2019 • Autumn Times
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TABLE OF CONTENTS NUMBER OF NOTE ..................................... 6 HIGH COUNTRY HOST ................................ 8 HIGH COUNTRY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE .. 8 OUR TOWNS ............................................12 K-9 CAMPING .......................................... 22 CAMPING ............................................... 22 FISHING IN HIGH COUNTRY ...................... 26 HUNTING ............................................... 28 OUTDOOR CLIMBING ............................... 30 INDOOR CLIMBING .................................. 32 MYSTERY HILL .......................................... 34 CHISTMAS TREE INDUSTRY ........................ 36 FALL COLORS .......................................... 38 MOTORCYCLING ...................................... 49 MOUNTAIN BIKING .................................. 54 ROAD CYCLING ....................................... 54 BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY .............................. 56 GOLFING ................................................ 58 ZIPLINING .............................................. 68 PICKLEBALL ............................................ 70 DISC GOLFING .........................................71 HANG GLIDING ....................................... 72 ON THE WATER ........................................ 73 HORSEBACK RIDING ................................ 78 FALL COLORS AND WATER ......................... 80 FALL TRAIL HIKES ..................................... 82 MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA TRAIL ....................... 83 PARKS AND TRAILS .................................. 84 APPALACHIAN STATE FOOTBALL ................ 88 TAILGATING ............................................ 89 ART OF THE REGION ................................. 90 ART GALLERIES .........................................91 FANTASTIC FRESCOES .............................. 94 DIVERSE ARTS ......................................... 96 GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN ...................... 100 TWEETSIE ............................................. 104 GENERAL STORES ................................... 108 ANTIQUING ........................................... 110 BREWERIES ............................................ 120 WINERIES .............................................. 126 CELEBRATING FALL FESTIVALS .................. 127 HALLOWEEN ......................................... 136 REATAURANTS ........................................ 140
2019 • Autumn Times
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Welcome to your High Country
AUTUMN
2019 Autumn Times Staff Gene Fowler Jr.
PUBLISHER Charlie Price
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Tom Mayer
EDITOR Johnny Hayes
PRODUCTION CHIEF Rob Moore and Jason Balduf
LAYOUT ARTISTS Sarah Moon
PREPRESS PRODUCTION Meleah Bryan
CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR Andy Gainey
CIRCULATION MANAGER Anna Oakes, Abby Whitt, Jamie Shell, Steve Behr, Kayla Lasure, Colin Tate, Carl Blankenship, Thomas Sherrill, Luke Weir, Ian Taylor, and Derek Halsey
WRITERS Mark Mitchell, Teresa Laws, Ron Brown and Henry Volk
SALES Meleah Bryan
CREATIVE SERVICES WATAUGA COUNTY Photo by Rob Moore
(MTNSnapshots.com)
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Numbers of Note 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) 262-8000
AVERY COUNTY 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) 733-2023 Seven Devils Police Department (828) 963-6760 Sugar Mountain Police (828) 898-4349 Beech Mountain Police (828) 387-2342
ASHE COUNTY Ashe County Sheriff’s Office (336) 846-5633 Jefferson Police (336) 846-5529
Blowing Rock Hospital (828) 295-3136
West Jefferson Police (336) 246-9410
HEALTH CARE
ANIMAL CONTROL
Watauga Medical Center (Boone) (828) 262-4100 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
Be sure to visit The Blowing Rock
©
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
6TH ANNUAL BLOWING ROCK MUSIC FEST September 14, 2019 1pm - 8pm
The Harris Brothers
“Enjoy the Legend”
Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers Jeff Little Trio Soul Benefactor
Rock Road, Blowing Rock NC 828.295.7111 • TheBlowingRock.com
Shelby Ray Moore Band
N o r t h C a r o l i n a’s O l d e s t Tr a v e l A t t r a c t i o n , S i n c e 1 9 3 3
The Neighbors
Winter Hours: January - March • Thursday - Monday 9am - 5pm Summer Hours: April - October • Open Daily 8:30am - 7pm Weather Permitting
Wayne Henderson
Charlie Carpenter Cecil Palmer Mitch and Masten
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High Country Host Welcoming visitors to the area for almost 40 years BY BAILEY LITTLE
W
ith its winding, scenic roads and rugged mountain terrain, the High Country is a popular destination for people to visit during autumn. Upon arrival, visitors may feel overwhelmed by the many festivals and attractions, trying to navigate the Blue Ridge Parkway or find it difficult to decide what to do first. The High Country Host serves as the official regional welcome center for those visiting the area. It is housed with App Ski Mountain Welcome Center and is conveniently located just off of U.S. 321 in Blowing Rock, is handicap accessible and is near the entrance of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The staff is prepared to answer any navigational questions visitors may have about hiking trails or driving directions and is able to provide general information such as the weather forecasts for their desired destinations. Handouts are available for regional upcoming events each week, rainy day activities and the local farmers markets. The High Country Events calendar is one of the most popular informative guides for both tourists and locals and is available in a digital copy at highcountrycalendar.com. Brochures and information are available for the towns of Beech Mountain, Banner Elk, Boone, Blowing Rock, West Jefferson, Wilkesboro and Sparta, as well as state guides and maps. Hiking to see the fall leaves is popular and visitors can pick up a detailed map of the Blue Ridge Parkway with all of the hiking trails listed by milepost, mileage and difficulty. Merchandise including T-shirts and coffee mugs are also available for purchase as souvenirs. The staff also provides coupons for lodging and attractions such as Grandfather Mountain to help visitors save money while they are on vacation. Autumn is an extremely busy time in the High Country and the third week of October is especially booming due to the peak time for fall foliage, Appalachian State football games, the Wooly Worm Festival and Valle Country Fair. One of the main concerns for those visiting the area is securing a place to stay. Lodging fills up quickly and many phone calls are made to the HCH with questions regarding hotel availability. When cancellations are made at hotels, they typically call the visitor center and let them know so that they can inform visitors of vacancy. Lodging that is booked will also refer those looking for a place to stay to the visitor center for assistance. Candice Cook, the organization’s marketing director, shared information about the great efforts the staff puts forth to ensure that visitors feel comfortable, are informed and enjoy their time
Diane Hill explains a map of recommended waterfall hikes to a family visiting the High Country.
spent in the area. One of the most helpful resources available at The HCH is their itineraries they provide which list recommended activities in each town and different day trips they can take. “Having everything in an itinerary just really helps people because they’re so overwhelmed when they come up to the mountains because everything is far apart and they can’t get their bearings. So if we just say “Here is a list of 10 things to do in West Jefferson” and hand it to them and tell them how to get there, I feel like they’ve been helped and they know what they can do,” Cook said. The staff also keeps up with road closures in heavily trafficked areas such as the Blue Ridge Parkway. If visitors are planning a trip via the BRP to areas such as Asheville or Roanoke, they can go into the office or call to find out whether or not there are closed sections. If a portion of the road happens to be closed, the staff can provide them with alternative routes to help them get to their destination. “There’s been quite a few falls where they’ve had to close main, big sections because of flooding and trees falling down,” Cook said in relation to how beneficial it is for visitors to be able to come in or call about closures since this information is not always updated online. Road maintenance such as paving is frequent on the BRP and the loose gravel can be hazardous to those traveling by motorcycles or bicycles. The staff at the HCH recommends that they take N.C. 105 instead of the Parkway to allow them to bypass the road work and ensure safe travels. The organization will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year as the regional visitor’s center and Cook feels that they’ve “gotten it down to a science” and have handouts on everything possible to ensure a memorable trip to the mountains. For more information, the staff is available at (800) 438-7500 to address any questions or concerns. General information, seasonal guides, information about deals and discounts and more are available at highcountryhost.com.
High Country Chambers of Commerce Ashe County Chamber of Commerce The Ashe County Chamber of Commerce can direct travelers through the scenic and sparsely populated area of Christmas tree farms, rugged mountain landscapes and the beautiful New River. The staff can help answer questions and give suggestions of which attractions to visit, as well as provide visitors with a wide selection of helpful brochures and maps 01 North Jefferson Avenue, Suite C. West Jefferson, NC 28694. (888) 343-2743. info@AsheChamber. com, www.ashechamber.com/contact.php. Avery County Chamber of Commerce The Avery County Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is conveniently located at the Shoppes at Tynecastle at the intersection of N.C. 105 and N.C. 184. The center offers plenty of useful information on lodging, dining, attractions and other businesses located in Avery County. 4501 Tynecastle Highway, Unit 2, Intersection of NC 105 & NC 184 Banner Elk, NC 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 work, visit and live. The chamber provides information about area dining, lodging, shopping and attractions. The staff is available to assist visitors to the area Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 100 W. Main St., Banner Elk N.C., 28604. (828) 898-8395. www.bannerelk.org. Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce At a unique and impressive elevation of 5,506, Beech Mountain offers plenty of activities and attractions for all ages to enjoy. The area is also tranquil and offers lots of opportunities for quiet and rejuvenating relaxation. The Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Saturday. 403-A Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain N.C., 28604. (828) 387-9283. chamber@beechmtn. com, www.beechmountainchamber.com. Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce knows its community like no other and is always willing to share information with their visitors. Blowing rock is considered one of the crown jewels of the Blue Ridge. The chamber can provide information on various lodging, dining, shopping and recreational activities in the area as well as lists of camping and fishing sites. 132 Park Ave., Blowing Rock N.C., 28605. (828) 295-7851. www.blowingrockncchamber.com,info@ blowingrock.com. Boone Area Chamber of Commerce The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is one of the most active chambers in the area and is located conveniently on King Street. The staff is committed to ensuring tourists have a memorable vacation to the area and showing immense support to the the local businesses which travelers love to visit. 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. www.boonechamber.com. info@ boonechamber.com.
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EAGLES LANDING | The Lodges at Eagles Nest
NEVER THE BIGGEST, ALWAYS THE BEST
HAPPY OWNERS, HAPPY GUESTS
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2019 Autumn Times
OUR TOWNS N
o matter who you are, when you’re in the High Country, autumn has something in store for you. Whether it’s the college town atmosphere that Boone provides, the shops in Blowing Rock, the sights of Beech Mountain, or nearly everybody’s favorite autumnal activity — leaf looking — or any of the other unique experiences provided by Watauga, Avery and Ashe counties, the High Country can be your getaway for a month or an afternoon. Here’s a brief guide to enjoying the entirety of the diverse mountain community that locals are fortunate enough to call home.
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 more than 18,000 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 SEE TOWNS ON PAGE 13
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destinations. One-of-a-kind stores and eclectic boutiques dot the landscape, interspersed with art and craft galleries and a diversity of restaurants to suit almost any taste. Departing from downtown, 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. The historic Jones House Community Center, a relic of Boone’s storied past, 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.
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 autumn and 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. While clinging to the small-town charm and Southern graciousness of its past, Blowing Rock also includes about 20 hotels and inns and more than 100 shops. Find a place to park and spend 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 namebrand 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 seasonal scene, complete with a 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 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 European settler of Watauga County, Samuel Hicks, also built a fort in the area during the American Revolution. SEE TOWNS ON PAGE 14
The High Country’s Complete Mountain Adventure Store Boots and Western Apparel for Men & Women ON THE BACKSTREET, DOWNTOWN WEST JEFFERSON
102 South Jefferson Ave West Jefferson, NC
336.246.9133 mtnoutfittersnc.com
201 Backstreet • West Jefferson, NC • 336.846.BULL (2855)
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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.
AMANDA LUGENBELL A crowd gathers for Bowing Rock’s lighting of the town.
cal 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 for all four seasons. 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.
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 rivers in the world that flow north. Todd was the last stop of the Norfolk and Western “Virginia Creeper” railroad and got much of its supplies from the train. The Todd Mercantile features the work of local artists and crafters, as well as mountain honey and other lo-
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 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 iconic appearance of an old man reclining.
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, in 1979, the resort became incorporated as the town. How did it get its name? Accord-
ing 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 experienced 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.
AVERY COUNTY 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. SEE TOWNS ON PAGE 15
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PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM Catch the leaves just right when you visit the Linville Falls, located just outside the small town of Linville on the Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost at 314.6, and you will not be disappointed.
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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 yeah for its Woolly Worm Festival, which attracts close to SEE TOWNS ON PAGE 16
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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, 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. 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. 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, swimming 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 afterhours 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.
FILE PHOTO The campus of Lees-McRae College can be found in Banner Elk. It is 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.
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 slopeside condo for the ski season. For more information, visit www. beechmtn.com.
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 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. Mary Martin 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 Sloopses’ 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, featuring specialty coffee drinks, homemade snacks, sandwiches, milkshakes, ice cream, Wi-Fi 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 SEE TOWNS ON PAGE 18
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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, better known as Tweetsie. 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. 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 the Linville Gorge wilderness area. For visitors considering making Linville a part- 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 snow-tubing
FILE PHOTO The High Country, Ashe, Watauga and Avery counties, are home to several Christmas Tree farms.
destinations. Perhaps the most popular tourist attraction housed in Linville is Grandfather Mountain. The Grandfather Mountain attraction offers picturesque views during all four seasons, animal habitats and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Grandfather Mountain State Park offers hiking trails and backcountry camping opportunities.
NEWLAND 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. A town of about 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 to visit, include the original jail cells, numerous artifacts and information about the history of Avery County. During the autumn 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, Tenn., 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. SEE TOWNS ON PAGE 20
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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.
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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 5,300-foot 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, the vibrant reds and yellows of fall, and the white of winter. 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 fast-dry 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
LANSING
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM 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.
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 to 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. The community has become a must for anyone visiting Ashe County. Prox-
imity 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.
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,
Whether you’re looking for a town reminiscent of the past or a town that offers whispers of tomorrow, the small, 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 stoplight, and several businesses line the street. Homecooked meals can be found at Country House Restaurant, while pizza, sandwiches and salads, 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 outlying farms until the railroad made its appearance, according to www. lansingnc.com. The economy and population began 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 sell instead of having to travel into West Jefferson. The SEE TOWNS ON PAGE 21
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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.explorelansingnc.com.
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 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
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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 opening 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 year-round 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.
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Canine Camping BY CARTER NORTH carter.north@averyjournal.com
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f you are traveling to the High Country during the fall season, it’s probably in order to spend some quality time outdoors in the splendor of Mother Nature. Camping is a popular and well-loved pastime in the mountains of North Carolina. Bringing the family with you on your camping expeditions is expected, but so too is bringing along your faithful canine companion. Dogs fit right in at a campsite, but before you bring your pet, it’s best to understand a few important notes. Water, above all, is key for your own personal health and that of your dogs, as well, as is an ample amount of food. You’ll want to pick up after your dog too as to not disturb your neighbors or those that will inherit your campground
FILE PHOTO Dogs are great trail companions, but make sure they have all they need to make the trek.
after you are gone, so doggie bags are an essential, as is a good strong leash. Be sure not to forget any medicines
that are important to you and your canine independently. It is important to remember that
campgrounds are set up along sites of running water that can potentially be dangerous to a dog, so make sure you know where they are at all times. Another important factor that needs to be questioned before taking your dog camping is how well-trained it is. A disobedient dog, or one prone to run off, can be more of a nuisance than fun at a campground. It is also important to ensure that your dog is up to date on all its shots and flea medicines before you let them explore the woods. In order to fully protect from ticks, be sure to groom your dog thoroughly after your trip. Read all the rules of each campground that you visit, they will have a section on pets that you need to pay attention to. Campgrounds vary on their leniency of pets, but well-trained dogs are encouraged at just about every camp.
Camping Where to enjoy the embrace of Mother Nature BY CARTER NORTH
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T
he North Carolina mountains in autumn are praised for their beauty, and if you get the chance to experience them for yourself you will quickly know why. Excluding the occasional storm, the temperature and colors of the mountains could not be better during the fall months. It is truly amazing the shades of color which Mother Nature can produce. The High Country is revered by campers of all experience levels for its beauty, natural spirit and atmosphere of peace and tranquility. For these reasons, setting apart a week or a couple of days of camping is encouraged on the
highest level. Whether you want to backpack the Appalachian Trail or simply sit by a fire for a night, these mountains have what you are looking for.
NEW RIVER STATE PARK CAMPGROUND Named one of the United States National Wild and Scenic Rivers in 1976, the New River is a popular location for recreation water sports, while its banks are speckled with ideal campsites. Kayaks and canoes are available for rent from a number of local river outfitters. The main campground is located at 358 SEE CAMPING ON PAGE 24
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New River State Park Road in Laurel Springs. Call (336) 982-2587 for more information.
LINVILLE GORGE WILDERNESS Linville Gorge is arguably the most popular camping location in all of the High Country and for good reason. It is located on 30,000 acres of the Pisgah National Forest and is considered by many to be the Grand Canyon of the East. The canyon drops 2,000 feet toward the Linville River, which provides some incredible views. There are dozens of trails ranging from easy to difficult, providing something for just about everybody.
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STATE PARK The profile of Grandfather Mountain is well-known across The High Country and the trails surrounding it are popular for those willing to scale some of the areas highest peaks before setting up camp. Visit https://www.ncparks.gov/ grandfather-mountain-state-park.
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM The Linville Gorge Wilderness is a popular camping location located in the Pisgah National Forest.
more information call (828) 766-6162.
DOWN BY THE RIVER CAMPGROUND This Avery County campground offers RV and tent camping. It also has an indoor recreation area and paved roads designed for bike rides. The site is located on the Linville River and is a popular spot to fish for mountain trout. Specifically, the campground is located at 292 River Campground Road, Pineola. For more information call (828) 733-5057.
FLINTLOCK CAMPGROUND BLUE BEAR MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND Located at 196 Blue Bear Mountain Road in Todd and less than 10 miles from Boone is a location that offers tent camping and RV camping as well as cabin sites on more than 150 acres of natural land. This campground also offers the unique experience of tepee camping. The tepees are each fully furnished, including a queen-sized bed. To learn more call (828) 406-4226.
BUCK HILL CAMPGROUND Buck Hill offers family-friendly RV sites equipped with picnic tables and fire pits along 1,600 feet of the North Toe River. The campground also provides hiking trails along 144 acres of wilderness, a lazy river and trout-filled waters. This campground is located at 6401 U.S. 19-E South, Plumtree. For
171 Flintlock Campground Drive, N.C. 105, Boone (828) 963-5325 Conveniently located in Boone, Flintlock Campground offers quaint cabins, tent sites and full RV hookups to suit every kind of camper. The campground is also located beside a mountain stream. The site offers free Wi-Fi and cable TV.
GRANDFATHER CAMPGROUND 125 Profile View Road, Banner Elk (828) 355-4535 Grandfather Campground is located just off N.C. 105, not far from Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk or Beech Mountain. The campground has tent sites and cabins available for rental, and also includes a playground, deluxe bathhouses, picnic tables and fishing.
Fisherman can enjoy a stocked trout pond next door, or try their luck in the Watauga River.
HELTON CREEK CAMPGROUND 2145 Helton Road, Grassy Creek (336) 384-2320 Located minutes from attractions such as the New River, Virginia Creeper Trail and Downtown West Jefferson in Ashe County, Helton Creek Campground is nestled on the banks of a creek and offers tent camping, as well as full RV hookups.
HONEY BEAR CAMPGROUND 229 Honey Bear Campground Road, Boone (828) 963-4586 Travelers on the Blue Ridge Parkway or N.C. 105 can easily access the Honey Bear Campground in Boone, which offers tent and RV camping, as well as recreation, including fishing and hiking.
JULIAN PRICE PARK CAMPGROUND Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 297 (828) 963-5911 For a beautiful view by the water, this campsite is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway beside Price Lake. It offers non-electric RV sites and tent sites with access to hiking, fishing, boat rentals and picnic facilities.
Because of its location, this site fills up quickly, especially on holidays. It is wise to call ahead and schedule a reservation.
BOONE KOA 123 Harmony Mountain Lane, Boone (828) 264-7250 Located just outside of the Boone town limits off of N.C. 194 toward Meat Camp, the Boone location of the national chain of KOA Campgrounds has tent sites, cabins and full RV hookups.
RACCOON HOLLER CAMPGROUND 493 Raccoon Holler Road, Jefferson (336) 982-2706 Just outside of Glendale Springs in Ashe County and adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Raccoon Holler Campground is perfect for RV and tent campers who want to enjoy swimming, hiking, canoeing, fishing and community events.
VANDERPOOL CAMPGROUND 120 Campground Road, Vilas (828) 297-3486 Vanderpool is a family-oriented campground for RV and tent campers located only about seven miles outside of Boone. The campground offers WiFi, horseshoes, a beanbag toss, volleyball and other outdoor games amid beautiful scenery.
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Casting off Fishing in the High Country BY CARL BLANKENSHIP
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aterways are everywhere in the High Country, and some of them are teeming with life. While this is a trout fishing destination, there are angling opportunities of all sorts. Patrick Sessoms, owner of Due South Outfitters in Boone, said spring and fall offer some of the best times to fish, adding that the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s delayed harvest stocking program, which begins the first week of October, means purely recreational catch-andrelease opportunities in the area. WRC District 8 management biologist Danny Ray said there are a number of different designations for trout fishing to cater to the kind of fishing you are looking for. “Some people like to fish for the wild trout, some people like to just go and catch a few stockers and put them in the frying pan, so we try to have something for everyone” Ray said. Ray added there are other types of fish in the mountains primarily not found in streams.
PUBLIC ACCESS AREAS The N.C. WRC in
partnership with federal and local governments, and private landowners, maintains a database of public access fishing areas, some are riverbank access, but others have handicap-accessible piers and canoe access. For a full map of access points, including which have the features you are looking for and is a waterway falls in Public Mountain Trout Waters, which have additional regulations and require trout privilege on a license, click to www.ncpaws.org/wrcmapbook/FishingAreas. aspx.
destination. The Wilson Creek area is home to brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, redbrest sunfish and small mouth bass. The area offers those willing to delve far enough into the back country canoe access, a handicap-accessible pier and bank fishing access. Important Note: Pisgah National Forest waters are designated as Public Mountain Trout Waters. Wilson Creek is a Delayed Harvest Trout Water, and additional restrictions apply. Troutseekers should regard signage and comply with regulations.
FAMILY OUTINGS There are a number of accessible ponds in Avery, Ashe and Watauga that are popular family fishing destinations. Some popular locations include the following: Trout Lake, Lansing Park and Ashe Park Pond in Ashe County, Blowing Rock’s Broyhill Park, Price Lake, Coffey Lake in Watauga, and Wildcat Lake and Newland’s Shoemaker Park in Avery.
PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST The Pisgah National Forest is filled with waterways rich with aquatic life and is home to the Wilson Creek area, a popular trout fishing
LINVILLE GORGE With multiple access points along Old N.C. 105, the Hatchery Supported Trout Waters of the Linville River require Public Mountain Trout Waters privileges. Because of the remote and rugged nature of the terrain, hikers are encouraged to contact the U.S. Forest Service before embarking into the area. The Linville Gorge is also accessible from U.S. 221, N.C. 181 and N.C. 183. Call the U.S. Forest Service at (828) 6524841 for more information.
REGULATIONS For complete listings of all regulations regarding
PHOTO BY CARL BLANKENSHIP Families fishing on the banks of Elk River during a fishing derby.
licenses, hunting, fishing and trapping, see the 2019-2020 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Regulations Digest, available online by clicking to www. ncwildlife.org/Hunting/ Laws-Safety, or attached to the online version of
this article at www.highcountrync.com.
GETTING THE GEAR Before setting out, the first step is ensuring that you and your party have the proper equipment. Throughout the high country, a number of
outfitters will be able to help you determine the best tools for the job. For those hoping to test the waters of trout fishing for the first time, or who simply want to let someone else handle SEE FISHING ON PAGE 28
Boone's Premier Fly Fishing Guide Service 10% OFF TRIPS WITH THIS AD
We offer guided float and wade trips. Call, email or book your trip online at mountainboundflyguides.com (828)963-5463 info@mountainboundflyguides.com
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Hunting in the High Country BY CARL BLANKENSHIP
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RESIDENT LICENSE INFORMATION
ens of thousands of acres of public game lands marble the High Country, which is home to some of the best hunting in
the state. To hunt on public game lands, you need privileges added to your license. Hunters without game land privileges are restricted to hunting on private land where they have permission to do so. The privilege can be added to any resident license for $15, and the big game privilege needed to hunt deer, bear and wild turkey for $13. To hunt bear, an additional $10 bear management e-stamp is required. N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission District 8 Management Biologist Danny Ray said the most important thing for a would-be hunter to do is to read the commission’s annual regulation digest and know their hunting laws. Rifle hunting bear and deer hunting are not the only kinds of hunting popular in the High Country, either. Ray noted different kinds of hunting using muzzle loaders and archery are also popular.
Annual Sportsman — Combination hunting/fishing license. Allows hunting of all legal game except bear, access to public game lands and public mountain trout waters. ($50) Senior Sportsman — Same as above, but lifelong and for senior citizens. ($15) Annual State Hunting — Allows hunting of small game, does not allow access to game lands. ($20) Annual Comprehensive Hunting — Allows hunting of all game, as well as access to game lands ($36) Combination Hunting and Inland Fishing — Offers statewide small game hunting and inland fishing for residents during a license term. Does not include big game (deer, bear or turkey), access to public game lands or public mountain trout waters ($25) Additional Hunting Privileges (Can be added to any of the above) Big game — Allows hunting of deer, bear and turkey. ($13) Game lands — Allows access to North Carolina game lands. ($15) Bear Management E-Stamp — Required to hunt bear. ($10) Hunters 16 and older must purchase a license. Licenses can be purchased online or at authorized retail stores. For a full listing of licenses available, and purchasing information, click to www.ncwildlife.org/Licensing. All rates listed are for North Carolina residents. Different rates may apply for out-of-state visitors.
PHOTO BY SAM HOBBS, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Black bear hunting is a mountain tradition, though the practice is heavily regulated.
Even small game hunting has its enthusiasts. “An avid squirrel hunter can have what we call a grand slam,” Ray said. “You hear about a grand slam with turkeys where people go around the country shooting one of each of the different varieties of turkeys out there, we do that with squirrels here.”
PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST GAME LANDS The Grandfather and Appalachian
FISHING
Districts of the Pisgah National Forest are full of life. The lands are maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Aside from developed recreation areas, these government-owned lands are fair game for those with the proper licenses. Important: Hunters should pay close attention to maps and signage when hunting near the Blue Ridge Parkway.
www.wildlifeunlimitedhunting.com
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Mountains to Coast Fishing and Hunting Guide Service
the logistics of their fishing expedition, a number of companies offer guided trips to locations throughout the area.
(828) 355-3474 www.mountainstocoast.com www.appangler.com
MountainBound Fly Guides
Foscoe Fishing Company and Outfitters
5712 N.C. 105 South, Vilas (828) 963-5463 www.mountainboundflyguides.com
8857 N.C. 105, Foscoe (828) 963-6556 www.foscoefishing.com
Elk Creek Outfitters
HikeMore Adventures
1560 N.C. 105, Boone (828) 264-6497 www.ecoflyfishing.com
9245 N.C. 181, Jonas Ridge (828) 595-4453 www.hikemoreadventures.com
Due South Outfitters
Highland Outfitters
2575 N.C. 105, Boone (828) 355-9109 www.duesouthoutfitters.com
140 S Depot St., Boone (828) 386-6130 www.highlandoutfittersnc.com
Wildlife Unlimited
RiverGirl Fishing Company
1864 Old Hwy. 421 South, Boone (828) 386-4241
4041 Todd Railroad Grade Rd, Todd 336-877-3099
The Parkway is maintained by the National Park Service, and hunting is prohibited.
WRC GAME LANDS The High Country is also home to six easily accessible, state-owned game lands SEE HUNTING ON PAGE 29
RESIDENTIAL LICENSE INFORMATION Annual Sportsman — Combination hunting/fishing license. Allows hunting of all game, access to public game lands and public mountain trout waters. ($50) Senior Sportsman — Same as above with a lifetime duration and for senior citizens ($15) 10 day Inland Fishing (basic) — Does not allow access to Public Mountain Trout Waters. ($7) Annual State Inland Fishing (basic) — Does not allow access to Public Mountain Trout Waters. ($20) Trout fishing privileges — May be added on to any basic license ($13) Mountain Heritage Trout Communities — The towns of Lansing, Todd, Beech Mountain and Newland are designated as Mountain Heritage Trout Communities. Residents and non-residents can purchase a 3-day license to fish in trout waters flowing through these communities for $5. These licenses can be purchased by phone at (888) 248-6834, or online at www.ncwildlife.org. Anglers age 16 and older must purchase a fishing license. Licenses can be purchased online or at authorized retail stores. For a full listing of licenses available, and purchasing information, click to www.ncwildlife. org/Licensing. All rates listed are for North Carolina residents. Different rates may apply for out-of-state visitors.
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which are maintained by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
ELK KNOB GAME LANDS Adjacent to Elk Knob State Park, The Elk Knob Game Lands can be accessed by Rich Mountain Road in Watauga County. The 721-acre game lands have deer, turkey, raccoon and grouse. The Game Lands are a 20 minutes from Boone. From N.C. 194, turn onto Meat Camp Road, traveling until Rich Mountain Road forks to the left. The game lands are less than a mile from there.
POND MOUNTAIN GAME LANDS Located in the northwestern corner of Ashe County, the Pond Mountain Game Lands offer views of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the south, Tennessee’s Cherokee National Forest to the west and Virginia’s Grayson Highlands to the North. These vast game lands cover 2,900 acres, and can be accessed via Rock Fence Road, about 45 minutes from West Jefferson. There is parking and campsites
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are on the property. These game lands have deer, bear, rabbit, raccoon, squirrel and grouse. Important: There is a Christmas tree farm on part of these game lands. Hunters should avoid areas where there is farming activity.
LUTZ TRACT Located along Wilson Creek, the Lutz Tract is accessible by N.C. Hwy. 90, which can be reached by following Globe Road out of Blowing Rock, or via Roseboro Road from Linville. The this 422-acre tract has parking areas along Hwy. 90 and Brown Mountain Beach Road. The area is also known for its fly fishing and camping, and hunters should exercise caution. Important: Those hunting bear in the area should be aware that the area on the west side of N.C. 90 and Brown Mountain Beach Road is part of the Daniel Boone Bear Sanctuary, where hunting is only allowed by permit.
LITTLE TABLE ROCK MOUNTAIN AND ROSE CREEK TRACTS The Little Table Rock Mountain Tract is
HUNTER SAFETY Take time to review hunter education training and equipment instructions. Be aware of your surroundings for the safety of yourself and others. Wear articles of blaze orange to stand out to other hunters. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Treat your firearm as if it is loaded at all times. Be certain of your target and what is beyond. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. Take care not to trespass on private property. In addition to signs, property owners may mark their land with a purple line at least eight inches long to indicate posted property. Beginning at age 16, you are required to complete a hunter education course prior to obtaining a hunting license in North Carolina. For information on where to take a course, or how to access the course online, click to www.ncwildlife. org/Hunting/Before-the-Hunt/Becominga-Hunter. 544 acres in Avery, Mitchell and McDowell counties. The game lands follow and is accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway
via Jacksontown Road, which turns into Humpback Mountain Road. Humpback Mountain Road can also be accessed via Altapass Highway from Spruce Pine. About a mile south of the Little Table Rock Tract, The Rose Creek Tract is accessible from Jacksontown Road and the Altapass Highway. Important: Hikers can be in this area. Hunters need to exercise caution.
ROARING CREEK TRACT The Roaring Creek Tract, named for the roaring stream that runs through it, is located less than a mile from the Tennessee state line in Avery County. The 136-acre tract is accessible from Roaring Creek Road, off of U.S. 19E in Avery County.
MORE INFORMATION For outdoorsmen hoping to enjoy hunting in the High Country this fall, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has a wealth of information available on its website, www.ncwildlife.org. From information and regulations regarding hunting and fishing to educational tools and wildlife facts, this is the best place to start for any aspiring hunter.
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Outdoor climbing A sport for those with love of heights BY LUKE WEIR
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hy spend the day hiking around a steep rock face when you could climb straight up the side of it? The High Country is home to countless precipices, some of which are popular rock-climbing spots whereupon outdoor climbers test their skills and get their thrills by latching onto a cold rock face and shimmying to the top. Whether it’s all the way up a steep, craggy mountain or 50 feet to the top of a well-weathered, chunky boulder, the sport of climbing features challenges for all age-groups, at any level of expertise — but, consider acquiring some safety equipment before you go taking on a towering climb in some remote location of the High Country. Helmets, harnesses, ropes, chalk, carabiners, climbing shoes, belay devices and anchoring equipment are among the recommended equipment for safely tackling outdoor rock climbing — all available through the High Country’s unofficial climbing outfitter, Rock Dimensions on Depot Street in downtown Boone. Rock Dimensions offers guide services that will show aspiring climbers the ups and downs, anchors and holds of the rock climbing sport, along with techniques courses and guided climbs at various locations across the High Country. One location that is renowned across the world for rock climbing is Linville Gorge, an 11,000-acre wilderness area maintained by the United States Forest Service. Sometimes referred to as the Grand Canyon of North Carolina, Linville SEE OUTDOOR ON PAGE 31
BY STEVE BEHR/SPORTS@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM Rock climbing, whether on an actual rock or on a climbing tower, is a very popular activity in Boone. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCK DIMENTIONS Watauga County has many places to go rock climbing.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCK DIMENSIONS Rock Climbing involves scaling rocks that can be steep.
PHOTO BY CAMERON CASSAN/ROCK DIMENSIONS Georgia Parker learns how to climb rocks while in the High Country.
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Gorge drops 2,000 feet from its top rim to the Linville River, with an abundance of bouldering and climbing routes tucked away through the hells of rhododendron and otherwise strenuous terrain. For those seeking easier access to outdoor climbing, Rock Dimensions has locations in the Wilson Creek area, Rocky Face Park, Pilot Mountain State Park and Crowders Mountain State Park. Many other locations are kept secret by the High Country’s various climbing communities, while others still are located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Climbers beware — peregrine falcons prefer to nest on steep High Country cliffs, and some parklands under state and federal control, such as certain parts of Wilson Creek Wilderness area, are duly marked as closed to rock climbing activities to preserve the wildlife habitat. As a further word of warning, the
PHOTO BY SKIP SICKLER | GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION From left, Daniel Shope and Chad Mullins with Rock Dimensions assist Appalachian State student an Catalyst Sports of Boone ambassador Maggie Gettys as she climbs Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak.
aforementioned safety gear is best not overlooked. A free solo climber — a discipline of climbing that does not use ropes, harnesses or other safety equipment — died in Linville Gorge after fall-
ing from Shortoff Mountain June 30. While the mountains and cliffs of the High Country are not to be underestimated for their cold, rocky might, with proper safety precautions and
PHOTO BY LYNN WILIS/ ROCK DIMENSIONS The climbing tower at Rock Dimensions can be used by several people at a time.
adequate preparation, they can test a thrill-seeker’s strength and gusto to the uppermost limits.
A FUN FALL GETAWAY Come explore the Three Peaks of North Carolina centered right in the middle of the three famous peaks of Roan, Grandfather and Mt. Mitchell. From the center of it all, enjoy pick-your-own apple orchards, visit over 100 artist studios and galleries, explore our quaint towns filled with unique shopping and dining, take home gems from our local gem mines and so much more!
Visit over 100 artist studios and galleries
FEEL FALL THIS YEAR! Bakersville, Spruce Pine, Little Switzerland
Outdoor adventure possibilities? They are endless! Hike, bike, walk, paddle, cycle, camp, fish, climb, ride or just take in the breathtaking mountain beauty. From state parks to national forests, you’ll find thousands of acres of possiblities for adventure including the Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Trail, Roan Mountain, Linville Falls and Grandfather Mountain to name a few! Mitchell County is right in the middle of the “three peaks” of Roan, Grandfather and Mt. Mitchell so you know you will find lots of outdoor adventure!
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Autumn Times • 2019
PAGE 32
Indoor climbing for when autumn weather wets the cliffsides BY LUKE WEIR
F
or the vertically inclined, indoor climbing offers a more varied gym workout experience compared to weightlifting or treadmill trotting. When the weather outside is wet and bleary, or when all the outdoor rock climbing locations are coated in a dusting of early-winter ice and snow, indoor climbing is a good way to maintain and develop the muscles, techniques and skills required to excel in the sport of climbing. Center 45 Climbing and Fitness in Boone offers indoor climbing walls for those wetter, colder High Country autumn days where outdoor rock climbing
adventures just aren’t an option. At Center 45, Elijah Kiser, a native of Boone, trained at bouldering — a type of climbing that involves lower-to-theground climbs on smaller rock faces than the cliff and mountainsides involved in rock climbing. Kiser won the 18-year-old division of the USA Climbing Bouldering National Tournament in the Youth Division, thanks in-part to his rigorous training at Center 45. In addition to indoor climbing walls, Center 45 also offers personalized climbing training and coaching, and the center also rents crashpads for boulderers to take with them outside once the weather clears back up.
PHOTO BY STEVE BEHR Asheville native Maya Pletcher takes on a wall that is at a 45 degree angle at Center 45 Climbing and Fitness.
PHOTO BY STEVE BEHR Josh Sexton of Asheville scales one of the climbing walls at Center 45 Climbing and Fitness in Boone.
2019 • Autumn Times
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Autumn Times • 2019
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More to do on the hill Outdoor activities broaden in 2019 at Mystery Hill or under cover, Mystery Hill is a great bad weather location. The attraction’s winter hours, which run September through May, will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. For more information, visit www.mysteryhill.com or call (828) 264-2792.
BY THOMAS SHERRILL
F
or more than 70 years, Mystery Hill has dazzled visitors of all ages with its gravitational anomalies, Native American artifact collections and much more. From balls rolling up hill, Bubblerama, optical illusions and more, visitors and locals alike return to 129 Mystery Hill Lane, along U.S. 321 north of Blowing Rock. “We’ve got lots of new stuff this year,” said Matthew Underwood, third generation caretaker of Mystery Hill. “Tomahawk Hill is growing and expanding.” “It’s a fun, roadside AmericanAppalachian experience,” Underwood said. In 2019, new additions were added on such as outdoor tomahawk throwing and Front Porch Eats, featuring Hole Lotta Donuts out of West Jefferson, plus Appalachia Cookie Company cookies, coffee from Hatchet Coffee and Java Rocks Coffee Shop. Currently, Mystery Hill is home to nine attractions. The show stopper is the natural gravitational anomaly where visitors can lean forward like Michael Jackson, or a younger child can for a few seconds be taller than their older sibling. The Hall of Mystery lets guests enjoy optical illusions and hands-on science activities, Bubblerama lets people feel what it’s like to be in a bubble for a few seconds and the Moon Mullin’s Native American Artifacts Museum is home to more than 250,000 artifacts and features frontier tomahawk throwing, wood-bow archery, knife throwing and Cherokee blow darts. Starting in September, Underwood
HISTORY OF THE HILL
PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL Front Porch Eats, located at Mystery Hill, opened in the summer of 2019 to offer food options for visitors, including Hole Lotta Donuts, coffee and cookies from Appalachia Cookie Company.
said a new experience is coming to Mystery Hill, called “firefly evenings,” in which only Tomahawk Hill will be open starting at 6 p.m. through 9 p.m. or later, with lights and campfires with s’mores. mores. Also featured red at Mystery Hill is the 1903 Dougherty House Museum, which was the home to the founders of Appalachian State University. Professor Finnegan’s Old Time Photo Parlour lets guests figuratively step into a time machine to the 19th century and dress up like their ancestors from more than 100 years ago. The Appalachian Fossil and Dinosaur Museum features thousands of
dinosaur fossils on display, including a T-Rex skull. Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine offers indoor and outdoor flumes where visitors can keep the gemstones they find. Underwood Underwo said that part of p the reason for fo adding i Front Porch Eats in i summer m 2019 was wa that the average averag stay length was increasing to several hours, with visitors now enjoying as many of the attractions as possible. “When you have nine unique attractions, there’s something everyone in the family will enjoy,” Underwood said. With most of the attractions indoors
Mystery Hill and the strange phenomena that occur date back to the early part of the 20th century when William Hundson, the original owner of the land, first discovered oddities about the place. Hudson operated an old cider mill on one end of the plot of land where an old wooden platform stood. A pair of identical twins worked at the cider mill, and Hudson noticed that despite being the same height, the twin who stood on the north end of the platform always looked taller. Visitors can still experience the Mystery Platform today. Hudson also noticed that the trees in his apple orchard grew toward the north, directly into the prevailing winds. And the apples the fell from the trees appeared to roll uphill on the old walking path. In 1957, Buford Stamey and Rondia J. Underwood were looking to build a restaurant in the High Country and considered Mystery Hill as a prime location. Throughout their tour of the property, Hudson explained the strange phenomena associated with the unique location. It appeared that the gravitational pull on the side of the mountain caused unusual things to happen. Underwood purchased the entire operation in 1958 and it has been a source of wonder and amazement to visitors ever since.
2019 • Autumn Times
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The Carolina’s Most Unique Attraction
Fun for the whole family t a e r o m Learn
M Y S T E RY HILL Blowing Rock, NC
North Carolina’s Natural Gravitational Anomaly
Autumn Times • 2019
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Fraser fir Christmas tree industry Planting memories during the holiday season BY LOGAN PARKS
W
hile navigating the winding roads of the High Country, before long you might notice a trend — rows and rows of Fraser firs dotted across the hilltops. Christmas tree farming is one of the largest industries in the area, and for those looking to bring a piece of the High Country home with them during the holidays, many farms allow you to do just that. Contributing upwards of $85 million to the economy of Ashe County alone, Christmas tree farmers across Ashe, Watauga and Avery counties work diligently throughout the year to produce some of the finest Fraser firs in the nation. According to the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association, the state is home to around 1,300 Fraser fir growers across 40,000 acres. Of these growers, many can be found nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, where the climate is particularly suitable for Fraser firs, according to the NCCTA. Currently, Ashe County leads the nation in Fraser fir production, according to Ashe County Cooperative Extension Director Travis Birdsell. With so many Christmas trees rooted in the High Country, choose-and-cut farms — where families can visit, pick out a tree and take it home — are a popular destination for many visitors in the area. Joey Clawson, owner of Clawson’s Christmas Tree Farm and Panoramic View Christmas Tree Farm in Boone, has worked in the Christmas tree industry for more than three decades. Both of his farms are choose-and-cut with a selec-
PHOTO BY LOGAN PARKS One of many Fraser fir tree farms found along the High Country’s hills. The Fraser fir Christmas tree is often referred to as the Cadillac of Christmas trees.
tion about 95,000 trees, and he said seeing families come up to the area to find the perfect tree for their home is always a pleasure. “A lot of times, you’ll have two carloads of families coming up — the grandparents, mom and dad and their kids — so you’ll have three generations coming up to spend time together during the holidays,” Clawson said. Clawson added that with how busy families are these days, visiting a chooseand-cut farm is a great way to slow down and make memories. “That’s very powerful,” Clawson said. Before taking root on the farm, a Fraser fir typically spends its first five years growing in a nursery from seed to a height suitable for transplant, Clawson said. Once reaching that height, trees are transplanted to a farm and left to grow. If left alone, the tree can reach heights of up to 80 feet, but for the most commonly used trees during the holidays, Clawson said it takes another 8 years on average for a tree to reach its ideal height of 7 to 8 feet.
“It’s a long-term investment,” Clawson said. “Most farming is like a year-long investment or a six-month investment, but this is a eight-, nine-, 10-year investment.” Though the process can be difficult and time-consuming, Christmas tree growers agree that the return on investment is worth it when their tree becomes the centerpiece of a family’s home during the holidays, the NCCTA says. Christmas tree season lasts all year long in the High Country, with events such as the Christmas in July Festival in West Jefferson serving as proud celebrations of the Fraser fir Christmas tree industry. In September 2018, the White House visited Ashe County to take part in the choose-and-cut experience, selecting a Fraser fir to display in the nation’s capital from Smith’s Mountain Top Fraser Fir Farm in Newland. For a list of choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms according to the NCCTA, visit http://www.ncchristmastrees.com/ choose-cut.
NORTH CAROLINA CHRISTMAS TREE ASSOCIATION CHOOSE & CUT FARMS Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm Email: trees@boydmountain.com Phone: (828)926-8888 445 Boyd Farm Rd Waynesville, NC 28785 Brown Family Farm Email: masonfiresmith@gmail.com Phone: (828)674-1067 740 Odoms Chapel Road Buladean, undefined 28705 Buck Knob Farm Email: tomwaller55@gmail.com Phone: (828)743-0248 1051 Wolf Knob Road Cullowhee, NC 28723 C & J Christmas Trees Email: candjchristmastrees@nccta.com Phone: (828)264-6694 1999 Brookshire Rd Boone, NC 28607 Cartner Christmas Tree Farm Email: cartner@carolinafraserfir.com Phone: (828)733-1641 901 Balsam Drive PO Box 247 Newland, NC 28657 Circle C Tree Farms Email: circlectrees@gmail.com Phone: (828)265-7504 372 Will Cook Road Boone, NC 28607 Clawson’s Christmas Tree Farm Email: clawsons@ncchristmastrees.com Phone: (828)719-6395 4805 194 N Boone, NC 28607 Cornett Deal Christmas Tree Farm Email: cdtreefarm@skybest.com Phone: (828)964-6322 142 Tannenbaum Lane Vilas, NC 28692 Douglas R. Clark Nursery dba C&G Nursery Email: drcn1@live.com Phone: (828)733-4850 204 White Pine Rd Newland, NC 28657 Dutch Cove Christmas Tree Farm Email: dctreefarm@aol.com Phone: (828)400-0806 SEE FARMS 280 Setzer Drive Canton, NC 28716 ON PAGE 37
2019 • Autumn Times
FARMS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36
Fir Heaven Sake Christmas Tree Farm Email: ricktrees@yahoo.com Phone: (828)361-4350 40 Fir Heaven Sake Lane Topton, NC 28781 Frosty Mountain Christmas Trees Email: frostymountainchristmastrees@gmail.com Phone: (828)656-8100 13623 Hwy 212 Marshall, NC 28753 Frosty’s Choose & Cut Email: sextonfarms@skybest.com Phone: (800)238-8733 2152 Beaver Creek School Rd West Jefferson, NC 28694 Helms Christmas Tree Farm Email: henryhelms@bellsouth.net Phone: (704)276-1835 6345 Christmas Tree Lane Vale, NC 28168 Jonas Ridge Tree Farm Email: shelltrio@att.net Phone: (828)733-4654 8050 Joe Poore Rd Jonas Ridge, NC 28641 Lil’ Grandfather Choose and Cut Email: info@lilgrand.com Phone: (336)372-9613 15371 NC Hwy 18 South Laurel Springs, NC 28644
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McInnis Tree Farm/Wishon Evergreens Email: Wishontrees@skybest.com Phone: (336)372-7086 468 Presnell Road Glade Valley, NC 28627 Mehaffey Tree Farm Email: mmehaffe@gmail.com Phone: (828)476-8505 24 Corner Drive Waynesville, NC 28785 Mistletoe Meadows Email: mistletoem@skybest.com Phone: (336)465-9754 583 Burnt Hill Road Laurel Springs, NC 28644 Panoramic View Christmas Tree Farm Email: Panoramictreefarm@yahoo.com Phone: (828)719-6395 368 Panoramic Lane Boone, NC 28607 Pressley Tree Farm LLC Email: scottpressley1946@gmail.com Phone: (828)743-2275 770 Shirley Pressley Rd. Glenville, NC 28736 Reece Farm & Nursery Email: rbreece@skybest.com Phone: (828)898-5642 241 John Jones Rd Elk Park, NC 28622 Reeves Tree Farm Email: reeveslandscaping96@gmail.com Phone: (828)779-0115 9507 NC 63 Hwy Leicester, NC 28748
Roan Valley Tree Farm Email: waynetree@charter.net Phone: (828)688-2675 1030 Green Creek Road Bakersville, NC 28705 Roberts Tree Farm Email: alleghanytrees@hotmail.com Phone: (336)657-8587 223 Wilson Rd Ennice, NC 28623 Sandy Hollar Farms Email: sandyholfm@aol.com Phone: (828)683-3645 63 Sandy Hollar Lane Leicester, NC 28748 Shady Rest Tree Farm Email: srtreefarm@skybest.com Phone: (336)977-1659 287 Trading Post Road Glendale Springs, NC 28629 Smoky Mountain Christmas Tree Farm Email: r115angel@aol.com Phone: (828)400-2933 756 Hemphill Road Waynesville, NC 28785 Snow Creek Christmas Trees Email: jlwilson513@gmail.com Phone: (828)385-2388 447 Wilson Rd Bakersville, NC 28705 Snowy Mountain Christmas Tree Farm Email: snowymtn@yahoo.com Phone: (828)733-9589 4699 Linville Falls Why 221 S Newland, NC 28657
Spillman’s Christmas Tree Farm Email: spillmanschristmastrees@gmail.com Phone: (336)495-1090 1576 Will Coltrane Rd Sophia, NC 27350 Stone Mountain Farms Email: staylor239@gmail.com Phone: (828)773-7651 301 Sherry Reece Lane Trade, TN 37691 Stonewall Christmas Trees Email: cmwilson1510@gmail.com Phone: (828)467-0628 1510 Mckinney Cove RD. Bakersville, NC 28705 Sugar Plum Farm Email: sugarplumfarm@att.net Phone: (828)765-0019 1263 Isaacs Branch Rd Newland, NC 28657 Two D’s Nursery Email: johnd@twodsnursery.com Phone: (828) 733-6686 7849 Linville Falls Highway Newland, NC 28657 Wintergreen Farm Email: wintergreenfarm@gmail.com Phone: (423)727-2593 223 Waddell Rd. Mountain City, TN 37683 Yeater’s Christmas Trees Email: dsyeater@gmail.com Phone: (828)674-3884 489 River Walk Dr Burnsville, NC 28714
Find Your Perfect Christmas Tree Here
Download the app and go exploring!
828.264.1422
#VisitNCFarms
Learn more at visitNCfarmstoday.com
Autumn Times • 2019
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Fall’s flash of color BY CARTER NORTH
T
he High Country summers that we know and love must all come to an end, but just as many people travel up the mountains for summer, so do the mountains get an influx of visitors for the fall month. Many traverse up the mountains for a glimpse of the crisp reds and vibrant yellows that surge free for a few weeks during the changing of the leaves. Fall is a time to enjoy the splendor and innate beauty of nature on the grandest scale. There are few places that Mother Nature is as resplendent as she is in the mountains of North Carolina. Before giving way to the bare branches of winter, the mountain trees light up with color turning entire mountainsides into
tapestries on the grandest scale. The time to best witness this kaleidoscope of color varies year to year depending on factors such as the amount of moisture in the air and the frequency of storms. Too much rain in a given year can dampen the leaves or simply knock them off, turning crisp reds into soggy shades of purple. For seasonal updates visit www.highcountrync.com and the region’s tourism information center, High Country Host at https://highcountryhost.com/home. The wind, which can be relentless at times in the mountains also plays a key factor as to how long the fall leaves stay on their branches. A single powerful storm has the potential to strip large FILE PHOTO SEE COLOR ON PAGE 47
The famous profile of Grandfather Mountain.
®
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ART
•
DINING
•
SHOPPING
•
ANTIQUES A Boone Original Since 1988
Gallery & Working Studio on Premises Representing Work from 15 Local Potters BOB MEIER artist/owner 585 W. King St., Boone, NC 28607 meier@doeridgepottery.com (828) 264-1127 doeridgepottery.com
tHURSDAY TO SATURDAY
Largest Antique Mall in the High Country Military to Majolica, Pottery to Pocket Watches 631 W. King Street • Historic Downtown Boone (828) 268-9988 • Open 7 Days A Week
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Now Offering Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice, Espressos, Cappuccinos & Locally Roasted Coffee
MON-SAT 6am-5pm, SUN 7am-3pm Major Credit Cards Accepted • 5% Cash Discount
2019 • Autumn Times
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fine
JEWELRY custom design
VINTAGE COLLECTIBLES USED FURNITURE CLOTHES • BOOKS GREAT SELECTION FRIENDLY FACES!
expert repair
697 West King Street Boone, NC
Downtown across from the Historic Rock Post Office
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Monday-Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm 877 West King St. • 828-262-5029
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LUNCH: M,W-Sat 11-3, Sun 11:30-3 DINNER: 5-10 PM (except Tues) CLOSED TUESDAY 173 Howard Street 828.268.0434 • 828.268.0439 fax
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161 HOWARD ST. SUITE B • 828.386.1201
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WALKING MAP 4
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Autumn Times • 2019
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Relax & enjoy the Village of
Blowing Rock
Unique Gifts & Home Furnishings
Unique accents for your home & patio Open 7 days a week • 828.295.3330 1151 Main Street • Blowing Rock
www.gregoryalans.com
BLOWING ROCK ESTATE JEWELRY FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1988
828.295.4500 | 167 SUNSET DRIVE IN BLOWING ROCK (One half block off Main Street across from school)
2019 • Autumn Times
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Memories Start in Ashe County Greenhouse Crafts By the Fresco Church in Glendale Springs
ART GALLERY AND GLASS BY CAMILLE
Outrageously INTERESTING Stuff for 35 Years
120 N. Jefferson Avenue Downtown West Jefferson 336.246.3328 SCULPTURE • ACRYLIC OIL • ABSTRACT • COPPER REALISTIC • STAINED GLASS
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Open 7 Days a Week 10AM-5PM 248 JW Luke Rd West Jefferson 336.982.2618
Originals Only Gallery Fine Oil Paintings by Joan Stiles Bell and featuring Paintings by Susan Van Wyk Prints by Lenore DePree Pottery, Woodworking, Textiles originalsonlygallery.com 3-B North Jefferson Ave. • West Jefferson Wed-Sat 10am-5pm • 336.846.1636
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Autumn Times • 2019
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www.ValleCrucis.com
Dutch Creek Trails 828-297-7117
St. John’s Church ca. 1858
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.
Little Red School House ca. 1907
Original Mast General Store Est. 1883 828-963-6511
Rivercross Made in USA 828-963-8623
Over Yonder Restaurant & Bar 828-963-6301
Valle Crucis Conference Center Est. 1842 828-963-4453
Valle Crucis Community Web Directory Dutch Creek Trails - dutchcreektrails.com Mast Farm Inn - themastfarminn.com Mast General Store - mastgeneralstore.com Over Yonder - overyondernc.com Rivercross Made in USA - rivercrossmadeinusa.com Taylor House Inn - taylorhouseinn.com Valle Crucis Conference Center - vcconferences.org
Mast Store Annex Outfitters & Candy Barrel ca. 1909 828-963-6511
Taylor House Inn Bed & Breakfast ca. 1911 800-963-5581
Mast Farm Inn Lodging & Restaurant ca. 1812 828-963-5857
2019 • Autumn Times
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Autumn Times • 2019
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Camping • Dining • Gem Mining • Shopping
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM Elk Knob provides stunning color when peak hits in the fall.
www.downtownsprucepine.com • www.craftyouradventure.com BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR OUR NEW EXPANSION!
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM Some years the fall color is exceptional in the High Country.
COLOR
Fall Mums & Pansies Pumpkins • Poinse as Christmas Decora ons Fresh Christmas Greens Don’t forget shopping inside for garden items, outdoor furniture, birding supplies, pottery, and much more.
Spruce Pine, NC | 828.765.9133 Open Mon - Sat 8:30am - 5:30pm
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38
portions of leaves from their foundations.
LEAF LOOKING LOCATIONS Here is a listing of the best locations in The High Country where the colors are sure to awe and entertain. Elk Knob State Park, just north of Boone. A twomile hike to the top provides some of the best fall color in the area. Roan Mountain, at Carver’s Gap, west of Avery County on the Tennessee/North Carolina border. Located on the Appalachian Trail, it has excellent views of colors from the peak. Doughton Park, located in Traphill along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This location is not as popular as the others, which means it is sure to be less crowded. The park has a nice hiking trail ideal for spending time in the natural beauty of fall. Chesota Overlook, south of Linville Falls. It is also located on the Blue Ridge Parkway and could be crowded, but it is certainly worth stopping by.
Delivery and Installation Services Available
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Locally Owned & Operated by: Jonathan & Callie Atkins 11947 South Hwy 226 | Spruce Pine, NC | 828.765.5700
Autumn Times • 2019
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Photo by Jason Els
e h T to e c a l P Banner Elk DINNER Daily starting at 5pm
1
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New DIY Dog Wash Apparel, Accessories, Collars & Leashes High Quality Dog & Cat Food including Raw & Freeze Dried Homemade Dog Treats & USA Sourced Treats Toys for Training & Play Holistic Supplements
2
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Unique Art Gallery in the Heart of Banner Elk.
Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm 151 Shawneehaw Ave S | Banner Elk, NC 828.898.4477 | www.mountainbluegallery.com
4
3 2 1
4
2019 • Autumn Times
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Newland
Shopping • Restaurants • Scenic Mountain Beauty Avery County
DONATE • SHOP • VOLUNTEER Building Supplies, Furniture, Appliances, Hardware, Antiques, and more... Free Pick-Up of Donations | Call 828.733.2025 PHOTO SUBMITTED A group of motorcyclists ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
RIDING THE CURVES Motorcycling on mountain roads BY KAYLA LASURE
B
reathtaking views and windy mountain roads make the High Country a sought-out destination for motorcycle riders — especially during the fall
season. “When you have a beautiful stream running beside the road with beautiful leaves changing and the bright sunshine, it’s amazing,” said Keith Honeycutt. SEE RIDING ON PAGE 52
Yellow Mountain Treasure Box ...a thrift store for all SINCE 1985
Tues-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-3 Closed Sun-Mon Newland, NC (828)733-0186
Clothing, furniture, household items, books, toys, etc. 442 W. Mitchell Street, Newland, NC 28657
828.733.0149
Clothing for all ages and sized. Furniture for every room of you house. Free pick ups of donations of furniture. All types of household furnishing including art. Located across from the Avery Animal Hospital.
Christmas Decorations Homemade Sweets Fresh Cut and Choose & Cut Fraser Fir Christmas Trees Wreaths • Garland Fresh Greenery in Season
Support the programs and people of Yellow Mountain Enterprises
Open House each Saturday in October. 4699 Linville Falls Hwy Newland, NC 28657 828.737.9313 snowymountainchristmas@yahoo.com snowymountainchristmasshopandsweets.com
Trusted Dealer Since 1984
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Call For Appointment 828-737-3060 • 888-504-0910
PAGE 50
Autumn Times • 2019
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RIDING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49
Honeycutt serves as the president of the local Christian Motorcycle Association chapter called the Peacemakers. He said that the views the High Country offers to riders is unlike anywhere else. In addition to the scenery, the roads offer an exciting ride with twists and turns for those looking for something beyond the mundane. “When you hear folks come here to ride from other areas, a lot of times they say that roads down in the piedmont, on the coast or wherever are flat, straight and not really exciting,” Honeycutt said. “Up here in the mountains it’s totally different.” A must for motorcycle riders is the Blue Ridge Parkway — a trip that Honeycutt describes as beautiful and second-to-none. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile trek that travels through Virginia and North Carolina, and goes by towns such as Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk. According to the Blue Ridge Parkway Association, the parkway offers ample scenic overlooks, picnic sites, camping and lodging opportunities, and nearby travel destinations. “Any one of the overlooks are just beautiful, particularly in the fall,” Honeycutt said. Honeycutt advised that motorcyclists should try to enjoy the Parkway on weekdays instead of weekends, if possible. When the leaves begin to change color in the fall, visitors like to travel to the High Country and drive vehicles and RVs along the parkway on the weekends, he said. Honeycutt also said riders should be aware of wildlife that could be on the Blue Ridge Parkway, such as deer, turkey or possibly bears. He also suggested watching out for gravel and debris on roads after rain. More information on the Blue Ridge Parkway can be found at www.blueridgeparkway.org. For riders who may not be experienced when it comes to traveling on mountain roads, Honeycutt said the two-day trip on the Parkway from
MOTORCYCLE RIDE EVENTS PHOTO SUBMITTED Pulling off on an overlook of the Blue Ridge Parkway in popular.
BOONE BIKE RALLY
Date: Sept. 13-14 Location: High Country Fair Grounds at 748 Roby Greene Road, Boone. boonebikerally.com. THE JESSIE’S RIDE OF HOPE
Date: 9 a.m. on Sept. 14 Location: The ride begins and ends at CrossRoads Harley-Davidson in Wilkesboro. crossroads-hd.com/events RIDERS ROOST FALL SPRAWL
PHOTO BY KAYLA LASURE Gary Lundstrum, Steve Vickers and Gina Vickers participate in the Operation Heal our Patriots motorcycle ride in May.
Boone up into Virginia would be a good place to go. Other rides Honeycutt suggested were U.S. 421 starting in Boone toward Mountain City, through Todd on the 26-mile long N.C 194 Scenic Byway or U.S. 221 from Blowing Rock to Marion. Honeycutt suggested that a rider could grab some lunch in Blowing Rock, enjoy a ride to Marion, have a
treat and then head back. “There’s not another view that will compare to what we have here,” Honeycutt said. “That also applies for the country roads that zip in and out of the small communities scattered throughout the High Country.” More information on safety for motorcycling in the High Country or other ride suggestions can be found at
Date: Oct. 4-5 Location: Rider’s Roost Motorcycle Resort and Campground in Ferguson ridersroost.com
www.blueridgemotorcycling.com. Honeycutt could also provide more information on motorcycling in area by contacting (828) 268-6010. He said the Peacemakers welcome those who are interested to ride with them. Information on the Peacemakers can be found at www.facebook.com/ Peacemakers-223372941009073.
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Ready for adventure? We are!
Wilkesboro, NC www.421powersports.com
Autumn Times • 2019
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Autumn cycling An ideal time to ride a bike in the High Country BY STEVE BEHR
PHOTO BY STEVE BEHR Cyclocross is a popular, but challenging form of mountain biking.
Mountain biking A natural in the High Country BY STEVE BEHR
I
t only makes sense that when a cyclist makes the effort to travel to the mountains to ride a bike, finding a mountain bike trail is one of the first things to look for. There is no shortage of mountain trails in the High Country. One of the most popular is the Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park. The park is located just east of Boone off U.S. Highway 421. There are four trails available in the park, including the 1.6-mile Rocky Branch Loop, which is classified as a moderate loop. The Middle Earth Trail is one mile in length and the Boat Rock Loop is 3.6 miles long. Both are considered advanced trails. The Ol’ Hoss Trail, which is 3/4 of a mile, is considered to be for experts. Beech Mountain also has bike trails called the Emerald Outback. It includes the Westerly Hills section, one of the more challenging trails in the Outback, the Wild Iris Loop, one of the more gentle trails, and the West Bowl Loop. There is also a bike park at Sugar Mountain. A lift takes cyclists up the mountain and then the cyclists have several trails to choose from. The No. 2 trail, the Show N Go, is marked a double black diamond trail, making it the most
difficult. The East Coast Rocks in a single black diamond trail, and three trails — the Rally Alley, Harescramble and Super Natural, are blue square trails. The No. 3 Carolina Cruiser trail is the circle green trail. A closer look at the trails, and the operation hours of the Mountain, is on www.skisugr.com/bikepark/com. Beech Mountain is another ski resort that has mountain biking. Three trails — Upper lack Bear, Lower Black Bear and Chamberlin’s Gap — are advanced black trails. There are eight intermediate blue trails, including Upper Copperhead, Lower Copperhead, Hellbender, Uppper Burmese Python, Lower Burmese Python, Canbrake, Whistle Pig and Drop in. The trails Upper Greene Mamba and Lower Greene Mamba are the green easiest trails. The Appalachian State club cycling team, which is a member of the Atlantic Coast Cycling Club, will host the ACCC mountain biking championships. “We’ll have schools from North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland coming out to Boone and Banner Elk to crown the conference champion,” App State cyclist Matt Jones said.
I
f there is a prime time to tour Watauga County on a bicycle, autumn is it. The temperatures start to fall, but not enough to resemble winter conditions. The views along High Country roads are still lush with vegetation, which turns in October to bright reds, yellows and some stays green. There are several rides and races that take place in the Watauga County area year-round. A major event that takes place in Watauga County is the Mountains to Coast Ride, a seven-day ride across North Carolina. The ride begins in Blowing Rock, and goes through Hickory, Spencer, Siler City, Clayton, Greenville, New Bern before ending at Atlantic Beach. The ride is from Sept. 28-Oct. 5. There are several options for cyclists to choose from and are located at https://ncsports.org/event/cyclenc_ mountainstocoast_ride/registrationoptions/. The CowBelle Classic returns to Sugar Grove on Aug. 24. The event, which is available to women only, begins and ends at Old Cove Creek School on Dale Adams Road in Sugar Grove. There is a 15-mile route, a 20-mile route, a 35-mile route and a 65-mile route. More information can be found at www.cowbelleclassicride.com. Another event is the Boone Grand Fondo 2019. A national series, it was held in Boone on Aug. 4. The national championship of the series was held in Asheville on July 21 and will return to Asheville in 2020. The High Country’s crown jewel for cycling is the Blood, Sweat and Gears, which celebrated its 21st year. This year the ride was run June 22 and involves
climbing over 4,500-foot gap at Snake Mountain, its signature obstacle. The High Country is home to a pair of college cycling teams. Appalachian State races in the Atlantic Coast Cycling Conference and hosts the High Country Cycling Classic in the spring. Lees-McRae, located in Banner Elk, also races in the event and is a member of the Southeaster Conference Cycling Conference. The Cycling Classic involves two races, the Cove Creek Road Race and the Mountaineer Criterium. Both involve races that are mostly loaded with college teams, but there are some races that are open to the public. The Cycling Classic was held on April 27-28 and the website is www.hccyclingclassic.com. There are also several trails to ride a bike that don’t involve a competition. The Blue Ridge Parkway provides spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is recommended to either go to the Parkway early in the morning or after rush hour to avoid traffic. There are also group rides of varying abilities that gather at different sites in Boone or Blowing Rock. There is a Monday night ride that goes from Bistro Roca in Blowing Rock that is an entrylevel ride. The Boone Area Cyclists Club has also been in existence since 2009. The club’s website http://booneareacyclists.org/ has information about rides in the area, including the Boone Bike Shop Ride on Tuesday nights and the Magic Cycles Shop Ride on Wednesday nights. There is also the Westside Rambler’s Thursday Night Ride that begins at Valle Crucis School at 5:30 p.m. every Thursday. The Eastside Rambler’s Tuesday Night Ride meets every Tuesday at the Food Lion on U.S. Highway 421 located west of Boone. This ride also meets at 5:30 p.m.
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Autumnal travels on the
Blue Ridge Parkway BY Y DEREK HALSEY
I
t has been a busy summer on the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2019 for the National Park Service, which looks over this amazing roadway. Since the spring, crews have been repairing and repaving the Parkway in the section that surrounds Boone, N.C., and they have stayed steady with their work. To their credit, the National Park Service developed a plan where only be one lane at a time would be blocked off as the road repairs and repaving continued, keeping this beautiful trail open to the public all summer long. By now, the Blue Ridge Parkway should be repaved and awesomely smooth well south of our section of it. The popular and historic Moses Cone Manor has also been renovated this summer, with mansion tours and the gift shop ready for visitors. That is good news for travelers from around the world who come to the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the wonderful display of fall foliage that will brighten the trees with colors in our section of the Blue Ridge Mountains in October. The BRP is perhaps the most traveled scenic road in all of America. Beginning on top of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, the 469-mile long drive was built to ride the high ridge lines of the Blue Ridge Mountains to showcase the immense natural beauty of the region. As it winds its way from Virginia through the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina, the road is marked by mileposts which come in the form of white blocks with numbers on them that are seen on the roadside as you travel. Built during the Great Depression and sanctioned by President Roosevelt, the BRP has a historic aspect to it as well as the beautiful stone archway bridges found throughout the length of the roadway were built by the WPA workers of the day.
PHOTO BY DEREK HALSEY The section of the BRP that runs through the Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk regions of Western North Carolina is considered one of the more picturesque of the journey.
Ultimately, however, it is the incredible vistas and views that make this road a destination for tourists from all over the U.S. as well as the world. The section of the BRP that runs through the Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk regions of Western North Carolina is considered one of the more picturesque of the journey and there will be much to do along the way in the fall of 2019. While the Rocky Mountains are taller and majestic than our eastern mountains, much of what you see above a certain height in that mountain range is all rock. The Appalachian Mountains found here, however, are millions of years older and at one point were even taller than the Rockies. Because the Appalachian Mountains have been eroded by nature to a lower elevation, they are covered by some of the most diverse forests in North America. The fascinating truth is that there are more
species of trees found in just two acres of Appalachian Mountain forests than exist in all of the western U.S. And, when fall foliage season hits here, those thick forests found on our part of the BRP will come alive with leaves that glow with a multitude of dazzling pigmentation, something that does not happen in the Rockies. As a result, visitors from all over the world come to the High Country to watch the turning of the leaves and to experience the many activities, unique businesses, live music, breweries, wineries and festivals that take place here during the fall months. Some of the autumn festivals to look for include the 42st annual Woolly Worm Festival on the third weekend in October (woollyworm.com), the highly anticipated Valle Country Fair and its arts and crafts, food and music, which happens on the same weekend (vallecountryfair.org), and more.
As the attractions found on various sections of the BRP are highlighted below, we will travel from north to south. The northern end of our journey starts with the Deep Gap exit of the BRP that is located at milepost 276. That turnoff will put you onto U.S. 421, which is the exit to use to get to the lovely mountain college town of Boone, where there is much to do as far as food, live music, shopping and more. Boone hosts three craft breweries and is a good base to explore even more breweries in next door Ashe County and Avery County. During the fall months, Appalachian State University hosts many college football games in Kid Brewer Stadium as their Mountaineers team takes on their rivals. The tailgating before and after the games on campus and at the many local pubs in the area can be a very fun time. At milepost 294 on the BRP you will find the aforementioned Moses Cone Manor. The old house and 1,000-plus acres of wonderful land was turned into a park many years ago. There you will find a gift shop filled with works made by artists specifically located in the Appalachian Mountains. Now that the Moses Cone Manor house has been renovated inside and out, it is a great time to visit the grounds. Once there, from the parking lot of the house, you can easily find the Fire Tower Trail which crosses underneath the BRP and heads toward a fire tower that overlooks the city of Boone. For those wanting to get off the BRP for a while and explore another unique mountain town, look for the exit onto U.S. 221 just past the Moses Cone Manor, which leads you to the famous hamlet known as Blowing Rock. There you will find tourist attractions, a museum and lots of shopping and many fine restaurants. Back on the BRP, at milepost 296 you will find Price Lake and its campground, amphitheater, a picnic area and boat SEE TRAVELS ON PAGE 57
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PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM A panoramic of the viaduct looking back to Roughridge on the Blue Ridge parkway.
TRAVELS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 56
ramp. A good place for family camping until the season closes on Oct.27, there is a lot to do at Price Lake and in the surrounding areas. At milepost 299 of the BRP, you will find the beginning of a run of more adventurous hiking trails that begin at various parking lots found on the both sides of the road. One of the first ones you will come across will be the Boone Fork Trail found on the right. Exploring the northern side of Grandfather Mountain, it is a moderate, mostly level trail that is a beautiful five-mile roundtrip. For those not in the mood to hike, on the left at milepost 301 is a pull-over known as the Wilson Creek Valley View. Whether you stay in your vehicle or walk along the edge, the view is magnificent, especially if the sun is shining on Wilson Creek Gorge down below at sunrise or right before sunset. At milepost 300, you will come across one of the more popular mountain trails on this section of the BRP called the Rough Ridge Trail. The parking lot is usually filled with vehicles, especially on a warm, sunny day, because this moderately difficult trail takes you to some stunning overlooks on the slopes of Grandfather Mountain. The path can get crowded on the weekends and during peak leaf season, but the vistas are wonderful. When you get back on the BRP and travel a little further south and you will experience one of the more famous sections of the road called the Linn Cove Viaduct. The last section of the BRP to be built, it is a curvy engineering marvel that shoots out over Wilson Creek Gorge. Before the main part of the viaduct begins, there
will be a parking lot to the left called the Yonahlossee Overlook that provides a trail that runs alongside and underneath the viaduct and that walkway also provides some great views. On the south side of the viaduct is a visitor’s center filled with information about the Parkway and surrounding region. For an even higher adventure, continue just a mile or so past the Linn Cove Viaduct and take the U.S. 221 exit to Grandfather Mountain State Park. There you will find many sights and activities for the whole family. For an entrance fee, the trip to the top of Grandfather Mountain will feature a wild animal zoo, trails to hike, a gift shop, restaurant and the famous Mile High Bridge to walk across. The views are stunning and on a rare, crystal-clear day you can see the skyline of Charlotte, 90 miles away on the horizon. Weather permitting, Grandfather Mountain State Park is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving day and Christmas day. More information on entrance fees and opening and closing times of Grandfather Mountain State Park can be found at grandfather.com. If you continue on U.S. 221 past the entrance to Grandfather Mountain, that will lead to the resort town of Banner Elk. Within a short distance of this mountain hamlet, you will find Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and Beech Mountain Resort. Depending on the weather, there are years when the cold winds show favor and skiing can begin before Thanksgiving weekend. Grandfather Vineyard and Winery and Banner Elk Winery are also found close by. Back on the Blue Ridge Parkway heading south from Grandfather Mountain, the first parking ot on the left leads to the renowned Beacon Heights Trail at milepost 305, considered one of the coolest
short hikes east of the Mississippi River. At milepost 308 is the also easy Flat Rock Trail on the right, which many hike at sunset for the photographic opportunities. As you keep heading south, you will find a series of three exits leading to the Linville Falls and Linville Gorge attractions. The milepost 316 exit will take you to the Linville Falls Visitors Center, campground and picnic area. On the other side of the road a short drive further south is another picnic area called the Camp Creek Parking Area, which leads to a wonderful view of the double arch rock bridge that carries the BRP over the Linville River just before it goes over the edge of Linville Falls and into Linville Gorge. For an easy and amazing views of Linville Falls and Linville Gorge, turn off the U.S. 221 exit at milepost 317 on the BRP. Once exited, turn left onto U.S. 221 and then take another left onto RT. 183 less than a mile ahead. About 7/10 of a mile on N.C.. 183, you will find a gravel road on the right with signs that will lead you to Linville Falls. The first parking lot you will see on the left leads to two short, moderate yet awesome trails that lead to different views of Linville Falls as well as the gorge itself, which extends for another 12 miles in the distance. After that hike, back track and return to U.S. 221. At that three-way intersection, you can turn left onto U.S. 221 and you will soon find the entrance to the popular Linville Caverns just a short drive away. When you return to the BRP, a lot of visitors stop at that section of road, either staying on U.S. 221 and head for Asheville or turn around on the BRP and return to the Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk areas. But if you stay on the BRP and keep going south, this exceptional roadway will lead you to even more great views and fun stops along the way with new places to
explore. Just a mile past the U.S. 221 turnoff on the BRP, you will find the North Toe River Valley Overlook on the right that has a wonderful view of the sunset. Four miles further on the left, you will see an even more amazing vista at the infamous Bear Den Overlook. Bear Den Overlook will be full with traffic during peak fall foliage season, so it may be worth it to get there early in the morning and then explore the BRP in reverse heading back towards town. As you continue further south on the BRP, you will find Crabtree Falls, Craggy Gardens, the town of Little Switzerland featuring the Switzerland Inn, Hotel and Spa, the Museum of North Carolina Minerals, the live music venue known as the Orchard at Altapass and more. The Orchard at Altapass, located at milepost 328, will feature apple picking, hiking and live music from until the end of October. Eventually, you BRP journey will lead you to the turn off for Mount Mitchell at milepost 355. At 6,684 feet in elevation, Mount Mitchell is the highest mountain east of the Rockies and the good news is that you can drive virtually all of the way to the top. The walk to the summit is only about 300 yards from the parking lot. Mount Mitchell State Park is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. until the end of October, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. from November to February, and will be closed on Christmas Day. If you stay on the BRP and continue south to its end, you will eventually arrive at the city of Asheville and the Great Smoky Mountains further west. There is much to take in on this truly special section of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the autumn of 2019. Have fun, be safe and go explore!
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Golfing
Autumn Times • 2019
High Country holes among golf’s best BY HARRIS PREVOST
N
orth Carolina’s tourism slogan for many years was “Variety Vacationland.” The state boasts a great coastal region, a rolling hills piedmont and the majestic mountains. You could be at the beach in the morning, play nine holes in the Piedmont and ski that night in the High Country. “Variety” is the perfect description of the 315 holes (on 17 courses) awaiting High Country golfers in Ashe, Watauga and Avery counties. The slopes, creeks, forests and scenery in our area make ideal sites for interesting golf courses. Even better, that variety exists within each course. Each one has unique, memorable and fun holes to play. We’ll take a fun trip around the High Country and find out where some of these great holes are. We have lots of categories to make our choices — long holes, short holes, drivable par 4s, intimidating holes, uphill and downhill holes and, of course, scenic holes. There are many ways to categorize the holes, so, because of space limitation, we will limit those categories in order to spend more time talking about the special holes on each course. I have played all the courses, so I’ll pass on my thoughts about interesting holes on each. For reference purposes, my handicap is five, and my drives are medium length. Of course, your favorite downhill par three or most intimidating tee shot might not be the same as mine, but the idea is to get a conversation started among your friends. More importantly, I hope the conversation gets you to play the memorable and exciting holes awaiting you in your own backyard this season. Courses will first be divided into the courses open to the public and then a few of the nine private clubs. SEE GOLF ON PAGE 59
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COURSES THAT ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC JEFFERSON LANDING Jefferson Landing is a semi-private club located in the pastoral rolling hills of Ashe County, bordering cow pastures, Christmas tree farms and tributaries to the New River. The course was routed by noted Banner Elk architect and land planner, Dennis Lehmann, and designed by PGA Hall of Famer Larry Nelson. At 7,110 yards, it is the longest course in the High Country, exceeding Grandfather Golf & Country Club by nine yards. From the regular tees, it plays 6,450 yards. Very little land was moved to build the course, which opened in 1990. Originally, the first hole was a long par four from an elevated tee, and the 10th was a dogleg left par five, also from an elevated tee. Now, the sides are switched, with the par five being the opening hole.
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The most intimidating tee shot for me is on the 376-yard second hole. A river crosses the fairway at a sharp angle from right to left, with the right much farther away. I have to decide whether to gamble and carry the creek on the left side into a narrow landing area with a driver, or lay up in the narrow right corner of the fairway. A 230-yard drive down the left side gives me a short iron in. A hooked drive or pushed drive leaves me in the river. This a classic risk/reward tee shot. The risk could be a probable triple bogey, the reward an easy par or birdie. The hole is 450 yards from the tips and 376 from the regular tees. There is a reason this is the two-handicap hole. The 227-yard (181 from regular tees) 17th is a beautiful hole from an elevated tee. The view ahead at the clubhouse and up at Mt. Jefferson is spectacular. A creek running in front of the green adds to the beauty … and the challenge. Pray for a par here. This is Jefferson Landing’s signature hole in my book. To experience hitting a very challenging tee shot to the 17th hole, one of the state’s finest par threes, call Jefferson Landing’s pro shop at (336) 982-7767 to set up your
UTE ABSOL CE! AN CLEAR
tee times.
MOUNTAIN AIRE GOLF CLUB There is a Mountain Air in Burnsville, but our Mountain Aire is in Ashe County. It is the third oldest course in the High Country behind only Linville and Blowing Rock. The course began as West Jefferson Golf Club in 1949, thanks to the effort of a local farmer who wanted a golf course for the community. It was a true “cow pasture golf course,” with greens being small circles of grass mowed a little lower than the fairways. The Adams brothers — Austin, Sam and Tom — learned to play golf here. Austin became a great amateur player, Sam a PGA Tour winner and Tom head pro at Hound Ears and now Boone Golf Club. I wish I had learned to play at Mountain Aire. When the farmer died, Carl Hagel, a casual golfer who built wooden frames for windows, purchased it in 1971, and it has been in the family since then. In 1985, Carl’s son, Mark, expanded the course to 18 holes, using Dennis Lehmann as his designer. In 1998, some holes were replaced, and the course has improved each year. It is now under the supervision of Mark’s son-in-law, Philip Shepherd.
CLUB REPAIR
At that time, the first hole was a par 3, and the third hole returned to the clubhouse. Now, the previous fourth hole was changed to be No. 1 with old ninth becoming No. 6. Holes 1, 2 and 3 are now 7, 8 and 9. One of the new holes, No. 6 (now No. 3), is Mountain Aire’s signature hole. It is the most dramatic hole in the High Country, if not Eastern America. The tee shot on the 468-yard par 4 drops 150 feet in elevation, and, if you hit it a little left, 200 feet. The landing area is very narrow. If the wind is blowing, this is the most intimidating tee shot in the area. It is also one of the most beautiful. You feel like you are on top of the world looking out at surrounding mountain ranges. Shepherd says the hole is “either your favorite or least favorite.” For the longer hitters, Mountain Aire has two drivable par fours. The ninth is 305 yards long from the very elevated regular tees. A great drive will be a birdie, one a little right or short is in a pond, and a little left in the driving range. The 13th is a 275yard par 4 with a creek 15 yards in front of the green. To experience driving off the SEE GOLF ON PAGE 63
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Autumn Times • 2019
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Nestled in the Heart of the High Country is an Affordable Gem. A Community offering a Recreation Center with Swimming Pool, an 18 Hole Golf Course as well as Tennis and Pickle Ball Courts. Enjoy fishing? It's available in the Trout stocked River and Lake. Like to hike? This community offers Hiking Trails. These are just a few of the many amenities in this Active Community. Stop by our office for your Personal Tour of this Mountain Jewel.
We have the Mountain Home of Your Dreams! Proudly Selling High Country Properties Since 1992 with Experience and Service You Can Depend On! 2155 Linville Falls Highway | Linville, NC 28646 828.733.1965 | www.northcarolinaland.com
L INVILLE A REA M OUNTAIN P ROPERTIES
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third tee and watching your ball stay in the air forever, call Mountain Aire’s pro shop at (336) 877-4716 to set up your tee times.
BOONE GOLF CLUB The dream for a golf course in Boone began with one of Boone’s greatest citizens, Wade Brown, in 1940. After several false starts, which turned out to be blessings in disguise, Brown’s dream was realized in the summer of 1959. Brown’s quest to provide a golf course for Boone was inspired by the success of the Blowing Rock Country Club and the Linville Golf Club. Potential “false start” locations for the course included Tater Hill, land from Rivers Street up to the former Broyhill Inn & Conference Center (derailed by World War II), the Councill property behind the Lutheran church and Earth Fare (property would have been leased) and the Bolick property on U.S. 421 South where the landfill is. One property always in the back of Brown’s mind was the Neal Blair farm. Despite being told the property was not for sale, Brown persisted, and, five years later, he got the Blair farm and the surrounding property he needed. Next, was the critical factor of financing the purchase of the property and building the course, and Brown’s close friend, banker Alfred Adams, also one of Boone’s greatest citizens, made it happen. Ellis Maples, who learned his trade from Donald Ross beginning when he was 14 and ending when he completed Ross’s final course, was chosen to design the course. Boone’s greens show a strong resemblance to Ross’s famed Pinehurst #2. Boone is 6,686 yards from the tips and 6,018 from the regular tees, and it plays to a par 71. It’s not a long course, but its greens defend the course well from low scores. Boone’s collection of par threes — they average 199 yards — are as strong as any in the High Country. Its par 5s aren’t too shabby, either. They average 556 yards. Drivable risk/reward par 4s are a delight
FILE PHOTO The Boone Golf Club plays 6,686 yards from the tips and 6,018 from the regular tees, and it plays to a par 71. It’s not a long course, but its greens defend the course well from low scores.
to galleries watching PGA Tour events and are fun to play for the rest of us. Boone has three. It’s uphill ninth is reachable for the big boys. It is 333 yards from the back and 299 from the regular tee. The risk is a creek fronting most of the green, deep to the left and out-of-bounds to the right. The 12th is a downhill dogleg left that is reachable with a high tee shot over some white pines. Not high enough or long enough and you may be playing for a bogey. The 15th is a 300-yard carry from both tees. Either carry the wide creek in front of the green, or hit one just short and bounce over (if the ground is hard). My most intimidating shots are not with a driver, but with irons. The tee shot on the 192-yard 16th must be right or you could be in your pocket. Actually, you won’t be in your pocket; your ball will be history. A marsh is in front of the green and deep, really deep rough and briers are immediately to the right. The swamp is also to the left. My other intimidating shot is the second to the 18th green. It usually is hit from a downhill, sidehill (sloping away from you) lie to an elevated, narrow green with a pond on the left catching balls that are the
slightest bit offline. This is one of the great finishing holes in the High Country. To experience one of the finest sets of par three holes in North Carolina, call the pro shop at (828) 264-8760. Make tee time in advance, because this is the most popular course in the High Country.
Willow Creek is well designed with imaginative, scenic holes and it is well maintained. Simply put, it is a good, fun course to play. And, it is convenient; no tee times, just show up and play. Carts are available, but the course is not hard to walk. If you want to play 18 holes, just use a different set of tees second time around to add variety. Its greens are relatively small, so accuracy is the key to a good round. Since 75 percent of the shots in a round of golf are from 160 yards in, there is a lot of golf to be played at Willow Creek. There is also a lot to learn as you develop and refine a winning short game. Willow Creek’s 218-yard 18th hole will hold its own on any course in America, and it gets my vote for both most intimidating tee shot and signature hole. The green is guarded with a small pound in its front left that winds around to the left side. A shot that lands six yards left of the green ends up in the pond, and out-of-bounds is 15 yards from the green to the right. The green is only 31 feet wide. A par on this hole will make your day. If time is a factor in whether you play, or if price is a factor, and if long, hard holes beat you up, you can enjoy a relaxing round at Willow Creek. Just show up, or call ahead to the pro shop at (828) 963-6865 and get ready to have a great day.
WILLOW CREEK Dr. Jim Lyons, a Miami surgeon who lived in Blowing Rock in the summers, wanted to build a development in the area and include a golf course. He purchased the Willow Valley property off N.C. 105, and it had room for a nine-hole par three course. By coincidence, Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame architect Tom Jackson was doing some renovation work at nearby Hound Ears. Lyons told Jackson he wanted holes that vary in length, that have water features come into play, some bunkers and a hole or two over 200 yards. Jackson delivered. In 1973, Willow Creek opened for play, and it has turned out to be an undiscovered gem. The course is very challenging. Three holes are more than 200 yards, and taken as a whole, they average 182 yards from the tips. Five have water hazards.
SUGAR MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB The Sugar Mountain course is a municipal course, owned by the village of Sugar Mountain. How it came to be is a story involving several twists and turns. The land was originally part of the 16,000 acres sold to Hugh MacRae that included Linville Resorts and Grandfather Mountain. In 1952, MacRae died and left the Sugar Mountain/Flat Top Mountain property to his grandson, George MacRae. In 1969, George and his wife, Chessie, began developing Sugar as a four-seasons destination with ski slopes, tennis and golf. They included three partners in their group. They only had 60 acres at the base of Sugar for a golf course, so it had to be an SEE GOLF ON PAGE 64
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executive course, but they wanted to also have a championship course. They selected Francis Duane to be their architect. Duane was senior project manager for Robert Trent Jones Sr., and later a partner in course design with Arnold Palmer. The MacRaes promised Duane that if he designed the executive course, he could design their championship course, which was to be called Grouse Moor and located on top of Flat Top Mountain. A perfect storm of bad luck hit the MacRaes in 1974, the year their executive course opened: bad economy, high inflation and interest rates, gas rationing, warm winter and little skiing, and no one buying real estate. As a result, the MacRaes had to declare bankruptcy, and the bank foreclosed. One of the MacRaes’ partners leased the course until he died. The village of Sugar Mountain wanted to buy it, but it was too young a town to take on debt, so the Sugar Mountain Ski Resort purchased it until the town could buy it back. Today, the course is well run, in great condition and very popular. Sugar, like Willow Creek, is a perfect niche golf course for the player who doesn’t have time for a five-hour round or doesn’t enjoy playing 500-yard par 4s. While Willow Creek is a par three course, Sugar is an executive course with nine par 3s, eight par 4s and one par 5. It measures 4,443 yards from the tips and 4,071 from the regular tees, and is par 64. Surprisingly, despite Sugar’s short yardage, it has only one drivable par 4, its ninth hole. The hole is slightly uphill and is 259 yards from the back tee, 239 from the regular tee. There is no trouble on the hole, so it is no risk/all reward. Fire away. There is one hole, though, that is worth a shot just for fun. The sharply downhill 321-yard (back), 288-yard (regular) tee shot on the fifth hole has to be perfect. There is water in front and dense woods bordering both sides of a fairly narrow fairway. There are risk/reward shots, and then there are
FILE PHOTO The Sugar Mountain course is a municipal course, owned by the village of Sugar Mountain.
risk/reward shots, if you go for the green on no. 5. But, hey, if you are having a fun round with your buddies, hit your score ball and drop another and have at it just for fun. Sugar holds the distinction of probably having the shortest par five around, only 394 yards. Don’t let the hole fool you: It is an uphill dogleg right that plays much longer than its yardage. The second shot is a bear with a narrow opening to the green and creeks left and right. Head professional Tom McAuliffe, who is also one of North Carolina’s top golf writers, says the 212-yard 13th hole has the course’s most intimidating tee shot and also ranks as its signature hole. “There is no margin for error, left or right,” McAuliffe said. “There are bunkers front and left, and anything right ends up in the ‘Valley of Death,’ where there is no escape. The green has a lot of movement and is not easy to putt. It’s the toughest birdie on the course. I’ll take a par every time and not look back.” The culture at Sugar is one of a “downhome feeling.” Guests are treated like old friends and are in for treat once they tee off the first hole. The greens are as good as any in the High Country, and that’s saying
a lot. To set up an enjoyable day of golf with friends, call McAuliffe at (828) 898-6464.
MOUNTAIN GLEN GOLF CLUB The idea to build Mountain Glen arose from a devastating fire in January 1961 that destroyed one-third of the town of Newland. Local leaders felt something needed to be done to spur economic growth in Avery County. They knew large manufacturing was not an option because of Avery’s rough winters and isolated location. They looked four miles down the road at Linville and saw their answer: Build a golf course and develop the property around it for second homeowners. They formed the Avery Development Corporation and sold shares of stock to raise money for the project. Thanks to great leadership and a generous landowner, Todd Lecka, Mountain Glen would become a reality. George Cobb, who first designed Quail Hollow in Charlotte, the Augusta National Par Three Course and, locally, Hound Ears, was the architect. Cobb later designed Linville Ridge. The back nine was built first, and it opened in July 1964. The front nine opened a year later. Mountain Glen has been one of the most
popular courses in the area. It plays 6,523 yards from the back tees and 5,968 yards from the regular tees. The signature hole is the beautiful, downhill, 186-yard 12th hole. The view from the tee shows Hump Mountain in the background. Mountain Glen’s hardest hole is the 411-yard dogleg left 11th hole. The hole isn’t particularly long, except that from 200 yards in, it is steeply uphill. Also, the tee shot must be very accurate. A little left and you are blocked by trees; a little right and you are in the trees. It is not a good idea to be above the pin on its sloped green. Mountain Glen’s greens get really fast later in the summer. I rate no. 11 as one of the Top 5 hardest holes in the High Country. Now to drivable par 4s: We need to divide this into two categories. First, the mortals have two opportunities. The 291-yard sixth (265 yards from the regular tees) is a tempting drive. Fade your drive and you are in a pond. Hook it and you might have a shot, you might be blocked by a pine tree or you might be outof-bounds. Going for it is worth the gamble, though. The 16th is slightly downhill and 313 yards from the regular tees and 339 from the back. Aim right and hit a draw on the downside of a hill, and you’ll be sitting pretty. Get double-crossed and hit a fade, and you’ll be in your pocket. Out-of-bounds is right off the fairway. And then there’s David Forbes. Forbes takes it back as far as John Daly and is twice as strong. Forbes has driven every par four at Mountain Glen except the 11th. On the “short” par 4s such as the 339 yard 16th, he drives it with a 3 iron. Forbes is more than a long hitter. He holds the amateur course record with a 63 from the tips. My most intimidating tee shot? It’s a tossup between the 11th and the 17th. No. 17 is a dogleg right with two huge oak trees down the right side of the fairway and a row of white pines bordering the left side. The fairway slopes left into the pines. The best shot is a high fade over the first oak or a low fade under its branches. A tee shot left of SEE GOLF ON PAGE 65
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the first oak has to be perfect or you are in the pines where the sun never shines. Call Mountain Glen at (828) 733-5804 to set up a tee time and to appreciate what it took for David Forbes to drive all but one of their 10 par 4s. If Sam Foster answers the phone, you are talking to someone special. He has been head pro for 42 years and holds the course record with a 62. Before coming to Mountain Glen, Foster was assistant pro at Grandfather Golf & Country Club in season and an assistant at Augusta National in the offseason.
LINVILLE LAND HARBOR Linville Land Harbor is a 48-year-old, 1,000-acre residential resort that is, by far, the largest in Avery County with 1,400 homes. It is designed around a 48-acre lake visible from U.S. 221 three miles south of Linville. Land Harbor was created by the Robbins brothers — Grover, Harry and Spencer — who also brought to the High Country Tweetsie Railroad, Hound Ears, Beech
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Mountain, Land of Oz and the Elk River Club. The original idea was to build a recreation resort for short-term or extended-stay vacationers who used their campers or RVs to live in. Back in the 1960s and early ‘70s, campers were the rage. The RV lots made up 1,510 of the 1,933 lots, with homesites making up most of the rest. Later on, people wanted to spend more time at Land Harbor, so many of the RV lots were combined to provide an additional 500 building lots. The Land Harbor property belonged to a lumber company in the early 1900s. In 1923, 5,000 acres of that property was purchased by Howard Marmon, an engineering genius whose parents took him to the Eseeola Lodge when he was a boy. Apparently, Marmon had health problems when he was young, and being in the mountains healed him. He came back to build a second home. In 1909, Marmon built the car that won the first Indianapolis 500. The following year, 61 of the nation’s official speed records were owned by Marmon cars. Amelia Earhart rode in a Marmon in her New York City ticker-tape parade, and supposedly, Bonnie and Clyde used the speedy car to outrun the police after their bank robber-
ies. Marmon was good friends with Harvey Firestone, Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. They came for visits and fished in the lake Marmon built, which is now the Land Harbor lake. Mr. and Mrs. Marmon left their estate to their nephew, and when he died, he put it in a trust to benefit the hospital, library and airfield in Avery County. Warren Buffett now owns the Marmon Company. Part of the Marmon property was developed into a nursery, and that is the property that is Land Harbor. Land Harbor was a subsidiary of Carolina Caribbean, developer of Beech Mountain and owned for the most part by the Robbins brothers. Carolina Caribbean, like Sugar Mountain, was a victim of the turbulent ‘70s and had to declare bankruptcy in 1975. A bank took over the property and decided it was in the best interest of the resort’s property owners to sell them the property. The first nine holes of the Land Harbor Golf Club was designed by architect Tom Jackson in collaboration with local golf hero Ernie Hayes. It measures 2,950 yards and plays to a par 36. It is a delightful nine with smallish greens and well-placed hazards. The course is in excellent shape.
OP
The 463-yard first hole is a great start. It is downhill with a sharp dogleg left and creek running down the left side of the fairway. The creek crosses the fairway at a sharp angle about 120 yards out and forms a pond to the front left of the green. The small, undulating green has a very narrow opening with trouble all around the green. If you go for the green in two, you best have your “A” game right out of the chute. The 273-yard par 4 sixth is drivable, but dangerous. The fairway narrows considerably the closer you get to the green. Houses and out-of-bounds are on the right, and left is not a nice place to be. Go for it for fun, lay up for score. The 141-yard slightly downhill seventh is one of the prettiest on the course. It has a beautiful view of Grandfather Mountain in the background. Land Harbor was originally going to be an 18-hole golf course, but some of the best property for the second nine was sold to try to avoid bankruptcy. All that was left was 23 acres of rugged, unusable property. The Land Harbor POA didn’t think it was possible to design nine holes on the property, SEE GOLF ON PAGE 66
EN OF TILL OC TH TO E E BE ND R
Village of
S e e S u g a r . c o m | G o l f : 8 2 8 . 8 9 8 . 6 4 6 4 | T e n n i s: 8 2 8 . 8 9 8 . 6 7 4 6
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but asked Ernie Hayes if he could give it a try. After numerous failed attempts, he came up with a routing. It is different than any nine holes I have ever seen. The back nine is 1,927 yards long and is a par 33. The longest par 4 is 335 yards and the shortest 196 yards. The course plays up hills and down into valleys and around the mountainsides. Most par 4s are doglegs. Several are drivable, but Land Harbor rules forbid going for the green because of safety concerns. The 196-yard par four 18th can be two wedges, but you need to respect this hole. A tee shot a little right will be off the world. I double bogeyed the hole. If you think outside the box, forget the standard driverof-the-tee par 4s and understand the limitations of a 23-acre nine-hole layout, the back nine actually is a lot of fun. Its holes are like no other. The signature hole on the back nine has to be no. 17. It is a 112-yard par three that is straight up — like, 45 feet straight up. You can’t see the pin. If you are short, back down it comes. If you are a little right, off the world it goes. A par is a nice score. A plaque on the tee names the hole “Ernie’s Revenge” in appreciation for his creating nine holes that no one thought could be built. Land Harbor has been private until recently, but now it is open to the public. My advice: Play the course. The front side is pretty neat, but the back side is simply something you have to experience for two reasons — because you’ll never see holes like this anywhere else, and secondly, to appreciate the genius of Ernie Hayes. Call the pro shop at (828) 733-8325.
PRIVATE CLUBS Typically, private clubs are for members and their guests. The High Country has an incredible collection of private clubs, the envy of the rest of the state. Guess what? You can play most of them. The private clubs are very community-oriented, and most make their courses available to vari-
ous charities for fundraising golf tournaments. Play in one of those tournaments, and you will be helping a worthy cause and, at the same time, enjoy an experience you will fondly remember for a long time. That’s called a win-win.
HOUND EARS CLUB The Robbins brothers — Grover, Harry and Spencer — have had an incredibly positive impact on the High Country. In addition to Tweetsie Railroad, Ski Beech and the Land of Oz, they have given us one-fourth of all the golf courses in the High Country: Linville Land Harbor, Beech Mountain, Elk River Club and Hound Ears. Hound Ears was their first. In the early 1960s, they saw the popularity of the new Boone course and the Blowing Rock Country Club, and they felt the area could use a new course. They chose a site in Shulls Mill, south of Boone along N.C. 105. In the early 1900s, Shulls Mill was one of the county’s primary commercial centers. Its sawmill and lumberyard, along with a Tweetsie Railroad junction, employed enough people to support a hotel, small hospital, stores and a movie theater. By the time Hound Ears was built, only remnants of the community remained. Spencer Robbins was working at Pine Needles golf resort in Southern Pines, one of the top golfing destinations in the country, and Grover and Harry were frequent visitors. They liked Pine Needles and decided to follow their example in their golf course. They did Pine Needles one better by adding one of the South’s first ski slopes. They decided to have a Bavarian theme to their clubhouse and lodge to complement the ski slope. Their golf course was designed by George Cobb, then known for his redesign work at Augusta National. Both the ski slope and golf course opened in 1964. They chose the name Hound Ears because the rocks on top of the ridge behind the course stood up like dog ears. Hounds Ear or Hound Ears? Spencer Robbins answers the question by saying, “One dog, two ears.” Hall of Fame golf instructor Bob Toski, still going strong at about 90 years old, was the club’s first professional. After Toski
resigned to be the Johnny Miller of NBC’s golf telecasts, the club hired Ohio State University golf coach Bob Kepler, who worked with Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf and Ed Sneed. Following Kepler was Tom Adams, now at Boone, and then Adams’s assistant, Peter Rucker, who started out at Hound Ears as a cart boy in 1981. Most of the golf course is located in the flat bottom land of Shulls Mill. The Robbins brothers also acquired some rugged mountain land with the property purchase, but they saw no use for it. The course became so popular that people who played it wanted to have a home there. Thus, the mountain land became homesites. “We didn’t have a plan for a development,” Spencer Robbins said. “It just happened.” The first six years, the third, eighth and 18th holes doubled as an airport runway for the resort. The hanger that housed the planes still exists behind the third green. In 1974, Hound Ears redesigned several backside holes on adjacent property it purchased. Tom Jackson designed the 12th and 14th holes. The 15th is Hound Ears’ signature hole, and it is one of the great par 3s in the state. Only 110 yards, the tee is perched on a mountain ridge, and the green lies 70 feet below. In front of the green is a creek and bunker. The green has a nice back to front slope, so golfers hitting their tee shots over the green face a very challenging chip shot. Despite its lack of length, par is a good score on this hole. The 18th hole is a great finishing hole. It is a last-minute dogleg right, 414-yard hole with a creek down the right side until it crosses the fairway near the front of the green. Because the dogleg is so close to the green, tee shots need to land on the left side of the fairway. A large tree at the beginning of the dogleg protects the green from players whose drives are from the center to the right side of the fairway. The hole plays longer than its yardage. The neat thing about no. 18 is its tee box. It is perched on top of a large boulder. Hound Ears’ most scenic shot is teeing off the par five sixth hole. It is a highly elevated tee with an incredible view of Grandfather Mountain. Peter Rucker’s favorite hole is
the uphill 490-yard par five fourth (also No. 1 handicap hole.). Rucker said, “The fairway narrows significantly beginning 100 yards before the green. It is bordered by woods on the right and woods and a creek on the left.” Rucker’s favorite hole should be the 491-yard par 5 12th. He has double-eagled it twice. There really aren’t drivable par 4s at Hound Ears, even though the course is 6,307 yards from the tips/6,145 from regular tees. I was playing with the golf pro son of famed teaching pro Jack Lumpkin, and he drove the 360-yard 10th. Then on the 491-yard 12th, which winds around a lake, he drove across the lake and landed in the bunker in front of the green. I saw them both, but I don’t believe what I saw, so those shots don’t count.
BEECH MOUNTAIN CLUB Beech Mountain’s golf course is another of the Robbins brothers’ contributions to the High Country, but in this case, oldest brother Grover was the visionary and primary contributor to its creation. Grover envisioned the Hound Ears concept (resort, golf, skiing, property and airport) being taken to a much higher level at Beech Mountain. He even used the Bavarian architectural theme that he used at Hound Ears. Grover quietly purchased 10,000 acres, 7,300 acres on Beech Mountain and 2,700 acres in the valley where the Elk River Club now stands. His slogan was “9,000 families on 10,000 acres.” Grover built the ski slope and airport in 1967. The airport now is a part of the Elk River Club, which the Robbins brothers also developed. A development of this magnitude required more investment capital, so Grover set up the Appalachian Development Corp. that attracted 40 initial investors. Later, when he added a development in the Virgin Islands, he changed the name of the company to Carolina Caribbean. Robbins chose Atlanta architect Willard Byrd to design two golf courses at Beech Mountain, one for recreational play and one for championship play. Byrd had designed SEE GOLF ON PAGE 67
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a number of great courses in the piedmont part of North Carolina and in the Myrtle Beach area, but Beech Mountain would be his first mountain course. Willard’s land planner, Dennis Lehmann, helped plan the resort, as well as all of Linville Land Harbor, also a Robbins brothers development. Lehmann would end up playing a major role in the design of several High Country courses. Byrd’s recreational course would be built first. The front nine opened in 1969 and the back nine two years later. Tragedy struck Beech Mountain about this time. Grover Robbins died of cancer in 1970. Without his vision and leadership, Carolina Caribbean began to unravel. The organization began taking on more projects than it could handle. At their peak, they had 11 planes they used to fly in prospective property buyers. They had to sell a lot of property to keep all their projects going. Unfortunately, the economy tanked, inflation was rampant, interest rates were 18 percent, there was gas rationing and several of their property owners in the Virgin Islands were robbed and killed while playing golf. The bank foreclosed in early 1975. All the company’s properties were sold to pay off its debts. The second course, which was under construction, was never completed. It was included in the property purchased by the Eagles Nest development. Tweetsie Railroad bought the Elk River Club property, including the airport. The Land of Oz and ski slopes were sold to a mortgage company, and Land Harbor was sold to its POA. The Beech Mountain golf course and a 13-acre recreation park were purchased by its POA, but not without some trying times. First, they had to convince the bankruptcy trustee they were the best option as owners. Then, they had to finance its purchase and operation. They had to get the North Carolina General Assembly to make Beech Mountain a town, so it could legally enforce the payment of property taxes and utilities.
FILE PHOTO The Beech Mountain golf course is on the backside of Beech Mountain, about 4,500 feet in elevation and plays 6,225 yards from the back tees and 5,743 from the regular tees.
Today, the Beech Mountain Club has close to 1,300 members and is a healthy operation. The golf course is on the backside of Beech Mountain, around 4,500 feet in elevation, and its panoramic views stretch into Tennessee and Virginia. The course plays to 6,225 yards from the back tees and 5,743 from the regular tees. Because of the up-and-down terrain, it plays longer than its yardage. Needless to say, there are a number of spectacular holes on the course. Two in particular are the 394-yard eighth hole with beautiful views of mountain ridges located in three states. The 10th tee is located to the right of the clubhouse, which is perched on a ridge, and that means the tee shot has a dramatic drop in elevation. The tee shot is exciting, to say the least. Beech Mountain is a private club open to its members, and their guests, and those staying in lodging on the mountain that offers golf privileges for its guests.
LINVILLE RIDGE The prized scenic view in the High Country is looking at Grandfather Mountain. Its ruggedness and abrupt rise in elevation makes for a spectacular site. Several area courses have views of Grandfather, but
none are eyeball-to-eyeball like Linville Ridge. Its par 5 13th, at 4,984 feet, is the highest elevation hole in Eastern America. The course has an elevation change from its lowest point to its highest of 760 feet. At this elevation, because of the thinner air, your shots go further than off the mountain. Linville Ridge sits atop Flat Top Mountain, which is part of the original 16,000acre land purchase by Hugh MacRae in 1885 that included Grandfather Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Grandmother Mountain and Linville. The property was owned by MacRae’s grandson, George MacRae, who also inherited Sugar Mountain. He lost the property to bankruptcy when the economy failed. Raymond Lutgert from Naples, Fla., purchased 1,800 acres on Flat Top in the early 1980s. Lutgert brought in an engineering firm to help him decide where to locate his golf course — on top of the mountain or at its base? They said a course was buildable at either location, so Lutgert chose the top because of its views. The engineering firm also recommended that George Cobb design the course because of his familiarity with the area. Cobb designed Hound Ears and Mountain Glen, as well as a half-dozen other mountain courses. He also was the
original designer of Quail Hollow in Charlotte. Linville Ridge would be Cobb’s last course. In 2007, Scott Lutgert, Ray’s son, who is now president of the company, commissioned Bobby Weed, a disciple of Pete Dye, to renovate the course to make it more challenging for low handicap players and easier and more fun for those with higher handicaps. Weed designed the highly acclaimed Old Farm course in Southwest Virginia and had done major work at Grandfather Golf & Country Club and Linville. His renovations have been enthusiastically received. Part of the makeover was to flip the nines, so the former ninth hole is now No. 18. Half the course is on the relatively level summit of Flat Top Mountain. The remaining holes drop down from the summit and work their way back up. There are numerous views from the course of Grandfather Mountain, but the following will be etched in your mind forever: from the second green, the ninth fairway, the 12th green, along the 15th fairway to the green and approaching the 18th green. Every hole at Linville Ridge is interesting and memorable, but these are a cut above. The course’s signature hole is the 225yard (183 yards from regular tees) 16th hole. The elevation drop is so dramatic that you can hit the same iron to the green that Bubba Watson hits to 225 yards with no elevation change. Tell that to your buddies. Linville Ridge probably has the neatest drivable par four in the High Country. The seventh is a 252-yard drive from the regular tee. The shot is uphill and a creek runs in front of the green, but even I can drive it. My most intimidating tee shot is the par three 16th, but my most intimidating drive is the 12th hole. It measures 405 yards, but the elevation gain adds 50 yards to the hole. The pressure is on you to hit a really good drive in order to get home. If you don’t, your third shot is from a steep uphill lie. Miss your drive to the right, and you are off the world. Linville Ridge plays to 6,813 yards from the back tees and 6,210 from the regular tees.
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The Blue Ridge from a bird’s-eye view BY ABBY WHITT
ZIPLINE FUN FACTS
T
ake exploring the local autumn foliage to the next level by experiencing it from above the trees. The High Country offers ziplining from locally owned family ventures that are never more than a few minutes away from Boone proper. Hawksnest Ziplining has more than 20 ziplines in Seven Devils, near Boone, including two zips that are more than 2,000 feet long which allow riders to reach speeds up to 50 mph. Hawksnest offers two different tour packages for all levels of experience. “We do have the option for a full refund if you zip to the first platform and don’t like it,” said Lenny Cottam, owner of Hawksnest. “Not many do that, though. Wind in your hair, birds flying below you, it’s a great sensation.” The Hawk Tour is 1 1/2 miles long through trees and over lakes, and it’s ideal for first-timers. The tour is $70 per person and lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours to complete. Children must be 5 years old or older, and riders must weigh less than 250 pounds with a waist no larger than 40 inches. The Eagle Tour is billed for “thrill seekers” who want higher speeds throughout the 3-mile tour. This tour is $80 per person, children must be at least 8 years of age and riders must be between 80 and 220 pounds or have a waist no larger than 40 inches. Experience is preferred for this 1.5-2 hour tour. Hawksnest is open seven days a week with tours beginning at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., and reservations are required for both tours. Guests are asked to arrive 30 minutes early to their scheduled tour.
Hawksnest Ziplining in Seven Devils - Twenty ziplines - Top speeds of 50 mph - Lasts 1.5-2 hours High Gravity Adventures in Blowing Rock - Guide-controlled breaking - Dropzone, a 70 foot free-fall - Lasts up to two hours Sky Valley Tours - Offers Kid Zip for children above the age of 4 - Big Mama, a 1,600 foot long zipline - Lasts up to three hours
HAWKSNEST PHOTO Join the birds in the trees by ziplining through the mountains.
High Gravity Adventures in Blowing Rock offers two ziplining packages and an add-on activity. All attractions at High Gravity Adventures are for ages 7 and up, but ages 7-10 must be accompanied by an adult. Tweetsie Rail Road ticket holders can receive a discount when making reservations. The High Altitude Zip Line Tour is $69 per person between 75 and 265 pounds, and guides control all of the breaking so no experience is needed. This tour lasts up to two hours and builds experience as riders zip. The lines start off shorter and lower to the ground, and they grow as the tour goes on. The Ultimate Adventure offers three activities for the price of $89 per person. Zip from treetop to treetop, climb at the
Aerial Adventure Park for up to three hours, then enjoy the Giant Swing where riders can reach as high as 45 feet in the air. The Giant Swing can be added on to any High Gravity Adventures Activity for $19 per person age 7 and older. In the ziplining tours, High Gravity Adventures also features the Dropzone, which is a 70 foot optional free fall for those who want to take the leap at the end of the line. There’s a slower alternative way back down for those who aren’t yet ready for the free fall. Sky Valley Tours offers a 1,600-footlong zipline, lovingly called Big Mama, that allows riders to soar through the valley. Beforehand, Sky Valley educates visitors on the best safety practices and provides an ATV Ride through the river and to the course. The Canopy Tour is
$85 per person over the age of 18, and tickets are $75 person age 10-17. This tour lasts for about three hours. At the heart of the tour is the cliff jump, followed by a swinging bridge that is 50 feet above the lush forest ground. This tour perfect for taking in views from new heights and can be combined with other aspects of Sky Valley to extend the fun. Riders can add Zip and Sip to the tour to quench their appetite after the course. Tour tickets become $91 per person when adding Zip and Sip to the package, which is exclusively for ages 21 and above. For adventurous children age 4 and older, there is a Kid Zip option that includes seven ziplines, a bridge and a slide through the forest. Participants must be able to reach up and touch 48 inches above them, be between 4-18 years of age and be under 5 foot 6 inches tall and weigh less than 180 pounds. This two hour long adventure is $45 per person, and there is a $35 per person rate for residents of Watauga, Ashe and Avery counties.
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In quite the pickle Racquet sport takes over the High Country BY CARL BLANKENSHIP
A
game for everyone, pickleball’s popularity has been exploding for the past few year. A mishmash of racquet sports such as tennis, badminton and ping-pong, the game has a wide appeal. Players use paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball, complete with perforations back and forth over a net that is lower than that used on tennis courts. The game can be played indoors or outdoors, with a slower-moving ball and a smaller court area, the game is more accessible for younger and older people than tennis. Also like tennis, the game can be played in singles or doubles, though it is usually played in
doubles. The game was invented in the mid1960s as a backyard game for children and has grown in popularity with more demographics since. According to the USA Pickleball Association, the sport was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, an island a short ferry ride from Seattle. Three fathers on the island, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum created the game as an impromptu summer sport for their children. The sport has evolved from its origins and spread throughout the United States and Canada. Pickleball courts have also cropped up in Asia and Europe. In 2018, USAPA allied with Professional Pickleball Registry to grow the
sport. USAPA Executive Director Justin Maloof noted the partnership as part of USAPA’s goal creating strategic partnerships position the sport on the global stage after the announcement. Not merely tennis with training wheels, pickleball has its own association complete with rules and regulations surround proper equipment (balls, paddles, etc.) and its own national championships, regionals and so on. The USAPA’s website is replete with resources to further your interest and involvement in the sport. It even includes a directory for places to play the game near you. To dive into the finer details of the sport, visit https:// www.usapa.org.
WHERE DO I PLAY?
The High Country has several places to play pickleball: Ashe Co. Parks and Recreation 626 Ashe Central School Road, Jefferson, NC (336) 982-6185 www.asheparks.com Avery Co. Parks and Recreation 185 Shady St., Newland, NC (828) 733-8266 www.averycountync.gov Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation 145 Park Ave, Blowing Rock, NC (828) 295-5222 townofblowingrocknc.gov Linville Land Harbor 20 Land Harbor Pkwy., Newland, NC (828) 733-5161 www.linvillelandharbor.com Watauga Co. Parks and Recreation 231 Complex Drive, Boone, NC (828) 264-9511 www.wataugacounty.org The Williams YMCA of Avery Co. 436 Hospital Drive, Linville, NC (828) 735-5500 www.ymcaavery.org Buckeye Recreation Center 1330 Pine Ridge Road, Beech Mountain, NC (828) 387-3003 beechrecreation.org
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Disc Golfing in the High Country BY LOGAN PARKS
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ince the 1970s, an adaptation of one of the most popular sports in the world has continued to gain traction in the United States. Historically played with a club, a ball and requiring hundreds of hours of practice to perfect, golf is well known and enjoyed among those young and old — but, what if you swap the club for a disc? This question was asked decades ago by “Steady” Ed Headrick, considered by many to be the father of disc golf, according to the Professional Disc Golf Association. Headrick is known for many contributions to the disc golfing community. Of his dozens of patents, his most notable was the Frisbee, patented in 1966, and used since then by those young and old for passing time outdoors or — in the case of golf’s latest adaptation — sinking a putt on the course. Disc golf, played with flying discs
instead of the traditional equipment, shares much of the same excitement and frustrations as its parent sport, according to the PDGA. From a tee box, players plant their feet, line up the shot and, with a flick of the wrist, toss the disc over hundreds of yards to a target at the end of the fairway. The sport is played and scored almost identically as golf, with a few exceptions being that golf bags, carts and caddies or a hefty bank balance are not required. The sport is easy to learn and accessible to all ages, offering opportunities for the whole family to go outside and enjoy some healthy competition. In the High Country, there are a few locations to enjoy disc golf in the mountain air with the accompaniment of a picturesque view:
HIGH COUNTRY DISC GOLF COURSE The preeminent disc golf course in the High Country, the High Country Disc Golf Course, located at Ashe County Park in Jefferson, is a must-visit for anyone
interested in getting into the sport, or an enthusiast visiting the area. The course offers 18 holes, with the back nine located in the woodland and the other nine located closer to the front of the park. Elevation changes, trees and bushes offer many obstacles and challenges for players. In addition, each hole comes with both an amateur and a pro pad, providing variety to cater to a wide range of skill levels. The home of the High Country Disc Golf Championship, the free course is an ideal place to learn or master the sport. For more information about High Country Disc Golf Course, call (336) 982-6185.
WAHOO’S ADVENTURES Another course great for beginning and intermediate players is located at Wahoo’s Adventures at the New River Outpost at 3380 Big Hill Road in Todd. The course’s nine holes each feature both long and short starting tees, as well as a warm-up hole for people wanting to
prep their throwing arm. The course itself is a nice hike for disc golf players, including a catwalk bridge over the creek. The course is $5 per player but is free for anybody tubing at Wahoo’s, with all proceeds used in maintaining the course. For more information on the course at Wahoo’s Adventures, call (828) 262-5774 or visit www.wahoosadentures.com.
BEECH MOUNTAIN RESORT Featuring 18 holes over hundreds of yards, Beech Mountain Resort’s disc golf course is designed in harmony with the mountain landscape. The course offers scenic views and hikes for players as the make their way through the course’s unique design. Players can take a chairlift ride to get an even better view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, or hike their way for more of a hard-fought victory. For more information, call (800) 4382093 or visit the resort’s website at www. beechmountainresort.com.
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Take to the sky of the High Country BY ABBY WHITT
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ee the changing leaves from far above the tree tops while hang gliding above the High Country. Thermal Valley Hang Gliding, located between Lenoir and Morganton, offers tandem hang gliding, which means that an instructor is with every guest in the sky. Craig Pearson, owner of Thermal Valley and main instructor during slower weeks, said that the company has a 100 percent safety rating since they opened in 2011. “We’ve never had an accident, and I’ve never had someone not enjoy the descent back to the ground,” said Pearson. “Some people say they’re afraid of heights, but I say that’s OK because we’re professional height therapists. Everyone comes down with what I call ‘glider eyes’ — bright eyes and a smile from ear to ear.” Thermal Valley’s 1,500-foot flight is $159 and lasts from 8-12 minutes. Each
THE TATER HILL OPEN
The Tater Hill Open is an annual hang gliding and paragliding competition in Zionville on private property. The site is open to flying from March to November with permission only. The entry fee for the competition is $225 per entry and each pilot must have the proper paperwork, including: -P2 pilot ratings -Current USHPA membership and waiver -Current Tater waiver (part of registration) -USHPA Signoffs: FL, 360, TUR, RLF -Flying hours: 20+ -Flights: 20+ mountain flights from more than 1000 feet above your LZ For more information about Tater Hill, visit http://www.flytaterhill.com. 500 foot altitude increase costs $40 and can add up to five minutes onto the air time. Thermal Valley also offers refresher training for rated pilots, beginner training and solo aero towing. Pearson said that, as a family business, Thermal Valley strives to “make
SUBMITTED PHOTO Hang gliding with Thermal Valley allows visitors and locals alike to experience the Blue Ridge from a unique perspective.
everyone feel like they’ve found new friends by the end of the day.” Find more information on Thermal
Valley’s Hang Gliding and additional services at https://www.thermalvalley. net.
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One last chance for watery fun BY IAN TAYLOR
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he High Country isn’t all mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway — a complex network of rivers, streams and small bodies of water creates a web that can be traversed throughout the area. These waterways range from slowmoving with scenic views to whitewater rafting requiring technique and skill. According to Zaloo’s Canoes Business Manager Gentry Jones, the New River gives visitors a nice opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenery. “It’s not a rough river, it only flows at about two-to-three miles per hour and doesn’t get too deep,” Jones said. “There’s a couple of spots where it can get rough, but even then they’re not really deep enough to do anything. Most of our customers are families, church groups and tourists who want to relax and go down the river in a calm fashion.” Zaloo’s is just one of the many companies in the High Country outfitting visitors with the many different ways to enjoy the waters. Canoes, Kayaks, floats and fishing gear are all used to interact with the area’s aquatics, letting anyone find their favorite way to do so. The fall doesn’t allow for much time to enjoy the potential of the waterways, but there is still enough time to get a few more adventures in before the temperature drops. Among the region’s river outfitters are Wahoo’s Adventures, Edge of the World, High Mountain Expeditions, River and Earth Adventures, Watauga Kayak, New River Outfitters, RiverCamp USA and Zaloo’s Canoes, all of which offer opportunities for those who wish to travel the rivers in the cooling months of fall. For those who want to do some fishing, Watauga Lake, which is located just over the state line in Tennessee, has boat rentals including Bayview Cove Ridge, Fish Springs, Lakeshore, Mallard Cove and Pioneer Landing. Below are 10 different ways to get involved in High Country water activities.
PHOTO BY LUKE WEIR John Cherry paddles his kayak down the South Fork New River along the Camp New Hope property during a Father’s Day kayak race benefitting the nonprofit children’s camp June 16.
Edge of the World 394 Shawneehaw Ave. Banner Elk (800) 789-3343 www.edgeofworld.com/summer/ High Mountain Expeditions 3149 Tynecastle Highway Banner Elk (828) 898-9786, (828) 266-RAFT www.highmountainexpeditions.com Pioneer Landing at Cherokee Overlook 105 Cowan Town Road Butler, Tenn. (423) 768-3164 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 www.rivercampusa.com Wahoo’s Adventures 3385 U.S. 321 Boone (828) 262-5774, (800) 444-RAFT www.wahoosadventures.com Watauga Kayak 1409 Broad St. Elizabethton, Tenn. (423) 542-6777 www.wataugakayak.com Zaloo’s Canoes 3874 N.C. 16 South Jefferson (336) 246-3066, (800) 535-4027 www.zaloos.com New River Outfitters 10725 U.S. Hwy 221 N Crumpler (336) 982-9192 www.canoethenew.com
FIND MORE AT THE MARINAS Another option for some wet and wild fun is the area’s marinas, which open up a whole new world of possibilites: Fish Springs Marina 191 Fish Springs Road Hampton, Tenn. (423) 768-2336 www.fishspringsmarina.com Lakeshore Marina 2285 Highway 321 Hampton, Tenn. (423) 725-2223, (888) 423-3785 www.lakeshore-resort.com Mallard Cove Marina 200 mallard Cove Drive Butler, Tenn. (423) 768-3440 www.mallardcovemarina.com 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 www.coveridgemarnia.com
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Horseback Riding Embracing the mountain spirit on horseback BY KAYLA LASURE
HORSEBACK RIDING IN THE HIGH COUNTRY
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eing in the great outdoors while on the back of a horse is something that’s “good for the soul,” said Abby Hanchey. Hanchey is the co-owner of Leatherwood Mountains — a 4,000-acre resort that is on the border of Wilkes and Watauga counties. The resort offers boarding amenities, trail riding, privately owned mountain homes, wedding rentals and year-round equine events. The resort prides itself on being a horse lover’s paradise. With 75 miles of trails, Hanchey said visitors will experience “true mountain trails” with amazing water and rock features. Leatherwood offers guided trail rides and lead line rides for guests. Those older than 7 can take advantage of one- or two-hour guided trail rides on a horse or a mule. Hanchey suggested wearing closed toed shoes and long pants for rides. Riders must weigh less than 225 pounds and helmets are required for guests riding Leatherwood horses. Children between the ages of 2 and 7 can enjoy lead line rides. Lead line rides use full grown horses led around by a wrangler. This gives riders an experience of riding in a controlled environment, Hanchey said. Hanchey said that the horses Leatherwood uses for rides are geared toward people who do not have a lot of riding experience, and the horses and mules are kind and gentle. “Our horses are like our family,” Hanchey said. “We take a lot of pride in the care of our equine companions.” Leatherwood also offers pasture boarding for $375 a month and full boarding for $500 a month. Boarding
Banner Elk Stables 796 Shomaker Road, Banner Elk (828) 898-5424 www.bannerelkstables.com Burnthill Stables 1102 Burt Hill Road, Laurel Springs (336) 982-2008 www.burnthillstables.com Dutch Creek Trails 793 Rubin Walker Road, Vilas (828) 297-7117 www.dutchcreektrails.com Grandfather Stables 534 Church Hollow Road, Boone (828) 963-5000 www.grandfatherstables.com Leatherwood Stables 512 Meadow Road, Ferguson (800) 462-6867 www.leatherwoodmountains.com VX3 Trail Rides P.O. Box 1154, Blowing Rock (828) 963-0260 www.vx3trailrides.com
PHOTO SUBMITTED Leatherwood Mountains offers trail rides on horses and mules.
includes daily feed and hay as well as access to Leatherwood facilities and trails. People can also rent out stable stalls for their equine companions for $25 per stall per night. For the human guests, Leatherwood has lodging including cabins and campgrounds. Cabins can be rented from one to five bedrooms. The resort also has campground sites with power and
water hookups. Pets are welcome but must remain on a leash. Additionally, visitors can enjoy hiking, a swimming pool, an on-site tennis court, occasional live music, hatchery supported trout waters for fly fishing and a restaurant and bar serving local brews. Hanchey said the restaurant offers family friendly food options. “It’s nice to grab breakfast or a
burger and then go for a ride,” Hanchey said. Coming up, Leatherwood is hosting an Outlander-themed event from Oct. 3-6. Hanchey said the weekend will be centered around the Outlander, a fantasy-type drama series. Later that month, Leatherwood is hosting an Oktoberfest event. Visitors can enjoy craft vendors, pony rides, food and local brews at the Oct. 26 event. Those wanting to go on trail rides at Leatherwood should call in advance to make a reservation. Leatherwood is open seven days a week from 8:30 to 5 p.m. For more information, call (800) 462-6867 or visit www.leatherwoodmountains.com.
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Fall color and water BY ROB MOORE
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all is a favorite time to hike in the High Country. 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 and outdoor lovers in the spring, summer, fall or winter. The trails listed below are just a handful that have water along with some beautiful options for color. Please do your research before you decide to hike and because fall is here there might be a nip in the air, so
dress accordingly. Flip-flops are not what you want to wear on a hike. 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 This trail runs into a boulder hopping waterfall called Hebron Falls. This is a popular hike destination but worth the trek. Price Lake Trail: An easy trail leading around scenic Price Lake for 2.7 miles. If you are lucky the beavers will be working or you might run into the Kingfishers or Blue Herons fishing.
Trailhead is at Price Lake parking area, Milepost 297.0 and you can go either way on the loop.
trail begins and ends in the Crabtree Falls Campground’s parking area, near Little Switzerland, Milepost 339.5.
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.
Crabtree Orchard Falls Trail: Crab Orchard Falls is just up NC 194 in Valle Crucis. It is on the property of the Valle Crucis Conference Center. Look for waterfall parking to the left. St. Johns Church is there as a marker. There is a gravel road behind the Inn to Johnson Hall where you will follow up to a dirt road that has been blocked off and used as the trail. Go up the road and hike the switchbacks.
Crabtree Falls Trail: A strenuous 2.6 mile loop which leads to both the bottom and top of Crabtree Falls. This
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connects with this trail and is a tough trail, so look for the signs to the right going down and not go straight ahead. Huntfish Falls: Moderately strenuous, 1.4 mile roundtrip descends steeply to a big pool beneath a 10 ft. falls. Starts on forest service road 464. The lush forest will yield plenty of fall color and open up at the end with a waterfall.
Tennessee until you get to Poga Rd., turn on Clawson and then onto Dark Ridge Rd. Look for turn on right. The waterfall is actually on the back end of the Pisgah National Forest.
TRAILS FURTHER OUT
Laurel Falls Trail and Appalachian Trail: This is one of the best hikes I have done in awhile. The trail starts close to Hampton, TN. on US 321 and runs along the Laurel Fork of the Doe River. It leads to a beautiful waterfall. This trail starts with a blue marker but runs with the AT for part of its length. The trail is in real good shape and has been maintained. There are two footbridges crossing over the river and will give you great stream shots. The length is right around 5.6 miles round trip.
Compression or Twisting Falls: A waterfall found on the rugged Elk River. It is a 1.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Butler, Tennessee. There are three distinct waterfalls on this section of the river; Elk River Falls, Jones Falls and this one. The trail is difficult to find, really to get to, but it is well worn and steep going down. Remember, you have to come back up. To get there travel Hwy. 321 into
High Shoals Falls Loop Trail: The South Mountains just south of Morganton, N.C. is a state park that many forget about in North Carolina. South Mountains State Park features elevations to 3,000 feet, an 80-foot waterfall, mountain streams and more than 40 miles of trails for hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers. Jacob Fork River runs through this beautiful park.
Harper Creek Trail: Strenuous 6.3 mile trail, connects to 9 other area trails, leading to gorgeous waterfalls, aspiring views, and excellent backpacking opportunities. You will love the options for color on this trail.
PHOTOS BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM Crab Orchard Falls is just up NC 194 in Valle Crucis and is a beautiful waterfall in Autumn.
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The waterfall is roughly 1/2 mile from the start is easy to moderate. Look for the trail that breaks off to the right and follow it down. You will hear the rushing water. This is private property so be respectful and as always – take out what you bring in. Conley Cove: This is a popular trail thanks to its more gradual descent into the gorge. There are plenty of switchbacks for an easier hike but some
areas are rocky. It accesses Rock Jock Trail on the way to the gorge floor. A moderate 1.3 mile hike with good views along the way and always the Linville River at the bottom. Just remember you have to hike back out and the elevation gain is between 800 to 1,000 feet. Spence Ridge Trail: A moderate 1.7 mile descent from the east rim to the gorge floor, this is a well-used access point to the area. Cross the river to connect to the Linville Gorge Trail. The trail has a nice swim hole at the end and the bridge has been out for several years. The Little Table Rock Trail
Come visit us at Eastern America’s Highest Town
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Fall trail hikes Other notable autumn hikes for the outdoor adventurer BY ROB MOORE
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he trails listed below are just a handful, but do your research before you decide to hike. Some are dog friendly, but always bring your leash. Make sure you dress right for the hike. There are plenty of options, so have fun and trek on.
NOTABLE TRAILS • Moses Cone Carriage Trails: Easy to moderate. The Moses Cone Park includes 25 miles of gently sloping carriage trails of varying lengths, available to hikers, joggers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. Most trails begin near the Moses Cone Manor, Milepost 294.0. • 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. • 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. (Note: The bridge is out at the Boone Fork area) • 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, giving 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 -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. A nice place to hang out in the sun. Milepost 305.2. • Southern Ridge: Located in the Emerald Outback on Beech Mountain. The most strenuous of the trails, 1.3 miles, in this system with some cool rock formations. Elk River Valley, Awesome Oz and Pride
Rock overlooks are on this trail. • Elk Knob State Park and Summit Trail: Elk Knob State Park is a hidden state park with a primary trail is called the Summit trail. This 1.9 mile trail climbs from the trailhead parking area to the summit, winding through many swithchbacks along the way. It features one of the highest peaks in North Carolina’s high country at 5,520 feet.
Elk. • Calloway Trail: 0.3 mile strenuous trail that links the Profile Trail (at Shanty Spring) and the Grandfather Trail (at Calloway Gap) • Bottom-to-Top Linked Trail Outing: Profile Trail (3.3 miles) to Calloway Peak (.3 miles) Very strenuous – an all day outing for serious hikers only.
EAST SIDE TRAILS GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN TRAILS PARK SIDE TRAILS • The Bridge Trail: Grandfather’s newest trail begins at the Black Rock Parking Area and meanders through forested areas, eventually traveling underneath the Mile High Swinging Bridge. An easy 30 minute walk. • Black Rock Nature Trail: This self-guided nature trail begins in the parking lot just below Grandfather’s Swinging Bridge and is good for beginning hikers. It’s a 1.0 mile turn-around through the forests of this majestic mountain. Offers an excellent view.
• Daniel Boone Scout Trail: Strenuous. Ascends 2,000 feet in just 2.6 miles (allow 4.5 hours for round trip). Recommended access is from the Boone Fork Parking Area via the Tanawha Trail. Strenuous and steep trail to Calloway Peak, the highest point in the Blue Ridge. • Nuwati Trail: 1.2 miles, easy but rocky. Located 0.4 miles on Tanawha Trail from Boone Fork Parking Area. (Note: Trail is out for repairs) • Cragway Trail: Rocky and strenuous trail that links Nuwati and Daniel Boone Scout Trails. Beautiful views from this trail. 1.0 mile. (Note: Trail is out for repairs.)
CREST TRAILS • Grandfather Trail: This is the big one! It begins at Grandfather Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge and eventually hits all of Grandfather’s three highest peaks. This 2.4 mile trail requires approximately 5 hours of hiking time to travel the entire length. It’s extremely rugged, with only wooden ladders making some sheer cliff faces accessible. It intersects with several other trails at its northern terminus. • Underwood Trail: 0.5 mile bypass around McRae Peak that lets hikers avoid most of the ladders, ropes and/or severe weather on the peak. There is one ladder. Strenuous and rocky.
WEST SIDE TRAILS • Profile Trail: 3.5 miles. The lower part of the trail is an easy out-and-back leg stretcher, but the upper section is fairly strenuous. Links with Calloway Trail/ Grandfather Trail. The trailhead is located just before the Shoppes of Tynecastle on Highway 105 in Banner
LINVILLE GORGE TRAILS • Table Rock Summit Trail: 1.4 miles, moderate. This trail ascends from the Table Rock parking area to the towering, 4,000 foot summit on the rim of the gorge. Views are worth the hike. The Mountains to the Sea Trail uses/crosses over this trail. • Shortoff Mountain Trail: A moderate 10 mile roundtrip starts at the Table Rock parking area. The 2.6 mile trail follows the dramatic edge of the Linville Gorge to Shortoff Mountain, with great views of the gorge, Lake James, and the NC Piedmont and ends at Wolfpit. It also is part of the Mountains to the Sea Trail system. • Hawksbill Trail: This 1.5 mile moderate roundtrip starts on Forest Service road 210. The short steep hike goes to the top of Hawksbill Mountain. The top provides beautiful views of the gorge and back to Table Rock. This is a must see for photographers.
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The Mountains-to-Sea Trail Turning 42 years old and celebrated throughout the state
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riends of the N.C. Mountainsto-Sea Trail invites hikers of all skill levels to help celebrate the trail’s 42nd birthday from Sept. 6-8 by joining one of 33 group hikes in 27 trail towns across the state. From Cherokee to Nags Head there will be hikes from one to 12 miles, through all types of landscape, from easy to strenuous. “This will be a great opportunity to explore North Carolina’s natural beauty with the help of hike leaders who have extensive local knowledge of the trail and area attractions,” said
PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL Markers such as this one note the Mountains-toSea Trail throughout the High Country.
Betsy Brown, Outreach Manager for the Friends of the MST. There will also be a 42-Mile Challenge, starting near Blowing Rock,
to raise funds for the Friends of MST as well as a Hike on Your Own option. Detailed information about all the hikes can be found at moun-
PHOTO BY LUKE WEIR A view of Ashe County during sunset Aug. 9, 2019, as seen from a stretch of the Mountains to Sea Trail at Bluff Mountain.
tainstoseatrail.org/ birthdayhike.
SEGMENTS OF THE TRAIL The following is a list of the 18 segments of the Mountains to Sea Trail across North Carolina, according to mountainstoseatrail.org. Segment 1 — Peak to Peak — Clingmans Dome to Waterrock Knob — 46.8 miles Segment 2 — The Balsams — Waterrock Knob to Pisgah Inn — 63.6 miles Segment 3 — The High Peaks & Asheville — Pisgah Inn to Black Mountain Campground — 71.4 miles Segment 4 — Gorges, Peaks & Waterfalls — Black Mountain Campground to Beacon Heights — 75.3 miles Segment 5 — The High Country — Beacon Heights to Devils Garden Overlook — 90.3 miles Segment 6 — The Elkin Valley — Devils Garden Overlook to Pilot Mountain State Park — 67.4 miles Segment 7 — The Sauratown Mountains — Pilot Mountain State Park to Hanging Rock State Park — 36 miles Segment 8 — Rivers, Railroads and Lakes — Hanging Rock State Park to Bryan Park — 64 miles Segment 9 — Revolution and Textiles — Bryan Park to Eno River State Park — 60.1 miles Segment 10 — Eno River & Falls Lake — Eno River State Park to Falls Lake Dam — 77.6 miles Segment 11 — Neuse River Greenways & the Let’Lones — Falls Lake Dam to Howell Woods — 64.8 miles Segment 12 — Agricultural Heartland — Howell Woods to Suggs Mill Pond Game Lane — 64.1 miles Segment 13 — Carolina Bay Country — Suggs Mill Pond Game Land to Singletary Lake State Park — 38.9 miles Segment 14 — Land of History — Singletary Lake State Park to Holly Shelter Game Land — 65.8 miles Segment 15 — The Onslow Bight & Jacksonville — Holly Shelter Game Land to Stella — 90.6 miles Segment 16 — The Croatan and Neusiok Trail — Stella to Oyster Point Campground — 67.9 miles Segment 17 — Down East North Carolina — Oyster Point Campground to Cedar Island Ferry — 48 miles Segment 18 — The Outer Banks — Cedar Island Ferry to Jockey’s Ridge State Park — 82.2 miles
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The High Country’s beautiful parks and trails COMPILED BY ANNA OAKES
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utumn’s clear skies, crisp air and comfortable temperatures are perfect for the High Country’s year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. Find a park or trail perfect for a leisurely stroll, picnic, bike ride, sports, water play or even camping.
FIND OUT MORE Blue Ridge Parkway (National Park Service) www.nps.gov/blri/index.htm Moses H. Cone Memorial Park www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/ moses-h-cone-memorial-parkmp-294.htm
PARKS The High Country region of North Carolina is home to many parks and dedicated green space areas, from national parks to privately run community parks. Passing just south of Boone is the Blue Ridge Parkway — the most-visited national park in the country, providing access to 469 miles of scenic beauty, overlooks, trails, campgrounds and other facilities across the mountains of North Carolina and Virginia. Two parks that are part of the Parkway system include the beautiful Moses Cone estate and Price Park, offering miles of trails, horseback riding, a campground, canoe and boat rentals, picnic areas and more. In addition, just south of Boone and Blowing Rock, citizens can access the federal lands of the Pisgah National Forest, providing opportunities for hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, hunting, climbing and swimming. The Pisgah National Forest includes the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area — affectionately known as the “Grand Canyon of the East” — as well as the popular Wilson Creek, Harper Creek and Lost Cove areas. State parks in the region include Grandfather Mountain State Park, Elk Knob State Park, New River State Park, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area and
Julian Price Park www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/ julian-price-park-mp-297.htm Pisgah National Forest (USDA Forest Service) www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/ recarea/?recid=48114 FILE PHOTO Zach Brindle, left, and Clara Coffey take a walk with their daughter, Finley Brindle, 2, under the covered bridge on the Boone Greenway Trail.
Roan Mountain State Park. These parks offer opportunities for hiking, picnicking, camping, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, ranger-led programs and special events. Community and local governmentoperated parks in the Boone area include Brookshire Park, Jaycees Park, Junaluska Park, Howard Knob Park, Durham Park at Appalachian State, Valle Crucis Park, Memorial Park in Blowing Rock, Green Valley Park and many others. The parks’ amenities vary, including green space, picnic areas, covered shelters, playing fields, playground equipment, walking trails, stream access and more. In Ashe County, Ashe County Park offers an 18-hole public disc golf course, a skate park, a nature trail, horseshoe pits and other amenities. A gym and ball fields are available at the Family
Central property. Other parks in Ashe County include the Creeper Trail Park in Lansing and West Jefferson Park. In Avery County and areas bordering other counties, there are Waterfalls Park and Riverwalk Park in Newland, Riverside Park in Spruce Pine, TateEvans Park in Banner Elk and Buckeye Recreation Center in Beech Mountain.
WALKING AND BIKING TRAILS In addition to walking paths at the aforementioned parks, the Boone Greenway Trail offers several miles of paved trail in town limits for transportation, leisure and exercise. Access points include the Watauga County recreation field parking areas and Clawson-Burnley Park off of State Farm SEE PARKS ON PAGE 85
North Carolina State Parks www.ncparks.gov Mountains-to-Sea Trail www.mountainstoseatrail.org Ashe County Parks and Recreation www.asheparks.com (336) 982-6185 Avery County Parks and Recreation www.averycountync.gov/residents/ parks_and_recreation/index.php (828) 733-8266 Watauga County Parks and Recreation www.wataugacounty.org/ App_Pages/ Dept/ParksRec/home.aspx (828) 264-9511 Valle Crucis Community Park www.vallecrucispark.org
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PHOTO BY ANNA OAKES Valle Crucis Park is beloved by locals and visitors for its expansive fields, access to the Watauga River, birding opportunities, walking path, picnic shelters and plenty of kids’ activities.
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Road, beside the Moose Lodge on Deerfield Road and at the former Watauga Humane Society parking lot on Casey Lane. From there, the trail can connect with Brookshire Park north of U.S. 421 via New River Hills Road and a highway underpass. The Middle Fork Greenway is a paved hiking and biking trail that will eventually link Boone to Blowing Rock along the Middle Fork tributary of the South Fork New River, providing connections to downtown Blowing Rock, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and the Boone Greenway Trail. The Parkway’s Moses Cone Memorial Park also offers an extensive gravel trail system that is beloved by the area’s many running and horseback riding enthusiasts. And the state’s 1,175-mile Mountainsto-Sea Trail makes a pass through the
High Country, crossing through eastern Avery County, southern and eastern Watauga County and along the southeastern Ashe County border.
CYCLING & MOUNTAIN BIKING The Boone area provides varied terrain and scenic views for amateur and competitive cyclists and is home to several major road events, including the Blood, Sweat and Gears Bike Ride in June, a fundraiser. Rocky Knob Park is a destination mountain biking park located on the east side of Boone, with several miles of intermediate to difficult trails. Beech Mountain offers additional mountain biking opportunities at the Emerald Outback trail system as well as at Beech Mountain Resort. Just across the state line in Mountain City, Tenn., is the Doe Mountain Recreation Area, which offers trails for all-terrain vehicles and mountain biking, with more trails under development.
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Appalachian State football weekend a Boone tradition BY STEVE BEHR
W
hen locals talk about college football in the High Country, they talk about the Appalachian State Mountaineers. App State has been playing championship football in Boone since 1928. More recently, the Mountaineers won the Sun Belt Conference championship game, in Boone, and rolled to a New Orleans Bowl victory in December. The Mountaineers enter a new era of football led by new head coach Eliah Drinkwitz. The Mountaineers return 10 starters on offense and seven on defense, so expectations are high that the Mountaineers can reach their fifth bowl game. Tickets to regular season games are not impossible to get, but the Mountaineers averaged 25,787 fans at Kidd Brewer Stadium (nicknamed “The Rock”), a 30,000-seat stadium located on the Appalachian State campus. The Mountaineers led the Sun Belt Conference in average, attended by 1,331 fans per game over second-place Troy. To get single-game tickets, fans can start by calling (828) 262-2079 or go online to www.appstate.com. Ticket prices range from $30-$40 in seating for both Appalachian State fans and for visiting team fans. “We’ll have temporary ticket booths here for game day,” Appalachian State Athletic Director Doug Gillin said. “We’ll also have opportunities during the week of the game to get tickets and that’s what I would recommend. Just call the Holmes Center ticket office, but we’ll have temporary ticket booth like we have before on game day.” The Mountaineers open their season at home at 3:30 p.m. on Aug.
Returning App State quarterback Zac Thomas scores a touchdown in the Sun Belt Conference Championship Game played at Kidd Brewer Stadium on Dec. 1, 2018.
PHOTO BY STEVE BEHR New Appalachian State coach Eliah Drinkwitz, right, poses with an App State jersey with Appalachian State Athletic Director Doug Gillin.
31 against former rival East Tennessee State. Appalachian State plays at home against in a nonconference game against Charlotte at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 7. The university will honor former coach Jerry Moore at the game on Aug. 31. Moore guided the Mountaineers to three Division I-AA/Football Championship Subdivision national championships from 2005-07. He also coached the Mountaineers to their iconic 34-32 upset win over thenranked fifth Michigan on Sept. 1, 2007. The former App State athletes to be honored, also on Aug. 31, are DaVon Fowlkes (football, 2000-04, Donald Sims (men’s basketball, 2007-11, Bobby Barbera (men’s tennis, 1963-67)
and Jim Whitmer (wrestling, 1963-67). App State will also hold a “White Out” on Sept. 7 against Charlotte. The Mountaineers will wear white jerseys, pants and helmets against the 49ers and fans will be encouraged to wear white clothing in the stands. “We did that about four years ago and it was very well received,” Gillin said. Those are the lone two nonconference home games. Appalachian State also plays three Sun Belt Conference home games, starting on Sept. 28, which is Family Weekend against Coastal Carolina. Gillin said that game is nearly sold out. App State also hosts its Homecoming Weekend Oct. 19 against LouisianaMonroe. Arch-rival Georgia Southern invades Kidd Brewer Stadium at 8 p.m. on Halloween night, which will also be Black Thursday. It will be Heroes Day and Senior Day when Texas State plays at App State at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 23. The Mountaineers, who play in the Sun Belt’s Eastern Division, are hope-
ful to return to the Sun Belt conference title game, which would be played at Kidd Brewer Stadium if the Mountaineers win their division and have a better conference record than the winner of the Western Division. Kidd Brewer Stadium itself is going through a transition period. A massive project that involved the demolition of some dormitories and the construction of a parking deck and an outdoor pavilion next to the stadium is under way, so parking may be at a premium. Most parking lots around the stadium are by permit only. Those who do not have access to permit parking may have to park either in a lot run by a private business or try a lot that is close to a AppalCart bus stop. “There’s parking all over town,” Gillin said. “People will rent parking. Certainly we have our Yosef donor parking, but there are open lots around town. You’ve just got to find one that is on the AppalCart routes, which are the easiest. Driving in and around the stadium, there are pay lots driving in.”
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Tailgating at the Rock BY STEVE BEHR
I
t’s a tradition that goes back for decades. A brilliant autumn day. A big football game to be played. A chance to relive some college memories and gather with friends from the past and the present. And the chance to eat and drink with those friends. The way thousands of football fans do this is, of course, by tailgating. Before the trek to the stadium is done, the trek to the pregame tailgate party comes first for those fans. Pregame at Appalachian State is no different. Whether the food is prepared at home before the trip to Boone, or prepared on grills in the parking lot, there is no shortage of fans having a big lunch before the big game. Fans generally have enough time to make the trip to Boone, be it the Charlotte or the Triad areas, and still be able to have lunch and get to the game on time. Four of the Mountaineers’ home games begin at 3:30 p.m. Another game, App State’s showdown with Texas State on Nov. 23, starts at 2:30 p.m. and the Mountaineers’ game with Georgia Southern on Halloween night begins at 8 p.m. “We want people to arrive early and stay late to avoid some of the congestion because things are going to be more congested, no doubt about it,” Appalachian State Athletic Director Doug Gillin said. “Follow the tailgating rules, have fun and be loud.” Appalachian State’s football tailgating policy states that fans are permitted to just one parking space per car. Fans are allowed to set up a tailgate as long as they don’t block access to another parking space or block other vehicles passing through the lots.
FILE PHOTO BY ROB MOORE App State football fans tailgate at Kidd Brewer Stadium, also known as ‘The Rock.’
Charcoal and propane grills are the only permissible sources for heat for cooking. Hot coals from the charcoal grills must also be completely extinguished with water prior to leaving the tailgating site. Those who consume alcoholic beverages must be of drinking age and must be able to present a valid driver’s license or a photo ID upon request. Bathrooms are available for use in Trivette Hall, Plemmons Student Union, Central Dining Hall and at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Nobody is allowed to enter a residence hall without a proper escort, for safety reasons. Fans are also asked to clean up after their tailgates. Trash bags are also handed out in various parking lots throughout the day and trash containers are located near these lots. Gillin said the biggest change for fans this year is the App State athletic department will be permitted to sell alcohol in Kidd Brewer Stadium. Gillin said the concessions stands would have food and alcoholic beverages available for fans to purchase. “Come in and eat concessions,” Gillin said. “We’ll have all sorts of drinks. We’ll be able to serve alcohol in the stands now. You’ll be able to come on in now and have a beer and some food.”
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Chris Bell’s ‘wMountain Summer’ in oils at the Martin House Gallery in Blowing Rock.
‘Cows in a Field’ by Susan B. Marlowe at Blue Ridge ArtSpace in May.
‘Winter Afternoon’ by Kate Worm in guache and watercolor (30 x 22) at Carlton Gallery.
‘Early Winter Dusting’ by Jason Drake in watercolor on paper is now on display at Blowing Rock Frameworks and Gallery.
The art of the region BY ABBY WHITT abby.whitt@mountaintimes.com
T
he Blue Ridge Mountains are a travel destination during the autumn season because of the beautiful bursts of color that come from the leaves falling from their branches. To capture this annual shift, the High Country nurtures artists and art galleries who cultivate creativity. The historic Martin House, located
in the heart of Blowing Rock, has been showcasing the area’s best and most established artists for more than 30 years, highlighting the best of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The gallery’s art is produced on mediums that are both traditional and abstract, including both canvas and mixed media. Free delivery and installation as well as after hour showings are available SEE ART ON PAGE 91
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at the Martin House by calling the gallery and setting up an appointment. In the heart of Boone, on Shadowline Drive, is Blue Ridge ArtSpace, a hub of local artistic creativity that consists of four speciality galleries. The Main Gallery, the Open Door Gallery, the Serendipity Gallery and the Young Artists Gallery each have new exhibits every month that are celebrated with Second Saturday Celebrations. The Blue Ridge ArtSpace also hosts multiple clubs and classes, which
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include both art and music classes, and is open to the public to browse and visit the gift shop. In West Jefferson, the Florence Thomas Art School strives to instruct, exhibit and nurture the art and heritage of Ashe County. The autumn season brings a barn quilt workshop, new jewelry, Plein Air and portrait painting to the school and gallery. Facility hours are from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. The Florence Thomas Art School is located at 10. S. Jefferson Ave in West Jefferson. To register for workshops or learn more about the art on display, visit www.florenceartschool.org.
High Country art galleries Banner Elk:
Blowing Rock:
Art Cellar 920 Shawneehaw Ave S (828) 898-5175 www.artcellaronline.com Carlton Gallery 10360 Hwy 105 S. (828) 963-4288 www.carltongallery.com Clark Gallery 393 Shawneehaw Ave (828) 898-2095 http://chrisclarkgallery.com Maggie Black Pottery 112-1 Clubhouse Drive (828) 773-2459 http://maggieblackpottery.com/ contact.html Mountain Blue Gallery 151 Shawneehaw Ave. (828) 898-4477 mountainbluegallery.com Sally Nooney Gallery 7143 N.C.-194 (828) 963-7347 www.sallynooney.com Studio 140 at Sorrento’s 140 Azalea Circle (828) 898-5214 www.facebook.com/studio140
Blowing Rock Art and History Museum 159 Ginny Stevens Ln. (828) 295-9099 www.blowingrockmuseum.org Blowing Rock Frameworks and Gallery 7539 Valley Blvd. (828) 295-0041 www.blowingrockgalleries.com Bolick and Traditions Pottery 1155 Main St. (828) 295-6128 www.bolickandtraditionspottery. com Crown Gallery 1153 Main Street (828) 818-0008 https://crowngalleryusa.com Martin House Gallery 1098 Main St. (336) 508-2828 www.martinhousegallery.com
Boone: Blue Ridge ArtSpace 377 Shadowline Drive (828) 264-1789 www.watauga-arts.com SEE ART ON PAGE 92
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ART
303 School Ave. (336) 846-2787 www.ashecountyarts.org Backstreet Beads and Handcrafted Jewelry 111 N Jefferson Ave A (336) 877-7686 https://www.backstreetbeads.com Catchlight Gallery 118 N. Jefferson Ave. 336-846-1551 http://catchlightgallery.net Florence Thomas Art School 10 S. Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-3827 www.florenceartschool.org Originals Only Gallery 3-B N. Jefferson Ave. 336-846-1636 http://originalsonlygallery.com Quilt Square Girls 5 E. Second St. (336) 385-0196 http://www.ilovebarnquilts.com R.T. Morgan Art Gallery & Glass by Camille 120 N. Jefferson Ave. (336) 246-3328 www.rtmorgangallery.com
205 Johnson Lane (828) 733-3144 www.crossnore.org/fine-arts-gallery
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Linville:
Doe Ridge Pottery 585 W. King St. #D (828) 264-1127 www.doeridgepottery.homestead.com Hands Gallery 543 W King St. (828) 262-1970 www.handsgallery.org Jones House Community Center 604 W. King St. (828) 268-6280 www.joneshouse.org Nth Degree Gallery 683 W. King St. (828) 919-6919 www.nthdegreegallery.com Turchin Center for the Visual Arts 423 W. King St. (828) 262-3017 www.tcva.org
Anvil Arts Sculpture Garden and Gallery 9600 Linville Falls Highway (828) 765-6226 www.studiosculpture.com Linville River Pottery 2180 Goose Hollow Rd. 828-387-1944 828-387-1818 www.linvilleriverpottery.com
Valle Crucis: Alta Vista Gallery 2839 Broadstone Road (828) 963-5247 www.altavistagallery.com
West Jefferson: Acorn Gallery 103 Long Street 336-246-3388 http://www.acorngallery.com Ashe Arts Center Gallery
Crossnore: Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery
October 12
Book Signing Crawling Out of the Darkness with Banner Elk author Evelyn Turner 12:00-3:00 pm
October 5
November 29 & 30
Artist Reception Pottery by Bob Meier
Holiday Market
Local and Regional Artists and Craftsmen 1 5 1 S H AW N E E H AW AV E S
|
BA N N E R E L K
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828.898.4477
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M O U N TA I N B LU EGA L L E RY.CO M
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The High Country’s fantastic frescoes BY THOMAS SHERRILL
THE BENJAMIN LONG FRESCO TRAIL
A
rt fans in the High Country have a chance to see the type of painting commonly known as a fresco at three locations in two communities, but all done by one artist. Frescoes are a type of painting that is done on freshly-wet plaster, thus making the painting a part of the walls. The style was popularized in the Italian Renaissance and has fans all over the world. In the High Country, there are three frescoes in three different locations. The first two are part of the same church, but with two different locations in Ashe County. The Parish of the Holy Communion is comprised of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 400 Beaver Creek School Road. in West Jefferson and the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church at 195 J W Luke Road in Glendale Springs. “We welcome visitors to view our Ben Long frescoes and hope you will also join us for worship services,” the Parish states on its website. “We are an inclusive community of diverse backgrounds, united by our love for God and each other.” At St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, artist Ben Long arrived in 1976 to work on a fresco he had long discussed to do. “’The Mystery of Faith was done in the summer of 1977,” St Mary’s website states. “It is said that Ben never quit working on the fresco even during the middle of church. He did stop to accept communion, but then went right back to work.”
FILE PHOTO Ben Long’s work, ‘Suffer the Little Children,’ is on display at Sloop Chapel on the campus of Crossnore School and Children’s Home campus.
In nearby Glendale Springs, The Holy Trinity Church was closed for more than 30 years through the late 1970s when a restoration project started. “As work progressed on the building, the original furnishings were returned. Today the church has its original pews, Altar and candle stands,” the church’s website states. Ben Long then added the show stopper fresco “The Lord’s Supper” behind the altar at holy Trinity in 1980. “Long and 20 of his students spent three months completing the fresco while the church was still undergoing renovations,” the parish stated.”Local people served as models for all the biblical figures except the waiting maid, Judas, Thomas and Christ. Benjamin F. Long was the model for Thomas. In a scrip at the right of the foot-washing bowl, Benjamin F. Long painted a dedication to his father, who died just
as the fresco was being completed.” The two Ashe churches are open 24 hours a day for visitation. In Avery County, the Crossnore community is home to another of Long’s works as the E.H. Sloop Chapel’s “Suffer the Little Children” has been on display since 2006. The Sloop Chapel is part of The Crossnore School, a private, non-profit children’s home and school. “For several years, Crossnore School’s Executive Director, Phyllis Crain, dreamed of transforming the dark, wormy chestnut walls of the campus’s E. H. Sloop Chapel with a Ben Long fresco,’ Long’s website states. “She knew she had to realize her dream when she held a child in her lap at a weekly chapel service. She listened as the little girl told her, ‘I don’ t have anybody who loves me. Even my cat ran away.’” “Completed in 2006, the fresco at
The Blue Ridge Frescoes are located along the Benjamin F. Long IV Fresco Trail. Within the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, there are nine frescoes at six locations: “Mary Great with Child, John the Baptist, and Mystery of Faith” at the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in West Jefferson. “The Last Supper” at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Glendale Springs. “Return of the Prodigal” at the Chapel of the Prodigal of Montreat College in Montreat. “Sacred Dance and the Muses” at the City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium in Morganton. “Suffer the Little Children” at the E.H. Sloop Chapel of the Crossnore School in Crossnore. “St. Paul’s Conversion and St. Paul Writing His Epistles” at the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Wilkesboro, Other frescoes on the trail are located in Statesville and Charlotte. The Crossnore School renders the scripture of Mark 10:14, ‘Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God,’” Long’s website states. “It features children who were residents at The Crossnore School.” “Suffer the Little Children” can be viewed seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on the High Country’s frescoes, visit highcountryhost.com/NC-High-Country-FrescoeTrail-Ben-Long.
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Diverse arts in the High Country BY ABBY WHITT
T
he Schaefer Center on the campus of Appalachian State University offers live theatre productions, comedy shows and musical acts yearround. It is devoted to bringing an assortment of fine art entertainment to Boone and the surrounding region, and contributing to the diversity it promotes is an annual performance series while classes are in session. “This year, students and the community can view the world through the eyes of Celtic, Bollywood and urban contemporary dance or take a deep aural dive into the roots of New Orleans jazz, and it’s essential to us that they be able to do so at affordable costs that contribute to our goal of audience engagement and life-long learning,” said Allison West from the Office of Arts and Cultural Programs at Appalachian State University. “That mission is steadfast.” The Schaefer Center Presents series features a diverse mix of music, dance and theatre. Kicking off the 2019-20 season is Preservation Hall Jazz Band at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27.
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band is the first to perform in the 2019 Schaefer Center Presents series.
Taj Express will perform on Nov. 8. This performance is a high-energy
celebration of new India’s pop music, Bollywood culture and deep tradi-
tions featuring colorful costumes, joyful dance and thrilling live music.
SCHAEFER CENTER PRESENTS 2020 SCHEDULE • On Feb. 5, A.I.M (Abraham in Motion) will perform. A.I.M’s representation of dancers from various disciplines and diverse personal backgrounds create movement that is manipulated and molded into something fresh and unique. • Trinity Irish Dance will take the stage of the Schaefer Center on Feb. 22. This event fusion of Ireland’s vibrant and longstanding dance-form and elements of American innovation, the company dazzles audiences with its hard-driving percussive power, lightning-fast agility and aerial grace. • L.A. TheatreWorks will present the show, “Seven” on March 24. “Seven” is a documentary play by seven female writers who interview seven remarkable women who faced life-threatening obstacles before bringing heroic changes to their respective seven home countries.
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See where to:
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Autumn Times • 2019
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2019 • Autumn Times
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Autumn wonders elevated at
Grandfather Mountain BY JAMIE SHELL editor@averyjournal.com
A
s the Blue Ridge Mountains begin to burst with a cacophony of fall color, Grandfather Mountain is the optimum location for leaf-lookers to see the brilliant change from one of the best leaf-looking destinations in the South. Grandfather Mountain is home to myriad species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beech trees to blood-red sourwoods and rusty red oaks. For a surefire glimpse of the autumnal brilliance, leaf-lookers can partake in Grandfather’s Fall Color Ramble, a series of guided walks through the mountain’s most colorful locations. These easy going rambles, led by members of the park’s naturalist staff, give guests an opportunity to learn more about color change and explore the species of plants and trees native to Grandfather Mountain. Participants will become more familiar with tree identification and will be able to ask questions about the annual colorchanging phenomenon. SEE GRANDFATHER ON PAGE 101
PHOTO COURTESY GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION The splendor of fall begins to unveil at the Mile High Swinging Bridge on the peak of Grandfather Mountain. A popular pastime is watching the fall color as it spreads from the highest elevations of the High Country to the lower-elevation foothills and piedmont regions.
WHERE TO GO, WHAT TO DO AT GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN Grandfather Mountain offers myriad activities that keeps visitors active. From animal habitats to activities throughout the year, the attraction is a haven for first-time and returning visitors alike. The following are some inside tips on how to make the most out of visiting during the fall leaf season to both Grandfather Mountain and the High Country: • Travel on weekdays in mid-October. Visit the High Country on weekdays during October if you can. Attractions, restaurants and hotels are generally close to capacity on peak October weekends, which means that visiting during the week should make for less crowded and hectic and more relaxed trip. • Arrive before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. on peak weekends. For many people, weekends are the only option. If that is the case, the best times to arrive on Grandfather are before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. This will help you avoid long waits and lines. There are other advantages to arriving early. Cool mornings clear the air, making the view across the surrounding mountains the most spectacular early in the day. In fact, early-morning visitors in October have been known to see the skyline of Charlotte, a distance away of 80 miles. In addition, Grandfather’s animal inhabitants are more energetic, alert and playful in the early hours. • On weekend mornings, go to the Mile-High Swinging Bridge first. When traffic delays occur, they usually occur near the top of the mountain, where there are fewer places to park. These traffic problems usually do not develop before 11 a.m. Another way to avoid traffic at the top is to park at the parking area just below the summit and take the Bridge Trail to the top. This 15-minute walk leads visitors to a viewpoint under the swinging bridge before leading them up to the bridge itself. • If spending a few days, make reservations. For assistance in locating lodging and making reservations, the staff at Grandfather recommends that you call North Carolina High Country Host at (800) 438-7500. Direct links to area chambers of commerce are also available by clicking to www.grandfather.com.
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“Our goal is to inspire inquiry,” said Amy Renfranz, director of education and natural resources for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the nonprofit organization that owns and operates the park. “During the ramble, we want our guests to explore more and learn more, so they can fully appreciate the beauty they’re seeing.” From Oct. 1 to 11, guests can enjoy 20-minute guided walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. The walks culminate on from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 12, as guests can meet the park’s naturalists at the Nature Museum to obtain a map and information on where to find the most beautiful fall color. Plus, special programming throughout the day will allow families to explore the natural phenomenon. “If you’re interested in learning about the natural phenomenon of fall colors and the changing of leaves, you’re in luck,” Renfranz said. “The ramble will help bring to light why fall color is such a
PHOTO COURTESY GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION The brilliant colors of fall adorn MacRae Meadows and the peak of Grandfather Mountain, enticing throngs of visitors to visit and see the kaleidoscope of colors.
spectacular time of year.” Those unable to attend the ramble needn’t worry, though. All throughout October and possibly beyond, the mountain will offer an ample display of fall color — even after the local leaves have peaked. “You’re essentially able to see the entire season unfold before your eyes,” said Frank Ruggiero, director of marketing and communications for the Grandfa-
ther Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “Autumn always look spectacular from a mile high.” In addition to the programs offered inside the park in October, fresh fall color photos are posted daily throughout the month on the mountain’s website and social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Across the state of North Carolina, explaining where one lives locally in
proximity to Grandfather Mountain is a surefire way for inquirers to pinpoint what part of the world you are from. Throughout the years, Grandfather has always been a point of reference and one of the state and region’s most precious and sought-after attractions. The great spectacle of Grandfather’s landscape, joined with the chance to come face to face with the fascinating native animals of the Blue Ridge region, is a one-of-a-kind experience. Although Grandfather Mountain is always a great four-season destination for families or outdoor enthusiasts, the mountain always seems to beckon greatest with its splendor of color during autumn. During the fall season, the staff of Grandfather Mountain offers special programming and events that highlight the mountain’s fall features, including its dynamic palette of reds, oranges, yellows and browns that signal the changing of seasons and cooling of climate. Grandfather Mountain is considered one of the greatest destinations from SEE GRANDFATHER ON PAGE 102
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which to view fall colors due to its amazing diversity of plant life on the mountain. As the climate cools, chlorophyll starts to fade from the leaves, allowing the yellow and red pigments that lay beneath the chlorophyll to start showing through. Each of the various species of trees has a subtly different shade of pigment beneath the green, resulting in the range of colors that paints the landscape. One of the reasons that Grandfather’s colors are so magnificent is the diversity of hardwood trees, which tend to produce the most vibrant colors. Yellow
cottonwoods, golden poplar, pumpkincolored beeches, orange sugar maples, red sourwoods, rusty red oaks, crimson huckleberries, wine-colored sweetgums and purple dogwoods all create vivid contrast against the stark, stony face of the mountain. While the fall leaf season lasts only a few weeks throughout the majority of the region, Grandfather’s elevation relative to the surrounding terrain makes it an ideal vantage point to view the changing leaves throughout the entire season. Throughout the season, the view from Grandfather’s peak will reveal the fall colors’ gradual descent from the mountaintops down the slopes and into the valleys and out into the lower elevations to the east.
AUTUMN PROGRAMS AT GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN
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Grandfather Mountain boasts a number of programs year-round to keep individuals and families both well-entertained and well-informed through all four seasons, but particularly for those seeking to view the splendorous sights of the autumn season. Grandfather Mountain’s staff has prepared a range of programs for all ages. These programs are all in addition to the typical programs that are available year-round. Some programs require a registration fee, and it is advised to check with the mountain for price and availability. “Creatures of the Night and Bonfire Delight” event — Sept. 21. As night falls on Grandfather Mountain, guests can enjoy rare after-dark tours, fireside tales and a chance to meet the park’s nocturnal residents. This program may include 1 to 3 miles of moderate activity, and the program is limited to 48 participants. Registration opens Aug. 26, at a cost of $50 standard and $10 for Bridge Club members. “The Fantastic Fall Color Ramble” — Oct. 1 to 12. The flora diversity on Grandfather Mountain makes it a spectacular location for fall color display. Learn more about the great deciduous forest and the science behind the color with a series of guided walks, held daily Oct. 1 to 12 at various locations on the mountain, depending on where fall color is most vibrant. Call ahead or stop by the Nature Museum to see where the day’s walk will start. The Ramble culminates on Oct. 12 with a day full of fall-colorful programs and activities. “A Beary Scary Halloween” — Oct. 26. Visit Grandfather Mountain for a day of nature programs about animals considered creepy and crawly! This fun-filled celebration includes an opportunity to create special Halloween enrichments for the animals and then trick-or-treat through the animal habitats area. Plus, children in costume are admitted at half-price. “All About Elk” educator workshop — Nov. 8. This educator workshop, led by N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission educator Tanya Poole, will focus on elk in North Carolina. A majority of the workshop will be spent learning about the life history and current research on elk, as well as activities that can be incorporated into educational programs. Information on how to coexist with elk will be provided. Participants will also tour the wildlife habitats at Grandfather Mountain with park staff and observe elk up close. This workshop provides six hours Criteria II or III credit toward the N.C. Environmental Education Certification, or 0.6 CEU credit. Join the staff of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission for the opportunity to learn more and have fun, while earning your certification as an environmental education in North Carolina. We offer Criteria I, II and III programs. These adult programs are free of charge, and admission to Grandfather Mountain is complimentary for those attending the course. The workshops will take place at high elevation (4,500+ feet) and will include some walking, so please bring appropriate footwear and be prepared for inclement weather. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch, but there is a restaurant on site in the park’s Nature Museum. The participant limit for each workshop is 25 individuals. Grandfather Mountain offers myriad opportunities for hiking and enjoying the splendor of autumn. For more information on programs throughout autumn on Grandfather, click to www.grandfather.com.
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From monstrous to merry FILE PHOTO Every year, one of Tweetsie Railroad’s locomotives is transformed into a hellish engine of the night for Ghost Train.
Tweetsie offers nighttime Halloween and Christmas event in autumn BY THOMAS SHERRILL
A
s Tweetsie Railroad’s regular day show winds down with Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday open through Oct. 26, the action will transition to the night. Cowboys turn into monsters, can-can dancers transition into ghouls and the Tweetsie Train turns into the Ghost Train on Fridays and Saturdays in Sep-
tember and October. “Autumn is the perfect time to visit Tweetsie Railroad, featuring a family friendly Wild West Adventure during the day and Ghost Train at night,” said Meghan Minton, Tweetsie’s marketing communications director. Tweetsie’s regular hours through Oct. 27 are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ghost Train takes place Sept. 20-21,
27-28, Oct. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26 from 7:30-11:30 p.m., with the first train leaving at 8 p.m. and every 30 minutes afterward. Admittance to the park closes at 10 p.m. “As the sun sets, Tweetsie Railroad transforms into safe, scary fun for the whole family featuring a spooky nighttime train ride on the Ghost Train,” Minton said. “Younger children will enjoy trick-or-treating, the black-light
puppet show and riding on one of the many amusement rides in the Creepy Carnival. And, older children and adults, who are looking for a little scarier experience will enjoy the Haunted House and Freaky Forest.” Tweetsie Railroad doesn’t recommend the Haunted House, the Freaky Forest or the Ghost Train for children SEE TWEETSIE ON PAGE 105
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younger than 8. The Ghost Train theme in 2019 will be “Terror in the Trenches.” “The Ghost Train theme ‘Terror in the Trenches’ alludes to the setting of the train ride, 1918,” Minton said. “Without giving away any spoilers, I can tell you that we will be releasing four trailers prior to the event that will further explain and set the background leading up to the first night of the event.” After Halloween, the park will become turn into a winter wonderland as Tweetsie Christmas returns for its third season. Debuting in 2017, Tweetsie Christmas became an instant hit, with Santa in his gingerbread house, a Christmas variety show in the Tweetsie Palace and much more. “Tweetsie Christmas is a fairly new event at Tweetsie Railroad,” Minton stated. “Last year, two child-friendly amusement rides and an additional snow globe were added. Lights and additional scenes are continuously improved and expanded from year to year.” “Tweetsie Christmas is the perfect way to celebrate the Holidays with your family and loved ones,” Minton added. “Ride behind a historic narrow-gauge steam locomotive among thousands of twinkling lights, meet Santa Claus, tour his Gingerbread House, enjoy a live Christmas Show and step into a larger than life snow globe.”
FILE PHOTO No. 12 crosses the trestle during Tweetsie Christmas in 2017.
Tickets for Ghost Train and Tweetsie Christmas each are $44 for adults, $38 for children ages three to 12 and kids two and under admitted free. A limited number of guests will be admitted nightly and many nights sell out in advance. To purchase a ticket, visit www. tweetsie.com or through our call Tweetsie’s order line at (877) 893-3874.
FILE PHOTO The giant snow globe has been a popular attraction at Tweetsie Christmas in the last three years.
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Heart of the country BY CARTER NORTH
T
he general store has functioned as the nucleus for small towns in America for more than a hundred years — before, even, there were roads to connect them. Essential to an agrarian society and long before the days of hulking box stores, the general store was vital for the people of any rustic community. These stores held, and the ones that remain today still hold, an extensive assortment of provisions, offering everything from fan belts to candles and cradles to caskets, earning the adage “If you can’t buy it here, you don’t need it.” A century ago, residents of rural towns, on their way back to the farm, would find themselves at the general store for important food staples and myriad household supplies used for any and all projects. While doing this, customers often spent time conversing at the counter or, more
commonly, on the porch — an important feature of any general store that offers space for citizens to connect with one another. The High Country has made an effort to save its many general stores, as they are as useful today as they were long ago. These stores practice the philosophy of carrying the basic necessities for members of the community and the ones you will find in the High Country sell seasonal essentials to those that find themselves in the mountains.
Mast General Store The Mast General Store, located in downtown Boone and Valle Crucis Annex are quite popular in The High Country. Combined, these stores have served the needs of the community for 136 years. Opened in 1883 and run by the Mast FILE PHOTO SEE HEART ON PAGE 109
Fred’s General Mercantile in Beech Mountain.
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family, the store has provided essentials of the community while acting as a cultural hub for the people of the area. Today the Original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis still offers 5 cent cups of coffee and serves as the post office for the area while containing a massive selection of clothes, hiking gear, home decor, candy and more. Mast has made a continual effort to remain indispensable to the High Country. The Original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis is located on Hwy. 194 at Broadstone Road in Valle Crucis and is open from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information call (828) 963-6511. The Mast 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 and Margie Pfohl have operated their general store on the top of highreaching Beech Mountain since 1979. This year, the couple was awarded with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, Since 1963, North Carolina’s governors have reserved this award as the highest honor for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments. Uniquely, this general store acts as a full grocery, keeps fresh fruits and vegetables in stock as well as a wide variety of items, stretching from gourmet food items to cans, boxes, beer and wine and a large selection of candy. The store also serves as a location to buy hardware supplies, tools, clothes, amenities and more. The Pfohls have lived above their store for many years, solidifying the atmosphere of a family business. Fred’s General Mercantile is open from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Attached to this store is The Backside Deli, a sandwich shop that also offers ice cream, cookies, alcoholic beverages and
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pizza. Fred’s also contains a full ski and snowboard shop that witnesses heavy traffic during the winter season. The ski and snowboard shop is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information of Fred’s General Mercantile call (828) 387-4838.
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The Old Hampton Store Linville’s Old Hampton Store and Barbecue has grown in popularity from its Summer Concert Series and constant musical events. The concerts, which occur every Thursday night during the summer are free and open to the public. This general store also features and operational tavern, art gallery and on-site grist mill that grinds fresh cornmeal. The store transacts food, antiques and assorted supplies. The Old Hampton Store is located at 77 Ruffin Street in Linville and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. while its restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information call (828) 7335213.
Todd General Store The Todd General Store is the oldest store in Ashe County still in operation. The store holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places and, for more than a century, has been a location of congregation where tales are traded and bonds are built, according to the National Register of Historic Places. The store was created by two brothers, Walter and Monroe Cook, in 1914 under the name Cook Brothers General Store. This store was the last of 13 stops for the train that ran from Abingdon, Va., to the Elkland Station inside Todd. The Todd General Store works to provide a snapshot of simpler times inside the rustic country towns of North Carolina. Distinctively, this general store hosts local and regional authors for book signings on Saturdays. Todd General Store offers lunch and dinner, sells antiques, various provisions, apparel and a popular selection of cinnamon buns. The store is located on Railroad Grade Road in Todd, alongside one of the most popular bike routes in North Carolina.
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Antiquing IN THE HIGH COUNTRY BY DEREK HALSEY
F
or Jill Reeves, the owner of the Appalachian Antique Mall, located in downtown Boone, her journey into the world of antiques began during World War II. Back then, when she was just a child, her mother ran what was called then a “second hand store.” During wartime, many goods, ingredients and various items were rationed and so second hand stores were needed to recycle goods that were sparse. Reeves wasn’t interested in searching for items to sell as a youngster, but she did develop an interest in history later on, including the unique historical stories associated with certain antiques. All of this happened up north in the state of Wisconsin. As with many others who live here in the High Country, Reeves’ life story eventually led to the mountains. “Although I never remember going ‘junking’ with my Mom, I’ve always been interested in history and I love to learn the history of antiques and tell the stories about them,” said Reeves. “So, I had an appreciation for older things. Then, my grandmother passed away and I got some of her things, and evenSEE ANTIQUING ON PAGE 114
PHOTO BY DEREK HALSEY Antiques at the Appalachian Antique Mall.
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tually I was given some of my parent’s things. I was an antique dealer after that for about 20 years in Madison, Wis., just kind of on the side because it was fun.” Reeves’ husband landed a job at the Lowe’s Hardware headquarters in Wilkesboro, N.C., years later and he was eventually relocated to Mooresville, N.C. In the meantime, Reeves was running antique stores here in Boone. “There is no place better in the world than Boone,” said Reeves. “The weather is pretty darn good. The people are incredibly wonderful and they are kind, aware of the environment and try to take good care of it. Because the town wants to make things environmentally friendly, the air is good. And, I love it here because I have a cabin on the river. My section of the Watauga River has seven waterfalls and a swimming hole as well. So, for me, there is no place better.” Reeves and her Appalachian Antique Mall is just a part of the world of antique shops located here in the High Country. From Boone to Blowing Rock to Banner Elk and many other places in the surrounding countryside, there is a lot to search for when it comes to antiques. The stores found in this area range from the high end antiques collected from all over the country and the world found at The Gilded Age store near Seven Devils to places such as the Consignment Cottage in Banner Elk, where folks bring in their antiques to sell when moving or trying to make room for new items. Throughout the region, there are also many small antique stores that specialize in old time items found locally. All of this adds up to the fun experience of antiquing in the High Country. Another favorite antique store found in downtown Boone is Antiques on Howard, located at 199 Howard Street. This establishment is run by Charlene Headley. “My parents would go to thrift shops
PHOTO BY DEREK HALSEY For Jill Reeves and her Appalachian Antique Mall is just a part of the world of antique shops located here in the High Country. From Boone to Blowing Rock to Banner Elk and many other places in the surrounding countryside, there is a lot to search for when it comes to antiques. Reeves poses with her daughter, Sam Reeves.
and my Dad was very handy so he would find items we needed around the house and he would redo them,” said Charlene Headley. “I still have some of those things that he worked on.” In 1991, Headley and her husband moved to Boone from Florida after both had spent years in the banking business. It is a fascinating tale of saving up money and wanting to leave the more urban rat race behind to find
a simpler way of living in a more rural setting. “We just decided that we wanted a change in lifestyle,” said Headley. “My husband, Larry said, ‘Why don’t we go and see if there are some businesses for sale in western North Carolina somewhere and make a lifestyle change?’ So, that is what we did. We went down to Cullowhee and found a bicycle shop for sale. Then, we decided to buy a bicycle
business in Boone. Unfortunately, Larry passed away in a motorcycle accident in 1999 and I was reeling, trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life. I kept running the bike shop for a while, employing ASU students who loved getting paid to work on bikes. I had a young manager who was very good at it, but then he died in a car accident on Shulls Mill Road on SEE ANTIQUING ON PAGE 115
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Mother’s Day. But as time went by, I knew that I still loved antiques.” Headley found herself walking into the local antique store often and she eventually set up her own little booth. That led to securing a bigger booth and that led to being partners and eventually she bought the whole Antiques on Howard business. During the years, Antiques On Howard has become a mellow, interesting and fun place to shop. “Years ago, I had just bought a bunch of stuff from someone when a gentlemen walked in that was carrying a Jack Daniels bottle,” said Headley. “It was a green label bottle that had a cork on top of it and not a cap. I didn’t need any more items as I had too many, but he offered $15 for the bottle and I bought it. I looked it up online and the bottle turned out to be from one of the earlier productions by the Jack Daniels Distillery. I think they called it the famous
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Number 8 series. I sold it for close to 400 bucks. Not that it was a million dollar deal or anything, but finds like that make me happy.” Occasionally, among the daily tourists and regular customers who show up at the shop, a famous person will walk in off the street. “We get a lot of people who come year after year,” said Headley. “I recognize them and some of them have become actual friends. Antique people are really different because they look for antique shops. I try and say hello to them when they come in through the door and have a conversation with them once they are inside. I’ve also had people come in here that were performing at Appalachian State, as in they were on the schedule at the Schaefer Center or stadium on a Friday or Saturday night. Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town came in a few summers ago. She has a trailer that she tows behind their tour bus so that she can collect antiques as she travels. She loves mid-century modern pieces, as in the 1950s stuff. Singer Melissa Etheridge came in one time as
well, but I wasn’t working that day. I was bummed!” Antique sellers and antique store owners have to keep up with the trends happening in the antique would so as to survive in a fluctuating climate. Long time antique buyers, casual TV watchers and students fuel the changes. “These days, many of the people that come in are minimalists,” said Reeves. “That is when they buy vintage CorningWare. CorningWare does not use Teflon in it, and yet you can cook with it on the stovetop, bake in it in the oven or use it in the microwave. The dishes have nice, big handles on them. The cookware material in CorningWare was made by a Dow–Corning engineer named S. Donald Stookey by accident in the 1950s. The company made nose cones for testing rockets. But, one day they overheated this material up ohotter than 900 degrees and it turned white. They took it out of the oven and it dropped onto the floor yet did not break. He said, ‘I think we have something here.’” According to Reeves, antiquing is
changing with the times. “Younger people now, who have never fully been into antiques at all because they like the new hip stuff, are now minimalists who do not like clutter,” said Reeves. “Some of them only want things that have a use. They don’t want nice china with gold trim on it because you can’t put it in the dishwasher. So, now my dealers are getting rid of their old dishes and the prices are incredibly low because they are not as popular. Currently, they are buying the old multi-use CorningWare. You have to sense when the peak of the trend happens because after that, the prices go down quickly as everyone moves on to the next big thing. The TV ‘fixerupper’ shows are also influencing the market and things like barn wood are hot. Old signs and old advertising tins are still collectable as well.” No matter what kind of antiques you are looking for, or if you simply want to peruse the shops and see what moves you on any given day; a trip through the mountains in search of antique shops can lead to some excellent adventures.
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Autumnal ales in the High Country BY IAN TAYLOR
For more information, you can go to their website, booneshine.beer, or call (828) 386-4066.
A
utumn is a top-four season for beer, with many new brews coming out every year using spices and flavors to compliment that changing leaves. The High Country is home to numerous breweries willing to take chances and craft golden brews to match the fall leaves.
KETTELL BEERWORKS
APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN BREWERY Appalachian Mountain Brewery, or AMB, is a staple of Boone life. With more than 100 beers and ciders to choose from, you can always try something new at AMB, and maybe find something you love. Their numerous beverage options include the famous Boone Creek Blonde, Porter and the Spoaty-Oaty as flagship year-round brews. They also have some seasonal beers on tap such as the C.R.E.A.M. coffee and doughnut infused milk stout, which is a collaboration with fellow Boone staple Local Lion. AMB also has events every week including open mic nights, fundraisers and charitable endeavors. For more information, you can go to their website, amb.beer, or call (828) 263-1111.
BLOWING ROCK BREWING In its 12 years of brewing, Blowing Rock Brewing has stuck to its core values of capturing the finest qualities of the High Country and sustainability. Their Oktoberfest brew is a fall seasonal creation, a Märzen style beer with notes of breaded caramel, the Mountain Shadow Black IPA with toasted nut and hop-centric flavors while the Red Rider is malt driven and deep amber-red in color, with moderate hop intensity. The Red Rider is just one of six of their brews
PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR The facade of New River Brewing.
The Banner Elk brewers feature three tiers of alcohol by volume and a few seasonal beers. The variety allows for new drinkers to find their niche, or challenge themselves to go higher. Their Vonderbier is a contemporary Munich style lager with a color resembling a Fall leaf, the Speak Easy carries a whopping 10 percent ABV along with its bourbon barrel aged Baltic porter flavors and their Oktoberfest beer features hints of caramel and pretzels. For more information, you can go online to their website, www.kettellbeerworks.com, or call (828) 8988677.
LOST PROVINCE to win medals at the Carolina Championship of Beer Awards. Blowing Rock Brewing uses only locally-sourced materials and recycles as much as they can, priding themselves on sustaining the land that provides so much for their products. For more information, you can go online to their website, blowingrockbrewing.com, or call (828) 414-9600.
woods Campfire, a traditional Scottish ale with smoked hops, adding a hint of smokiness perfect for drinking by the fire. Boondocks is home to both the Brew Haus and a restaurant section, so those who just want to drink and want a bite are covered. For more information, you can go to their website, www.boondocksbeer. com, or call (336) 246-5222.
BOONDOCKS BREWING Boondocks is a constant presence in the West Jefferson and Ashe County communities, and their beers reflect that. The brewery has released beers like the Blue Ridge Brutal Brown, which celebrates the endurance of the annual Blue Ridge Brutal Bike Race, the West Jefferson Centennial Ale, which was first brewed for the celebration of West Jefferson’s 100th Anniversary and the Crumpler Crippler Citra IPA, named after the community in Ashe County. Also on tap is their Back-
BOONESHINE BREWING COMPANY Founded in 2015 by two friends who like beer, Booneshine is known for limited runs and beers that get the job done. Booneshine produces a lot of beers that aren’t around long, such as the Hatchet Coffee Porter, a collaboration with the Hatchet Coffee company in Boone, the 3150 Ale, named after the elevation of the brewery and the Nuclear Seahorse, a New England style pale ale with three different hops.
Downtown Boone’s microbrewery, just the names of some of Lost Province’s beers will make you want to get lost in their menu. The Bless Your Heart Blonde Ale is the easy-drinking beer anyone can enjoy during lunch or after a hard day’s work. Hipster Juice is a New-England style IPA which is dry-hopped twice for pineapple, passion fruit and mango flavors. A chance to mix up your Fall drinking tastes comes with the Tyrannosaurus Mex, a Mexican lager with lime and sea salt. You can also grab a bite to pair with your beer, with wood-fired pizzas, meat and cheese boards and classic pub fare lining the menu. Lost Province takes buying from local farmers very seriously, so you might end up sitting next to the person who grew your dinner. For more information, you can go online to their website, lostprovince. SEE ALES ON PAGE 121
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ALES
chomper.com, or call (404) 769-1439.
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NEW RIVER BREWING
com, or call (828) 265-3506.
MOLLEY CHOMPER Molley Chomper is based out of Lansing in Ashe County, and has a passion for making delicious ciders that people will love and show off the fruit and farmers of the southern Appalachia region. Some of their ciders include the Porch Swing, which is made with wild crab apples that grow up the hill from their farm, the Mountain Maelstrom, which uses fruit grown in Ashe and Watauga Counties and the Hopped Molley, which is made with a little bit of hops for an added bonus. Molley Chomper takes a lot of pride in using fruits, berries and other ingredients that they get from local farmers in Ashe and the surrounding counties, saying that they want to know who’s growing their product. For more information, you can go online to their website, www.molley-
Founded by the father-and-son team of Greg and Adam Hershner, the Lansing-based brewery quickly became a staple in restaurants and stores in the area. Now in West Jefferson, the brewery has expanded to a whole restaurant, with food to compliment their beer. Some of their beers include the Tipsy Kilt, with flavors of toffee, vanilla and dark fruit which spent over 200 days in a bourbon barrel for maximum flavor, their Rye R Squared, an amped-up version of a traditional English barley wine and the Hopsessive Compulsive which combines fruity notes with a bitter backbone. Outside of their own building, New River’s brews can be found in establishments throughout the High Country such as The Rock and Macado’s in Boone, and Carolina Country Wines and Craft Beers in West Jefferson. For more information, you can go to their website, newriverbrewing.beer, or call (336) 846-2739.
FILE PHOTO A flight of craft beer, like those found at the High Country’s breweries.
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Patio Dining Available 9239 Valley Blvd Blowing Rock, NC 28605 828.414.9230 | www.greenparkinn.com
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W indwood Home & Home Décor Fabulous Furniture at Fantastic Prices Huge Selection
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Open Mon. - Sat. 10:00-5:30 | 828.295.9600 7531 Valley Blvd, BLOWING ROCK | Located in the Food Lion Shopping Center Visit BRASS EXCHANGE HOME located in Charlotte at the Arboretum Shopping Center
2019 • Autumn Times
STAINED WITH SASHCO’S CAPTURE® AND CASCADE®
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From the vine
High Country quenches your winery needs BY KAYLA LASURE
F
or those wanting to relax with a glass of wine while looking out into a beautiful vineyard in the autumn season, Grandfather Vineyard and Winery is your destination. Grandfather Vineyard is located in Banner Elk and offers five acres of grapevines while producing 5,000 cases a year, according to Assistant Tasting Room Manager Christine Fronzaglia. Whether a visitor wants to sip on wine in the tasting room or take a stroll by the Watauga River, Grandfather offers an enjoyable experience for all. What sets Grandfather Vineyard apart from other High Country wineries is the variety of products it offers, Fronzaglia said. While others may have eight or 10 wines on the menu, Grandfather will often offer a fair amount more, including dry reds, dry whites, sweet wines and a few ciders. People can enjoy wine flights with four different tastings, or full wine tastings with a souvenir glass. Full bottles are also offered for purchase. Grandfather Vineyard is child and pet friendly, as long as pets are on leashes. Walk-ins are welcome and reservations are not needed, but the tasting room is first come first serve. “Our staff are friendly and will answer any questions you have about wine in general, our wine or things to do in the area,” Fronzaglia said. On site, Grandfather Vineyard grows crisp dry white grapes used to make such as pinot gris and chardonnay, as well as hybrid grapes including vidal blanc, chambourcin, St. croix, chardonelle, marquette and foch. Grapes not grown on site are brought in from other North Carolina locations or
PHOTO COURTESY OF GRANDFATHER VINEYARD AND WINERY Grandfather Vineyard and Winery offers a variety of wines for customers.
California. All of the wine is made at the Grandfather vineyard though. This includes all of the crushing, pressing, fermenting, bottling and labeling processes. Going into the fall season, Fron-
of September to early November, vineyard employees will be using their own grown grapes or bringing in grapes for the wine making process. The wine making process takes place on site, and customers can watch the operation to learn how it’s done. Grandfather is open seven days a week: noon to 6 p.m. during Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. From December to May the establishment is closed on Tuesdays. From May through October, Grandfather offers music in the vineyard every Saturday and Sunday, Fronzaglia said. She added that food truck by Eleven80 Eatery has offered food to guests during the summer, and may continue through the fall season. For more information on Grandfather Vineyard and Winery, visit www. grandfathervineyard.com.
zaglia said the vineyard will likely produce a cabernet franc, a cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc and a petit verdot. Autumn also starts the harvesting season for Grandfather. Fronzaglia said that toward the end
HIGH COUNTRY WINERIES Banner Elk Winery and Villa 60 Deer Run Lane, Banner Elk (828) 898-9090 bannerelkwinery.com
Thistle Meadow Winery 102 Thistle Meadow, Laurel Springs (800) 233-1505 thistlemeadowwinery.com
Grandfather Vineyard and Winery 225 Vineyard Lane, Banner Elk (828) 963-2400 grandfathervineyard.com
MenaRick Vineyard & Winery 328 Luffman Road, Ronda (336) 328-7038 menarick.com
Linville Falls Winery 9557 Linville Falls Highway, Linville Falls (828) 765-1400 linvillefallswinery.com
Roaring River Vineyards 493 Brewer Mill Road, Traphill (336) 957-2332 roaringrivervineyards.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF GRANDFATHER VINEYARD AND WINERY Grandfather Vineyard and Winery has five acres of grapevines.
a t r e b
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fall
e l C e
2019 • Autumn Times
PHOTO COURTESY OF AUTUMN AT OZ ON FACEBOOK Celebrate the 80th anniversary of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ with Autumn at Oz for two weekends at Beech Mountain.
Festivals in the mountains BY ABBY WHITT
BEECH MOUNTAIN KITE FESTIVAL Join Beech Mountain on Aug. 31Sept. 1 in the town meadow for the Mile High Kite Festival. The festival includes music and demonstrations from the Wings Across Carolina Kiting and Okra
Society of Charlotte and the Richmond Air Force Kite Club of Virginia. Prizes for the biggest kite, smallest kite and best decorated kite will be awarded. Other activities include foot races, face painting and kiddie rides. This festival is free, but some activities, such as the kiddie rides, require cash. There will be a variety of craft and
food vendors onsite, and the meadow is in walking distance of downtown restaurants.
THE WOOLLY WORM FESTIVAL The Woolly Worm Festival returns for its 42nd year in Banner Elk on Oct. 19-20. The event features live music, arts and crafts, food vendors,
a children’s area featuring inflatables and of course the famed Woolly Worm races. The winning worm receives a $1,000 prize and winter weather predicting rights. Each Woolly Worm Race costs $5. Parking is free, but fills up quickly. SEE FESTIVALS ON PAGE 130
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Visit us year round 8:30am to 5:30pm - Mon. - Sat ashecountycheese.com | 106 E. Main St. West Jefferson NC | 336-246-2501
High Country Rental OFF-ROAD VEHICLE RENTAL We are the only company to provide off-road vehicles for short term rentals. All our vehicles are toop of the line vehicles from Polaris and Honda CFMoto. 828-737-3017 highcountry@hcdlsnc.com www.hcdlsnc.com
RENTAL RATES: Includes Full Gas Tank, Delivery & Pick-up For a Polaris Ranger 570 Crew (4PAX+6PAX) Weekend (Fri-Sun) - $500 Weekly (Mon-Sun) - $750 For a Polaris RZR 900 Crew (4PAX) Weekend (Fri-Sun) - $600 Weekly (Mon-Sun) - $850 Weekdays Only (Mon-Thurs) - 399 *Minimum 2 Day, No Exception
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WE OFFER BETTER SERVICE - BETTER QUALITY Call For Appointment 828-737-3060 • 888-504-0910 We Service All Domestic & Import Cars, SUVs, Trucks NC Inspection Station
2019 • Autumn Times
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Spruced Boutique has options that will give you a chic new look for any occasion. We feature a trendy collection of women's clothes, shoes, and accessories, all of which are available in our stores or online.
We love being the place women can go in both Banner Elk and Spruce Pine to ďŹ nd the hottest new fashion, and we can't wait to share that with you.
Two Convenient Locations Banner Elk Shoppes at Tynecastle 4501 Tynecastle Hwy. #4 Downtown Spruce Pine 171 Locust St.
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FILE PHOTO The Blue Bear Mountain Music Festival offers hot air balloon rides at the annual event that takes place Sept. 5-7 in Boone.
FESTIVALS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 127
Attendees should bring cash for parking in pay-topark lots. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-12 and children age 5 or younger are admitted for no charge. This event will take place at the Banner Elk Elementary School at 185 Azalea Circle in Banner Elk. Find more information about The Woolly Worm Festival at highcountryhost.com/Woolly-Worm-Festival-Banner-Elk-NC-Oct-19-20-2019.
Jewelry, Watches, and Repairs in Store. Hawkins Jewelers 255 W. Main St. | Mountain City, TN 37683 423.727.1600
THE MUSIC FEST AT BLUE BEAR MOUNTAIN Blue Bear Music Festival is held on the 155 acres of the Blue Bear Mountain Camp in Boone on Sept. 5-7. The festival features local artists and nationally recognized acts, including Cane Mill Road, Dr. Bacon, Mel Jones and His Bag of Bones, The Reckoning and Handle Bar Betty. Visit the website for a full list of this years’ musical acts. There are activities for children and even the famed hot air balloon rides. For more information on the Blue Bear Music Festival, visit musicfestatbluebearmountain.com.
WILKES COUNTY QUILTERS, INC. QUILT SHOW The Wilkes County Quilters, Inc. Quilt Show will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, at The Stone Center at 613 Cherry St. in North Wilkesboro. Vendors include Ashe Sewing Center, Berry Patch, The Cotton Quilt, Gloria Sews, Sew Blessed Quiltworks and Sew Original. There are door prizes for both days, and there are two grand prizes. The first is a Janome Sewing Machine with an extension cable, carrying case and quilting kit, and the second is a gift box of assorted fat quarters. For every $10 spent with vendors, participants receive one ticket to be entered into the quilt raffle. For more information, visit wilkesquilters.org/quilt-show.
AUTUMN AT OZ The Autumn at Oz Festival will be open for two weekends in September to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the classic film. All audience favorites will be in attendance, including the Scarecrow, TinMan, Lion, Munchkins and Toto. The first weekend of celebration will be Sept. 6-8, and the second weekend will be Sept. 13-15. Parking for the festival is in Beech Mountain at 889 SEE FESTIVALS ON PAGE 132
2019 • Autumn Times
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R
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Tent Sites $18-$25
Cabin Rentals $59-$129
RV Sites $35-$42
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le View Road, Banner Elk, NC 28604 www.grandfatherrv.com
120 Campground Rd. Vilas, NC 28692 828-297-3486 • vanderpoolcampground.com • 321-271-8068
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FESTIVALS
HIGH COUNTRY AUTUMN FESTIVALS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 130
Elderberry Ridge Road, with a shuttle service available to the entrance of Oz. General Admission tickets are $55. With GA tickets, attendees can explore the Autumn at Oz Festival. The Movie Exhibit and Showcase Saturdays experiences are not included. Purchase additional tickets for these events online at www.landofoznc.com. Tickets for the Movie Exhibit are $10 online and $15 at the door. Tickets for the Showcase Saturdays are $25 online and $30 at the door. The VIP Experience tickets are $65 and includes the Movie Exhibit, which holds original costumes, props and film memorabilia, and Showcase Saturdays where the audience can hear from original cast members and see special presentations related to the movie. Showcase Saturdays are held at the Cannon Student Center at Lees-McRae College in Evans Auditorium. For more information, visit www. landofoznc.com.
Banner Elk The Woolly Worm Festival — Oct. 19-20
Boone Blue Bear Music Festival — Sept. 6-7
Beech Mountain Autumn at Oz — Sept. 6-8 and Sept. 13-15 Mile High Kite Festival — Aug. 31-Sept. 1
West Jefferson On the Same Page Literary Festival — Sept. 17-21
Blowing Rock The Blowing Rock Music Festival — Sept. 14
Wilkesboro Wilkes County Quilters, Inc. Quilt Show — Sept. 6
ON THE SAME PAGE FESTIVAL
PHOTO SUBMITTED The scarecrow in front of the Ashe County Arts Council building with author Georgann Eubanks, Arts Council Board of Directors President Ed Perzel and Ellie Perzel, chairwoman of the On the Same Page Literary Festival in 2018.
West Jefferson’s On the Same Page Literary Festival will return for its 12th year on Sept. 17-21 at the Ashe County Public Library. This festival offers opportunities for readers to interact with authors who are scheduled to do readings, host workshops and speak at keynote events. Authors scheduled for the festival include Ronni Lundy, Beth Macy, A.J. Mayhew, Alan Michael Parker, Stephanie Powell Watts, Diane Chamberlain, P.T. Deutermann, Georgeann Eubanks, Robert Gipe and Jaki Shelton Green. “This festival is for adults, young and old. The festival always gives my
creativity a boost. It is truly inspiring to meet and hear from authors about their works and writing processes,” said Suzanne Moore, librarian at Ashe County library. “There are a variety of genres featured, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry — something for everyone.” Most events are free and open to the public. Some may require reservations. For more information or to make reservations, call Ashe County Arts Council at (336) 846-2787.
THE BLOWING ROCK MUSIC FESTIVAL The 6th annual Blowing Rock Music SEE FESTIVALS ON PAGE 134
Official Woolly Worm Festival of NC • October 19 & 20, 2019 • Banner Elk, NC All proceeds are given back to the community to enhance our schools, children’s programs, and to promote businesses and tourism in Avery County.
WORM RACES • CASH PRIZES • CRAFTS • FOOD • RIDES • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Saturday’s Winning Worm Wins $1,000 Sunday’s Winning Worm Wins $500 COST/ADMISSION:
Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 9am - 4pm
Adults $6.00 • Children (6-12) $4.00 • 5 and under FREE
www.WoollyWorm.com • www.AveryCounty.com
Please NO PETS
Except for Woolly Worms, of Course!
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le n ab sig cc e pe r D Im rio te In Full Line of Outdoor Furniture • Home Accessories • Over 30 Years Experience 11 miles from Boone on Highway 105 South 5320 Highway 105 South • Banner Elk, NC Mon-Sat 10am - 5pm • OPEN ALL YEAR • 828.963.6466
Liv e M us ic
Visit Our Tasting Room Monday-Saturday 12-6, Sunday 1-5 225 Vineyard Lane, Banner Elk, NC • 828.963.2400 visit our website for full music schedule www.grandfathervineyard.com
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PHOTO SUBMITTED Children young and old have a blast each year at the annual Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival. This year’s event occurs Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19 and 20, at Historic Banner Elk School.
FESTIVALS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 132
Festival will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, come rain or shine at The Blowing Rock Attraction at 432 Rock Road in Blowing Rock. Advance tickets are $25 per person and $35 at the gate. Children 12 years old and younger are $10 per ticket. Entertainers include The Harris Brothers, Jeff Little Trio, Wayne Henderson, Soul Benefactor and more. To purchase a ticket, call The Blowing Rock Attraction at (828) 295-4812.
CAROLINA IN THE FALL MUSIC AND FOOD FESTIVAL Hosted by the Kruger Brothers, the Carolina in the Fall Music and Food Festival will feature local headliners, food, workshops and friendly competitions in downtown Wilkesboro on Sept. 20-21. Tickets allow full access to the festival grounds for both days, access to food trucks and access to the beer and wine garden. One ticket can be purchased for $40 or two for $70. VIP tickets grant access to the Carolina Jam on Saturday evening for $140 per person. Children are admitted for free with the purchase of an adult ticket. For a full list of musical acts, stage times and to purchase tickets, visit carolinainthefall.org.
ART ON THE MOUNTAIN AUTUMN LEAVES FESTIVAL In Mount Airy, the Autumn Leaves Festival brings together music, art and food to offer something to everyone. There is live music every day of the festival at the Old-Time/Bluegrass Bandstand, located at the intersection of Rawley Avenue and N. Main Street. This is a family-friendly festival with a small-town atmosphere and unique food trucks. This festival is free and open to the public from Oct. 11-13. For more information, visit www.autumnleavesfestival.com.
BRUSHY MOUNTAIN APPLE FESTIVAL Organized by the Brushy Mountain Ruritan Club, the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival is open and free to the public, and 100 percent of the proceeds from the festival goes back into the community. In the past, over 100 civic, church and other nonprofits have had booths at the festival to accompany the musical acts on four stages and art booths. The festival happens rain or shine on Oct. 5 in downtown North Wilkesboro. Of course, local apple growers will be selling their products, such as cider, jam and dried apples. To learn more, visit www.applefestival.net.
VALLE COUNTRY FAIR The traditional Valle Country Fair will take place at
9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19. Admission to the fair is free, and parking is $10 per personal vehicle, $25 per small bus or van and $50 per large bus or coach. Food vendors will include BBQ, chili, stew and fresh baked goods. Crafts are handmade and include a wide variety of items. For more information, including a list of musical acts, visit www.vallecountryfair.org.
MOUNTAIN HERITAGE FESTIVAL Join craft and food vendors on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 10 a.m. to celebrate Appalachian culture right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Sparta. The festival highlights music, dancing, handmade arts and crafts, festival food and The Possum Queen Contest. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, visit highcountryhost.com/MountainHeritage-Festival-Sparta-NC-Sept-21-2019.
OLDE TIME ANTIQUES FAIR Visit downtown West Jefferson on Friday, Sept. 20, from 1-8 p.m. and on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. to experience the 6th annual Olde Time Antiques Fair. This outdoor festival features vendors of antiques both old and new, primitive elements and decor and live music. For directions and more information, visit www.oldetimeantiquesfair.com.
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Autumn Autumn Times Times •• 2019 2019
PAGE PAGE 136 136
High Country
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM
HALLOWEEN BY ABBY WHITT
BANNER ELK TRUNK OR TREATING One of the most popular family Halloween events in the North Carolina High Country is Banner Elk’s Trunk or Treat. At the historic Banner Elk School on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 5-8 p.m., children and adults can come dressed in costumes for a fun trick-or-treat experience from the trunks of vehicles. The festivities include a costume contest for kids, and a separate contest for fourlegged friends. Be sure to check out the haunted house and hay rides. Come early for free face painting from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.bannerelk.com.
BEARY SCARY HALLOWEEN Join Grandfather Mountain for Beary Scary Halloween, a full day of nature programs about animals considered creepy and crawly on Saturday, Oct. 26. This fun-filled day begins at 10:30 a.m. and includes an opportunity to create animal enrichments for the park’s enclosures, trick-or-treating through the animal habitats and a costume contest. Plus, children in costume are admitted at half-price. For more information, visit https://grandfather.com.
BUCKEYE-NEER HAUNTED EXPERIENCE Beech Mountain Buckeye-Neer Haunted Experience returns on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 5-8 p.m. at the
Buckeye Recreation Center. Enjoy a haunted house, trail or treat, food and other spooky activities at the Buckeye Recreation center atop Beech Mountain. For ages 12 and under. For more information, visit http://beechrecreation.org.
BLOWING ROCK HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL Take part in Blowing Rock’s Halloween Festival in Downtown Blowing Rock from 3-8:30 p.m. on Oct. 26. There are free activities at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum and park games, trick-or-treating, movies and a Scavenger Hunt. The highlight is the Monster March, where all the kids get to take over Main Street for a costume
parade! For more information, visit http://www.townofblowingrocknc. gov/visitors/visitor-s-information/ blowing-rock-events.
TRICK OR TREAT HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR The stores of the Tanger Outlets in Blowing Rock will host a Monster Challenge Scavenger hunt from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, where families can find fun clues and complete a scavenger hunt for a chance to win a $100 Tanger Shopping Spree! A variety of fun activities are planned for the family such as a costume contest, a Touch-A-Truck meet and greet with local fire and police and SEE HALLOWEEN ON PAGE 137
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PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL Halloween enthusiasts fill downtown Blowing Rock during the Oct. 27 Monster March of 2018.
HALLOWEEN
House transforms into a silly and spooky haunted house with plenty of tricks and treats for kids of all ages. The Jones House lawn is a hub for actionpacked activities, including give-aways from Appalachian State athletes. For more information, visit http://www. joneshouse.org/booneboo.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 136
even a monster mash dance-off in the courtyard. For more information, visit the Tanger Outlets in person or online at https://www.tangeroutlet.com/ blowingrock/events/october.
THE HAUNTED FACTORY BOONE BOO! Join in the games and crafts at the Watauga County library in downtown Boone to kick off the 20th annual Boone Boo! on Oct. 30. King Street, from Appalachian Street to Waters Street, will be closed during this event. The festivities begin at 4 p.m. with a magic show at the library, then con-
SUBMITTED BY THE HAUNTED FACTORY Live actors from the Haunted Factory keep guests in suspense and terror.
tinue from 4:30-6:30 p.m. as the Jones
This only haunted house attraction in West Jefferson features actors who provide the memorable frights and delights. Opening weekend for the Haunted Factory beings at 7 p.m. on Sept. 28 and Sept. 29. For opening weekend, the Haunted Factory will offer half-priced tickets for members of the military and first responders. Regular admission
is $10 per person, and it is open every Friday and Saturday. Steve Farrington, founder, says that the Haunted Factory is for everyone. “We get people of all ages coming through, from ages 7 or 8 to people in their 80s,” Farrington said. “I think we have such a huge audience because we’re still kind of an old-school haunted house. We’ve always had live actors, and some weeks we’ll have more than others — you never know when something’s going to jump out at you.” This year, there’s a new variation of the foot path that customers follow, a Tunnel of Terror and an extended building for even more frights. For more information, visit https://www. SEE HALLOWEEN ON PAGE 138
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PHOTO BY MONTY COMBS | GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION Kodiak, one of Grandfather Mountain’s resident black bears, enjoys a pumpkin enrichment treat during the park’s 2018 Beary Scary Halloween festival.
HALLOWEEN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 137
thehauntedfactory.com or find them on Facebook.
HILLSIDE HORROR Hillside Horror opens its 10th year anniversary on Friday, Sept. 13, at a new location found at 2122 Hoots Road in Roaring River, close to Wilkesboro. Take a hayride into the darkness and escape at Hillside Horror if you dare. The haunted hillside farm is open 7-11 p.m. every Friday and Saturday from Sept. 13 through November. For more information, visit Hillside Horror at http://hillsidehorror.istemp.com/index.html.
PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL Seven-year-old Charlotte Hill of Blowing Rock shows off her scary Halloween costume for 2018 at the Tanger Outlets Halloween event in Blowing Rock.
PUMPKIN PATCHES AND CORN MAZES BOOger Hollar Pumpkin Patch in Boone The BOOger Hollar Pumpkin Patch offers pumpkins of all sizes and color, haybales and Indian corn. This farm is ideal for smaller children. Adult admission is $5 and child admission is $3. Find BOOger Hollar at 1046 Deerfield Road. in Boone.
New River Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch in Deep Gap The Brown Family Farm is located just outside of Boone and offers a pumpkin patch, corn maze, haunted corn maze, tractorpulled hay rides and train ride. The New River Corn Maze opens the first weekend of September, with the hours of 10 a.m. to dark on Fridays and Saturdays and 1 p.m. to dark on Sundays. Children under the age of 5 are admitted free. Separate tickets for the hay ride and corn maze are $7 per adult and $5 for students and children older than 5. A combo ticket can be purchased for $10 per person. Pumpkins are priced by size. For additional information, visit www.newrivercornmaze.com/about-us.html.
Ashe County Corn Maze in West Jefferson
PHOTO BY KAYLA LASURE Connor Kelley, 1 year and 8 months old, dresses up as a lion for Halloween 2018 at Boone Boo!
Ashe County Corn Maze will open Sept. 21 and close after dusk on Oct. 28. Found at 2152 Beaver Creek School Road. in West Jefferson, this corn maze is open from 3 p.m. to dusk on Fridays, 10 a.m. to dusk on Saturdays and noon to dusk on Sundays. Tickets are $10 per person above the age of 3, and All Activity Passes are $20, which includes the corn maze, a you-pick pumpkin patch and tractor hay rides. New this year is a paintball shooting gallery, a pumpkin cannon that shoots up to 600 feet, a bicycle maze and a covered pumpkin lot. For more information, visit the Ashe County Corn Maze online at www.ashecountycornmaze.com.
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HighCountryNC.com
live the adventure Elevate Your Vacation Plans! Unique and varied menu offerings that you’ll want to experience again and again!
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Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar
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2019 • Autumn Times
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Autumn Times • 2019
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2019 • Autumn Times
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The Banner Elk Café is an ultimate dining experience located in the heart of downtown Banner Elk. A charming café, rustic bistro and brand new tavern are rolled into one.
• Largest Patio in the High Country • Trivia Tuesday • Karaoke Thursday • Live Music Every Friday & Saturday
Tavern Fall Promotions SOCIAL SUNDAY: $4 Well Drinks & Mimosas
MONDAY: $10 Pizza and Pints (small pizza & a pint) $2 Domestics
TUESDAY: $1 Off Dra s All Day + Triva 7-9pm
WEDNESDAY: $1 Off Wine (glass or bo le)
THURSDAY: $1 Off Cra Beer + Karaoke 9-11pm
FRIDAY: $1 Off Specialty Cocktails + Live Music 6-10pm
Visit our website, facebook and instagram for event schedule updates and food specials. Open 7 Days a Week • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 324 Shawneehaw Ave S, Banner Elk, NC 28604 • (828) 898-4040
www.BannerElkCafe.com
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828-264-7772
970 Rivers Street • Boone Follow us on facebook for our daily food and drink specials
Indoor or Outdoor Dining www.cafeportofino.net
Home of the Famous Bagelicious
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OLD DOWNTOWN LOCATION Dine-in • Take Out • Delivery and Catering
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2019 • Autumn Times
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High Country Advertisers
INDEX
4 Seasons Vacation Rentals ............................. 43 A Flooring Outlet .......................................... 121 Abbey Carpet ............................................... 70 Antiques On Howard ...................................... 41 Antiques On Main ......................................... 116 Appalachian Antique Mall ............................... 40 Appalachian Regional Healthcare System ......... 86 Ashe Chamber Of Commerce .......................... 43 Ashe County Arts Council ............................... 43 Ashe County Cheese ..................................... 128 Ashe County Historical ................................... 43 Avery County Chamber ................................. 132 Banner Elk Cafe ............................................ 143 Banner Elk Olive Oil ....................................... 48 Barnett’s Guns ............................................... 83 Bernhardt ....................................................... 3 Blackberry Creek Mattress Company ......... 45, 103 Blowing Rock Art/History Museum .................. 95 Blowing Rock Attraction ................................... 6 Blowing Rock Chamber Of Commerce ............. 112 Blowing Rock Estate Jewelry ............................ 42 Blowing Rock Frameworks .............................. 23 Blowing Rock Furniture Gallery ......................... 17 Blue Ridge Energy ........................................ 102 Blue Ridge Soap Shed ................................... 129 Boone Bagelry ........................................40, 144 Brass Exchange, The ..................................... 124 Brushy Mountain Powersports ......................... 53 Bull’s Western Store ........................................ 13 Cafe Portofino .............................................. 144 Caldwell Chamber Of Commerce ......................87 Cardinal, The ............................................... 142 Carlton Gallery ............................................... 21 Carter County Tourism .................................... 86 Casa Rustica Of Boone Inc .............................. 140 Cha Da Thai ................................................... 41 Chetola Resort At Blowing Rock ....................... 111 Classic Stone Works ...................................... 118 Cobo ............................................................ 41 Corriher Tractor Inc Dba Bob Cat Of Lenoir 106, 107 Crossnore .................................................... 113 Crown Gallery .......................................... 90, 91 Cumberland Marketing .................................. 72 Dewoolfson Down .................................... 45, 55 Dianne Davant ......................................... 45, 98 Doe Ridge Pottery .......................................... 40 Dutch Creek Trails .......................................... 44
Echota .....................................7, 45, 76, 77, 148 Engle & Volkers ............................................. 25 Ensemble Stage ........................................... 129 Family Billiards ........................................ 45, 141 Farmers Rentals & Power ............................... 122 Foscoe Realty Rentals .................................... 147 Freds General Mercantile ................................. 81 Gaines Kiker ................................................. 42 Glendale Springs Inn ...................................... 38 Grandfather Mountain ................................... 101 Grandfather Mountain Campground ............... 131 Grandfather Vineyard ............................. 45, 133 Green Park Inn ............................................. 123 Greenhouse Crafts ......................................... 43 Gregory Alan’s .............................................. 42 Habitat For Humanity ..................................... 49 Hawkins Jewelers ......................................... 130 Hawksnest .................................................... 69 High Country Dealership ..........................49, 128 High Country Vacation Homes ..................... 10, 11 Highland Outfitters .........................................27 Holiday Inn Express ....................................... 43 Honda Of North Carolina ............................... 135 Incredible Toy Company ..................................37 Jenkins Realtors ............................................. 33 Kincaid .......................................................... 3 Lakeview Nursery ...........................................47 Leatherwood Mountains ................................. 79 Lees Mcrae College ........................................ 70 Linville Area Mountain Properties .................... 62 Linville Land Harbor .................................. 60, 61 Lost Province ................................................ 40 Makoto’s ..................................................... 140 Mast Farm Inn ............................................... 44 Mast General Store .....................................2, 44 Mayflower ................................................... 141 Mitchell County Chamber ................................ 31 Mountain Blue Gallery ............................... 48, 92 Mountainbound Fly Guides ............................. 26 Mountain Home And Hearth Inc ................. 38, 115 Mountain Jewelers ......................................... 49 Mountain Lumber ......................................... 117 Mountainside Lodge Bed And Breakfast ........... 42 Mountain Outfitters ........................................ 13 My Best Friends Barkery ................................. 48 Mystery Hill .................................................. 35 New Lifestyles Carpet One ............................. 115
New River Building Supplies .......................... 125 North Wilkesboro Tourism ............................. 131 Originals Only ............................................... 43 Over Yonder ................................................. 44 Paramount Motors ........................................ 146 Parker Tie ..................................................... 43 Parkway Craft Center .................................... 108 Pedalin Pig .................................................. 144 Perry’s Gold Mine ......................................... 121 Poppy’s Wildcraft ...........................................47 Premier Sothebys International Realty .............. 39 Proper ...................................................40, 142 R.t. Morgan Art ............................................. 43 Ram’s Rack .................................................... 41 Recess ........................................................... 15 Red Onion Cafe ............................................ 140 Remax Realty Group ...................................... 85 Rivercross ................................................ 29, 44 Schaeffer Center ............................................ 89 Sears Spruce Pine ...........................................47 Shoppes At Farmers Hardware ................... 40, 97 Six Pence Pub ............................................... 141 Skyline Telephone Corp ...................................97 Snowy Mountain Christmas ............................. 49 Spruced Boutique ......................................... 129 Stonewall’s ............................................ 48, 144 Sugar Mountain Golf ...................................... 65 Sugartop Resort ........................................... 109 Tapp Room .................................................. 141 Tatum Galleries ...................................... 45, 133 Taylor House Inn ............................................ 44 The Art Cellar ................................................ 93 The Cabin Store ............................................ 119 The Gamekeeper Restaurant ..................... 71, 142 The Jones House ............................................ 86 The Pet Place ................................................. 22 The Woodlands Bbq ..................................... 142 Tom’s Custom Golf ......................................... 59 Town Of Seven Devils ..................................... 46 Tweetsie Railroad ......................................... 105 Valle Crucis Conference Center ........................ 44 Vanderpool Campground .............................. 131 Vannoy Properties ........................50, 74, 75, 139 Village Jewelers .............................................. 41 Watauga County Christmas Trees ......................37 Westglow Spa ............................................... 99 Yellow Mountain ............................................ 49
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Autumn Times • 2019
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