTS
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f you don’t feel like spending the afternoon indoors or taking on a strenuous peak in the numerous hiking trails around Western North Carolina, consider these walking trails that offer a less strenuous, but just as beautiful view of local scenery. These trails are some highlights for avid hikers. For upcoming events and even more information, visit www. highcountrync.com.
Banner Elk Greenway This walk involves 1.1 miles of trail and begins in the park and goes through different paths to the Art Cellar Gallery, boasting a nice view.
Greenway Trail The greenway is located behind State Farm Road in Boone, with an entrance by the Watauga County Parks and Recreation complex and the National Guard Armory. The paved trail is 3 miles long, but relatively flat, winding back and forth past a creek. Some other hiking trails go off the main path. More information is available at (828) 264-9511. A full greenway map is available at www.townofboone.net.
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park Whether you are looking for a strenuous hike up a mountain or a light walk on the paved paths, Cone Memorial Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway has more than 25 miles of trails to suit the level of walking difficulty of your choice. Ask at the Manor House during operating hours for a recommendation of the best trail for your plan — some trails also allow horseback riding.
Julian Price Memorial Park The Price Lake Loop Trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a 2.7-mile trail
around the fishing and canoeing hot spot, Price Lake. The relatively flat trail is ideal for trail runners and walkers alike. The park also has six other trails that range from moderate to strenuous (including the famed 13.5mile Tanawha Trail).
Grandfather Mountain Although Grandfather has some of the most strenuous hikes in the High Country along the face-silhouette peaks, it also boasts some lower difficulty trails. The gentler paths can be reached via the summit road, creating a low-impact chance to view the area’s natural landscapes.
Glen Burney Trail Within Blowing Rock, this trail is relatively steep, but only 1.5 miles with a turn-around, which goes past three waterfalls. More information is available at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce.
Boone United Trail One of the area’s newest trails is the Boone United Trail, created by volunteers under the direction of Boone United Methodist Church and officially opened in 2104. Located on 40 acres of church-owned conservation land, this 3-mile loop is free and for pedestrians only. There is no camping, no guns and no alcohol allowed. Dogs on leashes are allowed.
Emerald Outback Trail The Emerald Outback Trail is located on top of Beech Mountain Ski Resort. A year-round destination for hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers, the trail has an average altitude of 5,400 feet and features 8 miles of gorgeous and challenging trails, as well as some spots with 50-mile views. Built by the town of Beech Mountain, the trail is free and open to the public seven days
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM Grandfather Trail on Grandfather Mountain offers some of the best views of the High Country. It is also one of the best trails to hike in the fall. The trail has ladders and ropes to help you along, and sturdy shoes are a must.
a week.
Trails, trails and more trails Here’s a list of trails to hike and get your best fall shots for your archives. If you are an outdoorsman and love to hike, there’s several options for you in the Boone area. Some hikes are challenging, some not so much, but most offer scenery and options for photographers in the spring, summer, fall or winter. The trails listed below are just a handful but please do your research before you decide to hike. Flip-flops are not what you want to wear on a hike.
Blue Ridge Parkway Trails Trails located along the Blue Ridge Parkway offer hikers just about any level of trekking their hearts might desire. Some of the trails are long and challenging, others are short loops leading to waterfalls or scenic vistas. For more information, (828) 295-7591 or call (828) 295-3782.
Mountains to the Sea Trail The trail is broken down into sections. The sections closest to Boone are sections 13-17: Blue Ridge Parkway North Beacon Heights to Devil’s Garden Overlooks. It covers 88-miles and crosses several main roadways. It actually begins at the rugged base of Grandfather Mountain. For more SEE STROLLING, PAGE 49
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STROLLING FROM PAGE 48 information visit the website: www. ncmst.org.
Doughton Park Trails Doughton Park, located in Ashe County near Laurel Springs, has over 30 miles of hiking trails ranging from modest strolls to day-long outings. Some examples include: Bluff Mountain Trail: 7.5 miles, moderate; Cedar Ridge Trail: 4.4 miles, strenuous; Grassy Gap Fire Road: 6.5 miles, easy (horses allowed); Basin Creek Trail: 6.6 miles, moderate; Fodder Stack Trail: 2 miles, moderate. Milepost 241. Call (336) 372-8568 for trail maps.
The Cascades Trail One of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s most scenic trails—and one of its easiest—this 0.5 mile turn-around leads to the scenic Cascades waterfalls. It begins at the Cascades parking lot, about three miles north of Deep Gap, Milepost 271.9.
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM Rough Ridge is by far the most popular short hike off of the Parkway at Milepost 302.8 and offers spectacular fall colors.
Green Knob Trail Starting at Sims Pond (Milepost 295), this moderate 2.4 mile trail winds along a stream through rhododendron forest, then changes scenery to climb up along a ridgeline.
Boone Fork Trail A moderate/strenuous loop leading through deep woods and along a cascading river of 4.9 miles in length. The
trailhead is located in the Price Park Picnic Area, Milepost 296.5.
Tanawha Trail This trail, 13 miles in length, can be started at either the Price Park Campground, in Blowing Rock, or at the Linn Cove Viaduct’s parking lot, at Grandfather Mountain (Milepost 305.5). Check with Grandfather Mountain for a map of the trail.
Linn Cove Viaduct Access Trail The world-famous Linn Cove Viaduct, an engineering masterpiece, can best be seen from this trail, which begins at the Linn Cove Visitor Center, Milepost 304.4. The trail actually travels underneath the bridge, givSEE STROLLING, PAGE 50
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STROLLING FROM PAGE 49 ing hikers an unparalleled view of this unique construction project. The trail is handicapped accessible for part of the way, and is a relatively easy stroll, but does link up with the Mountains to the Sea Trail, Nuwati, Boone Fork and the Tanawha Trail.
Beacon Heights A short hike gives you access to great views of Grandfather, the Linville Falls area, Hawksbill, and Table Rock. It’s a nice place to hang out in the sun. Milepost 305.2.
Linville Falls Trails Several trails begin at the Linville Falls Visitor Center in Linville Falls. All less than a mile in length, some lead to the top of the falls while two lead to the bottom of Linville Falls. All are recommended, although the lower falls trails can be a bit strenuous but give the better images from below. Milepost 316.4.
Linville River Bridge Trail This very short trail takes you down to the Linville River underneath one of
the oldest old arched stone bridges on the parkway. Picnic tables, restrooms, and water are all available. Going north on the parkway, take a left towards the Linville picnic area and another left just before entering the picnic area. Milepost 316.5.
Chestoa View Loop Trail A little over a half a mile long, this trail gives you a great view of Table Rock. Milepost 320.8.
Crabtree Falls Trail A strenuous 2.6 mile loop which leads to both the bottom and top of Crabtree Falls. This trail begins and ends in the Crabtree Falls Campground’s parking area, near Little Switzerland. Milepost 339.5
Other Trails Several small trails of varying difficulty dot the Parkway south past the Linn Cove Viaduct. For a listing of mileposts and trail lengths, call the Gillespie Gap ranger office at (828) 765-6082.
Grandfather Mountain Trails Grandfather Mountain, one of the tallest and most rugged in the Eastern
United States, is crisscrossed with well maintained trails, most of them for experienced hikers. Some lead into Grandfather’s deep woods, but most scale cliffs that can sometimes be dizzying in height. Always carry water, food and a trail map and wear sturdy boots. Permits are required for trail access, and hikers are strongly advised to exercise caution in case of thunderstorms or other adverse weather conditions. For further information phone (828) 733-2013 or (828) 737-0833, send an email to hiking@grandfather. com or look online at www.grandfather.com.
Linville Gorge Trails The Linville Gorge Wilderness is one of the most remote, rugged wilderness areas in the entire Eastern United States. Trails are marked at the trailhead, but are not signed or blazed once inside the wilderness. Make sure you know how to read a topographical map and use a compass. Be prepared. Some trails include crossings of the Linville River -- exercise extreme caution when crossing moving water. Hikers, campers, and rock climbers get lost within this wilderness area annually, and deaths are not uncommon. Contact the U.S. Forest Service office in Marion for maps, permits, information on other trails and safety details. Permits are required for overnight outings. For more information, call (828) 652-2144.
Wilson Creek Wilderness Area The Wilson Creek Proposed Wilderness area, National Forest Service land composed of Lost Cove Ridge and the Harper’s Creek Area, borders the Blue Ridge Parkway in Avery County. 25 miles of primitive wilderness trails offer excellent hiking and backpacking opportunities for travelers in this little-known, out of the way (but only about 45 minutes from Boone.) wilderness area. Call Pisgah National Forest at (828) 682-2144 for details. Maps are available through the Pisgah office or area outfitters.
Roan Mountain Trails WWW.VACATIONCONDOS.COM
Roan Mountain and the Roan Mountain Highlands straddle the North Carolina/Tennessee border
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about a 45 minute drive from Boone. Several designated hiking trails, ranging up to four miles in length and varying in difficulty, meander through the park’s forests and stretches of Grassy Balds. For the experienced hiker, the famed Appalachian Trail crosses Roan Mountain at one of its most scenic junctures. The top of the mountain is open from April to October. For more information, call (423) 772-3314.
Beech Mountain Trails A series of nature trails crisscross Beech Mountain, all passing through gently sloping woodlands and passing over several of Beech’s main roadways. For more information, phone (828) 387-9283 or visit www.hikingbeechmtn.com.
Emerald Outback Trail The Emerald Outback Trail is located on top of Beech Mountain Ski Resort and has a series of trails for hikers and mountain bikers.
Lake Coffey Course This scenic quarter mile course wraps around the lake and is perfect for both walking and jogging.
Pond Creek Trail This easy to moderate 2 mile trail begins at Tamarack Road, following the creek past Lake Coffey to Locust Ridge Road. The lower end of the trail has a few small waterfalls. Park at Perry Park area.
• Grassy Creek Trail: This easy 1.2 mile trail follows the creek from Hawthorn Road and ends at Grassy Gap Creek Road. • Cherry Gap Trail: An easy to moderate 1.6 mile walk up undeveloped Wild Iris Road. Start at Cherry Gap Road. • Buckeye Gap Loop Trail: Moderate 8.4 miles.
• West Bowl Buckeye Creek Moderate 3.4 miles.
• Grassy Gap Creek Trail: Easy to moderate 2 miles.
• Smoketree Trail: Easy to moderate 2 mile loop.
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Foscoe Rentals, located in the heart of the North Carolina High Country, offers a variety of lodging options. From luxury condos to picturesque log cabins, Foscoe Rentals is your home away from home. Breathtaking views, soothing hot tubs and pools, and relaxing fireplaces welcome you to the peace and tranquility of the mountains.
828-963-8142 800-723-7341 www.FoscoeRentals.com
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PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM The High Country is full of camping opportunities. This campsite is off of Shortoff Trail in the Linville Gorge.
Life in the Great Outdoors BY ERIK HOFFMANN
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very so often, we all need a break from the go, go, go lifestyle. What better way to unwind than spending some time in the wilderness, away from smog, noise and technology? Instead of looking up constellations on the Internet, try looking up at the constellations while camping in the High Country.
NATIONAL FORESTS Camping is permitted in national forests throughout North Carolina; however, it is not allowed on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Camps must be at a minimum of 1,000 feet away from vehicular roads, parking lots and recreational areas. Linville Gorge Nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of North Carolina,� Linville Gorge is part
of the Pisgah National Forest and was formed by Jonas Ridge on the east and Linville Mountain on the west. Camping is allowed at Linville Gorge from May through October, but permits are required for weekends and holidays. Permits are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week April through October at the Linville Gorge Information Cabin on Kistler Memorial Highway. Grandfather Mountain At an elevation of 5,946 feet above sea level, Grandfather Mountain is highest peak of the Blue Ridge Mountains range. Grandfather Mountain offers 13 backpack campsites along its trail system. While there is no cost to camp at Grandfather Mountain, all campers must self-register at the trailheads.
CAMPGROUNDS Campers who prefer their wilderness
adventures a bit more modern have several campgrounds around the High Country to choose from. KOA 123 Harmony Mountain Lane Boone, NC 28607 (828) 264-7250 Kampgrounds of America is located just outside Boone off N.C. 194 and has full RV hookups, tent sites and cabins. Amenities include a pool, mini golf, arcade games and a farm animal mini zoo. Julian Price Park Campgrounds Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 297 (828) 963-5911 Julian Price Park Campgrounds has camping sites to accommodate non-electric RVs and tents. Campers have access to bathrooms and drinking water facilities. The campgrounds
are located just a few minutes south of Blowing Rock on the Blue Ridge Parkway and are near hiking trails, Price Lake and picnic facilities. It is open from May through the autumn leaf season. Grandfather Campground 125 Profile View Road Banner Elk, N.C. (828) 355-4535 Located just 10 miles south of Boone off N.C. 105, Grandfather Campgrounds provides fully furnished cabin rentals, full RV hookups and tent sites. Leashed pets are permitted on the campgrounds; however, they are not allowed in the cabins. Amenities include a camp store, ice and laundry machines, free WiFi access, hiking trails and a playground.
SEE OUTDOORS, PAGE 53
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OUTDOORS
Buck Hill Campground has 60 large full hookup RV sites, each with picnic tables and fire pits. Nestled along the North Toe River, campers are encouraged to enjoy a lazy ride on an inner tube or catch a trout or two from the stocked waters by the state hatchery.
FROM PAGE 52 Honey Bear Campground 229 Honey Bear Campground Road Boone, N.C. (828) 963-4586 This 26-acre tract of wilderness is located off Blue Ridge Parkway and is just three miles from downtown Boone. There is a small pond and hiking trails for everyone to enjoy.
CAMPING TIPS
Flintlock Campground 171 Flintlock Campground Drive Boone, N.C. 28607 (828) 963-5325 Found between Linville and Boone, Flintlock Campground has cabin rentals, tent sites and full RV hookups. Hot showers, free WiFi and laundry services are just some of the extras offered. Blue Bear Mountain Camp 196 Blue Bear Mountain Road Todd, N.C. (828) 406-4226 Blue Bear Mountain is a secluded camp located just eight miles from Boone. There are limited sites available to both tent and RV campers. The campgrounds offer full RV hookups, hot showers, a laundry room and trout fishing. Vanderpool Campgrounds 120 Campground Road Vilas, N.C. 28692 (828) 297-3486 Vanderpool Campgrounds offers year-round camping just seven miles north of Boone on U.S. 421. It offers a fully stocked camp store, WiFi access and outdoor games. No alcohol, firearms or foul language are permitted anywhere on the premises. Helton Creek Campground 2047 Helton Road Grassy Creek, N.C. 28631 (336) 384-2320 Hidden along the banks of Helton Creek in Ashe County, this campground offers quick access to the New River, Virginia Creeper Trail, Shatley Springs and Mount Rogers. Tent sites and RV hookups are available.
PHOTO SUBMITTED For those campers who still want to hold onto some of the homestyle comforts but also rough it a bit, there are a number of campgrounds to serve your needs.
RiverCamp USA/RV Park and Campground 2221 Kings Creek Road Piney Creek, N.C. 28663 (336) 982-2267 With sites for RVs, pop-up campers and tents, RiverCamp provides campers with fishing, hiking and biking opportunities. Picnic tables, fire pits, laundry facilities and a playground round out this riverfront campsite. Raccoon Holler Campground 493 Raccoon Holler Road Glendale Springs, N.C. 28629 (336) 982-2706 Raccoon Holler has 150 camping sites with full hookups for RVs, a stocked lake, swimming, canoeing and hiking. Located between Blue Ridge Parkway mileposts 257 and 258, this site is open from mid-April through Oct. 31. Down by the River Campground 292 River Campground Road Pineola, N.C. 28662 (828) 733-5057 Located just off the Linville River, Down by the River has full RV hookups and tent camping.
Buck Hill Campground 6401 South U.S. 19E Plumtree, N.C. 28664 (828) 766-6162
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As the temperature drops, campers are encouraged to bring warm clothes and linens. The autumn days can be full of sunshine and warmth, but the cool mountain nights might be a bit chilly. Keep plenty of sunscreen on hand. Even though the air is a bit cooler in the mountains, the sun’s rays are still very strong. Make sure you bring bug spray as well. The High Country has several marshlands, which are breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other insects. Firewood from regions outside of the High Country may transfer nonnative species to our ecosystem, so please keep the wood at home. Most campsites have firewood for sale.
R
randfathe
CAMPGROUND & CABINS
Tent Sites $16-$25
Cabin Rentals $49-$119
RV Sites $31-$35
hotspot • cable tv • centrally located • big rig friendly
OPEN ALL YEAR 1-800-788-2582
le View Road, Banner Elk, NC 28604 www.grandfatherrv.com
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Canine Camping Etiquette BY MELISSA BAHLEDA
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PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM Dogs need comforts just like we do so be sure to provide enough food and water to keep them full of energy while camping.
ne of the greatest passions in my life is dogs. One of the others is camping. In addition to camping with friends and family, I also enjoy camping alone with my dogs. And in addition to camping together as a pack, I also enjoy camping with each of my dogs, individually. Every summer, I head into the mountains or to the lake with each of my three dogs, on separate trips, just for a night or two, so we can enjoy some quiet time together, just the two of us. I’ve found that these “just me and one of my dogs” camping trips gives me time to bond with each of my dogs as individuals, gives me a chance to learn new things about each of them that I may not have discovered otherwise and it gives me the chance to work with each dog on his or her camping skills so that when we all do
camp as one big pack, each dog knows how he or she is expected to behave, and we’re all able to relax and enjoy our time away, which is what camping is — or at least should be — all about. Although camping provides many obvious benefits to humans, these benefits may not always appear so evident to our canine companions, which also happen to be creatures of habit. What may seem fun and exciting to us may seem highly unusual and evening frightening to Fido. Taking Fido out of the comfort and security of his own home and plopping him onto some parcel of woods somewhere is likely to cause some confusion and possibly even anxiety for him, especially if this is his first camping trip. But, if you prepare in advance, there are some simple things you can do to ease his mind and to help him relax and enjoy the trip as much as you hope to. SEE CANINE, PAGE 57
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Magic Cycles celebrates its 22nd anniversary this year.
Be sure to visit our downtown location for various specials to be running thru out the summer.
Visit our Rental Shop located at the Village of Ski Beech. Mountain bike rentals and lift passes will be available Fri., Sat. and Sun. from June 7th to Sept 30th.
Mon-Sat 10-6 | Sun 12-4
Rock Climbing & Rappelling • Climbing Tower • High Ropes Course w/ Zipline & Giant Swing • Tower to Rock • Group & Team Building • Guided Caving
Downtown Boone 828.265.3544
www.RockDimensions.com Located at 139 S. Depot Street in Downtown Boone. High Ropes Course located in Blowing Rock. Call Rock Dimensions to schedule your next adventure!
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CANINE FROM PAGE 54 BE PREPARED: First, be prepared to bring some of your dog’s special items with him on your camping trip. If he knows that not everything is “out of whack,” but that there are certain things around him that he is used to having around, he will likely relax. Pack his bed, blanket or crate, or whatever he is used to sleeping in or on, along with your sleeping bags and pillows, and he will likely rest easier at night on those familiar items, making it a more restful night for all involved. Bring a good supply of the food he is used to eating, as well as a water supply just for him, and serve both in the bowls he is used to eating and drinking from. If he has special toys he enjoys playing with, bring some of those as well. Even if he doesn’t play with them while camping, having those familiar items handy will help him feel more at home. If he’s especially active or playful, bring some new toys, such as a new Frisbee or ball, that he can play with on the trip. It will help him associate future camping trips with fun new
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM Sometimes it is good to let your dog be happy and play in the water, but be prepared to take control when the time is needed to hook up to a leash.
activities. Use the same leash you use to walk him at home, and also bring a rope or tether he’s been tied to previously so he understands both the concept and sensation of being tied, something which most campgrounds require. JOG HIS MEMORY: In addition to bringing familiar items, take the time
to teach your dog some easy commands that will come in handy on your camping trip, or do a “refresher course” on these commands if he already knows them, so you know he will respond consistently while camping. In addition to taking my own dogs camping, I also enjoy taking some of my foster dogs camping from time to
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time, but not until they know some of the basics. The recall — “Come” — is probably one of the most important commands you can teach your dog, and I feel that no dog is safe camping, or otherwise traveling, until he or she knows this command and responds to it consistently. Although your dog will likely remain on a leash, be in your tent or camper with you or be otherwise appropriately restrained at all times while camping, knowing that your dog will come when called if he gets loose or while he is temporarily offleash will give you the peace of mind you will need to be able to relax on your trip. It may also prevent you and your entire family from being ejected from the campground by an angry campground host whose entire hot dog supply has just been consumed by your furry free-range friend. Two other commands I teach all of my canine camping companions prior to our camping experience are “Leave it” and “Quiet.” “Leave it” is essential if you are camping in an area with lots of other SEE CANINE, PAGE 58
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CANINE FROM PAGE 57 pets, or when wildlife is present. I have taught my dogs “Leave it” to a point where deer can freely walk through my campsite, unharrassed by them. How nice for me, right? And even more so for the deer. When a deer or any other type of animal approaches, all I have to do is give the command — “Leave it” — and they know that that animal, or whatever else it is I’m asking them to leave alone, is off limits. Other than “Come,” “Quiet” is probably one of the most important commands you can teach your dog, especially if you plan to take him camping. I am quite perplexed, and have been more than moderately annoyed on occasion, that everyone who takes their dogs into a campground or wilderness area doesn’t have the foresight to teach them this command. Personally, I think it’s downright rude to let your dog bark chronically, camping or otherwise. Taking the time to teach this command every time your dog barks (without a legitimate reason) from puppyhood on will save you from unnecessary noise and frustration, and should result in you and your dog being welcomed back to your favorite campground again next year. CLEAN IT UP: You wouldn’t leave your dog’s waste lying around just outside the door of your home, so why would you do it while camping? I find it’s even more important to clean up after my dogs while camping, because not everyone travels with the full barage of cleaning supplies they would need to adequately clean up after walking through my dog’s waste, tramping around their campsite and then tramping all around their tent before retiring for the night. How especially unfair to those who aren’t even camping with dogs. If you’ve ever unwittingly traveled the entire length of your home from one end to the other with a dog waste soiled shoe, you have an idea of how maddening and disgusting that would be. Bring your own clean up bags, as it is no one’s responsibility but your own to clean up after your dog.
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PACK PRESENCE: Whatever you do, do not leave your dog unattended at your campsite, at least until you know how your dog will behave in your tent or camper while you’re gone, which can sometimes take years, or at least several good camping neighbors who are willing to let you know how your dog reacts when you momentarily leave your site. Dogs that might not panic at your departure at home may not feel quite so comfortable being left alone inside a camper or tent. Remember, you’re taking your dog camping with you so you can share this fun experience together, so you’re really missing the point if you are leaving your dog behind while you go hiking or on fun excursions with the rest of the family. Be prepared to locate dog friendly trails and identify activities that you and your dog can do together. If you’re camping in an area where dogs are restricted from many of the trails or activities (for instance, dogs are not allowed on most trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park), perhaps consider boarding him at home, or locate a boarding facility near where you are camping, just in case you need to utilize their services. Being perhaps overly prepared for all scenarios on your first few camping trips with your dog isn’t a bad thing, at least until he figures out what’s going on and you know how he will respond in situations common to camping. HOME BASE: If you’ve done all these things and are still uncertain if your dog is ready for camping, why not try camping at home first? Setting the tent or camper up in the yard may not seem like a big excursion to you, but it’s a great way to get your pup used to the sights, sounds and scenes of camping. And besides, you and your family just might find that some of the greatest treasures don’t lie at the end of a long and winding road, but rather right there, in your own backyard. Melissa Bahleda is a certified canine behavior counselor and the founder of PARTNERS! Canines, a nonprofit shelter dog rescue organization located in Boone. For more information or to donate to PARTNERS! rescue efforts, visit www.partnerscanines.org.
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Reflections of Fall
Water: It’s Not Just for Summer Anymore STAFF REPORTS
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ure, you’ve witnessed our High Country’s cornucopia of fall colors on drives down the Blue Ridge Parkway, observed jaw-dropping autumn vistas from a hiking trail and whizzed past the red, auburn, orange and yellow hues on a local bike trail, but have you marveled at our mountains’ fall splendor from the water? While many visiting leaf lookers tend to stick to our roads and trails, a new take on autumn beauty awaits the intrepid traveler on the High Country’s Watauga and New rivers, Wilson Creek and Watauga and Price lakes. Although whitewater rafting and tubing start to slow in the fall, other aquatic adventures float on, including canoeing, kayaking, boating and fishing. And as an added bonus, the summertime rush of tourists slows after Labor Day, offering autumn aquatic activity seekers more alone time with Mother Nature — quite possibly the reason you sought out a vacation in the High Country in the first place. Find your fall reflections with a canoeing or kayaking adventure at Price Lake, located within Julian Price Memorial Park near milepost 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, or take a jaunt downstream with a trip provided by a host of purveyors — such as Wahoo’s, Edge of the World, High Mountain Expeditions, River and Earth Adventures, Watauga Kayak, RiverCamp USA or Zaloo’s — on Wilson Creek or the Watauga or New rivers. For those desiring multi-day trips, New River State Park is a popular, low-cost option for camping out beside the river — you can even arrive and depart by boat, if you wish. For those who prefer motor to manpower, Watauga Lake in east Tennessee — a short hop over the border from the High Country — offers myriad marinas for pontoon and ski boat rentals, such as Bayview, Cove Ridge, Fish Springs, Lakeshore, Mallard Cove and Pioneer Landing.
With 106 miles of shoreline, scarce development and the third cleanest waters in the nation, Watauga Lake serves as an ideal template to witness the changing from summer to winter. And if leaf looking isn’t your only planned catch of the day, Watauga Lake’s 16 miles of water is home to 13 species of game fish, a tantalizing bonus for fishermen from all over the country. So, give your car and hiking boots a rest and plan an aquatic adventure this year to find your reflection in the High Country fall.
GET ON THE WATER Bayview Campground and Marina 167 Bayview Lane, Butler, Tenn. (423) 768-0434 www.bayviewcampgroundandmarina.com Cove Ridge Marina 947 Piercetown Road, Butler, Tenn. (423) 768-3760, (423) 768-3741 info@coveridgemarina.com www.coveridgemarina.com
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM Price Lake has visitor’s canoes to see the lake from a different prospective These two enjoy the day fishing on the water.
Edge of the World 394 Shawneehaw Ave., Banner Elk (828) 898-9550 www.edgeoworld.com Fish Springs Marina 191 Fish Springs Road, Hampton, Tenn. (423) 768-2336 www.fishspringsmarina.com High Mountain Expeditions 3149 Tynecastle Highway, Banner Elk (828) 898-9786, (828) 266-RAFT www.highmountainexpeditions.com Lakeshore Marina 2285 Highway 321, Hampton, Tenn. (423) 725-2223, (888) 423-3785 info@lakeshore-resort.com www.lakeshore-resort.com Mallard Cove Marina 200 Mallard Cove Drive, Butler, Tenn. (423) 768-3440 www.mallardcovemarina.com SEE WATER FUN, PAGE 60
Mountain Dog's new Pet Rest Area is more than a pit stop! For the best foods, treats, and everything for your pets — including RELIEF — visit Mountain Dog and Friends.
Hwy 105 S in Foscoe 828-963-2470
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PHOTO SUBMITTED PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM Fun on Watauga Lake.
Riders travel from all over to explore the trails of the High Country.
Mountain Horseback Riding BY MATT LAWS
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here may not be a better time than the fall for horseback riding in the High Country. Throughout the High Country, there are high peaks, low valleys and the Blue Ridge Mountains make for a spectacular backdrop for those looking to explore on horseback. “I think the scenery is beautiful,” Grandfather Stables owner Lesley Wooten said. “People love visiting the mountains and riding on our trails. They love the views, they love the woods, they just love being out in nature.” Cool weather also provides an added benefit to riding in the mountains. “I think it’s wonderful riding here in the mountains, mainly because it’s cooler than downstate,” Wooten said. “You can ride all day because of the nice weather.” A large portion of business for horseback riding in the High Country comes from tourists. After the busy fall season, business slows down. There are a number of options in the High Country for those looking for trail rides. Wooten’s Grandfather Stables is located at the base of Grandfather Mountain. In Blowing Rock, the Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve is located less
than a mile from downtown Blowing Rock for those who want to bring their equine friends to the mountains. The facility boasts more than 17 barns with 450 stalls, and is open through October. In Ferguson, Leatherwood Mountain has a wide variety of deeded, maintained trails that range from easy forest paths to rugged mountain trails. Leatherwood offers experiences for riders of all skill levels. Dutch Creek Trails offers rides across a 132-acre farm and includes an old-fashioned hayride to and from the start of the ride. Appalachians by Horseback offer three-hour trail rides seven days a week year-round, while Burnt hill Stables offers one- to two-hour trail rides on trails and backroads of the High Country. VC Farms offers a mountain dude ranch experience that offers ample opportunities for recreational activities minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Boone. No matter the choice of the location, the High Country provides an excellent setting for horseback rides. Appalachians By Horseback 1095 E. King St. Boone (828) 297-1289 www.appalachiansbyhorseback.com
Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve 1500 Laurel Lane Blowing Rock (828) 295-4700 www.blowingrockhorses.com Burnt Hill Stables 1102 Burnt Hill Road Laurel Springs . (336) 982-2008 www.burnthillstables.com Dutch Creek Trails 793 Rubin Walker Road Vilas (828) 297-7117 dutchcreektrails.com Grandfather Stables 534 Church Hollow Road Boone (828) 260-7938 www.grandfatherstables.com
WATER FUN FROM PAGE 59 Pioneer Landing at Cherokee Overlook 105 Cowan Town Road, Butler, Tenn. (423) 768-3164 dan@pioneerlanding.com www.pioneerlanding.com Price Lake at Julian Price Memorial Park Milepost 297, Blue Ridge Parkway (828) 963-5911, park campground kiosk River and Earth Adventures 1655 Highway 105 South, Boone (828) 355-9797, (866) 411-7238 www.raftcavehike.com RiverCamp USA 2221 Kings Creek Road, Piney Creek (336) 359-2267 info@rivercampusa.com www.rivercampusa.com Wahoo’s Adventures 3385 U.S. 321, Boone (828) 262-5774, (800) 444-RAFT www.wahoosadventures.com Watauga Lake www.wataugalakeexperience.com
Leatherwood Stables 512 Meadow Road Ferguson (336) 973-5044 www.leatherwoodmountains.com
Watauga Kayak 1409 Broad Street, Elizabethton, Tenn. (423) 542-6777 wataugakayak@charter.net www.wataugakayak.com
VC Farms 4365 N.C. 194 South Valle Crucis (828) 963-5399 www.vcfarm.com
Zaloo’s Canoe’s Kayaks and Tubes 3874 N.C. 16 South, Jefferson (336) 246-3066, (800) 535-4027 zaloos@skybest.com www.zaloos.com
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Experienced Mountaineers Eye Bowl Bid BY STEVE BEHR
F
ootball has become as big of a tradition in the High Country as skiing, snowboarding and hiking. Watauga County offers its fans some of the top college football in the nation as the Appalachian State Mountaineers call Boone home. The Mountaineers enter their second season in the Sun Belt Conference as one of the favorites to win their first league championship after finishing third in 2014. Appalachian State won its final six games of the 2014 season to finish with a 7-5 overall record, 6-2 in the Sun Belt. The Mountaineers had enough wins to qualify to play in a bowl game, but were ineligible to play because they were in the final year of transition from the Football Championship Subdivision to the Football Bowl Subdivision. The Mountaineers return 20 out of 22 starters from their 2014 edition, including quarterback Taylor Lamb and Doak Walker Award candidate running back Marcus Cox. Appalachian State opens its season
at home against Howard at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 5. The Mountaineers play at ACC power Clemson on Sept. 12, and then travel to Old Dominion on Sept. 26. Appalachian State hosts Wyoming on Oct. 3, and then plays back-to-back conference road games in Atlanta at Georgia State and at Louisiana-Monroe in the Mountaineers’ first Sun Belt Conference games. App State returns home to host arch-rival Georgia Southern on Oct. 22 for its first conference home game. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. The Georgia Southern game, which will be televised on ESPNU, is the first game the Mountaineers have hosted on a Thursday since joining the Sun Belt Conference. App State played at Georgia Southern on a Thursday last season. After hosting Troy on Oct. 31, Appalachian State hosts Arkansas State on Nov. 5, making it the second time the Mountaineers play on Thursday this season. The game will also be televised on ESPNU and begins at 7:30 p.m. App State’s final home game is Nov. 28 against Louisiana-Lafayette.
Appalachian State’s 2015 football schedule Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 22 Oct. 31 Nov. 5 Nov. 14 Nov. 28 Dec. 5
HOWARD at Clemson at Old Dominion WYOMING at Georgia State* UL Monroe * GEORGIA SOUTHERN* TROY* ARKANSAS STATE* at Idaho* UL Lafayette at South Alabama*
3:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA 7:30 p.m. TBA 7:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA
PHOTO BY STEVE BEHR Appalachian State quarterback Taylor Lamb leads the Mountaineers into the 2015 season.
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Blue Ridge Parkway O STAFF REPORTS
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM When fall rolls around you will be able to view some spectacular fall colors.
ctober is historically one of the highest visitation months on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers spectacular vantage points for autumn’s color spread. In addition to breathtaking scenic beauty, the 469-mile linear national park also offers a wide variety of educational and cultural experiences. Visitors can find helpful information as they plan for their parkway experience from a variety of sources. The park website provides a realtime road closure map, facility schedules, safety information, suggested itineraries, visitor center locations and much more at www.nps.gov/blri. Recorded late season wildflower blooming and fall foliage information
is available at (828) 298-0398 and is updated regularly. Visitors can follow park updates on social media at www.facebook.com/ BlueRidgeNPS. Park visitors are encouraged to plan visits carefully to avoid unexpected road or weather conditions. Considering its unique design and changes in elevation, the parkway drive is different than most and visitors are encouraged to pay extra attention when driving. The safest way to enjoy fall color is by parking at overlooks available along the motor road at regular intervals. In addition, park staff remind visitors that the parkway is a living and fragile resource. Visitors can help protect it by following park regulations while in the park.
Parkway facilities in the High Country Many campgrounds, visitor centers, parks, trails and recreational areas are located in the High Country portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Some Blue Ridge Parkway visitor centers and other facilities typically close in late October or early November. Other facilities remain open year-round, but with limited restroom facilities. Check the website www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/hours.htm for specific closing dates and hours. Following is a listing of Blue Ridge Parkway facilities in the High Country area. Doughton Park Campground (milepost 239.2) RV loop and one tent camping loop Doughton Park Picnic Area (milepost 241.1) Northwest Trading Post (milepost 258.7) Shopping and concessions Jeffress Park Picnic Area (milepost 271.9)
Parkway Craft Center at the Moses Cone Manor (milepost 294) Visit craftguild.org for more information. Price Park Campground (milepost 296.9) Price Park Boat Rental (milepost 296.9) Visit wix.com/pricelakeboatrentals/ blueridgeparkway for more information.
Moses Cone Manor House (milepost 294) Saturday and Sunday Manor House tours typically conclude in late October. Estate grounds are open year-round for self-guided tours.
Linn Cove Visitor Center (milepost 304.4)
Price Park Picnic Area (milepost 296.4)
Linville Falls Picnic Area (milepost 316.4)
Linville Falls Visitor Center (milepost 316.4)
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2015
PHOTO BY ANNA OAKES Christmas tree fields stretch all across the High Country year-round, but it’s in the fall that growers and visitors alike get excited for choose-and-cut season.
Choose-and-Cut Season Just Around the Corner BY JAMES HOWELL
I
t will soon be that time of year when families pile into their cars, drive to a family owned Christmas tree farm, pick out their favorite tree and chop it down to commemorate the holiday season. The High Country is one of the few places in the United States that can grow the Fraser fir, one of the most popular species of Christmas tree. “Give your family an experience that may very well develop into a tradition
that carries on for generations,” reads a brochure from the Ashe County Christmas Tree Association. According to the N.C. Christmas Tree Association, there are several benefits to real, home-grown Christmas trees over artificial trees. And it goes beyond the charming fragrance real trees possess. For example, real Christmas trees while in the field absorb carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases and release fresh oxygen into the air.
According to the N.C. Christmas Tree Association, one acre of Christmas trees provides the daily oxygen requirement for 18 people. With more than 500,000 acres of Christmas trees in the United States, Christmas trees provide oxygen for more than 9 million people per day. Young, fast growing trees such as Christmas trees release more oxygen than mature forest trees. Also, Christmas tree fields support local economies and local wildlife populations such as turkey, quail,
songbirds, rabbits and deer. Traditionally, the choose-and-cut season begins every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving. In many mountain towns, local shops decorate for the holiday season, offer sales for visitors and host special events to get everyone into the Christmas spirit. Information about local chooseand-cut farms can be found on the following websites: www.ashecountychristmastrees.com, www.averycountychristmastrees.org and www. wataugachristmastrees.org.
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IT’S THE
Where to go, what to do NEWSPAPER
PHOTO BY TURCHIN CENTER Above is work by artist Ruth Ava Lyons titled 'Wildfire.'
FREE EVENTS
Three Sensational Exhibitions Coming to the Turchin Center
T
hree female artists with powerful worldviews are being featured at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts on the Appalachian State University campus in Boone. All three women — Endia Beal, who uses a delicate but incisive wit to tackle the often ridiculous quandaries facing black women in the everyday world; Kirsten Stolle, who slyly examines the sinister influence of agribusiness and biotech companies on the world’s food supplies; and Ruth Ava Lyons, who paints lush canvases reflecting profound concerns about man’s fragile coexistence with the Earth — work and live in North Carolina, while enjoying prominence on the national art landscape. Can I Touch It?: Endia Beal Gallery A: Through Dec. 19 Exhibition Celebration: Friday, Nov. 6, 6 to 10 p.m. “What’s really going on here?”
That’s a question the artist Endia Beal asks throughout her work, which shines a bright, unwavering light on the ways in which black women are relegated to obscurity in our culture. “Beal is acutely aware of the underrepresentation of minority stories in contemporary art circles; it is even more rare to find stories of black women working within the structures of corporate America,” said Turchin Center curator Mary Anne Redding. In fact, the title of Beal’s show, “Can I Touch It,” which consists of photographic narratives and video testimonies, refers to an experience Beal had as a tall, young black woman in a mostly white male office, working in the IT Department while completing her MFA at Yale University. “A rumor circulated that my thick, kinky Afro and ethnic hairstyles fascinated my white male colleagues,” Beal said. “These men were curious about how my hair felt and wanted to
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touch it.” So Beal actually let them. She interviewed her male coworkers afterward, and transformed this highly unorthodox office experience into one of the Turchin Center show’s featured videos, “The Office,” which, Beal says, explores “the thin line between personal and private within the workspace.” The show also includes Beal’s acclaimed series of photographs of “white corporate women” wearing “black hairstyles.” Beal is a graduate of UNCChapel Hill who lives in Winston-Salem, where she is interim director of Diggs Gallery at Winston-Salem State University, dedicated to the arts of Africa and the African diaspora in North Carolina. Intervention: Kirsten Stolle Gallery B: Through Dec. 19 Exhibition Celebration: Friday, Nov. 6, 6 to 10 p.m. SEE TURCHIN, PAGE 66
KIDS' ACTIVITIES OUTDOOR EXCURSIONS ARTS & CULTURE AND MORE!
Available everywhere!
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TURCHIN FROM PAGE 65
Take a closer look at the pretty floral wallpaper featured in the multimedia artist Kirsten Stolle’s midcentury kitchen, “Miracle Grow,” and you’ll notice not-so-innocent pesticide cans and herbicide containers where a daisy’s cheery center should be. “Stolle’s installations examine the influence of corporate agribusiness and biotech companies on the food supply,” Redding said. “Using the 1950s as a post-atomic stage set with its inherent tensions between domestic contentment and the ongoing threat of nuclear annihilation, Stolle explores the complex relationships between economy and ecology, creating interactive environments for the viewer to contemplate where their food comes from, how it was grown and how the choices big business make ‘behind the scenes’ impact everyday choices about consumption.” Stolle, a devout vegetarian who lives in Western North Carolina and received a bachelor of arts in visual arts from Framingham State College, believes in “the potential for art to bring new perspectives to contemporary scientific issues.” Employing text-based embroidery, manipulated audio loops, and such reference materials as vintage medical books, 20th century agricultural magazines, USDA promotional videos and mid-century chemical company print advertisements among other materials, “I strive to create elegant environments within the context of disturbing genetic realities,” Stolle said.
PHOTO BY TURCHIN CENTER ‘Feral GM Doll’ by Kirsten Stolle.
“The interjection of man made graphic forms alludes to similarities and differences in the relationship between man and nature,” Lyons said. “Mystery and meanings emerge and disappear into veils of paint to convey the beauty of seen and unseen forces around us.”
About the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts
PHOTO COURTESY THE TURCHIN CENTER ‘Sabrina and Katrina’ by Endia Beal.
Sightings: Ruth Ava Lyons Mayer Gallery: Through Dec. 19 Exhibition Celebration: Friday, Nov. 6, 6 to 10 p.m. “The artist Ruth Ava Lyons is inspired by her passion for diving, endangered watery ecosystems, natural disasters and other environmental factors,” Redding said. Lyons is also a hoop-dancer, a motorcyclist and a keen adventurer, whose experiences at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Florida
Everglades, Congaree National Park, Cumberland Island and other national parks and forests have intensified her concern for the negative effect of man’s behavior on the natural world. Rather than a dark and gloomy vision, however, Lyons has translated her preoccupations into “brightly colored mixed media paintings that evoke the shimmering hues of the sea and the sensuality of moist surroundings,” Redding said.
“I intuitively gather, distill and layer organic imagery, recreating a fusion landscape suggesting a transformative state of birth, growth, degeneration and renewal,” said Lyons, who lives in Charlotte, where she and her partner, the sculptor Paul Sires, were the longtime owners of the Center of the Earth Gallery, one of North Carolina’s most important contemporary art venues for more than two decades.
The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts presents exhibition, education and collection programs that support Appalachian State University’s role as a key regional educational, cultural and economic resource. The Turchin Center is located at 423 West King St., in Boone. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m., Friday. The center is closed Sunday and Monday, and observes all university holidays. There is no admission charge, although donations are accepted. For additional details about the Turchin Center, becoming a donor, the upcoming exhibitions, to be added to the mailing list or to schedule a tour, call (828) 262-3017 or visit www.tcva.org. You can also follow the Turchin Center on Facebook and Twitter @TurchinCenter.
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Taking to the sky
PHOTO SUBMITTED High Gravity Adventures takes fun skyward. The ropes adventure facility is located between Boone and Blowing Rock next to the Tweetsie Railroad theme park. The new facility offers rope swings, nets and floating bridges, among other items. For more information visit www.highgravityadventures.com.
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R.T. Smith
Denise Giardina
William C. Rice
2015
Katherine Chaddock
Appalachian’s Visiting Writers Series BY ASU NEWS SERVICE
A
uthors of memoirs, poetry collections, novels and literary history comprise the speakers for the fall Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series at Appalachian State University in Boone. All programs are free and open to the public.
The 2015-16 Rachel Rivers-Coffey distinguished professor of creative writing, poet and editor R.T. Smith, will read from his work at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24 in Plemmons Student Union’s Table Rock Room. Smith earned a master’s degree from Appalachian in 1976. He is the author of the poetry collections “In the Night Orchard: New and Selected Poems,” “The Red Wolf: A Dream of Flannery
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O’Connor” and many others. His afternoon craft talk, also in Table Rock Room, will be from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Novelist and environmental activist Denise Giardina, author of the Appalachian classic “Storming Heaven,” will read from her work at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 in the student union’s Parkway Ballroom. She will give a morning craft talk in Table Rock Room from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Giardina’s appearance is co-sponsored by the Appalachian Studies Program. Black Mountain College literary historians William C. Rice and Katherine Chaddock will read from their work at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27 in the student union’s Parkway Ballroom. Rice is director of the Division of Education Programs of the National Endowment for the Humanities and the author of “Public Discourse & Academic Inquiry.” Rice is the grandson of Black Mountain College founder John Andrew Rice. Chaddock is a distinguished professor emerita from the University of South Carolina and the author of John Andrew Rice’s biography, “Visions and Vanities: John Andrew Rice of Black Mountain College.” This program, sponsored by Watauga Residential College, in collaboration with Carol Grotnes Belk Library, is part of Watauga Residential College’s ongoing series, The Back Mountain Lectures. The Visiting Writers Series is named in honor of Hughlene Bostian Frank (class of 1968), 2013 Appalachian Alumni Association Outstanding Service award recipient, past trustee,
and generous supporter of the university. The Visiting Writers Series is also supported by the Appalachian State University Foundation, Appalachian’s Office of Academic Affairs, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of English, the Summer Reading Program, the University Bookstore, Belk Library, and the Appalachian Journal. Business sponsors are The Gideon Ridge Inn and The Red Onion Restaurant. Community sponsors include John and the late Margie Idol, Paul and Judy Tobin, Alice Naylor, Thomas McLaughlin and The High Country Writers. Parking is free on campus after 5 p.m. Event organizers recommend those attending the series use the College Street Parking Deck (from King Street, turn down College Street at the First Baptist Church), which opens to the public weekdays at 5:30 p.m. To reach the student union, cross College Street and follow the walkway between the chiller plant and the University Bookstore, passing the post office and entering the student union on the second floor. For further parking information or a map, visit http://parking.appstate.edu or call the Parking and Traffic Office at (828) 262-2878. A campus map showing Plemmons Student Union is online at http://studentunion.appstate.edu/pagesmith/54. For additional information on the Visiting Writers Series season, email VWS@appstate.edu. To receive Appalachian’s “This Week in the Arts” announcements by email, contact arts-events@appstate.edu.
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Walker Center in Wilkes
W
ilkesboro may technically be “down the mountain,” but its variety of entertainment and performance arts is sky high. This is thanks, in part, to The Walker Center at Wilkes Community College, whose 2015-16 performance season is currently under way. The Walker Center is located on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro. “We have an exciting and diverse lineup to offer for 2015-2016. It’s a great mix between ’60 rock ‘n’ roll, bluegrass, magic, pop, country and the always popular holiday show,” said Tabitha Hudler, lead events specialist. “The Walker Center offers people in this region the opportunity to see nationally acclaimed performances without the need to travel great distances.” The 32nd season begins with Amy Grant on Thursday, Sept. 10. This incredible singer, songwriter and recording artist has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. She is one of only a few artists to successfully cross over into the mainstream pop market while still maintaining popularity in the Christian music realm. During her celebrated career, Grant has won numerous awards, including six Grammy awards and more than 20 Dove awards. “The Magic of Bill Blagg Live!” will entertain guests of all ages on Friday, Oct. 30. To say that Bill Blagg has had a magical life would be no exaggeration. From the moment he received his first magic kit in 1986, his world has not been the same. He launched his professional magic performing career in 1996, at the age of 16 and has been selling out shows across the country ever since. Shenandoah comes to town on Friday, Nov. 13. When country music lovers talk about the greatest groups, Shenandoah is always at the forefront of any discussion and is known for delivering songs that celebrated the importance of faith and family while reveling in the joys of small town life.
The band became known for delivering No. 1 hits like “Church on Cumberland Road,” “Sunday in the South” and “Two Dozen Roses,” as well as classics such as “Next to You, Next to Me,” “I Want to be Loved Like That” and “Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart,” a duet with Alison Krauss that won a Country Music Association Award and a Grammy. The Annie Moses Band presents the Christmas show on Saturday, Dec. 12. This talented ensemble of six musicians, singers and songwriters deliver a cutting-edge sound by fusing American roots, folk rock, classical and jazz in stunning performances that feature strings, keyboards, guitar and rhythm. The Annie Moses Band combines the best of beloved genres in a style that unifies audiences, young and old, classical connoisseurs and roots enthusiasts, jazz aficionados and bluegrass buffs. On Thursday, March 3, 2016, the Walker Center presents “Buddy — The Buddy Holly Story,” called the world’s most successful rock ‘n’ roll musical. Experience the drama, passion and excitement as a cast of phenomenally talented actors and musicians tell Buddy’s story, from his spectacular rise to fame to his final legendary performance. Buddy Holly was a rising star when a tragic plane crash struck him down in 1959 at age 22. Dailey and Vincent with Jimmy Fortune appear at the Walker Center on Saturday, May 14, 2016. They join forces to present a unique and spectacular show that exhibits the industry’s top tier of vocals and hit music. This quartet-style show eatures the rich blend of vocals performed by Jamie Dailey, Darrin Vincent, Jimmy Fortune and Christian Davis. For more information about the Walker Center’s 2015-2016 season or to purchase season tickets, contact the Walker Center Box Office at (336) 8386260 or walker.boxoffice@wilkescc. edu. Visit the Walker Center online at www.walkercenteronline.org or on Facebook.
Fall is a Fantastic time for
Festivals
Check out our “Seasonal” tab for a full list of Festivals in the High Country
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A Cragway view
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM If you hike the Cragway Trail to meet the Daniel Boone Scout Trail, you will come to a place called 'flatrock.' This is the view down to Price Lake and beyond before you head up to Calloway Peak on Grandfather Mountain. The fall colors are the best in this area so make plans to visit and record your fall foliage shot.
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PHOTO SUBMITTED The Harbour Towne Fest Band performs during a previous Sugar Mountain Oktoberfest at Sugar Mountain Resort.
Fall Festivals: Colorful Times in High Country
A
s autumn approaches and the weather cools, residents of the High Country prepare themselves for a fall season that is never quite ready to give up the bustling rush of summer. While nature slows down and prepares itself for the long quiet winter, fall festival season in the High Country is just beginning. Visitors to the area have a wide range of options when it comes to fall festivals. Whether you fancy a trip to Oz, a good beer or even woolly worm racing, you will find plenty to do this autumn in the High Country.
On the Same Page Literary Festival Sept. 15-19 Returning for 2015 is Ashe County
Public Library’s On the Same Page Festival. Started in 2009, the festival is a five-day celebration of reading and writing. On the Same Page offers a chance for writers to interact with readers and for readers to connect with writers. Writers are also given the opportunity to participate in a variety of workshops and programs that instruct on the craft. The festival hosts a “festival read,” which features a book that will be read and discussed. This year’s book is “The Supremes at Earl’s All You Can Eat,” a book about enduring friendship by Edward Kelsey Moore. A full list of the many authors and events that will be a part of the On the Same Page Festival is available online. Visit www.onthesamepagefestival.org or call the Ashe County Public Library at (336) 846-2021 for more information.
Harvest Boone Festival Sept. 18-20 Entering its fifth year, the Harvest Boone Festival is a unique and charitable addition to the area’s festival schedule raising funds and materials for the Hunger and Health Coalition. Those planning to attend have several options as to how to pay admission. One can either pay $40 at the gate or bring $20 and 20 cans of nonperishable food items. Attendees also have the option of volunteering six hours of their time at the festival in exchange for admission. Offering an impressive lineup of local artists and musicians, the Harvest Boone Festival has raised 900 tons of food and generated more than 300 hours of community service to date. In addition to the music, the festival will also play host to a variety of “play-
shops,” workshops and yoga instruction. There will also be exhibitions in massage, meditation and mead making. This year’s festival will be held at the Sugar Hollow retreat just west of Boone. For more information, visit www.gatiproductions.com/harvestboone.html or email gativisions@ gmail.com.
Autumn at Oz Oct. 3-4 Perhaps unique to the High Country is Beech Mountain’s Land of Oz theme park. It first opened in 1970 to celebrate the mythos of the legendary film. The initial theme park is now closed, but reopens in October for a special trip down the yellow brick road, accompanied by a full cast of characSEE FESTIVALS PAGE 72
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FESTIVALS
Boone Heritage Festival Oct. 11
FROM PAGE 71 ters from the film. Tickets are $35 each and are available online. For more information, visit www.landofoznc.com or call the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce at (828) 387-9283.
Brushy Mountain Apple Festival Oct. 3 A free event put on by the Brushy Mountain Ruritan Club, the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival is one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in North Carolina. The festival is typically attended by thousands of people and plays host to 425 arts and crafts and 100 food stands. The festival offers music, as well with four separate stages hosting bluegrass, old-time, folk and Appalachian music. Also represented at the apple festival are Appalachian crafts such as soap and chair making, pottery throwing and quilting. Not to be forgotten, there will also be apple vendors from around the state selling apples, apple cider and dried apples. For more information click to www. applefestival.net or call (336) 921-3499.
Presented by the town of Boone and the Southern Appalachian Historical Association, the Boone Heritage Festival focuses on Appalachian history, heritage and contemporary Appalachian life. The festival includes musical performances, storytellers, historical demonstrations from the colonial/ Revolutionary time period, vendors, regional crafts, children’s activities; food and a raffle. Boone Heritage Festival is hosted on the grounds of the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, which maintains eight original colonial buildings and outbuildings. Admission to the festival is free. For more information, visit www. booneheritagefestival.com or call (828) 264-2120.
Oktoberfest at Sugar Mountain Oct. 10-11 Sugar Mountain’s Oktoberfest brings a festive, Bavarian atmosphere to the High Country this autumn. Featuring the Harbour Towne Fest Band and music from the Valle Crucis Middle School band, the festival will have
2015
plenty of musical entertainment. Activities at the festival will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day and admission is free. The festival has a large list of arts and crafts and food vendors and this year will feature Spaten beer. Children will also be provided for, having the opportunity to enjoy hayrides, inflatable bounce houses and a chance to meet Sugar Bear and Sweetie Bear, Sugar Mountain’s mascots. For more information, visit www. oktoberfest.skisugar.com or call (828) 898-4521
Valle Country Fair Oct. 17 This October, Valle Crucis plays host to the 37th annual Valle Country Fair. Started as a fundraiser for the Holy Cross Episcopal Church, it has grown into an annual event that attracts thousands and raised more than $40,000 for High Country charities in 2013. This year’s festival will hosts food and craft stands offering mountain crafts and food ranging from fresh apple butter to Brunswick stew. The festival also will host mountain music. Admission to the fair is free, but expect large crowds and to pay $10 to
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park adjacent to the fair grounds. For more information, visit www. vallecountryfair.org or call (828) 9634609.
Woolly Worm Festival Oct. 17-18 The annual Woolly Worm Festival is back in business this fall the third weekend in October in downtown Banner Elk. Annually attended by an estimated 23,000 guests, the Woolly Worm festival is perhaps one of the High Country’s largest festival events. Up to 1,000 worm racers vie for the top position and the honor of having their worm predict the upcoming winter weather at the festival’s famous woolly worm races. The festival is sponsored by the Banner Elk Kiwanis Club and the Avery County Chamber of Commerce and a portion of the proceeds go to support charity. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children and free for children younger than 5. Tickets are available online or at the gate, race registration fills up early, so the festival recommends that those wishing to participate get a head start. For more information, visit www. woolyworm.com or call (828) 8985605.
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PHOTO SUBMITTED Woolly worm race participants and others assisting with the heat are on stage at a previous Woolly Worm Festival.
Incwedible Waces BY JAMIE SHELL
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popular mountain tradition returns to downtown Banner Elk every third weekend in October with the annual Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival. Returning for its 38th edition in 2015, thousands of visitors will converge upon Banner Elk for a two-day festival of races, food and fun. Every year, the young and young at heart bring their woolly worms to compete at the festival in heats, as the worms are raced up a 42-inch vertical string. Each heat winner of the races that take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday earns a $20 prize and advances to the semifinal round. Victory in that matchup earns the winner a prize of $100. The winner of Saturday’s final race takes home the grand prize sum of $1,000. On Saturday race day, more than 1,200 woolly worm caterpillars compete for the top prize, as well as the chance to determine the official weather forecast for the coming winter.
During Sunday’s Woolly Worm Festival activities, worm races continue for bragging rights and the opportunity for a lucky worm owner to pocket $500 in first prize earnings. Generally, statistics show that there are fewer heats that occur on Sunday, which naturally increases a competitor’s opportunity to haul in the extra spending cash with the help of a furry friend. Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival features unusual and unpredictable woolly worm races, in addition to live music, children’s activities and dozens of craft and food vendors. Mountain folklore contends that a woolly worm with mostly brown coloration indicates that the coming winter weather will be mild, while a worm that is mostly black portends that a cold season approaches. The bands of fur on the worm that vary in shading and color between brown and black determine the weather forecast. The 13 segments on the woolly worm’s back correspond to the 13 weeks of winter, progressing from the head to the tail. The darker
Wild and Woolly Times at Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival
the band, the more severe the weather forecast for that week. According to “Mr. Woolly Worm,” Roy Krege, the predictions rendered by winning worms stack up with the best meteorological forecasting with today’s technology. “Bring on any official forecaster,” Krege said. “You can’t beat nature when it comes to predicting weather.” Worm owners pay $5 for each worm that they enter in the woolly worm races. Worms are normally available for purchase from one of the enterprising elementary-age entrepreneurs selling worms outside the festival gates, for those who come to the festival without a worm but eager to compete. Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival is a nonprofit event co-sponsored by Kiwanis of Banner Elk and Avery County Chamber of Commerce, with proceeds going to education and service organizations in Avery County. For more information, call Avery County Chamber at (828) 898-5605, or click to www.woollyworm.com.
PHOTO COURTESY AVERY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Matt Buckland from Morganton with his worm ‘YoYoMa’ won $1,000 as a former grand champion at Banner Elk’s annual Woolly Worm Festival. This year’s event takes place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17 and 18, at Historic Banner Elk School in downtown Banner Elk.
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FILE PHOTO The Valle Country Fair is situated in the picturesque community of Valle Crucis and is held each October.
Valle Country Fair: Music, Food, Art and More
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eeming to fill the entirety of a whole mountain valley, the Valle Country Fair in Valle Crucis boasts an impressive number of attendees and vendors. Now on its 37th year, the festival has become a staple of autumnal entertainment in the High Country. Hosted by the Holy Cross Episcopal Church, the festival began as a church fundraiser. As attention grew, however, it rapidly outgrew that distinction. Now, the hundreds of vendors who stock the festival each year help raise thousands of dollars in support of several charities. Two stages are set up at the Valle Country Fair to host a wide range of talented musical acts. The main stage will be stocked with the best local talent in bluegrass, old-time and mountain music. The separate kids stage is located right next to the alpacas, face painter and sand artist and will feature younger entertainers. Valle Country Fair’s organizers encourage guests to eat as much as they want, as almost all of the food stands are run by the church and donate 100
percent of their takings to charity. There is a huge range of food available at the fair, including Brunswick stew, funnel cakes, jams, jellies, fresh-pressed apple cider and hot out of the kettle apple butter. The fair offers every bit as much in natural beauty as it does fair food, music and creature comforts. Taking place around peak leaf time, the fairgrounds cover a beautiful meadow that slopes off into the distance to join the surrounding ridges, ablaze with fall color.
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PHOTO BY JEFF EASON Blowing Rock is one of Santa Claus’ first destinations of the holiday season.
Getting a Head Start on Christmas Blowing Rock Kicks Off Holiday Season Nov. 29 BY JEFF EASON
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f there ever was a town that loved Christmas, it is Blowing Rock. The village loves Christmas so much that it can hardly wait for Thanksgiving to be over before it starts celebrating it. Blowing Rock’s annual holiday celebration begins with Christmas in the Park and the Lighting of the Town, held in Memorial Park on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29. The event includes games and activities for the kids, live music and caroling, hot apple cider and hot chocolate, hayrides, bounce houses, a giant bonfire at sunset and a chance to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Rotary Gazebo. The lighting of the town will occur a little after sunset when Mayor J.B. Lawrence pulls the switch lighting the town in white Christmas tree lights. Thousands of visitors and locals
have made visiting Blowing Rock the weekend after Thanksgiving Thursday a holiday starting tradition. In addition to taking in the festivities in Blowing Rock, visitors love to do a little holiday shopping in the High Country and pick out a Christmas tree at one of the area’s dozens of chooseand-cut tree farms. On Saturday, Nov. 30, Blowing Rock will host its annual Christmas parade. One of the longest parades of its kind in Western North Carolina, the Blowing Rock Christmas parade features floats, horses, classic cars, marching bands, fire trucks, elected officials and dignitaries and Santa Claus. The parade starts at 11 a.m. and winds down Main Street from Mellow Mushroom to the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum. Applications for the parade are still being taken. For more information, call Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation at (828) 295-5222.
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Home Sweet High Country Home BY NIKKI JOHNSON
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ong before the earliest pioneers first chose to settle in this matchless mountainous expanse of North Carolina, the splendid wildness of the High Country was home to the Catawba and Cherokee tribes. The people cherished the richness and beauty of these peaks and valleys, and the many natural resources they yielded. Many things have changed since the legend of the star-crossed lovers — one from each of the rival tribes — gave The Blowing Rock its name, but the majesty of the mountains has not altered in the least. The earliest European settlers discovered the magic of the mountains, and Daniel Boone led the way home to the High Country for the earliest European pioneers. Everything that made this a wonderful place to live then is still here, centuries later, and to its enduring charms have been added the countless local opportunities that are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. It is no wonder that people are continuously drawn to this beautiful place, and, like the pioneers of old, that they long to settle here and build something new — new homes, new hopes and new lives.
The Draw of the High Country
The diverse inhabitants of the High Country together create an area replete with musical, cultural, historical and recreational gems. From priceless old architecture and well-preserved natural areas, the majestic Blue Ridge and pristine waterways, to festivals celebrating the area’s best in music, art and food, there is much to be discovered and enjoyed anew. Restaurants, breweries, shops, and galleries bring some of the finest local artistry within reach year round, while seasonal festivals and recreational opportunities further enrich the vibrant region. A trip down West King Street in Boone reveals a life-sized statue of Doc Watson, a High Country native
who called himself “just one of the people,” but whose skillful interpretation of bluegrass, folk, country, gospel, and blues music distinguished him from others and won him numerous accolades. The statue of Watson is an emblem of the living tradition of mountain-grown musical excellence. Celebrating this heritage is Appalachian State University (ASU) in Boone, which is host to ASU Old-Time Fiddlers Convention, and An Appalachian Summer Festival, featuring music, theater, dance, film and visual arts. Americana, folk, blues, rock and jazz play on two stages at Blowing Rock Music Festival, and festivalgoers can thrill to the sounds of over 100 acts at the beloved Merlefest, hosted by Watson himself during his lifetime, a bit further up the road in Wilkesboro. Helping people find events such as these that they will love is the newlylaunched Blue Ridge Music Trails initiative, providing a guide to hundreds of venues, festivals and events celebrating the music of the region. For those seeking a different sort of cultural entertainment, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and Gathering of Scottish Clans is a matchless experience, featuring dueling bagpipes, sheep herding, traditional Celtic music, blacksmithing, weaving, heavy athletic competitions, dancing and fiddling – and the event is now complete with beer and whiskey.
The games continue the contributions to mountain cultural life that were begun by the many Scots-Irish settlers that began arriving to the area in late 1700s. Springtime in the High Country marks the opening of Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock for its spring-to-fall season. Tweetsie is a charming melding of historic railroad, Wild West frontier adventure, and theme park. A favorite family destination since the 1950s, Tweetsie keeps steam railroading alive, while delighting new generations of kids and the young-at-heart with its carnival-style rides, live shows, and friendly, accessible, small-town character. Tweetsie’s steam engine whistles have become part of the music of the mountains in their own right. Summertime’s advent draws people up and out of the heat and onto the greens in the comfortably cool mountain climate, while autumn brings thousands to the area in search of the riotous colors of the mountain foliage. When the snow begins to fall, it’s time to exchange shoes for skis and snowboards and hit the slopes, or curl up next to a roaring fire. All year round there are wonderful things to do, taste, hear, and see.
Calling the High Country ‘Home’
With all of the many natural and
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manmade charms, it is no wonder that Boone was selected as one of the 10 best places in the U.S. to retire, by U.S. News in 2012. Boone boasts a full range of retailers and excellent dining options, and offers the wonderful cultural opportunities and flavor of a college town. The neighboring town of Blowing Rock, for its part, was voted the “Prettiest Small Town in North Carolina” by travel writers and journalists. Readers of Southern Living called Blowing Rock a “Favorite Southern Destination.” Even though its downtown occupies only three square miles, this vibrant little oasis is home to more than 100 shops and an impressive range of culinary options. Blowing Rock is a year-round destination with its picturesque winters and an average temperature of just 75 degrees in July. The High Country is simply a fantastic place to be, and more and more people are discovering its irresistible appeal. Andrea Byrd, owner of Bear Creek Traders on Highway 105, came to the High Country 18 years ago, after carefully and thoroughly searching for a beautiful place that coupled low crime with adequate medical facilities and local services. Byrd says that what really sold her on this area was that the “High Country also has the intangible benefit of having nice people. Everyone I met here was so nice to me that there was no question in my mind where I wanted to live.” So she relocated, bought her own home, and, she says, also “ended up with three rental properties, which have been wonderful investments.” Byrd rents to ASU parents and vacationers, and loves it. “The majority of my guests,” she says, “are lovely people who work in a city and flee to the mountains every chance they get to sit back, relax, and enjoy. I love to hear from my guests how they can’t wait to come back, or how much fun they had, or how much they enjoyed just sitting on the deck and listening to the babbling brook or viewing the mountain ridge and dreaming of living here.” She has also become
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part of the fabric of the area through her eclectic store, which sells, among other things, candles, gifts, home décor, and consigned antiques. Dreams of High Country life are still coming true for many people, as they did for Byrd. There are myriad options for motivated buyers — from timeshares in luxury developments within city limits, to virgin land parcels in isolated locales — at a variety of price points. In fact, there are so many options that it can be difficult to discern the best way to go. Each purchaser is unique, and there is no one answer to the question of which approach is best, but many buyers are discovering that it is possible to “make lemonade” from the lemons left by the unfortunate recent financial downturn, by purchasing distressed properties at below market value and rebuilding. Some of these so-called “distressed” properties cannot be purchased by the average homebuyer, however, because they are entire developments on prime land, designed to host luxury homes and full-service communities, which were abandoned unfinished when the original developer’s funds dried up. That is where savvy development groups step in, finishing and even enhancing the abandoned projects, and then helping individual buyers get into High Country homes at below market prices. One such company that has been hard at work in the High Country is The Waterfront Group, the leading land development and second-home marketing company in the Southeast. With more than 20 years of experience
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Grandfather Mountain Highland Games gmhg.org in a volatile industry, they have had staying power, due at least in part to their commitment to using dedicated experts who will do the job right at every step of the process, from land acquisition to closing. They acquire only the most desirable properties, many directly from the banking and development industries, and transform them into high-demand lots for individual resale. The Waterfront Group’s owners, Mark and Will Adkins, have committed themselves to developing thoughtfully and responsibly, with the utmost respect for the natural environment and local zoning and planning authorities. A prime example of a property that The Waterfront Group is currently making ready for public sale is SweetGrass, a luxury development in charming Blowing Rock. SweetGrass has a uniquely diverse landscape, including many of best natural features of the High Country in one picturesque property, with lake, meadow, stream, and even National Park forest boundary lots. The centerpiece of the community is SweetGrass Lake, fed by Boone Fork Creek, and the prop-
erty offers hiking, lake swimming and beachfront, kayaking, camping, community parks, stream and lake trout fishing, among other recreational options. Crowning the lake is the SweetGrass Lake House, which is a rustic yet luxurious mountain lodge, complete with a large meeting room, business center, fitness center, game room, spacious kitchen, and picturesque patio with entertainment amenities, making it the perfect setting for everything from weddings and reunions to casual get-togethers. Distressed properties are often left with incomplete infrastructure when the original plans are abandoned, and not all developers undertake complete restoration before selling parcels to the public, so buyers are advised to investigate what infrastructure remains unfinished when shopping for lots on the open market. Prior to making a public offering, however, the developers of SweetGrass will complete all roads and other essential infrastructure, and beautifully landscape common areas. Additionally, SweetGrass will offer greater flexibility for owners than one can find
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in some other developments, because while SweetGrass has partnered with experienced local mountain builders to offer attractive “build on any lot” home plans, they also welcome outside builders and custom architecture, so those buyers who prefer to start from scratch can build their custom dream homes at SweetGrass as well. Building and development of an area will always have an impact on the local environment, but the developers of SweetGrass have demonstrated their commitment to preserving the integrity of the natural areas and protecting Boone Fork Creek for future generations by extending stream buffers and preserving its flood plains. The glistening waterway has been designated as a “North Carolina Outstanding Trout Stream,” and most of this amazing natural resource is held in common on the property, allowing residents to hike and fish along its banks. SweetGrass will also maintain miles of trails and preserve expansive natural areas that can be enjoyed by hikers, bikers, walkers, and campers. The High Country has an enduring appeal, with its rich, diverse lifestyle and incomparable natural beauty. It continues to call people to come home to its relaxed lifestyle and friendly neighborhoods with gorgeous vistas. With beautiful developments like SweetGrass returning revitalized and carefully preserved mountain land to the community, perhaps it is time to listen to the sweet, inviting voice of the mountains, and find your own home sweet High Country home.
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PHOTOS BY JEFF EASON The Buck Haggard Band will return for the second annual Blowing Rock Music Festival this fall.
A Venue with a View Second Annual Blowing Rock Music Festival Set for Sept. 19 BY JEFF EASON
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estern North Carolina has hundreds of musical festivals each year. It’s safe to say, however, that none of them has a view quite like the Blowing Rock Music Festival. The second annual Blowing Rock Music Festival will be held at the Blowing Rock attraction on Saturday, Sept. 19. Tickets are on sale now. Hosted by Charlie Sellers and the Harris Brothers, the Blowing Rock Music Festival features two music stages at the attraction, where attendees can see the historic rock formation and gaze down into the John’s River Gorge. The festival’s lineup includes The Harris Brothers and Their Very Greasy Friends (Big Band), Lacy Green, The Moore Brothers Band, Steve Davidowsky and Xenobilly, Shelby Rae Moore, Mitch Clark and Masten Cloer,
The Buck Haggard Band, The Nautical Wheelers, Carolina Ray and Cecil Palmer, Johnny Green and Charlie Carpenter. In addition to the music and the opportunity to visit North Carolina’s oldest tourist attraction, the event will feature food, beer and wine vendors, souvenirs and more.
Tickets and times
The second annual Blowing Rock Music Festival gates open at 10 a.m. and the music will fill the air from noon until sunset. Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the gate and $10 for children 12 and younger. Advance reserve seating chairs are $40. VIP tents are available and lawn chairs and coolers are welcome. Tickets are on sale at the Blowing Rock attraction, (828) 295-7183, and at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, (828) 295-7851. For more information, visit www.theblowingrock.com.
Legendary guitarist Wayne Henderson was one of the featured acts at the inaugural Blowing Rock Music Festival last year.
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PHOTO BY JAMES HOWELL Bluegrass band ClayBank opens the Ola Belle Reed Festival in August in Lansing, a small town in Ashe County.
Mountains Ring with Music
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s summer passes, the fall music season will begin in force with music pumping through the crisp autumn air of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bluegrass and mountain folk music are the most common music styles played in the High Country, and several world-renowned artists come from this area. However, the area also has highly diverse musical stylings. Local musicians also play a blend of rock, blues, country, gospel, Celtic and jazz. Dozens of restaurants, cafes and taverns play host to live music throughout the year. The High Country also hosts several music festivals. The 13th annual New River Blues Festival will take place on Sept. 6 at the River House Inn, located in Grassy Creek. Artists will include Travis “Moonchild” Haddix, Git Shorty, Veronika Jackson, Lady D, Lawyers Guns & Money and the King Bees. Gates will open at noon. Advanced tickets will cost $17, while tickets at the gate will cost $20. Food, mixed and soft drinks, beer and wine will be available for purchase. The Music Fest at Blue Bear Mountain will take place at the Blue Bear Mountain Campground in Todd Sept. 10-12. Artists will include Acoustic Syndicate, Sol Driven Train, The Revelers, Jeff Little Trio, Carter Brothers, Melissa Reaves, Dr. Bacon,
Mel Jones and His Bag of Bones, and more bands to be announced. A two day pass will cost $55 in advance, $60 at gate; ticket on Friday will cost $25 in advance, $30 at gate; and Saturday tickets will cost $35 in advance, $40 at gate. Anyone younger than 13 years old can get in free. Camping will cost $90 per person, which includes two-day festival pass. The Blowing Rock Music Festival will take place at the Blowing Rock attraction at 10 a.m. on Sept. 19, offering attendees a day of Americana, folk, blues, rock and jazz on two stages. Artists will include the Harris Brothers and Their Very Greasy Friends, Lacy Green, Moore Brothers Band, Steve Davidowski and Xenobilly, Shelby Rae Moore, Mitch Clark and Masten Cloer, The Buck Haggard Band, The Nautical Wheelers, Carolina Ray and Cecil Palmer, Johnny Green, and Charlie Carpenter. Music will last from noon to sunset, with tickets costing $30 in advance, and $40 at gate. Tickets for attendees younger than 12 will be $10. Reserved seats will cost $40 in advance. The Todd New River Festival will take place in Todd between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 10. The free festival is sponsored by the Todd Ruritan Club and will take place on the banks of the New River. The festival features bluegrass and a gospel sing, raffles, a checkers playoff, a horseshoe toss, craft displays, story-
telling and children’s activities. Artists have not been announced at this time, but the 2014 lineup includ-
ed Aubrey Spurlok and Friends, Dan Mosely Band, Upright and Breathing and five more.
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PHOTO BY JEFF EASON The young cast of Ensemble Stage’s Holocaust era drama ‘And a Child Shall Lead,’ which took the stage in Blowing Rock this past summer.
Stage Productions Abound in High Country BY MATT LAWS
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hen the weather cools down, the action on the High Country stages heat up.
Ashe County Civic Center
The Ashe County Little Theatre will present “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” on Oct. 9-11. The theater, which is located in West Jefferson, will feature the play adaptation of the 1958 film. There will be four showings of the play. Tickets will be $16 for adults and $5 for students. For more information, visit ashecivic.com or call (336) 8462787.
Lees-McRae College Performing Arts and Summer Theatre Lees-McRae Performing Arts department will present “Plain and Fancy” and “Terra Nova” this fall, with both plays being held in Hayes Auditorium, Broyhill Theatre, on the Banner Elk campus. “Plain and Fancy” is a musical and will run from Oct. 1 to 4, with four
showings. The play is based on the book by Joseph Stein and Will Glickman. The play, directed by David Craven, focuses on two sophisticated New Yorkers with property to sell who find themselves stranded in Bird-in-Hand, Pa., and their encounters with the Amish. It provides the charming and eyeopening look into the country meets city encounters. “Terra Nova” is a drama that will run from Nov. 19 to 22, with four showings as well. The play, which is directed by Erin Wallace and was written by Ted Tally, is billed as an extraordinarily play that deals with the ill-fated Antarctic expedition of Robert Falcon Scott. It provides a compelling look into heroism when failure looks certain. Tickets for adults are $12 and $5 for students and children. Tickets are only sold at the door, and ticket sales begin one hour before showtime. For more information, call (828) 898-8709 to reach the Hayes Auditorium, Broyhill Theatre box office.
Appalachian State University Performance arts abound at
Appalachian State University, as the Department of Theatre and Dance will present an outstanding season of stage work. “An Enemy of the People” runs Sept. 30 to Oct. 4. All performances take place at Valborg Theatre, located on campus off Howard Street in downtown Boone. The North Carolina Dance Festival returns Oct. 23 and 24. The 25th anniversary of the event will take place at 7:30 p.m. at Valborg Theatre. “English without Effect” is billed as an evening of lonesco comedy with Eugene lonesco’s hilarious comedies “The Bald Soprano” and “Jack, or the Submission.” The play will run from Nov. 6 to 10, with performances being held at the I.G. Greer Studio Theatre, which is located off Academy Street off of Sanford Mall. Dance once again takes center stage with the Fall Appalachian Dance Ensemble. The event at Valborg Center will run Nov. 18 to 21. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit http://theatre.appstate.edu or call the box office at (828) 262-3063.
Professional Theater
The High Country boasts two professional theater companies with Ensemble Stage and InVisible Theatre. To check out their respective lineups, visit www.ensemblestage.com and www.invisibletheatrenc.org.
The Movies
If live theater feels a little too played out, check out local silver screens for the latest Hollywood blockbusters. Boone Regal Cinema 7, located at 210 New Market Centre in Boone, shows a variety of the latest comedy, drama, horror and even the occasional indie film on a rotating schedule. For more information and showtimes, call (828) 262-3800, or visit regmovies.com. For local film reviews, visit www.mountaintimes.com. Not to be outdone by larger chain cinemas, the Parkway Twin Theatre in downtown West Jefferson has two auditoriums that feature some of Hollywood’s popular films. For more information call (336) 8463281.
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PHOTOS SUBMITTED In addition to ‘Julius Ceasar,’ the American Shakespeare Center also performs ‘Henry V’ in a residency with ASU Theater program students.
Performing Arts Series at App State Lineup Features David Sedaris, Lakota Sioux Indian Dance Theatre and American Shakespeare Center BY ERIKA GIOVANETTI
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ppalachian State University’s Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts is the largest stage in the High Country, bringing in acts from around the world to the charming small town of Boone. Each year, the university hosts the Performing Arts Series to highlight high-caliber productions. According Anna Gaugert, director of marketing and public relations for ASU’s Office of Arts and Cultural
Programs, the schedule for this year’s season is finalized, and perhaps, one of the best yet. “We are thrilled about the entire 2015-16 season,” Gaugert said. “The Office of Arts and Cultural Programs aims to showcase memorable performances, along with related education and outreach activities at Appalachian every season. This year is no exception. We have a mix of performances for all tastes and ages — from New Orleans and Americana music to Shakespeare, satire and
more.” Highlights of this year’s series include dance theaters such as the Lakota Sioux Indian Dance Theater and Contra Tiempo Urban Latin Dance Theater. Grammy-award winning musicians Rhiannon Giddens and Dr. John are among the musical performances. In addition to music and dance, ASU welcomes two nights of theater with presentations from the American Shakespeare Center, “Henry V” and “Julius Caesar.”
“The company will also participate in an interactive residency with the Department of Theatre and Dance while they’re on campus,” Gaugert said. “We always strive to connect the classroom to performances we bring to Appalachian.” Gaugert said that this year’s series is consistent with the school’s artistic mission. “The Office of Arts and Cultural Programs is dedicated to bringing SEE PERFORMING ARTS, PAGE 83
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PERFORMING ARTS FROM PAGE 82 events to campus and the community that enrich, educate, inspire and promote quality of life,” Gaugert said. “Our mission is always in the forefront of our decision-making when looking at available touring artists.”
2015-2016 PERFORMING ARTS SERIES SCHEDULE Thursday, Sept. 24 Appalachia-inspired singer/ songwriter, violinist and banjo player Rhiannon Giddens is a Greensboro native who skyrocketed to fame as the front woman of African-American country, blues and old-time band, the Carolina Chocolate Drops. The band’s 2010 album, “Genuine Negro Jig,” earned the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album. “Giddens’ solo album ‘Tomorrow Is My Turn’ is among NPR Music’s 25 Favorite Albums of 2015, her strong, folk-infused voice reminding listeners of the genre’s well-known singer/ songwriters Allison Krauss and Patsy Cline,” a news release reads. In addition to making music, Giddens is also part of New Basement Tapes, a group reviving never-seen Bob Dylan lyrics from his 1967 recordings known as the “Basement Tapes.” The concert is Thursday, Sept. 24. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for faculty/staff and $15 for students and children 3 and older. Wednesday, Oct. 7 Lakota Sioux Indian Dance Theater, which has been touring worldwide for three decades, evokes the messages of song and dance in Plains Indian Society. The set, directed by acclaimed choreographer Henry Smith, has been arranged with the support of traditional Lakota Indian educators, healers, community leaders, championship powwow dancers, singers and storytellers. “Its signature work allows the opportunity for people of all ages to experience the holistic worldview of the Lakota Sioux,” a news release reads. The performance is Wednesday, Oct. 7. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for faculty/staff and $10 for students and children 3 and older. Friday, Oct. 23 This October, spend An Evening with David Sedaris, witty humor writer and social critic on Friday, Oct. 23. Sedaris is the writer of best-selling SEE PERFORMING ARTS, PAGE 84
On April 22, the Contra Tiempo Urban Latin Dance Theater performs at ASU’s Schaefer Center.
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PERFORMING ARTS FROM PAGE 83 books, “Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls,” “Barrel Fever” and “Holidays on Ice,” as well as a collection of personal essays. “The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today,” a news release reads. Sedaris’ essays appear in The New Yorker, as well as on the NPR radio show, “This American Life.” Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for faculty/staff and $20 for students and children 3 and older. Saturday, Nov. 7 Former member of the Southern rock band, Drive-By Truckers, singer/ guitarists Jason Isbell comes to the ASU campus on Saturday, Nov. 7, to perform music from his new album, “Something More Than Free.” “Compared to his earlier albums, his new album ‘Something More Than Free’ has a feeling of celebration, which reflects his upcoming fatherhood and a forward-facing momentum,” a news release reads. Isbell had his solo debut in 2007 and is backed by a new band, the 400 Unit. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for faculty/staff and $15 for students and children 3 and older. Friday, Jan. 29 and Saturday, Jan. 30 Bring in the new year with the American Shakespeare Center as it performs “Julius Caesar” on Friday night, Jan. 29, and “Henry V” on Saturday night, Jan. 30. The plays, both renditions of Shakespeare classics, profoundly exude themes of love, betrayal and death. “Through its performances, theaters, exhibitions, and educational programs, the American Shakespeare Center seeks to make Shakespeare, the joys of theatre and language, and the communal experience of the Renaissance stage accessible to all,” a news release reads. “By re-creating Renaissance conditions of performance, the ASC explores its repertory of plays for a better understanding of these great works and of the human theatrical enterprise past, present and future.” Students of ASU’s theater program will benefit from a weekend-long residency, learning firsthand from some of America’s most celebrated actors and actresses. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for faculty/staff and $10 for students and children 3 and older.
Grammy Award-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens is the first to perform in the 2015-2016 Performing Arts Series on Sept. 24.
Saturday, Feb. 13 Celebrate Valentine’s Day early this year with Dr. John & the Nite Trippers, a jazzy, bluesy band based out of New Orleans. Frontman Dr. John is a Hall of Famer who has won six Grammy Awards since the band took off in the late 1960s. “After a half century of creating music for others and himself, Dr. John continues to write, arrange, produce and interpret with a passion that has yet to wane,” a news release reads. Audiences may recognize Dr. John from his 1973 hit, “Right Place,
Wrong Time,” which has regained a new popularity with the recent reemergence of funk music. Dr. John has recorded more than 20 albums. The concert is Saturday, Feb. 13. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for faculty/staff and $15 for students and children 3 and older. Friday, April 22 Los-Angeles based dance company, Contra Tiempo, is dedicated to “transforming the world through dance.” Fusing salsa, Afro-Cuban and contemporary urban and abstract dance
theater, Contra Tiempo has something for every audience. According to a news release, Contra Tiempo Urban Latin Dance Theater delivers electrifying performances directed by Ana Maria Alvarez. Each member lives, expresses and struggles within the “varied and infinitely complex and personal landscapes” that Alvarez addresses in her work. The performance is Friday, April 22. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for faculty/staff and $10 for students and children 3 and older. For more information, visit www. theschaefercenter.org.
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BRAHM: Art, Music, Speakers, Workshops BY JEFF EASON
T
he Blowing Rock Art and History Museum is ready for the fall with new exhibitions, events for adults and children and a strong lineup of guest speakers. The museum will also celebrate the season with a creepy storytelling event on Halloween and a night dedicated to horror films from the High Country. The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum has three new exhibitions opening to the public this fall: “Romantic Spirits: Nineteenth Century Paintings of the South from the Johnson Collection,” “The Sculptor’s Voice” and “The Picture Man: Photographs by Paul Buchanan,” all of which opened to the public in mid-August. “I am so excited about this fall season,” Lee Carol Giduz, executive director, said. “‘The Johnson Collection’ features wonderful American art, very much in keeping with some of the most popular exhibits we have hosted. This is complemented by the sculpture of five diverse artists from across the South. There is a nice interplay between the old and the new with these two exciting exhibits. Lastly, we always use one space to honor history and will be featuring ‘The Picture Man: Photographs by Paul Buchanan.’ These engaging artistic portraits tell a story of the people of this region.”
Exhibitions
“Romantic Spirits: Nineteenth Century Paintings of the South from the Johnson Collection” will be on view now through Nov. 2 and features 38 paintings created from 1810 to 1896, chronicling the cultural evolution and concepts of the romantic movement as it unfolded in fine art of the American South. Having had its genesis in European literature and art, romanticism found its way into the cultural output of the young republic, both North and South. The same ideals that imbued the canvases of the Hudson River School also colored the art of painters who found their inspiration and audience below the Mason-Dixon Line. “Romantic Spirits” features 32 artists prominent artists in this era, including William Dickinson Washington, William Thompson Russell Smith, Gustave Henry Mosler, Thomas Addison Richards, Joseph Rusling Meeker, Robert Walter Weir and Thomas Sully, among others.
The exhibition and its corresponding catalogue, written by art historian Estill Curtis Pennington, delineates the historical, social and cultural forces that profoundly influenced these artists aesthetic sensibilities. “The Sculptor’s Voice” is BRAHM’s first retrospective of contemporary sculpture, and will remain on view through Nov 14. Guest curated by local artist Bill Brown Jr., the exhibition showcases work by five leading and rising sculptors across the South, including John Acorn of Pendleton, S.C.; Rick Beck of Spruce Pine; Tinka Jordy of Hillsboro; Hanna Jubran of Grimesland; and Corrina Sephora Mensoff of Atlanta, Ga. Throughout time, sculpture has been created from many different materials and processes, with broad approaches to the genre. The artists in this exhibition were selected for their diversity, exploration of materials, and mastery of process, as well as the individual strength of each sculptor’s voice. “The Picture Man: Photographs by Paul Buchanan,” on view through Nov. 25, is curated by photographer Ann Hawthorne and features historic photographs by Paul Buchanan. While Buchanan did not consider himself an artist, his photographs of early people of Appalachia were taken with such precision and artistry that you may mistake them for being contemporary. Buchanan, better known as “Paul, the picture man,” took photographs in order to make a living. The 49 photographs on display were taken throughout his career as a photographer, between 1921 and 1951, and show the faces, stories and personalities of people living in the mountains. Buchanan recorded the people of this place and this time, the way they wanted to be seen. A photo catalogue, edited by Ann Hawthorne and Bruce Morton, accompanies the exhibition. The Community Meeting Room will also be open and features paintings, drawings and mixed media works by local artists in the Brush and Palette Club, Lenoir. The exhibition, “All Things Great and Small,” will be open from Aug. 5 to Sept. 5.
Events at BRAHM
Sept. 7: Singer-songwriter Roy Book Binder will perform at 5:30 p.m. as part of BRAHM’s Summer Concert Series. Admission is $15 for members SEE BRAHM, PAGE 86
PHOTOS BY JEFF EASON Spruce Pine sculptor Rick Beck with his glass piece ‘Neodymium Scissor Figure’ at BRAHM.
• Extensive Wine List • Adjacent Tap Room with Billiards & Games • Large Selection of Craft Beers • Patio Dining Available, • All ABC Permits Leashed Dogs Welcome • Daily Culinary & Beverage Specials • 12 Rotating Taps to Include a • Large Parties Welcome Large Selection of Local Beers • Reservations Accepted
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PAGE 86
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Atlanta sculptor Corrina Sephora is one of the artists contributing to BRAHM’s exhibit ‘The Sculptor’s Voice.’
BRAHM FROM PAGE 85 and $20 for nonmembers. Sept. 11: BRAHM’s Membership Coffee Series will present a talk about North Carolina native plants called “Three Seasons of Blooms with Mark Rose.” Admission is free. Sept. 17: BRAHM’s Third Thursday Lecture Series presents “Romantic Spirits: Nineteenth Century Paintings of the South from the Johnson Collection” with Martha Severens at 4:30 p.m. Admission is free for members, $5 for nonmembers. Sept. 22: The Coffee with the Curator series presents guest curator Bill Brown Jr., who will guide guests through “The Sculptors Voice” exhibition at 11 a.m. Admission is free with regular museum admission. Sept. 24: Blue Ridge Women Painters will host a free art workshop at 5:30 p.m. Registration is required. Sept. 30: BRAHM presents “Roots with Roots: Growing History in Your Garden with Amy Cooke” from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Registration is required. Oct. 8: BRAHM’s Scholars and Scones series presents “Sharing
The painting ‘Runaway Slave’ is part of the BRAHM exhibit ‘Nineteenth Century Paintings of the South from the Johnson Collection.’
Jean Ritchie’s Legacy and Love for Appalachian Music” at 11 a.m. Suggested donation of $5. Oct. 13: BRAHM presents “Terror in the Hills: An Exploration of Appalachian Horror Films and Ghost Shows in the High Country” at 7 p.m. Suggested donation of $5. Oct. 20: BRAHM’s Coffee with
the Curator program presents “The Picture Man: Photographs by Paul Buchanan” at 11 a.m. Members will be admitted free; regular museum admission for nonmembers. Oct. 22: BRAHM’s Third Thursday Lecture Series presents “Hoedowns, Reels and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance” with
Phil Jamison at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 31: BRAHM hosts “Creepy Crafts and Storytelling” for kids from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. BRAHM is located at 159 Chestnut St. on the corner of Chestnut and Main in Blowing Rock. For more information, call (828) 295 -9099 or visit www.blowingrockmuseum.org.
2015
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Finding Fresco Jewels in the High Country
T
he High Country is known for its scenic beauty and amid the majestic mountains of Appalachia, visitors will find artistic murals, sculptures and other masterpieces, which accentuate the area’s appeal. One such type of art is the frescoes, which can be found in Ashe, Avery and Wilkes counties. The four frescoes that can be found in the area were created by world famous fresco artist Benjamin F. Long IV and are among the nine frescoes found along the Benjamin Long Fresco Trail in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. Individuals visiting the area won’t be disappointed with the artistic gems or the scenic drive to get to any of the frescoes. Four of the frescoes are located in Ashe County. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in West Jefferson houses three frescoes, including “Mary Great with Child,” “John the Baptist” and “Mystery of Faith.” St. Mary’s is located at 400 Beaver Creek School Road in West Jefferson. “The Last Supper” fresco can be found at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, sister church to St. Mary’s, in
FILE PHOTO Visitors to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church can take a seat in one of the old pews and flip through the hymnals as they take in the view of Ben Long’s ‘The Last Supper’ fresco.
Glendale Springs. It adorns the entire front wall of the sanctuary. Holy Trinity is located at 120 Glendale School Road in Glendale Springs. In Avery County, the Crossnore School features “Suffer the Little Children,” painted in the E.H. Sloop
Chapel. The fresco features children who have lived at Crossnore, with the Christian Bible verse, Mark 10:14. Daily viewing are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Crossnore School is located at 100 DAR Drive in Crossnore. It is a
nonprofit children’s home and school. For more information about the school or the frescoes, call (828) 733-4305, or visit www.crossnoreschool.org. Frescoes of “St. Paul’s Conversion” and “St. Paul Writing His Epistles” adorn St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Wilkesboro. The works of art by Long can be found in the commons area. St. Paul’s is located at 200 W. Cowles St. in Wilkesboro. The frescoes in the High Country draw thousands of visitors to the area each year, whether for religious purposes or just to enjoy Long’s creations. More of Long’s frescoes can be found in Buncombe, Burke, Iredell and Mecklenburg counties in North Carolina. The artist was born in Texas, but grew up in Statesville. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Art Students’ League in New York. After serving in the military, Long studied under Pietro Annigoni in Italy for almost eight years. He painted several frescoes in Italy and, since 1978, Long has finished 13 frescoes in North Carolina. To see some of Long’s other works, visit www.benlongfineart.com.
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2015
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2015
Come watch the fall leaves from our patio!
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2015
The High Country’s Art Galleries
A
rt buyers and enthusiasts will find that the High Country’s art galleries have much to offer. Home to almost countless venues that host a variety of styles and mediums, the High Country has a gallery for just about every artistic disposition.
Seagrove School of potters in Eastern North Carolina. Lula Owens Bolick and her husband, Glenn, and Janet Calhoun and her husband, Michael, continue a pottery tradition that goes back in the family for 190 years.
Jewelry
Fine Art
For two decades, Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery has provided its clientele with custom framing and artwork. During its 20 years, owner Tim Miller has assembled a gallery featuring more than 25 of the most accomplished artists in the Southeast, including the renowned Elliott Daingerfield. According to Miller, a stroll through Blowing Rock Frameworks is as pleasing to the first-time visitor as it is to seasoned collectors. The Art Cellar Gallery has been a celebrated arts destination for more than 20 years, featuring the works of regional, national and internationally acclaimed artists. From primitive to realistic, impressionistic to abstract, The Art Cellar
‘Balance at the Water’s Edge’ by Andrew Braitman
features fine quality artwork by both established and emerging artists, while providing clientele with a comfortable exhibition space in which to select the next additions to their collections.
THE HOTEL TAVERN The best kept secret in Ashe County! Voted best restaurant two years running!
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The Art Cellar is located at 920 Shawneehaw Lane in Banner Elk. For more information, call (828) 898-5175, or visit www.artcellaronline.com. Carlton Gallery in Banner Elk is one of the most established fine art galleries in North Carolina. Representing more than 200 local, regional and national artisans, the gallery is filled with art in all mediums, including paintings, glass, sculpture, wood, clay, wearable art and jewelry. The gallery is located 10 miles south of Boone and seven miles north of Linville on N.C. 105 in the Grandfather Mountain community. For more information, call (828) 963-4288, or visit www.carltongallery.com.
Pottery
Doe Ridge Pottery is the High Country’s premier local pottery dealer. Bob Meier opened the gallery and store in 1988 and remains a resident potter with numerous other artisans. With a freshly designed showroom and new displays, Doe Ridge’s collection of fine pottery includes functional, specialty and home decor pieces. Doe Ridge Pottery is located at 585 W. King St., Suite D, in downtown Boone. For more information, call (828) 264-1127, or visit www.doeridgepottery.com. Bolick Pottery and Traditions Pottery, located in the Martin House on Main Street in downtown Blowing Rock, features the work of the Bolick and Calhoun families, which can trace their crafts back several generations to the
With more than 30 years of experience, Old World Galleries owners Charlie and Joy Travis value the relationship with each client, striving to ensure that every transaction provides true customer satisfaction. Old World specializes in fine jewelry in platinum, gold, sterling silver, precious and semiprecious gemstones, as well as custom-designed jewelry for budget-minded customers. The gallery also buys, sells and appraises antique and estate jewelry, including diamonds and precious gems, while offering a full line of jewelry repair, cleaning, evaluation and more.
Continuing education
West Jefferson’s Florence Thomas Art School & Gallery is an artist’s one-stop shop. The center offers resources for instruction, exhibition and experience in the fine arts and heritage crafts for Ashe County and the region. The school and gallery are named after the late Florence Thomas, an Ashe County artist who, in her 98 years, created hundreds of paintings, capturing the soul, mystery and comfort of common things — from farm animals to flowers to landscapes. In addition, she taught painting in the basement of her home for 20 years. Thomas died in 2007, but her legacy continues. Upon her passing, she provided the means to establish a nonprofit art school in Ashe County, thus continuing her legacy of providing quality instruction in the arts. Florence Thomas Art School & Gallery is located at 10 S. Jefferson Ave. in West Jefferson. For more information, call (336) 846-3827, or visit www. florenceartschool.org.
Gallery Listings BANNER ELK The Art Cellar 920 Shawneehaw Ave. (828) 898-5175 www.artcellaronline.com SEE ART GALLERIES, PAGE 93
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ART GALLERIES FROM PAGE 92 Art Purveyors World HQ 112 Aldridge Park (828) 963-7246 www.artpurveyors.com Carlton Gallery 10360 N.C. 105 South (828) 963-4288 www.carltongallery.com Clark Gallery 393 Shaneehaw Ave. (828) 898-2095 www.clarkgallerync.com Maggie Black Pottery 1225 N.C. 105 (828) 773-2459 www.maggieblackpottery.com Sally Nooney Gallery 7137 N.C.194 South (828) 963-7347 www.sallynooney.com BLOWING ROCK Art & Artifacts 159 Sunset Drive (828) 414-9402 www.artandartifactsbr.com Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery 7935 Valley Blvd. (828) 295-0041 www.blowingrockgalleries.com Bolick Pottery & Traditions Pottery The Martin House 1116 Main St. (828) 295-6128 www.traditionspottery.com Rock Galleries of Fine Art 1153 Main St. (828) 295-9752 www.thomaskinkadeasheville.com/ blowingrock BOONE ArtWalk 611 W. King St. (828) 264-9998 www.artwalkboone.com Blue Ridge ArtSpace 377 Shadowline Drive (828) 264-1789 www.watauga-arts.org Doe Ridge Pottery 585-D W. King St. (828) 264-1127 www.doeridgepottery.homestead.com
‘Mountain Farm No. 3’ by Joseph Cave
Hands Gallery 543 W. King St. (828) 262-1970 www.handsgallery.org Jones House Community Center 604 W. King St. (828) 262-4576 www.joneshousecommunitycenter.org Kevin Beck Studio 1590 Shull’s Mill Road (828) 963-1181 www.kevinbeck.com Modern Rustic 182 Howard St. Shed Studios 555 W. King St. Turchin Center for the Visual Arts 423 W. King St. Boone, N.C. 28607 (828) 262-3017 www.tcva.org LINVILLE AND NEWLAND 87 Ruffin Street Gallery 87 Ruffin St., Linville (828) 733-6449 Pam Brewer Studio 41 Redbird Lane, Newland (828) 733-5755
www.pambrewer.com PINEOLA, CROSSNORE AND LINVILLE FALLS Linville River Pottery 2180 Goose Hollow Road, Pineola (828) 387-1944 www.linvilleriverpottery.com Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery The Crossnore School 205 Johnson Lane (828) 733-3144 www.crossnoregallery.org Anvil Arts Studio 9600 Linville Highway, Linville Falls (828) 765-6226 www.studiosculpture.com VALLE CRUCIS
(336) 846-2787 www.ashecountyarts.org Acorn Gallery 103 Long St. (336) 246-3388 www.acorngallery.com Bohemia 5 N. Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-1498 www.bohemianc.com Ripples Gallery 101 N. Jefferson Ave. (336) 219-0089 www.claytonproctor.com R.T. Morgan Art Gallery & Glass by Camille 120 N. Jefferson Ave. (336) 246-3328 www.rtmorganartgallery.com
Alta Vista 2839 Broadstone Road (828) 963-5247 www.altavistagallery.com
The Artists’ Theatre 8 E. Main St. (336) 846-3355 www.theartiststheatre.com
Rivercross Market 3595 N.C. 194 (828) 963-8623 www.rivercrossmarket.com
Ashe Custom Framing & Gallery 105 S. Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-2218 www.ashecustomframing.com
WEST JEFFERSON Ashe Arts Center Gallery 303 School Ave.
Originals Only 3-B N. Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-1636 www.originalsonlygallery.com
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PHOTO SUBMITTED There’s no better way to take in the culture of a small town than going on an art crawl. This crowd gathers at the Florence Thomas Arts School in West Jefferson during a West Jefferson Gallery Crawl during the summer.
Crawling from Gallery to Gallery
T
he Blue Ridge Mountains have been a source of great inspiration for writers and poets during the years, as well as artists and craftsmen. The High Country is home to some of the best art galleries in the state. Nestled away in the mountains lay hidden gem after hidden gem of diverse and creative artwork. It would be difficult to visit all the galleries the area has to offer one by one. Fortunately, different areas in the High Country offer art crawls to help folks visit as many galleries as possible during a special evening. Art crawls are also a way to help promote local businesses. For example, visitors to West Jefferson’s Gallery Crawl are also likely to stop in and eat at a local restaurant, or shops in town.
Also, visitors new to the area have a chance to see what the different towns in the High Country have to offer.
First Friday Art Crawl
The first Friday of each month offers the public an opportunity to visit downtown Boone to take in local art galleries, businesses and even live entertainment. According to downtownboonenc. com, the First Friday Art Crawl will take place on the first Friday of every month. Gallery reception start times may vary, but usually begin at 5 p.m. and conclude around 8 p.m.
Second Saturday Celebration
The Second Saturday Celebration of
the Arts gives area residents and visitors alike a chance to see new galleries and meet new artists, enjoy demonstrations, chow down on wonderful food and beverages and even buy a gift for that special someone. The Second Saturday Celebration of the Arts takes place at the Blue Ridge ArtSpace from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. every second Saturday of the month. Blue Ridge ArtSpace is located at 377 Shadowline Drive in Boone. For more information, visit watauga-arts.org or call (828) 264-1789.
West Jefferson Gallery Crawl
The West Jefferson Gallery Crawl invites “crawlers” to stroll the streets, visit the galleries, view the downtown murals and take advantage of
the downtown restaurants of West Jefferson. The Gallery Crawl takes place throughout town from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the second Friday of each month from June through October. A special Christmas Crawl will also be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 4. Gallery Crawl is a free event and is sponsored by the Ashe County Arts Council in cooperation with the West Jefferson Business Association, the West Jefferson Tourism Development Authority and is funded, in part, through a Grassroots Arts Program Grant of the North Carolina Arts Council. For more information, visit ashecountyarts.org or call the following (336) 846-2787.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sept. 8
Sept. 15
AVERY FAIR: The annual Avery Agriculture and Horticultural Fair will take place in Newland from Tuesday to Saturday, Sept. 8 to 12, at Avery Fairgrounds.
LITERARY FESTIVAL: Residents of the High Country and beyond are invited to celebrate the literary arts in Ashe County. For Sept. 15 through Sept.19, the seventh annual literacy festival called On the Same Page will focus on writing about North Carolina people, places and traditions. Events planned for this festival are informative and fun with readings, workshops, a film showing and lots of questionand-answer sessions with the authors. Events held in several downtown West Jefferson venues. Visit http://www. onthesamepagefestival.org/ for more information.
Sept. 10 MUSIC FESTIVAL: A Music Fest will be held Sept. 10-12 at the Blue Bear Campground in Boone featuring Acoustic Syndicate, Jeff Little Trio, Carter Brothers, Melissa Reaves, Dr. Bacon, Mel Jones and His Bag of Bones, Lost Ridge Band and others. Admission. For more information visit http://musicfestatbluebearmountain. com/.
Sept. 12 ART IN THE PARK: Blowing Rock will hold Art in the Park beginning at 10 a.m. Sept. 12 on the American Legion grounds in the downtown area. It is an outdoor juried art and craft show featuring 90 artists. Admission is free. CONCERT: Each Sunday after Art in the Park in Blowing Rock, bring a chair or blanket and enjoy free entertainment at the gazebo in Memorial Park in Blowing Rock. The American Legion Hall is the backup venue in case of inclement weather. The concert begins at 4 p.m. Sept. 13 with the Silvio Martinet Swing Band. STATE PARK: Enjoy a day filled with live music, games, nature activities, hikes, wagon rides, craft and cultural demonstrations, hands-on activities, history and food between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sept. 12 at Elk Knob State Park for the 11th annual Elk Knob Headwaters Community Day sponsored by the Elk Knob Community Heritage Organization (EKCHO Inc.). Those interested in participating in the potluck should bring a dish of food to share and plan to be at the park by noon.
Sept. 13 JAZZ: The Blowing Rock Jazz Society will hold a jazz concert at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock on Sept. 13. Call (828) 295-4300 for reservations or plan to arrive early for best seating. Brazilian romance jazz will be featured. Admission is $20 for nonmembers, $5 for students, free for BRJS members. A preset dinner menu is available via reservation.
Sept. 18 ANTIQUES FAIR: The West Jefferson Old Time Antiques Fair will be held Sept. 18-19 in downtown West Jefferson. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.wjantiquesfair.com.
Sept. 19 5K RACE: The 16th annual Mayview Madness 5K race and fun run will take place in Blowing Rock on Sept. 19. Last year’s race attracted more than 300 runners. The 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. next to the Blowing Rock American Legion Hall and finishes in front of Bistro Roca restaurant. A one-mile fun run begins at 8 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each of 10 age groups, including a separate category for masters runners. Proceeds from the entry fees will benefit Blue Ridge Conservancy’s work with willing landowners and local communities to permanently protect land and water resources in western North Carolina. For registration details, go to go.events.com/#/ event/2115. MUSIC FESTIVAL: The Blowing Rock Music Festival, an outdoor event, will be held rain or shine, Sept. 19 at The Blowing Rock attraction. It will feature Americana, blues, folk, rock and jazz. Tickets will be sold at the Blowing Rock attraction, the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. VIP tents available and lawn chairs and coolers welcome. Gates open at 9 a.m., music begins at 11 a.m.
2015
2014
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2015
CALENDAR
Oct. 31
FROM PAGE 95
HALLOWEEN: Downtown Trick or Treat will be held Oct. 31 in downtown West Jefferson. Dress up in your best costume for trick-or-treating at participating businesses.
Sept. 24 CONCERT: Rhiannon Giddens, founding member of supergroup New Basement Tapes and Carolina Chocolate Drops, will perform Sept. 24 at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts at ASU. Tickets are $30, $25 and $15. For ticket information, call (800) 841-2787 or (828) 2624046.
Sept. 25 MUSIC FESTIVAL: The first Carolina in the Fall Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 25 and 26 on the old courthouse square in downtown Wilkesboro. Hosted by the Kruger Brothers, the festival will feature performances by Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, Balsam Range, The Secret Sisters, Mipso, Barefoot Movement and many others. The festival will also feature the first annual CITF Food Truck Championship with more than a dozen food trucks competing on-site. Two-day VIP passes, including tickets to the special 10 p.m. musicians jam at the Holiday Inn, are $60 per person. For more information, call (336) 990-0747 or visit www. carolinainthefall.org. GHOST TRAIN: Tweetsie Railroad, located between Boone and Blowing Rock, will host its annual Ghost Train and Halloween festivities Friday and Saturday nights beginning Sept. 25 and continuing through Oct. 31. It’s scary fun for the whole family. Enjoy ghastly attractions, including Ghost Train rides, the Haunted House, and the Freaky Forest, available only for Ghost Train hours. Separate park admission; regular park activities available 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Ghost Train fun from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Advance tickets recommended; a limited number of guests will be admitted nightly.
Sept. 26 CYCLING: The Blowing Rock Classic will be held Sept. 26 in Blowing Rock. It will be 72-mile cycling event through the Blowing Rock area, from the coordinators of Blood, Sweat & Gears and the Beech Mountain Metric.
Oct. 3 ART IN THE PARK: Blowing Rock will hold Art in the Park beginning at 10 a.m. Oct. 3 on the American Legion grounds in the downtown area. It is an
PHOTO SUBMITTED Grandfather Mountain will host a number of special programs in the coming weeks and months geared for visitors and area residents alike. For more information on upcoming events, visit http://www.grandfather.com..
outdoor juried art and craft show featuring 90 artists. Admission is free.
Oct. 7 DANCE THEATER: The Lakota Sioux Indian Dance Theatre will perform Oct. 7 at the ASU Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $20, $18 and $10. For ticket information, call (800) 841-2787 or (828) 2624046.
Oct. 10 OKTOBERFEST: Grab your beer stein, put on your lederhosen and head to Sugar Mountain Resort for the 25th annual Oktoberfest celebration Oct. 10-11. The weekend is packed with activities from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. More than 40 artisans and craft artists will be present. For more information, visit http://oktoberfest.skisugar.com/.
Oct. 17 VALLE FAIR: The Valle Country Fair will be held beginning at 9 a.m. Oct. 17 off N.C. 194 across from Holy Cross Church and the Valle Crucis Conference Center. For more information, visit http://www.vallecountryfair.org. WOOLLY WORM FESTIVAL: The 38th annual Woolly Worm Festival will be held Oct. 17-18 in Banner Elk. It’s family fun for everyone, with the chance for your woolly worm to win $1,000. Nearly 170 craft
vendors, food, live entertainment, and rides. Worm races begin in the morning and competition continues through the afternoon. Admission is $5 for adults; $3 for children ages 7-12; and free for children 6 and younger. For more information, visit www.averycounty.com.
Oct. 23 CONCERT: An Evening with David Sedaris, NPR humorist and best-selling author of “Naked,” “Me Talk Pretty One Day,” “When You Are Engulfed in Flames” and “Let’s Explore Diabetes With Owls,” will be on stage at the ASU Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts Oct. 23. Tickets are $40, $35 or $20. For ticket information, call (800) 841-2787 or (828) 2624046.
HALLOWEEN: Blowing Rock will hold a free Halloween Festival on Oct. 31. There will be Fall Fables at the museum, 1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.; Creepy Crafts for kids at the Museum, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.; air walks in Memorial Park, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; games and a fun house in the Recreation Center for the kids, 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; hayrides through Blowing Rock with Tom, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (meet in Memorial Park); The Monster March, line up at the American Legion at 5:30 p.m., parade at 5:45 p.m.; trick-or-treat in downtown Blowing Rock, 6 p.m. (look for the black and orange balloons); costume contest, 7 p.m. (sign up at the Recreation Center by 6:45 p.m.); moonlight scavenger hunt at Broyhill Lake, begins after costume contest, participate in teams of three for ages 6 to 13. Bring a flashlight.
Nov. 7
CONCERT: Jason Isbell will be in concert Nov. 7 at the ASU Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $30, $25 and $15. For ticket information, call (800) 841-2787 or (828) 262-4046.
Nov. 21
TOWN LIGHTING: Light up the Town festivities will begin at 5 p.m. in downtown West Jefferson. For more information, visit http://www.visitwestjefferson.org.
Nov. 27 Oct. 30 BOONE BOO: The annual Boone BOO! starts at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 30. The town of Boone, the Watauga County Public Library, and the Downtown Boone Development Association host the event for families every Halloween. Activities include games and arts and crafts at the Watauga Library located on Queen Street in downtown Boone, followed by a Halloween “parade” down to the Jones House Community Center where children can enjoy a silly and spooky tour through the Jones House with tricks and treats around every corner. Trickor-Treating with the downtown Boone merchants begins at 5 p.m. and goes until 6 p.m.
HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS: West Jefferson’s Hometown Christmas will be held beginning at 5 p.m. Nov. 27 in downtown West Jefferson. For more information, visit http://www. visitwestjefferson.org. CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK: Blowing Rock will hold a free Christmas in the Park and a Lighting of the town on Nov. 27. There will visits with Santa, hot chocolate, carols, and music.
Nov. 28 PARADE: Blowing Rock will hold a Christmas parade beginning at 11 a.m. on Nov. 28 in the downtown area.
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PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM Valle Crucis Park is a nice place to visit while exploring the High Country. The park is dog friendly and you can bring your kids to play at the playground. There are also places to enjoy the Watauga River, either to fish, swim or float on your inner tube.
ADVERTISER INDEX 4 Seasons .................................................. 26 Anna Banana ............................................. 20 Antiques on Howard .................................. 21 Appalachian Antiques ................................ 20 Appalachian Regional Health Systems .. 35,49 Ashe County Arts ....................................... 26 Ashe County Chamber ............................... 27 Ashe County Cheese .................................. 27 Ashe Rental Agency ................................... 26 Banner Elk Café & the Lodge ......................38 Banner Elk Winery ..................................... 39 Barra Sports Bar & Sushi ........................... 39 Benchmark Provisions ............................... 21 Bernhardt ..................................................... 3 Blackberry Creek ................................. 25, 37 Blue Ridge Realty and Investments ..... 30, 38 Boone Bagelry ........................................... 20 Blowing Rock Ale House ............................ 34 Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce ....... 34 Blowing Rock Frameworks .........................14 Blowing Rock Furniture Gallery ................. 20 BRAHM ...................................................... 49 Broyhill Civic Center ....................................13 Brushy Mountain Apple Festival ..................65 Buffalo Tavern ............................................ 27 Cabin Store ................................................ 87 Café Portofino ............................................ 85 Capone’s Pizza ........................................... 20 Caracole ....................................................... 3 Casa Rustica .............................................. 89 Carlton Galleries ..........................................15 Cha Da Thai ............................................... 21 Chick-fil-A .................................................. 91 Choose and Cut ......................................... 22
Cilantros ..................................................... 20 COBO ......................................................... 20 Consignment Cottage ................................ 39 C/R Catering .............................................. 89 DeWoolfson Down ............................... 37, 55 Dianne Davant ..................................... 37, 99 Dos Amigos .................................................89 Dutch Creek Trails .......................................47 Echota ................................................ 37, 100 Fairway Café .............................................. 89 Family Billiards ..................................... 37, 90 Festiva Resort .............................................50 Footsloggers .............................................. 56 Foscoe Fishing ........................................... 74 Foscoe Rentals ............................................51 Fred’s General Store .................................. 24 Friendship Honda ....................................... 95 Gamekeeper ...............................................61 Grandfather Campground ...........................53 Grandfather Mountain .................................44 Grandfather Trout Farm ...............................37 Green Park Inn ............................................. 8 Greenhouse Crafts ......................................27 Harmony Hostel ......................................... 38 Hawksnest ................................................. 57 Hickory Furniture Mart ............................... 75 High Gravity Adventures ..............................46 Hotel Tavern ............................................... 92 HighcountryNC.com ....................9, 42, 69, 72 Impeccable Pooch ......................................39 Incredible Toy Company ............................. 11 Jenkins Rentals ..........................................15 Jim’s Corner Furniture ............................... 27 Kincaid Factory Outlet ...................................3
Lazy Bear Lodge .........................................47 Lees McRae College ...................................33 Libbys .....................................................9, 27 Linville Land Harbor ....................................19 Lost Province Brewing Company ............... 20 Lucky Penny .............................................. 20 Magic Cycles ..............................................56 Mast Farm Inn ............................................ 47 Mast General Store ................................ 2, 47 Mast General (Rivercross) .................... 47, 58 Mountain Dog ...................................... 37, 59 Mountain Lumber ...................................... 37 Mountain Outfitters .................................... 29 Mountainside Lodge B & B .........................47 Mountaineer Garden Center ........................38 Mountain Times ......................................... 65 Museum of Ashe County History ................ 27 Mustard Seed ............................................ 17 My Best Friends Barkery ............................ 38 Mystery Hill .................................................. 7 Nick’s Restaurant ....................................... 88 Old World Galleries ..................................... 21 Originals Only Gallery ................................. 27 Our Daily Bread .......................................... 91 Over Yonder ................................................ 47 Paramount ................................................. 98 Parker Tie Company ................................... 26 Parkway Craft ............................................ 69 Pet Place .................................................... 54 Puerto Nuevo ............................................. 88 Proper ........................................................ 20 Rachel’s Reflections ................................... 43 Red Onion .................................................. 88 River Street Ale House ............................... 21
Rock Dimensions ....................................... 56 Rustique ..................................................... 91 Six Pence Pub ............................................ 90 Skyline-SkyBest ......................................... 13 Sorrento’s .................................................. 39 Stonewall’s ................................................ 38 Sugar Ski and Country Club ....................... 43 Sugar Top Resort Sales .............................. 43 Sunalei Preserve ........................................ 63 Tanner Doncaster Outlet ............................ 34 Tapp Room ................................................. 89 Taste Grill ................................................... 88 Tatum Galleries & Interiors ................... 37, 67 Grandfather Vineyard ........................... 37, 67 Taylor House .............................................. 47 The Blowing Rock ...................................... 68 The Local ............................................. 21, 89 Thelmas Things ......................................... 43 Tis the Season ........................................... 26 Town of Seven Devils ................................. 62 Town Tavern ............................................... 90 Trout and Barrel ......................................... 91 Tweetsie Railroad ....................................... 31 Valle Crucis B & B ...................................... 47 Valle Crucis Log Cabin ............................... 47 Village Inns of Blowing Rock ...................... 79 Village Real Estate ......................................17 Waterfront Group (Sweetgrass) .................. 81 When Pigs Fly ............................................ 26 Woodlands Barbecue ................................ 90 Zuzda’s American Tapas ............................ 38 Woolly Worm Festival ................................. 45 Woof Pack Dog Training ............................. 54
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