Autumn Times 2023

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Discover more than 66,000 square feet of quality furniture at discounted prices. Located near Hickory, North Carolina — an easy and convenient drive from Charlotte, Greensboro, and Asheville.

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Fall in the High Country... A season like no other

Welcome to autumn in the High Country.

The fall season in Western North Carolina is unlike anywhere else in the Old North State. Whether you are a short-term visitor or a long-term resident, autumn in the High country is truly like nowhere else in the nation.

Many visitors during this time of year make the region their destination for the simple pleasure of looking, as in leaf-looking. Each fall, a natural vibrancy descends on our mountain home, shifting the palette from green on green to one bursting with color.

Couple those breathtaking sights and experiences with the down-home hospitality of our mountain towns and their people, our overnight offerings, culinary enticements and hundreds of thousands of acres of activities indoor and out, and you have the makings of a perfect fall vacation.

This 2023 Autumn Times edition contains all the stories, tips and information you’ll need to navigate each of these venues, and also serves as your guide to the outdoor activities and sports, attractions, arts and nightlife that make the region a complete fall destination.

And for those looking for the up-to-the-minute information on our region’s ever-evolving offerings, Mountain Times Publications has you covered with its myriad websites, covering Avery County (averyjournal.com), Watauga County, (wataugademocrat.com and mountaintimes.com) as well as Ashe County (ashepostandtimes.com) and our seasonal companion website, highcountrync.com

Enjoy your time in the High Country. We’re glad you’re here, and we look forward to seeing you again in a few months for Winter Times.

Autumn Times

Staff Box 2023

PUBLISHER

Gene Fowler

EDITORS

Moss Brennan, Jamie Shell and Nathan Ham

LAYOUT Meleah Bryan

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Jeff Winebarger

WRITERS

Lexie Carroll, Patrick McCormack, Erin Isley, Barb Holdcroft, Derek Halsey, Lily Kincaid, Jillyan Mobley and Jordyn Daniels

SALES

Tim Walker, Mark Mitchel, Teresa Laws, Austin Fowler, William Becker and Henry Volk

COVER PHOTO Courtesy of Mystery Hill

Numbers of Note

WATAUGA COUNTY

Watauga County Sheriff’s Office

(828) 264-3761

Boone Police Department

(828) 268-6900

Blowing Rock Police Department

(828) 295-5210

UNC Health Appalachian

(formerly ARHS) Police

(828) 262-4168

Appalachian State University

Police

(828) 262-8000

ASHE COUNTY

Ashe County Sheriff’s Office

(336) 846-5633

Jefferson Police Department

(336) 846-5529

West Jefferson Police Department

(336) 246-9410

AVERY COUNTY

Avery County Sheriff’s Office

(828) 733-2071 ext. 1208

Banner Elk Police Department

(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 Department

(828) 898-4349

Beech Mountain Police Department

(828) 387-2342

HEALTH CARE

Watauga Medical Center

(828) 262-4100

Cannon Memorial Hospital (Linville)

(828) 737-7000

Ashe Memorial Hospital (Jefferson)

(336) 846-7101

FastMed Urgent Care (Boone)

(828) 265-7146

Blowing Rock Medical Park

(828) 295-3116

ANIMAL CONTROL

Watauga County Animal Control

(828) 262-1672

Watauga Humane Society

(828) 264-7865

Animal Emergency & Pet Care Clinic of the High Country

(828) 268-2833

Ashe County Animal Control

(336) 982-4060

Avery County Humane Society

(828) 733-9265

2022

UPDATE: Townhomes At Brookshire Continues to Provide New Construction Options in the High Country

“An innovative community where sunrises and sunsets are exquisite, and stars are the only sounds at night. ... homes are contemporary and innovative. The grounds are safe and pristine. It is a community with a happy heartbeat and visionary professionals.  From reservation to closing, my experience was seamless.  This is an oasis tucked on the top of a mountain.”

Beth C.

When looking for a mountain getaway, we were so excited to find Townhomes At Brookshire – great location, mountain views, new construction, perfect size – and we were not disappointed! We were so pleased with the process from contract to construction to closing.  The team was easy to work with, responsive, and professional.  Our home is well-built and the property well-maintained.  We appreciate the partnership and guidance from everyone involved.”

Sue D. and Lynn T.

“I’ve loved living in the Townhomes At Brookshire community for the past two years. It’s perfectly located close to town, but it still feels like you are in the countryside. I’ve seen it grow in amenities and landscaping, both of which add value and beauty to the community. I’m so thankful to call it my home.”

Savannah S.

Developers with RCPBD Investments, LLC have completed construction in phase I and 2A of Townhomes At Brookshire, with the completion of 66 new townhouses to date and underway with phase 2B. This is a community with 206 homes proposed, located 4/10ths of a mile on the left past the Appalachian State University soccer fields off Brookshire Road.

Developers Rick Miller (Owner of Miller Properties Inc.), Patrick Morgan (with Keller Williams High Country), Chris Hodges (Owner of Chris Hodges Construction, LLC), Dan Nguyen and Bryan Pitts partnered to purchase the 95.12 acre property in January 2020 for the project. Miller said he and his partners had recognized for years that there was a need in Watauga County for this type of housing.

“The project is designed and marketed to serve individuals and families who seek moderately priced housing that is convenient to town, parks and amenities,” according to the project’s proposal. Morgan said the project was created to assist individuals at all stages of life. Those looking to buy their first home, those retiring and anyone who would like a home where outside maintenance is provided.

“It’s our attempt, although hard because of pricing in our area ··· at trying to make a more affordable housing project,” Morgan said. Prices start in the mid $300s; with options available for one, two and three-bedroom with and without garages. New Construction contracts and reservations for phase 2B are being accepted for meadow sites and lots with views.

Approximately 15% percent of the 95.12 acre property will be developed, which Miller said will leave room for amenities like hiking trails to accompany the existing dog park.

The best way to learn more about this project and availability is to call Patrick Morgan at: (828)-773-2960 or visit www.townhomesatbrookshire.com.

Avery County’s

Avery County’s

Dining

Dining Catering

Catering

The High Country’s Premier Steak & Seafood Restaurant

• Dinner nightly from 5pm

• Martini & Meatloaf Mondays with $7 house martinis and comfort

food specials

The High Country’s Premier Steak & Seafood Restaurant

The

• Martini & Meatloaf Mondays with

food specials

• Tuesday – Specialty burger night

• Private room available

• “Avery County Chamber

Business of the Year”

828-898-5550

High Country’s Best Choice for Event Catering

$7 house martinis and comfort

catering

The High Choice

• Parties of all sizes

• In-home catering

• Fully insured and licensed

• Tuesday – Specialty burger night

• Fully insured and licensed

• Wednesday – 25% off bottles of wine

• Wednesday – 25% off bottles of wine

• Private room available

• Largest mobile kitchen in the High Country

• “Avery County Chamber

Business of the Year”

828-898-5550

828-898-5550

344 Shawneehaw Ave. South, Banner Elk stonewallsrestaurant.com

344 Shawneehaw Ave. South, Banner Elk stonewallsrestaurant.com

• Creativity, excellence

• Parties

•

• In-home

• Fully insured

• Largest mobile kitchen in the High Country

828-898-5550

344 Shawneehaw Ave. South, Banner Elk stonewallsrestaurant.com

828-898-5550

344 Shawneehaw stonewallsrestaurant.com

High Country Host can help plan your trip

ALEXIS CARROLL

Planning a trip to the High Country can easily feel overwhelming, especially with so many activities to do in the area. Visitors, look no further for a great resource for organizing and planning a visit.

High Country Host — a nonprofit regional welcome center — is the answer to any questions you might have about lodging, food and events going on in the area.

The pandemic caused a slight decline in tourism, but now more than ever, people are traveling to the mountains for fresh air, nature and newfound communities.

For visitors of the High Country, High Country Host can assist them in many ways when planning their trip — from finding lodging to suggesting local and

affordable dining to recommending engaging events.

“A lot of people are really overwhelmed when they start looking online for lodging,” said Candice Cook, the Executive Marketing Director at High Country Host. “They don’t know where the different towns are, or how close they are to the attractions they want to visit.”

On weekends with big events going on, such as the Highland Games at Grandfather Mountain, finding somewhere to stay can be quite difficult. High Country Host maintains a list of cancellations at various hotels and cabins in the area so they can help find somewhere to stay in last-minute situations.

High Country Host also makes a list each week of all of the events that are happening in the area. Cook said that even locals stop by their office to pick up a copy of the list.

If you stop by the High Country Host office, you can find a large variety of brochures and maps. “We have regional maps, free state maps, which people are shocked still exist,” Cook said. “And we also have a very good selection of hiking maps.”

With so many hiking trails all over the High Country, these maps certainly come in handy.

High Country Host also keeps their website up-to-date with events and other information for visitors in the area.

According to Cook, time management when it comes to planning a trip is something that High Country Host can help tourists with. She said that many people don’t realize how close or far away different attractions are from one another, and how much time they need to spend there to get the full experience.

“It’s really beneficial that people come in here at the beginning of their vacation

and not the end,” Cook said.

Naturally, the No. 1 attraction in the High Country is the Blue Ridge Parkway, according to Cook.

“The Blue Ridge Parkway is what created the High Country region,” she said. “A lot of people don’t know that because it connects all of these towns together.”

In Cook’s opinion, Beech Mountain is the most underrated part of the High Country. “They have more hiking trails up there than anywhere else in the High Country,” Cook said. “They also have the great little lake up there where you can rent a canoe and they have free fishing poles.”

With so much to do in the area, High Country Host can help everyone with their mountain getaway. “We learn something new every day here,” Cook said.

For more information, call (828) 2641299 or visit highcountryhost.com.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

North Carolina High Country Host operates the Official Regional Welcome Center located on Highway 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock, within view of N.C. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost Exit 291.

Area Chambers of the High Country

ASHE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Ashe County, home to both the towns of Jefferson and of West Jefferson, is just about as far as you can go in the High Country before entering Southwestern Virginia. The county is considered, in many respects, a step back in time to the way the Appalachian Mountains used to be. The chamber can direct travelers through the scenic and sparsely populated area of Christmas tree farms and rugged mountain landscapes, while offering a wide selection of brochures and maps.

01 N. Jefferson Ave., Suite C West Jefferson, N.C. 28694 (336) 846-9550

www.ashechamber.com

AVERY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Avery County Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is conveniently located in the Shoppes at Tynecastle at the intersection of N.C. 105 and N.C. 184. The center offers information on lodging, dining, attractions, shopping and other businesses in Avery County.

4501 Tynecastle Highway, Unit No. 2 Banner Elk, N.C. 28604 (828) 898-5605

www.averycounty.com

BANNER ELK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Located in the heart of town, the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce in Avery County promotes the area as a unique place to live in, work and visit. Information on area lodging, dining, shopping and more is available Monday through

Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and all the time by visiting www.bannerelk. org.

100 W. Main St. Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828) 898-8395

www.bannerelk.org

BEECH MOUNTAIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Whether you’re looking for a North Carolina mountain vacation full of adventure, or just a few days to relax and breathe the fresh mountain air, Beech Mountain, at an elevation of 5,506 feet, will give your soul something to smile about. Beech Mountain, which straddles both Avery and Watauga counties, offers plenty of activities and attractions for the whole family to enjoy, but also plenty of peace and quiet for a relaxing and rejuvenating time.

403-A Beech Mountain Parkway

Beech Mountain, NC 28604

(828) 387-9283

www.beechmountainchamber.com

BLOWING ROCK

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Blowing Rock in considered one of

the crown jewels of the Blue Ridge. Its chamber of commerce knows this tightknit community as no one else, and its representatives are always willing to share this knowledge with visitors. Aside from general information, lists of camping and fishing sites, and brochures, the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce also has a generous stock of menus from the town’s many eateries.

132 Park Ave.

Blowing Rock, NC 28605

(828) 295-7851

www.blowingrockchamber.com

BOONE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is one of the High Country’s most active, with both a dedicated membership and an overall commitment to the betterment of the area as both a vacation destination and business hub. Located in the heart of Boone, the chamber is an ideal place to stop for information on area activities, brochures and maps of the community.

579 Greenway Road Suite 101

(828) 264-2225

www.boonechamber.com

FILE PHOTO

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of its new location with a ribbon cutting event at the new office last March.

LEARN MORE: MYSTERYHILL.COM

High Country Towns

High Country towns are special in many ways. From Newland in Avery County, Boone in Watauga County, and West Jefferson in Ashe County, there’s a little something for everyone. In the fall, expect busy roads — especially in October — as the High Country is a hot spot for leaf lookers to come look at the fall color.

ASHE COUNTY JEFFERSON

Jefferson, the county seat of Ashe County, is home to roughly 1,600 residents within the town limits. The town was first founded in 1799 and was named after then Vice President Thomas Jefferson. The town was originally called “Jeffersonton” for a short period of time and originally encompassed approximately 50 acres of land.

Now, Jefferson is home to the Ashe County Courthouse, Ashe County Park, the Ashe County Law Enforcement Center as well as numerous restaurants, shops and stores. The town also has the restored 1904 Courthouse listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The old courthouse is currently home to the Museum of Ashe County History, right next door to the Jefferson Police Department.

WEST JEFFERSON

The bustling downtown area of West Jefferson is one of the most popular destinations in Ashe County. West Jefferson currently has around 1,300 residents that live within the town limits and has a wide variety of shops, art galleries, local restaurants and much more that bring tourists to the area. The Ashe County Arts Council calls West Jefferson home, as does the Ashe County Cheese Plant,

West Jefferson Park and the local office of the New River Conservancy.

West Jefferson was first incorporated in 1909 and originally saw much of its growth and popularity increase due to the Virginia Creeper Railroad that passed through downtown.

West Jefferson has numerous events in the downtown area that take place throughout the year. In addition to concerts throughout the spring and summer months, the Christmas in July festival and the Ole Time Antiques Fair in September are two of the largest annual events that take place in Ashe County.

LANSING

Lansing was the third and final town in Ashe County to officially be incorporated. The town of about 130 residents was first incorporated in 1928 and was another major stop along the Virginia Creeper railroad along with West Jef-

ferson, Todd and the community of White Oak. The town has major historical significance to the area as there are currently five places in the town that are included in the National Register of Historic Places: The Old Lansing School, Perry-Shepherd Farm, Miller Homestead, Clark-Miller Mill and the Lansing Historical District.

The population of Lansing within its town limits has dropped throughout the years after the railroad industry ceased in the county. The 1960 census showed 278 people lived in the town while the most recent census in 2020 showed just 126 town residents.

GLENDALE SPRINGS

Located just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Glendale Springs is most well-known for the fresco painting at

PHOTO BY MEGAN SHEPPARD King Street in downtown Boone closes down for the annual Boone Boo event near Halloween every year.

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Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and the Glendale Springs Inn & Restaurant, where President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore once dined after a visit to Ashe County in 1998. The Glendale Springs Inn was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. In addition to its easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Glendale Springs is near the New River and offers some beautiful opportunities for enjoying nature.

FLEETWOOD

Fleetwood is located between West Jefferson and Deep Gap and is another of the many small communities in Ashe County that offer easy access to the New River. Whether you want to kayak, canoe or float down the river, areas between Fleetwood and Todd off of Railroad Grade Road are popular places to get into the water. Fleetwood is also home to a brand new fire department right off of U.S. 221.

GRASSY CREEK

The community of Grassy Creek lies right on the state line between North Carolina and Virginia. Grassy Creek is home to The Old Store and features the Grassy Creek Historic District that is part of the National Register of Historic Places. The historic district was added to the registry in 1976. As you will notice driving through the area, much of the land in Grassy Creek is used for growing Christmas trees.

CRESTON

Creston township can be found in the northwest corner of Ashe County. It is home to Worth’s Chapel, a church that was constructed in the early 1900s and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. A drive through Creston brings you close to the Tennessee state line in one direction. Creston is also home to the Riverview Community Center which holds numerous community events throughout the year and is

home to a local fish fry every other week.

LAUREL SPRINGS

The town of Laurel Springs is right on the border of Ashe, Alleghany and Wilkes counties. The town offers quick and easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and is home to several family-owned businesses and the Thistle Meadow Winery that is open in the spring, summer and fall months. Thistle Meadow Winery offers tours and tasting events and an online store to order products if you live outside of the area.

TODD

Todd is a small town shared by Watauga and Ashe counties, nestled in a bend of the South Fork of the New River.

Todd is an area with a rich history, one dating back to nearly 6,000 years ago. According to the Todd Community Preservation Organization, that is when the earliest human activity in the area occurred.

For more recent history, look to the Todd General Store. Before a devastating fire destroyed the store in 2021, Todd General Store was the oldest functional business in Ashe County. The store sold local provisions and merchandise, and is currently on the path to rebuilding.

As for recreation, the New River — one of only a few rivers in the U.S. to flow North — is the main attraction in Todd, especially in the summer. Go fly fishing, kayaking or tubing with one of the several river outfitters in the Todd area, such as RiverGirl or Wahoo’s.

Anyone wanting to explore on their own should check out Green Valley Community Park. The park features playground equipment, playing fields, a paved walking track, a picnic shelter, restrooms, a canoe ramp, hiking trails and access to the New River.

Being one of the smaller towns in the High Country, Todd is a close-knit community. To connect with nature (and friendly locals), be sure to check it out.

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AVERY COUNTY BANNER ELK

The mountain town of Banner Elk lies between two major ski attractions, and 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 founded in 1900 and is affiliated with Presbyterian Church U.S.A., with more than 900 students from more than 20 states and countries. The old stone buildings, some of which are currently being renovated and restored, are nestled across campus to make for a photographer’s delight.

The town hosts numerous shops and restaurants and stays abuzz with activities and events.

Visitors can picnic or walk in the town park, hear live music in the town park

during summer or within various venues in all seasons, 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, from slopes to hiking trails to wineries and waterfalls.

Banner Elk also offers many cultural happenings, with a celebrated summer theater program by Lees-McRae College and numerous art festivals by some of the area’s many galleries and artisans.

Visitors are encouraged to return to Banner Elk in the fall each year for its Woolly Worm Festival, which attracts close to 20,000 people annually on every third weekend in October.

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 summer comes, it’s a great place to go biking as the ski resort offers a bike park. Even on the hottest day of the summer, it’s cool atop the peaks of the 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, with 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. In warmer weather, there are nearby canoe and raft runs that are among the best offered in the Eastern United States, while in the cool of winter there are skiing and snowboarding opportunities, as well as the town’s very own sledding hill near town hall. Nightlife is alive and well on the mountain. Whatever your musical taste, you can find a spot to enjoy an after-hours scene. There’s another good thing about Beech Mountain: The mountain is so large that much of it remains in a natural state, with rich forests dotted by rolling farmland. Not to mention it’s only a short drive from the “downtown” area to the country or resorts. Take your pick.

Our guess is if you spend some time in Beech Mountain, you’ll want to come back to do some real estate shopping, or

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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 Marjorie Williams Academy, founded by doctors 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, telephones, paved road and boarding school. Through the Sloops’ advocacy, public schools flourished in Avery County. Today, Williams 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 mural wall, Elk Park takes visitors back to a simpler time.

The town’s original thoroughfare, Lower Street, and many businesses originated when Elk Park hosted a train depot for the old East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad, better known as Tweetsie. Elk Park thrived due to the industry and remained vibrant after the trains stopped running through town.

In 2013, Elk Park opened its new town hall facility to the public adjacent to its town park named after longtime former mayor Lucille Winters.

Elk Park is also the home of Trosly Farm and The Liar’s Table Restaurant. Owners Amos and Kaci Nidiffer were named 2020 North Carolina Small Farmers of the Year by NC A&T State University Cooperative Extension. 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

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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, tennis and pickleball courts 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 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 approximately 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 summer and fall months, visitors can check out the farmers market that meets on Saturday mornings outside of Newland Elementary School, and visitors traveling out of town can picnic or hike at Waterfalls Park, a unique recreation spot sponsored by Newland Volunteer Fire Department. Just outside of Newland is Mountain Glen Golf Club. The club consists of the 18-hole golf course, clubhouse with large upstairs dining facility for special events or occasions, pro shop, snack bar, driving range, golf shed and putting green. Another popular location near town is Heritage Park, which houses the Avery County Cooperative Extension office and community building and hosts everything from rodeo events on weekends during the summer to concerts and functions. The location also serves as 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 Grandfa-

ther Mountain. For more information, visit www.townofnewland.com.

SUGAR MOUNTAIN

If outdoor activity is your thing, look no further than the village of Sugar Mountain.

Offering more than just great skiing, Sugar Mountain also provides its visitors with an array of ways to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the High Country.

The Village of Sugar Mountain provides plenty of outdoor adventure and relaxation for family summer trips, whether it’s a day or a week. Located at 5,300 feet elevation, enjoy cool breezes and spectacular views from a variety of vacation rentals, ranging from mountaintop condos to log cabins.

Their public golf and tennis club, owned and operated by the village, is a local’s favorite. Voted the No. 2 short course in the USA, the 18-hole golf course has immaculate greens and plenty of mountain views. Green fees start at just $15. The friendly pro shop and Caddyshack Café rounds out the perfect golf day.

Next door, play on six tennis courts, meticulously maintained of fast-dry, Har-tru clay. Men’s, women’s, and mixed play “friendly’s’’ can be found every day of the week. Tennis lessons are available.

Another local’s favorite is the annual summer music series, Grillin’ & Chillin’. Enjoy live bands every Wednesday evening while watching the sunset over the Blue Ridge. The free concerts take place on the big outdoor deck at the village’s golf and tennis club with food available from the Caddyshack Cafe.

At Sugar Mountain Resort, the ski slopes become home to a network of downhill mountain bike trails and scenic lift rides. On most summer weekends (Friday-Sunday, Memorial Day Weekend and July through Labor Day Weekend), ride the lift up to the summit and race down 1,200 feet in elevation to the lodge. For a more relaxing option, take a leisurely round trip scenic chairlift ride to the top for panoramic views.

On the Fourth of July, ride the lift

for a bird’s-eye view of the fireworks. Earlier in the day, join the fun with the challenging Summit Crawl. Another popular event is the Fine Art & Master Crafts Festival on two weekends (July 14-16 and Aug. 11-13, 2023).

Located adjacent to Grandfather Mountain and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest, the Village of Sugar Mountain provides plenty of other adventures including the alpine coaster, gem mining, whitewater rafting and hiking. Unwind at 25 restaurants within five miles, along with plenty of galleries and boutiques to browse.

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.

WATAUGA COUNTY BOONE

Boone is the county seat of Watauga County and is affectionately known as “The Heart of the High Country.”

Boone is the hometown of Appalachian State University, the sixth-largest school in the NC public university system with more than 20,000 students. With the mix of students, tourists and easy-going locals, there’s something for everyone in Boone.

Downtown Boone hosts a unique collection of local boutiques and businesses. For funky handpicked second-hand clothes, head over to Anna Bananas on King Street. For a unique shopping experience at a family owned and operated business since 1924, check out The Shoppes at Farmers. There, you can find anything from jewelry, to art, toys and more.

Tired of shopping? Kick back at one of Boone’s many breweries, many of which host live music and events in the evenings. Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Booneshine, and Lost Province Brewing Co. are a few local favorites for a brew and a bite to eat.

SEE TOWNS ON PAGE 24

TOWNS

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The Jones House, a historic home turned local cultural center in downtown Boone, also hosts live music on weekends. They feature musicians of all genres, spanning from jazz to bluegrass and everything in between. In June of 2022, the Jones House was one of three stages set up for the inaugural Boonerang Music Festival. The weekendlong, free event attracted thousands of people downtown to enjoy music, art, food and beer all provided by people with ties to the town of Boone. The festival will again take place this June.

For those interested in Boone’s bluegrass traditions, check out the Doc Watson “Man of the People” statue located on King Street. Doc Watson was a famous guitarist and bluegrass musician local to Boone. Watson won seven Grammy awards and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award during his active years. Though he passed away in 2012, his celebrity and spirit is alive and well in Boone.

For shopping, good food, good music, and definitely good times, Boone is the place to be. For more information, visit www.townofboone.net.

BLOWING ROCK

Don’t be fooled by the small size of Blowing Rock — there’s enough natural beauty for a lifetime in the just threesquare mile town.

The town’s name comes from the rocky cliff overlooking Johns River Gorge where it is said the winds blow in such a way that light objects falling from the rock float back up, almost like a boomerang.

Anyone wishing to experience the phenomenon and learn some the rich Indigenous history of the town can visit the attraction located on The Rock Road.

The small portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway that falls into the town’s limits include beautiful hikes and views like those at Moses Cone Manor and Julian Price Park. Visitors can find the same beauty off of the Parkway at Bass Lake

Trail and Broyhill Park.

For those seeking educational enrichment, the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum is a year-round museum that houses exhibitions and programs celebrating and remembering the culture, history and traditions of the Appalachian region displayed throughout time in the High Country. The museum is just moments away from the bustling sidewalks of downtown Blowing Rock.

Numerous shops, restaurants and hotels line the picturesque sidewalks with options ranging from casual to high-end available for all accommodations.

From hiking to gallery viewing to enjoying a spa day at the hotel, Blowing Rock crams a lot into its small stature. For more information, visit www. blowingrock.com.

SEVEN DEVILS

Seven Devils sits between Banner Elk and Boone. Moments away from Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and Valle Crucis, it is the perfect place to stop and rest amidst the mountains.

How did it get its name? According to the Seven Devils website, “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.”

Sugar Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, and Beech Mountain surround the elevated town. For those looking to adventure, take a trek to Otter Falls. The trail is a 0.6-mile hike to the falls, in total the hike is 1.2 miles, including the way back. The trail encourages those going to the falls to bring furry friends to hike alongside.

The town is growing with new addi-

tions such as plans for a new community center and trails. The new trail would connect existing trails, Otter Falls and Peak Mountain Trail, and would end near the Seven Devils Resort Club. Separate plans to create a trail that connects Bear Paw State Preserve to the town and bike trails are in the works as well.

The town of Seven Devils was established in the 1960s, the town has continued to adapt and grow while maintaining a commitment to their community.

For more information, visit www. sevendevils.net/.

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.

Today, the community offers several historic inns, restaurants, 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 “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. 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, sports fields and live music during the summer. For more information, visit www.vallecrucis.com.

FOSCOE

Tucked between Boone and Banner Elk is the unincorporated community of Foscoe. Although small, the community is packed with opportunities to shop, dine and explore.

Shopping includes antiques at Front Porch Antique Marker, souvenirs and sundry at Bear Creek Traders, ceramics and porcelain at Maggie Black Pottery and custom blades at Winkler Knives. Interested in outdoor fun? Check out Foscoe Fishing Company, or pan for gold with the Greater Foscoe Mining Company.

Soups, sandwiches, sweets and more are on offer at The Dog House Cafe, while at Country Retreat Family Billiards burgers and shooting pool is on the menu. Foscoe is also home to some of the most gorgeous mountain scenery in the High Country, including the famous profile views of Grandfather Mountain.

For more information, visit www. foscoenc.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WWW.SEVENDEVILS.NET

Otter Falls is one of many attractions to the not-soscary resort town of Seven Devils.

RELAX & CAMP RELAX & CAMP

IN THE HIGH COUNTRY

Taking the time to enjoy nature and camp out under the stars has always been a popular pastime in the High Country. As the nights begin to cool off in the autumn months, you’ll be able to enjoy some fresh mountain air without being too hot and fighting off the bugs at night.

There are several different camping opportunities across the area, everything from primitive campgrounds with just tents and sleeping bags, to “glamping” in style in your RV or tiny home. Campground sites are located in several of the state parks and natural areas in the High Country, including Grandfather Mountain State Park, the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area and the New River State Park in Ashe County. Permits are required for camping in state parks.

SEE CAMPING ON PAGE 27

NATHAN HAM

Camping in the autumn months gives visitors a chance to watch the leaves change colors and experience the beauty that the High Country has to offer.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMP KARUGA

Tiny cabins are available to rent at Camp Karuga, located in Ashe County near the Blue Ridge Parkway.

CAMPING

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

If you’d rather spend your time enjoying nature at a campground away from the state parks, there are plenty of options available for that as well.

Camping sites are available at Blue Bear Campground in Todd, Grandfather Campground in Banner Elk, Helton Creek Campground in Grassy Creek, Honey Bear Campground in Boone, KOA Campground in Boone, Racoon Holler Campground in Jefferson and Rivercamp USA in Piney Creek all have options for primitive campsites, RV hookups and even cabins to rent.

A growing trend in camping has seen people find their ways to areas that offer tiny cabins, but are still far enough away from the “city life” to enjoy nature. Camp Karuga in Ashe County is one of

those places. Camp Karuga, located at 2712 Phillips Gap Road not far from the Blue Ridge Parkway, offers both tent sites and tiny cabin camping sites. Camp Karuga opened in the spring of 2022 after nearly three years of idea creation and construction. For more information on Camp Karuga, check them out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/campkaruga2020. The rental sites can also be viewed on Vrbo, Airbnb and Hipcamp.

If you’re going camping and want to bring your dog with you, be sure to check the guidelines at the campsite you would like to stay at. Campgrounds including New River State Park, Blue Bear Mountain, Down by the River Campground, Grandfather Campgrounds, Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, Grandfather Mountain State Park, Flintlock Campground, Honey Bear Campground, Julian Price Campground and Boone KOA all allow dogs.

There are several different camping opportunities across the area, everything from primitive campgrounds with just tents and sleeping bags, to “glamping” in style in your RV or tiny home.

Camping with canines

JILLYAN MOBLEY

The only thing that can make the great outdoors better is man’s best friend. Whether tromping through fields or splashing into lakes or creeks, dogs love time outside just as much as their human counterparts.

When preparing for a camping trip, there are a few additional items to add to your pack for your four-legged friend. A doggie first aid kit, which can be found at Boone establishments such as Pet Supplies Plus and the Pet Place, can be bought to make sure you are prepared to care for your dog in case of emergency. Additionally, leave-no-trace practices apply to dogs too, so be sure to bring pick-up bags for your dog to use the bathroom near campsites. While dogs may be used to eating throughout

PHOTO COURTESY OF DARIN CONRAD

Sidney Anderson and her dog, Moo, enjoy the Linville Gorge wilderness during a holiday.

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CANINES

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the day, a closed container for food is recommended in the backcountry to ensure no wildlife is attracted to the campsite.

As much as canines love the backcountry, owners must be prepared for all weather conditions. Make sure to monitor your pup throughout hot days and cold evenings and give water, food or blankets as needed to assure their comfort. Dogs can also be great tent-mates at night to keep them safe and comfortable.

New River State Park Campground, Blue Bear Mountain Campground, Down by the River Campground, Grandfather Campgrounds, Linville Gorge Wilderness, Grandfather Mountain State Park, Flintlock Campground, Honey Bear Campground, Julian Price Campground and Boone KOA allow dogs. Dogs should be kept on a leash and not left unattended for the safety and comfort of your dog and other campers.

It is important to check a campground’s pet policy, as some have restrictions. Buck Hill Campground allows up to two dogs and Raccoon Holler Campground requests no incessant barkers.

While some campsites have breed restrictions, there is a campsite for every pooch in the High Country.

DOG FRIENDLY CAMPGROUNDS

Honey Bear Campground

www.honeybearcampground.com

(828) 963-4586

Flintlock Campground

www.flintlockcampground.com

(828) 963-5323

Boone KOA

www.koa.com/campgrounds/boone

(828) 263-7250

Grandfather Campground

www.grandfatherrn.com

(828) 963-7275

Blue Bear Mountain

www.bluebearmountain.com

(828) 406-4226

Linville Falls Campground

RV Park & Cabins

www.linvillefalls.com

(828) 982-2706

Raccoon Holler Campground

Raccoonholler.com

(336) 982-2706

Buck Hill Campground

www.buckhillrvcampground.com

(828) 766-6162

PHOTO COURTESY OF DARIN CONRAD Moo the dog loves all the outdoor activities and hiking to be done in the High Country, according to owner Sidney Anderson.

LEARN MORE: PROFESSORFINNEGANS.COM

Preparing for the hunt

Hunting seasons in the High Country begin as early as September, depending on the game you wish to pursue in the wilderness.

The first fall hunting season to begin is bow season for hunting deer, which opens on Sept. 9 and continues through Nov. 3. Additional deer hunting seasons open for muzzleloading on Nov. 4 and continues through Nov. 17. The remaining firearm deer season opens Nov. 18 and continues through the end of the calendar year.

Other game seasons in the High Country include bear season from Oct. 16 through Nov. 18 and then again from Dec. 11 through Jan. 1.

Racoon and opossum seasons open Oct. 16 and run through Feb. 29, 2024. Rabbit, grouse and bobcat season open Oct. 16 and continue through Feb. 29, 2024.

Qual season opens Nov. 18 and ends on Feb. 29, 2024.

While out on the hunt, safety is always important to ensure the safety of hunters and others around them. According to the North Carolina Wildlife Commission, there are four simple rules to firearm safety to always keep in mind while you are out on the hunt. You should always point a firearm in a safe direction. Hunters should also always treat every firearm as if it were loaded and never assume a firearm is unloaded. When you are carrying your weapon, keep your finger out of the trigger guard and off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Finally, be sure of your target, as well as what’s in front of and behind it before you pull the trigger. Wearing blaze orange is required to be worn by deer hunters any time a firearms season is open according to the NC Wildlife Commission. Others participating in outdoor activities using game lands, such as hikers and birdwatchers, are also encouraged to wear blaze

orange so they can easily be seen by hunters. Having an up-to-date hunting license in North Carolina is required by the wildlife commission. Information about hunting licenses, including a lifetime license, as well as purchasing them online, can be found at gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com.

NATHAN HAM

PHOTO COURTESY OF MELISSA MCGAW, NC WILDLIFE COMMISSION

Deer season is right around in the corner with bow season beginning in September, with muzzleloading and rifle season to follow in November.

FISHING ON THE FLY

Fishing in the High Country has always been one of the most popular outdoor activities for people of all ages. When most people think about fishing, they think about standing on the edge of a river somewhere or sitting in a boat relaxing and waiting on a fish to bite. For some avid outdoorsmen and women, fly fishing has become a High Country tradition to take advantage of during the autumn season.

Fly fishing typically takes a little more patience and a lot more education on learning the proper way to catch a fish. Instead of casting your line out into the water, you use lure that are often

NATHAN HAM

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE N.C. WILDLIFE COMMISSION Fly fishing takes a lot of time and patience adjusting to different types of fishing line, lures, rods and reels.

FISHING

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34

referred to as “flies” because of the way they skim across the surface of the water and imitate the movement of bugs that a hungry fish might want to grab. The size and composition of fly lures can vary, but are usually very small and lightweight.

Fly fishing rods are also different than the normal rod used to fish with your bait under the water. Fly fishing rods are longer, thinner and offer a greater amount of flexibility to be able to pull the fly lure across the top of the water.

Picking the correct fly fishing reel is important since they are made of different materials and are different sizes. If you plan on fishing for larger fish, having a larger spool that can hold more line is important. Reels vary by price and material. The average fly fishing reel for a beginner fisherman is made of aluminum. However, if you want to venture out and invest more in your fly fishing gear, reels made of carbon fiber and stainless steel are plentiful on the market.

Hiring a fly fishing guide service might be your best bet, particularly if you are just now getting your feet wet in the sport. Due South Outfitters in Boone, Tolliver’s Guide Service in Boone, Mountains to Coast Fly Fishing Guide Service in Blowing Rock, Foscoe Fly Fishing in Boone and Rivergirl Fishing Company in Todd all offer local guided fishing tours from experts of the High Country trout waters.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE N.C. WILDLIFE COMMISSION

Matthew Clark Daniels pictured with a rainbow trout he caught in Ashe County.

High Country

Hiking Guide

This mountainous region located in and around Boone is called the High Country. Made up of seven counties, this beautiful segment of the Blue Ridge Mountains contains the highest peaks east of the Rockies. Amongst this section of the greater Appalachian Mountains, the second oldest mountain chain on the surface of the earth, are the trails that lead to the summits, valleys, rivers and multiple gorges that are found here.

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in and around the towns of Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk, and along the Blue Ridge Parkway that runs through and around these mountain towns.

Most of the trails mentioned below can be easily

found on GPS, Google Maps and similar apps. For the more secluded trails that require more detailed directions, they will be provided. As always, when you hike in and on these mountains, know your physical limits, be prepared for many scenarios on the trail because mountain weather can change on a dime, and learn the simple rules when dealing with wildlife. One good place to start for the beginning hiker is the Greenway Trail. Built for hikers, walkers and bikers, there are sections of the Greenway Trail located in Blowing Rock, Boone and Banner Elk. Mostly flat and in an urban setting, the exciting news is that a new segment of the Greenway Trail is being constructed connecting Blowing Rock and Boone. Called the Middle Fork Greenway and built by the Blue Ridge Conservancy, the six-mile long, ten-foot-wide trail will be an

exciting addition to the region once it is completed. For those who seek more adventurous hiking, the Elk Knob State Park Trail is a two-hour romp up to the summit of Elk Knob Mountain just a short drive from Boone. The trail leads to fabulous views that extend into nearby states with many other peaks visible on the horizon.

To access many of the best trails to be found here in the High Country, the Blue Ridge Parkway will be your connection. The Deep Gap exit on the BRP is found east of Boone on U.S. 421. Once on the BRP and heading south, the roadway will feature white posts found on the side of the road that are numbered mile markers to be used for reference.

DEREK HALSEY

PHOTO BY DEREK HALSEY Hawksbill Mountain in Linville Gorge.

HIKE

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At milepost 294 on the Parkway, for example, you will find the Moses Cone Manor. The preserved farmhouse and 1,000-plus acres of surrounding land was turned into a park many years ago after donated by the Cone Family. There you will find a 2.5-mile former horse carriage trail that will take you to a climbable fire tower that overlooks Boone.

If you continue driving farther south on the BRP, you will find the U.S. 221 exit to Blowing Rock. Once you turn onto the exit, you will also see a sign for Shulls Mill Road. If you stay on Shulls Mill Road for about seven-tenths of a mile, you will come across a metal fence with a wooden gate next to it, located beside a small dirt parking lot found just past the oneway exit road for Trout Lake. This is the awesome Rich Mountain Carriage Trail.

About three miles in length, the Rich Mountain Carriage Trail is a moderate hiking and running trail takes you through a Wizard of Oz-type of forest to the left, then it winds up to the top of the mountain where you will find a more prairie-type of landscape, and eventu-

SEE HIKE ON PAGE 40

PHOTO COURTESY SKIP SICKLER | GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION

Fall color lights up Rough Ridge (milepost 302.8 on Blue Ridge Parkway), one of the parkway’s most popular hiking spots in the WNC High Country.

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HIKE

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ally you will come around to a wonderful view. Then, the circle of the trail will take you back down to where you began your hike. If you wish to walk more, there is also a lower, downhill extension of the trail that leads to Trout Lake, which features an easy walk at the end that goes back up to your vehicle.

Back on the BRP and heading south, look for the parking lot of the Rough Ridge Trail on your right. This is a very busy trail in the summer months and can be crowded, yet the views are exceptional. But, there is another way to utilize the Rough Ridge Trail for more experienced hikers.

If you park in the Rough Ridge parking lot and then walk along the side of the Parkway for a quarter-of-amile further to the south, you will find the 301 milepost right before you cross a short section of viaduct. At the end of the viaduct, you will see a rock wall on the right. Along the side of the rock wall, there will be a trail that follows the cliff wall up the mountain to the famous Ship Rock geological formation. You do not need ropes to make this trek. Once you are at the very top of the trail, turn right and that summit trail will eventually head downhill and connect with the Rough Ridge trail, which will return you to the parking lot. The views are fantastic, and this route will be a lot less crowded for those willing to get off the easier Rough Ridge trail.

At milepost 305 on the BRP, you will find the turnoff

to another section of U.S. 221 that leads to the Grandfather Mountain attraction and the resort town of Banner Elk.

The Grandfather Mountain Nature Park, Preserve and Swinging Bridge requires an entrance fee to explore the top of the mountain and to walk on the famous Mile High Bridge. There are trails at the Grandfather Mountain nature Park, and more information on them, and to reserve tickets for the attraction, please go to grandfather.com.

Surrounding the Nature Park is land that belongs to the state of North Carolina. For more information on hiking and camping opportunities on state park land, please go to www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/grandfather-mountain-state-park.

For more experienced hikers, however, there is another demanding yet adventurous uphill trail that leads to various peaks on Grandfather Mountain that is the famous Profile Trail. A couple of years ago, a brand new parking area and building were built for the Profile Trailhead, and it is located on U.S. 105 in Banner Elk. The Profile Trail is a marked as strenuous as it will take most of the day to complete, so be sure to research the trail online so you know what to expect as far as clothing, unexpected weather, and how early in the day to begin the trek. For the experienced hikers, however, it is a great trail to conquer.

For a magnificent hiking side trip, set your GPS for the Carver’s Gap parking lot that is the staging area for the Roan Mountain Grassy Balds Trail. It is located about 20 miles from Grandfather Mountain on the North Carolina-Tennessee border. A part of the Appa-

lachian Trail, the Roan Mountain trails are unique and spectacular, representing the largest stretch of grassy balds to be found in the whole Appalachian Mountain chain. Climbing to over 6,000 feet, the views and the rare plants and flowers and different terrains found on the path are worth the trip.

If you return to the BRP at the Grandfather Mountain exit, the first parking lot on your left as you continue heading south will be for the Beacon Heights Trail. Considered one of the “Coolest Short Trails in the East,” the Beacon Heights Cliff Trail takes only a quarter of a mile of walking to reach the top. You will see signs for two other trails once you are on the trail, so just pay attention to the signs and stay on the Beacon Heights Trail.

Once near the peak, you will find a stone bench. Go straight at the bench for a cool and easy view, but the better vista happens when you take a left at the stone bench. After turning left, you will hike up a short set of natural rock stairs that will lead to a flat cliff where the views are spectacular. From there you can see Grandfather Mountain to the left, Wilson Creek Gorge in the middle and the dual elbow-shaped mountains to the right known as Hawksbill Mountain and Table Rock Mountains that overlook Linville Gorge.

At milepost 308 on the BRP, there is an easy 30-minute hike on the right known as the Flat Rock Trail. Once you leave the parking lot, the fairly flat trail leads through some wonderfully thick woods and ends up at a view that looks over the valley below. This is

SEE HIKE ON PAGE 41

PHOTO BY DEREK HALSEY Wisemans View in the Linville Gorge.

HIKE

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also known as the “Sunset Trail” as it is a superb place to watch a sunset with friends, especially if nature is putting on a good show as the sun fades under the horizon.

For some impressive side adventures down in Wilson Creek Gorge, you will take a left turn onto Old Jonas Ridge road just past milepost 311 on the BRP. Once you turn left onto Old Jonas Ridge Road, go two miles until you see a white church on your left at a big curve in the road. Beside the church is a gravel road that goes straight at the turn. That is Forest Road 464, aka Pineola Road. Once on Forest Road 464, you will see the trailhead for Big Lost Cove Cliffs on the left a couple of miles in, and three miles farther you will see a small parking lot on the right for the Little Lost Cove Cliffs trail. The latter is a shorter hike, but both of these moderately difficult trails lead to outstanding cliff-top vistas.

Do some research online and you will find many other trails, waterfalls and more on this same Forest Road 464 road as it goes deeper into the Wilson Creek Gorge area.

Back on the Parkway, within a few short miles you

will enter the Linville Gorge and Linville Falls section of the High Country. For an easy and amazing view of Linville Gorge, go to the RT 221 exit at milepost 317 on the BRP. At the end of the exit, turn left onto U.S. 221 and then take another left onto Hwy 183 less than a mile ahead. At about .7 tenths of a mile on Hwy 183, you will find a gravel road on the right with signs that will lead you to Wiseman’s View and Linville Falls. This will be U.S. 1238, aka Old Route 105. The first parking lot you will see on the left are for two trails that show you different views of Linville Falls.

If you take Hwy 1238 for almost exactly four miles past the Linville Falls parking lot, however, you will see the sign for the Wiseman’s View parking lot on the left. Turn left there and you will find a short, wheelchair accessible paved walkway that leads to a very special view of Linville Gorge. The vistas seen there will simply take your breath away.

But, a quick warning — please remember that RT 1238 to Wiseman’s View is a gravel mountain road, so if you have 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle, you should be fine. If you are in a vehicle that is only two-wheel drive, only go on the gravel road if it is completely dry. Watch out for the occasional ruts as you venture forth to make sure they are passable, otherwise the heart-stopping sights at Wiseman’s View are very much worth the effort.

There are many trails located in Linville Gorge, but please understand that this 12-mile-long gorge is a true wilderness area with very strenuous trails found within that are literally dangerous for the beginner hiker, whether it be the heat, rattlesnakes and bear on occasion, and the underestimating of the trails that lead down to the river. For those of you hikers up for the task, seek out and research the Hawksbill Mountain summit trail, the Table Rock Mountain summit trail, and the first mile and a half of the popular Chimneys Trail.

These hiking hints will keep you occupied for many hours if not days on the trail. Plan your adventures right and you will soon experience why this is one of the best areas for hiking in America.

MORE INFORMATION

More information on the trails mentioned here can be found at the following websites: www.fs.usda.gov

hikinginthesmokys.com

ashevilletrails.com

romanticasheville.com/hiking.html alltrails.com

Finding fall foliage

Finding fall foliage

A GUIDE TO AUTUMN HIKES

JILLYAN MOBLEY

While High Country views are breathtaking any time of year, the golds and reds of the fall foliage in the mountains is a spectacular sight. Nature lovers can see the leaves changing from drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway or from the safety of a warm cabin, but the plentiful hiking trails in the mountains provide an immersive experience for hikers of all skill levels.

There’s nothing quite like looking down from high up and seeing a canopy of oranges, reds, yellows and brown all mixed together to form the roof of the forest below.

Although the Blue Ridge Parkway does offer scenic drives, many stops along the roadway are accessible to hike up and through the mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway is marked by white posts on the side of the road, and at Milepost 294 on the Parkway you can find the Rich Mountain Carriage, Horse and Hiking Trail at the Moses Cone Memorial Park in Blowing Rock which features the preserved farm house of Moses Cone Manor. For a longer hike, the Rich Mountain trail leads hikers on a moderate 6.3-mile loop along a ridge-line to a lake. For those opting for a shorter hike, right by the manor, visitors can find a 2.5-mile hike up to

PHOTO BY ROB MOORE

Rough Ridge is one of the most visited fall scenery locations.

FOLIAGE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 42

a climbable water tower with a breathtaking view of Boone and its surrounding areas.

Southwest of Boone, a variety of trails wind up Grandfather Mountain promising impressive views of fall foliage. The Profile Trail, a popular trail in the area, is located at 4198 NC Hwy 105 N and challenges hikers to a steep 1,775-foot ascent over the course of 3.6 miles ending at Calloway Peak. While the trail weaves through a dense hardwood canopy for much of the trail, hikers are greeted by clear, high views at Profile View and Foscoe View. With the descent, the Profile Trail is a little more than 7 miles roundtrip.

A shorter, yet still strenuous, hike up Grandfather Mountain is the Cragway Trail which connects the Nuwati and Daniel Boone Scout Trails at Grandfather Mountain State Park. This rocky hike is not recommended for pets.

One of the most famous views of fall leaves on the parkway is via the Linn Cove Viaduct, a curved road with sweeping views over a mountain valley. For hikers looking to take in this view, the popular Rough Ridge

SEE FOLIAGE ON PAGE 44

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View of the Linn Cove Viaduct in the fall.

FOLIAGE

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Trail provides views of Grandfather Mountain, the Linn Cove Viaduct and Linville Gorge. To access this hike, stop at Milepost 302.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and follow the trail signs up the hill to the right of the parking area.

Moving farther south, the heights of Linville Gorge offer extensive views of changing leaves in the High Country. While hikers can backpack overnight at Linville Gorge, a shorter day hike with outstanding views at Linville Gorge is the Table Rock hike. Table Rock is located 9.5 miles from Hwy. 181 and includes seven miles on a bumpy, gravel Pisgah National Forest service road leading to a well-finished parking lot. A large rock outcropping towering over the gorge, Table Rock is wide and flat at the top providing room to take in the 360-degree view from the sky. The 2.2-mile round trip makes a steep ascent but brings hikers to a striking 3,930 foot peak by a relatively short trail.

HIKING RESOURCES

Hiking in the High Country is for people of all experience levels! Nevertheless, these resources can help the most experienced hikers as well as those just beginning to cultivate a love of the trail.

www.fs.usda.gov

www.ncparks.gov

www.alltrails.com

ashevilletrails.com

appalachiantrail.org

Great views, however, do not always require craggy outcroppings or intense vertical ascents. Leaf lovers can view spectacular landscapes of fall foliage through the rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountains across the High Country. At Roan Mountain, nestled right by the North Carolina-Tennessee border, hikers can enjoy the bucolic landscape with a moderate 4.7-mile hike from Roan Highlands to Grassy Ridge Bald. While the hike may be moderate through the rolling hills, this hike has full summit views at Round Bald, Jane Bald and Grassy Ridge Bald. To start the hike, hikers begin at the Carvers Gap trailhead just over the border in Tennessee at TN-143, Roan Mountain, Tenn.

Between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Mountains, the High Country has an abundance of high peaks and hilltops from which autumn hikers can appreciate the fall colors. While these trails represent a variety of skillsets and options for hikers, even the most experienced trail lovers will find themselves discovering new paths in the High Country each fall.

PHOTO BY JIM MORTON | GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION Brilliant maple leaves greet a duo of motorcyclists on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Rough Ridge. Motorists can expect heavier traffic than usual on the parkway in Autumn, as peak color continues its steady approach in the High Country.

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North Wilkesboro is the Key City to Western North Carolina, from the historic downtown to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Come and experience the beauty of the changing leaves and the magic of the holidays in North Wilkesboro.

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An annual staple in the High Country is the cascading shades of reds, oranges and yellows over the Blue Ridge Parkway. As the air gets crisper and temperatures begin to drop, the endless blue and green mountains transform to create views unlike any other.

There are a lot of factors, such as elevation, amount of rain and temperatures in the months leading up to autumn. This year, predictions say that areas higher in elevation, such as Mount Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain, will see color change in leaves at the end of September or beginning of October. Beech Mountain and Rough Ridge Trail off of the Parkway will see leaves change during the first or second week of October. The Boone and Blowing Rock areas will experience the peak around mid-to-late October.

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers many great spots to get the perfect view of the mountains as the leaves change colors. Here are some of these spots to check out during peak weeks.

OVERLOOKS

Falling in love with autumn leaves A guide to fall foliage

The famous Blue Ridge Parkway has dozens of access points in Watauga, Ashe and Avery Counties. Each of these stops offers a spectacular view to the changing leaves in the surrounding area. However, some of these overlooks provide particularly special views of vibrant autumn colors. The more popular stops along the Parkway in Watauga County are Raven Rocks, Grandview, Thunder Hill, Elk Mountain and Yadkin Valley. Grandfather Mountain, Yonahlossee and Wilson Creek overlooks are great spots in Av-

LEXIE CARROLL

PHOTO BY TODD BUSH

The view from Banner Elk as the sun rises over Grandfather Mountain, illuminating the vibrant hues of the autumn leaves.

AUTUMN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46

ery County. In Ashe County, check out Sunrise and Jefferson overlooks. Each of these overlooks provide accessible and breathtaking views.

TRAILS

For those seeking more of an adventure or challenge, enjoy a short hike along one of the numerous trails in the High Country. These trails offer a more immersive experience and allow hikers to feel fully submerged into the red and orange hued wilderness. Grandfather Mountain has the Grandfather Loop, Black Rock Trail and Mile High Swinging Bridge for visitors to experience autumn leaves for as far as the eye can see. For more casual hikes off of The Blue Ridge Parkway, check out Price Lake Loop, Bass Lake Loop and Elk Knob Backcountry Trail. Seeking a slightly more challenging hike? Rough Ridge, Otter Falls, Beacon Heights and Flat Top Tower Trails are worth the longer hike for their views of the nearby mountains. For seasonal updates, visit www.highcountrync. com and the region’s tourism information center, High Country Host at www.highcountryhost.com/home.

Bright fall colors

be seen far and wide from one of the Elk Knob trails.

Find the trail for you

A guide to High Country Hikes

JILLYAN MOBLEY

Choose the path less traveled... or most traveled. It doesn’t really matter in the High Country — any hiking trail will lead you to beautiful views!

From gentle rises to steep ascents, the High Country offers a trail and park for beginners and families to avid hikers. Western North Carolina has a plethora of getaways for those looking to experience the outdoors, including waters like Watauga Lake, the Watauga River and Price Lake and mountains including the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains.

Even well-traveled hikers can find new trails to explore every fall in the High Country. Although traversing thick forests and trekking on remote mountain trails might seem daunting when one is starting out, there are many ways prospective hikers of all skill levels can prepare for a trip to experience the wilderness at their comfort level.

For something like backpack camping overnight, the most important consideration is how to prepare. Whether setting up for a short walk in the woods or a challenging multi-day backpacking trip, all outdoor enthusiasts should make sure to check out maps of the area they will be in before they hit the trailhead. Make sure to bring enough food and water for slightly longer than you plan to be out. Always bring rain gear just in case.

An excellent easy location for nature

lovers searching for a quick walk is the Boone Greenway Trail. Located toward the eastern edge of Boone’s city limits, this greenway has multiple access points including a parking lot just beyond the Watauga County Recreation Complex and a smaller parking lot at the opposite end beside the Boone Wastewater Treatment Plant, which can be reached from U.S. Hwy 421 across a low water bridge on Casey Lane. This paved greenway is a local favorite for dog walking, biking and appreciating the beautiful scenery of the woods and running creek. If you go around sunset, you are sure to see a variety of wildlife including many deer and even a groundhog or two.

Venturing a bit further, a 20-minute drive north of Boone will take you to Elk Knob State Park, where a variety of trails offer different difficulties for hikers to explore one of North Carolina’s tallest peaks. To see the headwaters of the North Fork of the New River, and during the right times of year blooms of trout lilies, hikers can take the 2-mile, moderately-rated Backcountry Trail. Beyond the river is mostly campsites, but the short trip to the river is very scenic. For more seasoned hikers, take the 1.9-mile Summit Trail to ascend the park’s steep slope to see breathtaking views from the summit of Elk Knob.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs through the High Country, has a seemingly endless number of trails for hikers to discover. Interested in historical sights? Visit Moses Cone Manor in Blowing Rock and see the preserved

farm house on site before hiking the Rich Mountain Carriage Trail. Moving southbound on the Parkway, hikers can stop at Parkway milepost 302.8 to park and hike Rough Ridge Trail, one of the most popular trails in the High Country. This trail gets busy during the summer months but ensures a challenging hike and rewarding views of Grandfather Mountain, the Linn Cove Viaduct and Linville Gorge. Hikers may be tempted to keep their heads down and watch their step on this rocky ascent, but platforms placed along the short trail offer spaces to stop for a break, take a breath and take in the sweeping views. Although it might be tempting, refrain from throwing any stones or other items from Rough Ridge since the craggy outcroppings just below, called Ship Rock, are a popular spot for rock climbers in the area.

Just a few mileposts beyond Rough Ridge, hikers can pause at milepost 305.2 to hike the Beacon Heights Trail. The trail is a short one-mile hike, but do not mistake its short length — this trail has big scenic views of landmarks like

Grandfather Mountain. At the scenic end of the trail, there is a large, flat rock perfect for taking a rest whilst taking in the views.

For another view of Grandfather Mountain, an easier trail that is a short hike to an excellent view is Flat Rock Trail. A 0.7-mile loop, this trail in the Linville area leads hikers to another flat, wide open rock face to look out upon Grandfather and the surrounding area. The top of Flat Rock is a large outcropping of quartzite with white quartz laced through it, so while most will be marveling at the expansive view, others will also be very pleased to discover natural beauty underfoot at Flat Rock.

Want an outing a little longer? Such hikers can head to Linville Gorge and traverse Hawksbill Trail. This particular trek is a 2.4-mile, or 4.8-mile round trip, popular destination in Jonas Ridge. With an elevation gain of 700 feet, this steep trail climbs through a nice shaded forest, with the occasional fruiting blueberry bush during the summer, to a beautiful, windy bald at the top.

PHOTO BY CHASE REYNOLDS

Two women walk the Greenway Trail in Boone — an approximately 4-mile paved trail that follows and crosses the South Fork of the New River through open meadows and forests.

From gentle rises to steep ascents, the High Country offers a trail and park for beginners and families to avid hikers.

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Events

Downtown Burnsville offers a feel of home

JAREN GRAGG

Burnsville was formed in 1834 and get its name from Captain Otway Burns, who became a naval hero in the War of 1812. Burnsville has come a long way since its founding, remaining a community that cherishes and holds onto its past, but also at the same time looks to the future and embraces new traditions.

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Burnsville has a rustic Southern charm that draws many travelers in from all over the country. If you are adventurous, you can go explore nearby Mount Mitchell State Park or go fishing, hiking or camping along the many trails in Yancey County. If that is not your speed, you can take a Quilt Block Trail or take a history tour learning about the area. Visitors often enjoy what vendors offer at local craft fairs, or the possibility awaits to explore the cosmos at the nearby Bare Dark Sky Observatory.

But what makes Burnsville a special town? Upon walking its downtown area and visiting Main Street, the answer becomes abundantly clear, as people treat visitors like lifetime friends and local business owners greet you with a welcome and warm smile that feels like home.

From its vibrant hand-drawn murals and art scene to its bustling downtown reminiscent of locations like nearby Asheville, Burnsville sets itself apart from other quaint western North Carolina communities. In Burnsville, the old adage of small towns is true that “everybody looks out for everybody.” Businesses that make Burnsville great do so through helping and supporting one another to help the community thrive and grow.

“I love the small-town vibe. Everyone knows everyone,” said Bradd Hendricks with Appalachian Java. “I like knowing my neighbors and sitting out front and sipping my coffee, and you see people driving by and they wave at you. I almost get a Hallmark-type vibe when I’m here.”

Hendricks continued that he loves working in a small town and loves the reaction of people that might come from a bigger city experience small town hospi-

tality for the first time.

“If you’re not from a small town and from a bigger city, and this is your first time here and I’ve got a genuine smile and I say ‘Welcome to Appalachian Java,’ they are almost taken aback by that,” Hendricks said.

With its smalltown hospitality, Appalachian Java serves a wide variety of food and coffee with some Southern flare. Some of its food items include AJ Southwest quesadilla, salads with homemade dressing, quiche, soups, and much more. Java excels at coffee, and people look forward to white chocolate and caramel, which is some of the shop’s staple drinks. Breve Latte is another drink that AJ serves, along with locally grown coffee. Some other staple drinks that Java serves are the Appalachian Fog, which is an English black tea that mixes milk and tea together, along with another favorite, chai coffee. Hendricks mentions that he takes pride in his work and is glad to work in an environment like Burnsville. Hendricks expressed the he takes pride in his work, and is thankful to work in an environment like Burnsville.

“The one thing about the businesses here in Burnsville is that we like to work together and help out one another,” Hendricks said. “For instance, if I happen to see that there are young kids, I tell them to go to

Monkey Business let them go play. It’s the greatest toy store ever.”

While finishing up that coffee, one might want to get some fresh mountain air and enjoy the scenic views that surrounds Burnsville. A walk around downtown opens visitors’ eyes to a plethora of shopping options.

The Colorful Gypsy is a place to take a peek at while you are in town. The Colorful Gypsy is an estate sale company with a bit of an edge to it. The Colorful Gypsy focuses on unique items that are from around the world, as the operators like to find items that are from woman- and minority-owned businesses, sourcing their many products from all around the world. They have many unique items ranging, from hand-knotted rugs and jewelry to candles, along with many beautiful estate pieces.

Five years ago Jami Prince and her husband moved to the Burnsville area from Charlotte and fell in love with the area, deciding to open up The Colorful Gypsy. Prince says that she really likes the diversity and the art that is showing up around the area.

“We really like Burnsville because it’s rural, but still close to Asheville. We have season passes to Biltmore

PHOTO BY JAREN GRAGG Downtown Burnsville offers something for everyone.

BURNSVILLE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 60

so we there quite a bit. We can go to Asheville or Johnson City but get back to a nice peaceful and tranquil area,” Prince said. “You can enjoy that ‘new rural,’ as I call it, where there is a nice mix of not just people who have been there for a long time, but there’s a lot of young farmers and a lot of young people that are homesteading. It’s a nice mix. We are finally getting diversity that wasn’t there before, so it’s nice that even though it’s rural there’s still different people moving in which are attributing to the mix and art that are around the area.”

There is something for everyone in Burnsville to explore and to enjoy. For the environmental and ecofriendly customer in the area, drop in and see Sue Bayliff and the Fill-More. The Fill-More is a refill shop and ecofriendly store, which means that it is good for you and for the environment.

At Fill-More there are more than 100 products that you can purchase by the ounce. These items help people in the community do away with single-use day to day items. Fill-More also has a wide array of plastic-free items that are biodegradable. There are no products at the Fill-More that have sodium lauryl

sulfates, phosphates, phthalates, parabens, artificial colors or fragrances.

When the Fill-More opened in 2020, there were only 50 refineries in the United States, and the Fill-More is only one of two in North Carolina and also the largest on the East Coast, so the Fill-More is both unique and special for the Burnsville community. Bayliff says that majority of her business are made of of regulars that come in weekly to monthly to stock back up on their supplies.

“A lot of the time, folks start with one product-usually laundry soap, dish soap or body wash, and then start adding products from us as they run out of things at home — all-purpose cleaners, facial wash, shampoo, etc.,” Bayliff said. “Pretty much, if you buy a product at the store and it comes in a plastic container, you can start refilling that product here. People want to do good for themselves, and for the earth. I think they like the fact that we can help steer them toward the best products for them.”

Bayliff says that when she saw that there was a need in the community for a store like this, she said she felt she had to act. Bayliff shared that she wants to make a difference and impact in her town and her fellow residents, explaining that she loves living in an area like Burnsville and owning a business in the downtown area.

“We originally settled in Fairview, as it was close to Asheville where I had originally found a job when we were moving up here. I love living in a small town, and Fairview is beautiful and full of great people, but it lacked something I had always wanted-a cute little walkable downtown. You know, like Mayberry, or Stars Hollow,” Bayliff added. We would take weekend trips all the time all over Western North Carolina, but we just kept ending up in Burnsville. We loved the views, the farms, all the water. The downtown was so cute and full of the nicest shop owners you could ever meet. I didn’t think all those nice folks would turn into my ‘Main Street’ family, but they did.”

The picturesque small-town charm was not lost on the local business owner, which she is thankful for upon each walk to her shop.

“We originally bought a small farm here, but then moved to town about two years ago. I walk back and forth to work almost every day. Waving good morning to my fellow shopkeepers on the way is a great way to start off my day,” Bayliff said. “Burnsville is full of artists, homesteaders and a lot of other folks who are trying to live a little closer to the earth; people who want to slow down a bit. Burnsville might not be a big town, but we’re right in the middle of a lot of places.

SEE BURNSVILLE ON PAGE 62

BURNSVILLE

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People like to take day trips a bit ‘off the beaten path,’ but when they find a gem like Burnsville, they keep coming back.”

If you are filling artsy and are looking around downtown Burnsville to feel crafty, drop by Burnsville Candle Company. Owner Kem Muller handcrafts every candle which is 100-percent soy wax and environmentally friendly. The candles can also double as a glass and the lid can be reused as a coaster. Muller has been making candles since 2009 and selling them since 2019. She has been in her place of business since Dec. 21, 2021 and loves to share the art of candle making with people. Muller says that her favorite fragrance is Naga Champa, and shares that the particular scent has been around since the 1960s, an aroma that she has loved since she was a teenager. By far, the most popular and best sellers among the patrons would be “There is No Place like Roan.” Muller jokes that that is a nod to her favorite hike.

“Burnsville is a very unique town. We are surrounded by a beautiful environment, with lots of things for people to do,” Muller says of the allure of the downtown district. “(There’s) lots of nature to take

tips from, and we are also surrounded by the highest number of artists per capita in the United States. So it’s very unique to be able to partner with local artists to make things specific and unique to Burnsville. It’s a great downtown community. 99.99 percent of the businesses on Main Street are here to support and uplift and promote one another. Our chamber puts on events that include local businesses, that generate supports for us and our business, so it is a great community to be involved in.”

Another downtown business in Burnsville offering an alternative to traditional thirst quenchers and pickme ups is Tulsi Rose Tea.

“I wanted to provide tea to everyone. Even if they don’t think they like tea, there are herbal options. There are different options to get everybody drinking tea and drinking a different beverage than people are used to,” said Cheryl Martin, owner of Tusli Rose Tea.

At Tulsi there are 108 varieties of tea that people can come and try. Many of the blends that Tulsi Rose carries are herbal blends because of the health benefits that go along with drinking those teas. Tulsi tries to accommodate for every taste, young and old. Martin says that Gracie’s Cotton Candy is really popular among the kids that come in. Tulsi has only been at their current location for six weeks, and in that period sold more than 1,000 ounces of tea from its location. Martin mentioned that living in a town like Burnsville is like living in a movie.

“The friendliness here, it’s like you are not a stranger. People talk to you and they care,” Martin said. “When we first moved here our first week, every day somebody different knocked on our door and brought a basket. You hear about that and see it on the movies, but literally every day all the neighbors welcomed us.

It was amazing.”

Martin spoke glowingly about operating a business in Burnsville.

“It’s great because you have a community, so we band together. It’s amazing how much they have welcomed me since I’ve opened. Others will offer you advice and answer your questions. We have a community chat where we throw ideas off of each other. We help promote each others’ business. Owning a business in this town, you have a community.” Martin said.

To end the day or to start the weekend right, it’s never a wrong move to grab a group of friends and

have a cold one and a great pizza while listening to live music in downtown Burnsville. Homeplace Beer Company gives guests an opportunity to unwind and enjoy the atmosphere around Burnsville. Homeplace is a three-story, 4,500-square-foot facility with an outside yard of almost an acre that includes a large stage for performances. Homeplace brews its own beer and Homeplace’s food partner Hog Hollow makes food throughout the week. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, music can be heard keeping Homeplace rocking through the weekend.

At Homeplace, there are 16 to 20 beers on draft at any given time. The Golden Heart, Brown Mule, Faith Healer and Biscuit and Gravy brews are some of the patrons’ favorites. It’s not just beer available, as Homeplace has cider, while during the summer months Homeplace offers alcoholic slushes.

Dustin Ferguson, taproom manager at Homeplace, enjoys being in business in Burnsville.

“We’ve been here a little over three and a half years now, and just being able to host as many people as possible has been great, having the big outside area where we’ve lot of picnic tables and standard tables to be at, or we’ve got the inside space if people aren’t looking to be outside,” Ferguson explained. “Being able to host a lot people Is fantastic. We’ve been able to generate a lot of local following, so we’ve always got our locals that come in and that really helps us. Burnsville is great, we’ve got a lot of smalltown vibe with a lot of opportunities for folks to explore.

“We’ve got a nice Main Street that has most of our big businesses that are walking distances from one to the other, and we’re able to work with a lot of the businesses here in town to do cross promotions,” Ferguson continued. “We’re always talking to one another. This is a small-town atmosphere while also being able to host folks that are looking for a little reprieve or looking to get out to somewhere new, but also have several options to dine or shop or to recreate. Those are the selling points of Burnsville, to where if you’re looking for something to do, you can generally find it here.”

Is it the scenic views from the mountains or the myriad activities that makes Burnsville so special? Is it the quaint sleepy Southern charm mixed with a little urban flare? Take a trip to Burnsville yourself and see what makes it so unique and inviting for so many people.

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Burnsville has a rustic Southern charm that draws many travelers in from all over the country.

HEIGHTS

MOSS BRENNAN

When visiting the High Country, it’s not hard to miss the incredible scenery around you. With mountains reaching high peaks, many find curiosity as they hope to see an up-top view of the area.

Since August 1998, Boone’s Rock Dimensions adventures have been widely popular to both tourists and locals. This establishment allows visitors to follow guides on rock climbing and reach the top of some of the most beautiful natural areas.

The PCIA-certified climbing guides are dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable climbing program for all of their clients.

Anyone who has spent time in downtown Boone has noticed the large climbing wall next to Footsloggers. That would be Rock Dimension’s 40-foot climbing tower, which is the focal point of its “Tower to Rock” instructional program. The “Tower to Rock” program is a great introduction to the world of climbing, combining a two-to two-and-a-halfhour course on the tower the first day and a halfday climb on real rock the next day. All required equipment is provided, and the course is designed to be a full dive into the world of climbing.

Something special about climbing is that there is no wrong age to start. Climbing is something that young people can be introduced to in a safe environment. Rock Dimensions also holds camps for children ages 8-16 to begin their life in the climbing world, with a five-day camp that takes participants through the ins and outs of climbing.

If you’re just starting out, you can visit Downtown Boone to stock up on gear, learn more about the experience and practice on their climbing tower. With this, you can train, take classes, work with partners and even bring the kids along for a chance at the wall.

For experienced climbers, the day-rate Belay course will allow you to pay only $25, with gear and shoes included, for a daytime climbing experience in the heart of downtown.

After visiting the tower or if you’re ready to hit the ropes, the following locations are offered by Rock Dimensions.

The elation of Rock Climbing in the High Country

HOLLOWAY MOUNTAIN

Holloway Mountain is just minutes away from Boone just down NC 105 in the Foscoe area. It’s a great spot for new climbers as it offers a variety of different levels of routes. As it’s so close to Boone,

PHOTO COURTESY RUSS HIATT

The various routes in the High Country offer fun for all experience levels.

HEIGHTS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 64

it can be crowded at times, but with 10 routes that range from easy to difficult, it’ll be a fun trip. To get there from Boone, take NC 105 to Foscoe and take a left on Church Road. Drive a short distance and then take another left on Holloway Mountain Road. Holloway Mtn Rd. will turn from a paved road to unpaved and a small cut out for parking will be in the right.

THE CHIMNEYS OF LINVILLE GORGE

Linville Gorge was formed by the Linville River, which now meanders some 2,000 feet below the rim of the gorge. This wilderness area is part of Pisgah National Forest, located in the Mountains of N.C. The gorge offers breathtaking views, and a variety of climbing options, exciting rappels, and for a unique recreational experience, an exhilarating Tyrolean Traverse! Primitive camping, suitable for groups, is available about a quarter mile from the parking lot and picnic area. In the summer, Linville Gorge is a nice break from the heat and humidity of the Piedmont. Fall brings an array of colors to the forest, in addition to perfect camping weather. In spring, the rhododendrons and mountain laurel are in beautiful bloom.

WILSON CREEK AREA

Wilson Creek begins its journey at Grandfather Mountain and flows into Johns River 23.3 miles downstream. Surrounded by Pisgah National Forest, the creek makes its way through some of the oldest rocks in the Southern Appalachians. The climbing is scenic and exposed, with views of Grandfather and Grandmother Mountains. Primitive camping is available along the forest service roads near the climbing access.

PILOT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

Pilot Mountain rises 1,400 feet above the surrounding Piedmont near Winston-Salem, N.C., with an elevation of 2421 feet. Pilot Mountain’s Big Pinnacle is a highly visible knob, seen standing solid as a mountain of rock that has withstood the elements that eroded the foothills around it. The mountain, dedicated as a National Natural Landmark in 1976, is a part of the ancient Sauratown Mountain Range. Climbing sites are located on the Little Pinnacle.

There are fairly primitive group campsites available for $1/person and a family campground with more modern facilities for $12/site. Both campsites contain a table and grill/fire pit. Call the park for reservations and information.

ROCKY FACE PARK

Center 45, Boone, NC (828) 386-1550

www.center45.com

Edge of the World, Banner Elk NC (828) 898-9550

edgeoworld.com/summer/ rock-climbing-rappelling

Rocky Face Recreational Area is an Alexander County park located in Hiddenite, NC. Formerly a rock quarry (early 1900s), the mountain offers a southfacing rock face with climbing opportunities for various levels of ability. Since May 2012 the recreational area opened to the public as a county park and climbing became a major activity. Rock Dimensions facilitates rock climbing programs at the park during the annual Spring RockyFest, at the Fall Rock Climbing Festival, and with Scout troops and other groups throughout the year. The best seasons for climbing at Rocky Face are Fall, Winter, and Spring. For Scouts and other groups wishing to camp, there is an easy backcountry site established with reservations required.

For your next rocky adventure, visit rockdimensions. com.

Photo by Todd Bush, bushphoto.com.

Indoor rock climbing offers thrill of activity regardless of weather

JAMIE SHELL

Autumn in the High Country region can be one of vast change, with the nights ushering in cool air and the daytime bringing warm temperatures. When visiting, it is easy to wish to reach the top of some of the area’s most breathtaking mountains while climbing many of the area’s outdoor destinations. But for those days when weather isn’t cooperating so favorably, one option is taking on the challenge of indoor rock climbing.

A primary destination of indoor rock climbing aficionados is Center 45 Climbing and Fitness. Located in Boone, Center 45 Climbing and Fitness scratches the itch when it comes to the rush and thrill of indoor climbing. With several walls placed at different angles, climbers are able to challenge themselves to their liking. Center 45 is known as the hub for climbing fitness and knowledge. The establishment offers guidebooks, training exercises and safety measures, all while you enjoy the slope you’re on.

“Here at Center 45, we are dedicated to creating safe and strong climbers, both indoors and outside,” Center 45 states on its website. In addition to indoor climbing, it also offers locations for outdoor rock climbing when the weather is nice.

Upon entering Center 45, you will be met with 2,000 square feet of indoor climbing terrain. The walls offered are constructed at 14 feet at the apex, with a variety of terrain. In addition to the walls, it also offers weightlifting activities as well as general fitness.

General day passes are offered at $14, with ages 12 and under, veterans, first responders and teachers getting a discount at $12. If you’re looking to stay in the area, memberships are also available in an

Adult/Family package level. If you’re looking for shoes and chalk, they’re also available to rent at $5 and $2 a day, respectively, or you can get a bundle for $6 a day. A waiver must be signed before taking on the challenge of the walls.

Center 45’s mission is to be the area’s “indoor climbing and fitness hub, providing the High Country climbing community a central, comfortable, and welcoming

location for climbing and training.”

Center 45 climbing and fitness is located at 200 Den Mac Dr., Boone, NC 28607. hours of operation or Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Monday from 3 to 9 p.m. For more information on Center 45 and how to get into indoor rock climbing, visit their website at www.center45.com.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Indoor rock climbing offers similar skill development as outdoors without the variable High Country weather conditions and temperatures.

For those days when weather isn’t cooperating so favorably, one option is taking on the challenge of indoor rock climbing.

Mountains to Sea Trail

A trail that covers the state

LEXIE CARROLL

North Carolina is known for its three main ecological regions: the mountains, the Piedmont and the coast. The Mountains to Sea Trail allows wilderness-lovers seeking to test their endurance to travel through each of N.C.’s regions.

The Mountains to Sea Trail travels through the mountainous region of western N.C., to the Piedmont areas near N.C.’s most prominent cities and finally to the coastal plain and Outer Banks.

The trail spans more than 1,175 miles of beautiful North Carolina landscapes. The trail can be completed through numerous ways in the different segments of the trail. For example, the mountainous segments can be traveled by hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, horseback riding, while some of the coastal water segments can be completed by paddling.

The trail begins along the North Carolina-Tennessee border at Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi). This segment is a strenuous 46.8 miles ending at Waterrock Knob near Balsam, N.C. The second segment is another 63.6 strenuous miles from Waterrock Knob to Pisgah Inn. Now near Asheville, the third segment of the trail ends at the Black Mountain Campground, 71.4 miles in length. The fourth segment includes gorges, peaks and waterfalls from Black Mountain Campground to Beacon Heights off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This stretch of the trail is more moderate in difficulty and is 76.5 miles long. Segment five surveys the High Country, a 84.9-mile stretch ending at Devils Garden Overlook south of Sparta, N.C.

Now entering the Piedmont region of N.C., the trail goes 69.1 miles west from Devils Garden Overlook toward Pilot Mountain State Park near Winston-Salem, N.C. This is considered one of the easier stretches in the trail. Segment seven is 34.7 miles from Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock State Park. The next segment passes rivers, railroads and lakes as it travels 64.7 miles from Hanging Rock to Bryan Park. Now past the straggling mountains in the Piedmont, the next few segments are classified as easy. Segment nine

goes from Bryan Park to Eno River State Park in 59.7 miles. From Eno River, the trail leads 78.6 miles away to Falls Lake Dam. Approaching the Neuse River, segment 11 follows 65.9 miles to Howell Woods.

At this point, hikers have the option to follow the paddle route of 169.3 miles on the Neuse River until it ends on the coast. If not, segment 12 enters the coastal plains from Howell Woods to Suggs Mill Pond Game Land in 65.7 miles. The next segment is 39.2 miles long and ends at Singletary Lake State Park. The trail leads 66 miles to Holly Shelter Game Land near Wilmington, N.C. Segment 15 passes the Onslow Blight and Jacksonville, N.C. 90.4 miles to Stella, N.C. Segment 16 of the trail, which travels 68.8 miles to Oyster Point Campground, is considered the Croatan and Neusiok trail. Another 47.9 miles along the trail ends at Cedar Island Ferry. The final stretch of the Mountains to Sea Trail is 81.9 miles and ends at the other-worldly sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks.

The trail has hiker resources and “Trail Angels” to aid hikers in completing the trail safely, while also providing lodging and food if needed.

The Mountains to Sea trail is maintained and supported by Friends of the Mountain to Sea Trail. The organization works to keep the trail maintained and advocate for its use. To become a member or volunteer with Friends of the Mountain to Sea Trail, visit www. mountainstoseatrail.org/the-friends.

According to the North Carolina State Parks website, “The notion of a trail extending across the width of North Carolina was proposed in 1977 by Howard Lee, who was then the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development.” The Mountains to Sea Trail officially became a state park in 2000.

If interested in taking on the challenge of the Mountains to Sea Trail, or for more information about the trail, visit www.mountainstoseatrail.org.

PHOTO BY DEREK HALSEY

The Mountains to the Sea Trail in the High Country.

High Country zip-lining for adrenaline seekers

Here in the High Country, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers expansive views that extend for miles and a day on the trail allows for an up-close experience of our diverse ecosystem. But what other ways can visitors experience the beauty of these Appalachian Mountains?

For an exciting adventure, try soaring through the treetops on a zipline. There’s nothing quite like taking in the scenery by gliding effortlessly through the cool mountain air. A thrilling adventure like this is sure to be a memorable experience for families and visitors alike.

There are three main outfitters in the High Country that provide a fun and safe outdoor adventure. Hawksnest Zipline in Seven Devils, High Gravity Adventures and Sky Valley Zip Tours of Blowing Rock.

Hawksnest ZiplineAbout 10 miles outside Boone is Hawksnest Zipline. Originally a ski resort and golf course, this outfitter has worn many hats since opening in 1964. Hawksnest ski season officially ended in 2008 when it switched its focus to creating the East Coast’s largest snow tubing park. Shortly after, in 2009, it added a zipline course to its resume. Here, there are three different ziplining trips to choose from: the Hawk Tour, the Eagle Tour and the Do It All Tour.

The Hawk Tour is the most popular option for visitors. For two hours, adventurers will travel on 11 cables for a total of 1.5 miles through the sky. This is the more scenic route and is a great option for families and firsttime zipliners.

Participants must be at least five years of age and children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For this tour, riders cannot be more than 250 pounds, and there is no weight minimum.

The Eagle Tour takes about two hours to complete as participants will be soaring through nine cables for a total of three miles. This tour features two cables more than 2,000 feet long and a suspension bridge. It is recommended that adventurers on this tour have some zipline experience and are relatively physically fit. At certain points, participants will be zooming around 200 feet above the ground.

Finally, the Do It All Tour combines the Hawk and Eagle Tours for a total of 20 cables, four mega zips and three swinging bridges. This four-hour trip is an exciting adventure for visitors looking for a thrilling experience through the High Country.

Both the Eagle Tour and the Do It All Tour require participants to be at least eight years old and a minimum of 80 pounds. Riders cannot exceed 220 pounds.

Hawksnest Zipline requires reservations for each trip. To make a reservation visit www.hawksnestzipline.com or call (828) 963-6561.

Sky Valley Zip ToursTucked away on more than 140 acres of serene mountain landscape is Sky Valley Zip Tours. Located about 15 minutes from Blowing Rock, Sky Valley immerses participants from start to finish. The tours they offer are the Canopy Tour, Kid Zip and the Night Flight.

The Canopy Tour enthusiastically starts off with an ATV ride that takes you through the river and up the mountain to get to the first zipline destination. Before riders set off into the sky, they will zip through a training course to prepare for the adventure to come. While up in the air, participants will have the chance to take a leap of faith and cliff jump. The jump de-

scends back to the earth before embarking on the final leg of the tour. But that’s not all, a 120-foot-long swinging bridge extends 50 feet in the air overlooking a tall cascading waterfall.

If that isn’t exciting enough, Sky Valley also offers a Night Flight tour. This tour covers the first five cables

PHOTO BY DARRELL CASSELL Zipline tours at Hawksnest offer people of all ages unique and beautiful views of the High Country.

PHOTO BY KAYLA LASURE Jenny Hunter of Mount Holly zip lines at Sky Valley Zip Tours.

ZIPLINE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 70

of the Canopy Tour. The platforms are lit and participants will have headlamps to illuminate their path through the trees. The tour ends with the cliff jump where the ATV will bring them back to the Zip Shack.

The nighttime tours are available on select weekends after dark and take about an hour and a half to complete while the Canopy Tour is three hours long. It is important to note that for both tours, participants must be 10 years or older and between 70 and 250 pounds.

The Kid Zip turns the thrill of the adult-tour into a kid-sized option that offers seven zip lines, a bridge and a 20-foot slide. Participating children must be between the ages of 4 and 18 years old, less than the height of 5 ‘6’’ and less than 180 pounds. Riders also must be able to reach up and touch 48 inches high.

Sky Valley encourages booking your tour in advance but walk-ins are welcome on a first-come first-serve basis. For more information visit www.skyvalleyziptours.com.

HIGH GRAVITY ADVENTURES

This adventure park is jam-packed with opportuni-

ties for fun in the air. The park officially opened in 2015 with the completion of the Aerial Adventure Park. In 2017, the High Altitude Zip Line Tour was added. The park currently has four different adventures to choose from: zip, climb, swing or combine them all for the ultimate adventure.

The two- hour zipline tour travels across five cables with one 70- foot freefall. This adventure starts off slow and builds in speed as you go. If speed is not on your agenda, no worries. High Gravity has a slowmoving rappel option for those who want it.

Purchase of the zip tour will also give participants access to the ground-level Ninja Course. Participants must be 7 years or older and weigh a minimum of 75 pounds. The maximum weight for this course is 265 pounds.

The Aerial Adventure Park has two options: the Foothills Park and Zipline and the Blue Ridge Park. Both parks give participants access to the Ninja course as well.

The Foothills Park is ideal for the young adventurers. The park features 13 aerial obstacles and three kid-friendly zip lines. The ticket supplies kids with two hours of adventure time. This park is open to children ages 4 and older. All participants must have a minimum reach height of 5’3” or be accompanied by a guest who does.

The Blue Ridge Park goes the extra mile with 64 obstacles and four rappels. For three hours of fun, guests can traverse swinging logs, sky bridges, spiderwebs and more. Participants must be 7 years old or older and have a reach height of 6’1” or be accompanied by a guest who does.

The three person giant swing is the final attraction and it’s exactly what it sounds like. At four stories tall, three people are harnessed into the giant swing for a wild ride. Each ticket includes two swings and participants must be at least 48 inches tall.

If you can’t pick just one adventure, do not fret. High Gravity offers the Ultimate Adventure package that bundles it all together for a chance to zip, climb and swing. Age restrictions and weight requirements apply and vary depending on the attraction.

For more information on High Gravity Adventures call (828) 201-2507 or visit www.highgravityadventures.com.

Come fly through the High Country this summer with any one of these local outdoor adventures. As with all outdoor activities, visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and often required to wear closed toed shoes. The mountain weather can be unpredictable and change on a dime. It is advised to be prepared for anything and bring layers or rain gear depending on the forecast.

Home is where the is. adventure

Find what fills your heart in the High Country.

We understand what matters most to you, because it’s what we value too. Our team has made the High Country our home for its warm sense of family, deep-rooted traditions, and the unparalleled comfort that comes with living in such a remarkable place. That’s why we’re passionate about helping you do the same. Start building your lifelong legacy with us today.

Avery County Chamber of Commerce

www.averycounty.com info@averycounty.com 828.898.5605

Salon Suites at Tynecastle Salon M 828.898.3719

Amy Brown, CPA P.C.

Certified Public Accountant

Amy Brown, CPA

Certified Public Accountant

PO Box 21239 4501 Tynecastle Hwy, Suite 16 browncpa@skybest.com 828.898.7601

The Dande Lion

We are a unique fashion boutique catering to women of various shapes and styles. Celebrating 23 years of business in the High Country!

4501 Tynecastle Hwy, Suite 12 828.898.3566

Encore Travel

A comfortable luxury travel agency where you taste international wines that inspire travel to your next destination. Wine tastings, pairings & events focused on experiential travel. Located next to the Avery Chamber of Commerce.

828-719-6955 wendy@encoretravelltc.com

Peak Real Estate

25 Years of Experience in High Country Real Estate “We understand the importance of your investment.”

401 Tynecastle Hwy, Suite 6 www.peak-realestate.com 828.898.1880

Rhapsody in Cabinetry Design Studio for Kitchens, Baths, Closets & Flooring

828.406.4348

Bank of America ATM Location

Highlander’s Grill & Tavern Great Food, Cold Beer and Awesome Spirits. Join us Fridays for Karaoke and Saturdays for live music. 4527 Tynecastle Hwy 828.898.9513

Cothren Construction

Valle de Bravo Mexican Grill valledebravomexicangrill.net 828.898.4949

Cothren Construction 828-964-3103 / Fax 828-733-1838

cothren.construction@gmail.com

(828) 898-9219 Branch / ATM Hours: Lobby: 9am-5pm ATM: 24 hrs Drive Thru: 9am-5pm www.truist.com/branch/nc/banner-elk/28604/4501tynecastle-hwy-unit-15

Walgreens Pharmacy and Photo Services 4059 NC Hwy 105 South 828.898.8971

Thrilling electric vehicle tours offered at Sky Valley Zip Tours

Sky Valley Zip Tours has a new, highly anticipated venture: Mountain Cat Off Road Adventures. This tour offers an exhilarating and eco-friendly experience amidst the stunning landscapes of the High Country. With the introduction of their fully electric 4 wheel drive adventure vehicles (EAVs), Mountain Cat Off Road Adventures is set to redefine off-road exploration in North Carolina. Discover the thrill of a lifetime as you embark on a remarkable journey through the untamed beauty of Blowing Rock’s breathtaking surroundings. Mountain Cat Off Road Adventures promises an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts, families seeking unique bonding opportunities, and groups of friends eager for adrenaline-pumping adventures.

“Our mission at Mountain Cat Off Road Adventures is to provide a gateway to reconnect with nature while indulging in the thrill of exploration,” said Jack Sharp, the owner of Sky Valley Zip Tours and Mountain Cat Off Road Adventures. “With our state-of-the-art electric vehicles, we aim to offer an exciting and comfortable ride for adventurers of all skill levels, while ensuring minimal environmental impact.”

Situated on a sprawling 140-acre property, Mountain Cat Off Road Adventures boasts several miles of heartpounding trails designed to challenge and delight off-road enthusiasts. Traverse through rugged terrain, conquer challenging inclines, and navigate rocky paths with ease, all while relishing the awe-inspiring beauty of the High Country.

The duration of each Mountain Cat Off Road Adventures experience may vary depending on the group size, typically ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 hours. To ensure the utmost safety and enjoyment for all participants, riders must be at least 14 years old and have a maximum weight of 275 pounds. As part of the safety protocols, weight measurements will be taken on-site before tours.

Mountain Cat Off Road Adventures is committed to inclusivity and accessibility. The EAV tours are designed to accommodate individuals with certain

mobility impairments, allowing them to partake in the excitement of off-road exploration. Contact the Mountain Cat Off Road Adventures team today to customize your experience and ensure maximum enjoyment and accessibility.

To celebrate the grand opening, Mountain Cat Off Road Adventures is offering special introductory pricing for a limited time. Take advantage of this opportunity to embark on a thrilling journey through the stunning landscapes of Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

For more information, visit skyvalleyziptours.com/ about-sky-valley/mountain-cat/ or contact us at sky-

valleyzips@boonezip.com. Follow us on social media for the latest updates and exclusive promotions.

About Mountain Cat Off Road Adventures: Mountain Cat Off Road Adventures is a premier adventure tour company based in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. With their fully electric 4 wheel drive adventure vehicles (EAVs), they offer exhilarating off-road tours for adventurers of all skill levels. Their mission is to provide an unforgettable experience that reconnects individuals with nature while minimizing environmental impact.

PHOTO COURTESY SKY VALLEY ZIP TOURS

This tour offers an exhilarating and eco-friendly experience amidst the stunning landscapes of the High Country.

Traverse through rugged terrain, conquer challenging inclines, and navigate rocky paths with ease.

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DISC GOLF

Flinging plastic in the High Country

PATRICK MCCORMACK

Once upon a time, throwing frisbees was seen as a part of the counterculture movements of the 60s and 70s — yet nowadays disc sports have become hugely popular, particularly within the last decade.

Unbeknownst to many, however, is the fact that the first recorded instance of a disc-like object being thrown for entertainment came in the late 1800s. Pie tins of the Frisbe Pie Company of Bridgeport, Conn., were used in games of catch by forward thinking university students at the time.

Although various games and pastimes have emerged using various flying discs, one of the most popular in modern times is the sport of “disc golf.”

Just as the name would suggest, the object of the game is to emulate golf, but with the use of flying discs and a target instead of a ball and a golf hole. Although improvised courses can be made up on the fly, just as the original creators of the game did in the 1970s, generally speaking players travel to various courses that have ready-made metal baskets utilized as targets. While most of these courses are on public or freely accessible land, some of them have been constructed on private land and might require a minimal fee in order to access them. These fees are of course many times smaller than country club or classic golf course fees.

Navigating the courses are adventuresome endeavors, providing great exercise as well as an opportunity to demonstrate throwing skills for distance and accuracy over and around lakes, bushes, rocks and trees.

AREA COURSES

Ashe County Park features pro and amateur pads. The course is located in a beautiful county park. The front nine is mainly open with an epic water hole at No. 3. The back nine is mainly wooded with very steep elevation changes. Ashe is a beautifully maintained with some long range mountain views, but bring your

hiking shoes. First tee is located past the basketball courts by the covered picnic areas.

For more information about High Country Disc Golf Course in Ashe County Park, call (336) 982-6185 or visit facebook.com/TheHighCountryDiscGolfClub

Weaver Farm (formerly Heritage Farm) is a private, reservations-only course on the outskirts of Boone, covering about 40 acres. It is very popular with locals, who also have contributed to the course’s development and maintenance. Part of the hilly course is a challenging route around a scenic lake. The ownermanagers frequently host tournament-style events.

As it is a strictly members-only course on private property, reach out to Bryan Hoard at (828) 217-9784 before attempting to head to Weaver Farm.

The Town of Wilkesboro features two public courses — Rolling Pines Disc Golf Course, as well as Highland Hills DGC. Beautifully maintained, Rolling Pines has previously made the top-25 highest-rated UDisc course list, drawing players from all over the country. Make sure to check out this wonderful spot if you are an avid disc golfer. Check out wilkesboronc. org/rolling-pines-disc-golf-course for more info. Meanwhile, Highland Hills requires a solid set of hiking shoes, and perhaps should be avoided in the summer due to overgrown foliage. Additionally, holes

No. 8 and No. 9 were removed due to a property dispute, and No. 16 is temporarily missing due to nearby road construction.

Near the W. Kerr Scott Reservoir is Fort Hamby Campground, which a has a $5 entry free for parking while the disc golf course — and other campground amenities — are free to access thereafter. Fort Hamby is challenging, winding through wooded hill. Be careful of slippery rubber tee pads after a rainfall.

In Banner Elk, Lees-McRae College offers a mostly flat, lightly wooded, short beginner course located around the Mill Pond area and Williams Gymnasium. The course is typically nine holes, but No. 9 has temporarily been removed. Visit tinyurl.com/LMCdiscgolf for more information.

Sugaree Disc Golf Course in Newland is located on private property, and requires advance notice to schedule tee times. Sugaree is a gorgeous adventure disc golf course with cliffs, boulders and ledges strewn about. Designed for experienced, skilled players who can control their discs contact Richminford@gmail. com, or check out the Facebook group at tinyurl.com/ SugareeDGC.

Another course that is good for players who are

PHOTO COURTESY UDISC.COM

Raccoon Holler is primarily a campground, but the on-site disc golf course covers quite a distance on their property, intended as an extra activity for guests.

DISC

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 80

learning the sport 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, and play across the side of a wide hill. The course itself is a nice hike, featuring a catwalk bridge over the creek, perfect for a hot summer’s day. For seasoned players, this is more of a pitch-and-putt course.

Wahoo’s New River course is $5 to use per player, or free for anyone tubing at Wahoo’s. For more information on the course at Wahoo’s Adventures, call (828) 262-5774 or visit wahoosadventures.com.

Beech Mountain Resort’s Disc Golf Course has 18 holes, featuring panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The challenging and rugged course is open Thursday-Sunday, from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Last tee-time from the summit is 4:30 p.m. Holes 1-9 play from the summit down to the base of the mountain. Holes 10-18 play around the resort village. The course is walkable for free, or you can access the summit with a scenic lift ride, available for $17.

Lift tickets, printed maps, and variety of discs and disc golf accessories are available for purchase in Ski

here to keep you healthy

Beech Sports, located in the resort village. Disc rental packages are available for $10. For more information, call (1-800) 438-2093 ext. 241, or visit beechmountainresort.com/summer/disc-golf.

Pinnacle Inn Disc Golf Course is a very small course located at Pinnacle Inn outdoor park in Beech Mountain. There are 3 baskets in play (and 1 separate practice basket). For each of the 3 baskets there are 2 different natural tee pads, creating 6 playable holes. Tee pads are marked by metal poles, in which you can choose to throw from either side. Each hole is a Par 3 and relatively short distance-wise. This course was designed with families and new players in mind. Please be sure to watch out for people and vehicles when throwing, as the grounds are multipurpose. Clean up and leave the course as you found it. If you don’t have your own discs, stop by the park office and borrow some.

Chetola Resort offers a beginnerslevel wrapping around two ponds and continuing

adjacent to a stream. Water in play on holes 1-8. You must be staying at Chetola to play at their course. For more information, call (828) 295-5535 or visit the resort website at chetola.com.

Mint Ridge DGC in Laurel Springs, N.C. is an 18-hole course that weaves through woods, featuring a mix of shot placements and distances. The course has a $5 fee to play, and is on Laurel Ridge Camp Conference and Retreat Center property. Email mintridgedgc@gmail.com or mjsawtel@gmail.com to schedule a tee time, and visit facebook.com/mintridgedgc or on Instagram @mintridgedgc for more information.

Finally, Raccoon Holler Campground is located in Jefferson, and is a course only available to those camping at Raccoon Holler Campground. This course is relatively basic, with mostly open-field shots, no teepads and limited signage. Call (336) 9822706, or visit raccoonholler.com for more info.

Navigating the courses are adventuresome endeavors, providing great exercise as well as an opportunity to demonstrate throwing skills for distance and accuracy over and around lakes, bushes, rocks and trees.

GOING FOR A SPIN

AUTUMN CYCLING, HIGH COUNTRY STYLE

JORDYN DANIELS

Cycling down the winding roads of the High Country through a narrow way with orange trees covering overhead is a rare experience, those in the High Country have the joy of encountering.

For those looking for a leisurely bike ride through a park, or a longer tranquil ride or a challenging course with uphill climbs, the High Country has something for all cycling skill sets.

Seasoned and rookie cyclists agree that a great place for cyclists of any ability is the Greenway located in Boone. Marsh said the Greenway offers about 10 miles of flat paved or gravel trails for an easy ride.

The Greenway is a fully accessible trail open for walkers, runners and cyclists that follows the South Fork of the New River. The Greenway entrance can be found at the Watauga County Recreation Complex near State Farm Road or adjacent Clawson Burnley Park.

For more information on the Greenway, visit www. exploreboone.com/outdoors/hiking/boone-greenway.

For those looking for another easy pace ride, Railroad Grade Road in Todd offers about 10 miles of paved road built on an old railroad grade. The road is open for walking pedestrians and cyclists. Marsh said riders can visit the Todd General Store on their ride and get a bite to eat.

To get to Railroad Grade Road, take U.S. 221 South towards West Jefferson and turn on N.C. 194 to go to Todd. For more information on Railroad Grade Road, visit www.traillink.com/trail/railroad-grade-road. Additionally, a route on Old U.S. 421 near the Cove Creek Elementary School offers a more gradual path for cyclists to cruise the backroads of Cove Creek, Zionville, Mabel and Sugar Grove. One of the more favorite spots for the more experienced cyclists in the High Country is the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway spans 465 miles through Virginia and North Carolina and offers scenic views of beautiful mountains with frequent overlook stops.

However, ride with caution as there are not bicycle lanes along the route. Cyclists can travel onto the parkway by turning onto it from U.S. 321 in Blowing Rock. For more information on the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit www.blueridgeparkway.org.

Cycling opportunities in the High Country run the gamut between leisurely strolls through parks in many of the local mountain towns to challenging excursions that will lead cyclists down the mountains and out of the High Country altogether.

The Mountains to Coast Ride is a seven-day bike ride across North Carolina, which begins in Lake Junaluska and goes through towns like Tryon, Belmont, Albemarle, Laurinburg, and Whiteville before finishing at Holden Beach. The event is not a race but a recreational trek across the state’s many scenic backroads. The

ride is scheduled to take place from Oct. 1 to 8. To learn more, click to ncsports.org/event/cyclenc_ mountainstocoast_ride.

Another race to keep an eye on is the Grand Fondo National Series. This year, the Asheville stretch of the series was held on July 17, while the race was held in Boone on Aug. 7. The trek through the High Country begins in Boone before progressing through Appalachian State University, Winkler’s Creek, Shull’s Mill Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain, Linville, Newland, Beech Mountain and Valle Crucis before a downhill stretch leads riders back to Boone.

While these particular races offer cyclists a ride to remember, the High Country’s Crown Jewel for cycling is Blood, Sweat and Gears, which was held in June this past year and features a climb over a 4,500-foot gap at Snake Mountain, the ride’s signature obstacle.

Fortunately, for more casual cyclists the High Country is home to plenty of trails and bike paths that do not involve competition. One popular cycling destination is the Blue Ridge Parkway, which provides spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially in the fall.

Those looking to ride with a group can get involved with a number of cycling clubs and regular riding events that occur throughout the week in the summer and fall in Boone and Blowing Rock. One such club is the Boone Area Cyclists, who can be reached by clicking to booneareacyclists.org

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Rugged High Country terrain perfect for Mountain Biking

Whether hiking atop the Blue Ridge Parkway’s peaks searching for scenic views or immersing yourself into the rugged slope of the nearby hillsides, the High Country has much to offer.

As the area’s mountain bikers know, there is much to be said about the thrilling terrain of the Appalachian Mountain’s mountain biking trails.

Mountain bikers from all across the country come to enjoy the numerous trails that bikers can tear down on a cool autumn day, the most popular of which is the Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park, located just east of Boone off US Hwy 421.

Rocky Knob provides five trails, including the downhill PBJ trail, which stands for Pump, Berm, Jump. The moderate loop 1.6-mile Rocky Branch Loop. For more experienced biking enthusiasts, and Lord of the Rings lovers, the Middle Earth Trail provides one mile of advanced mountain biking trails. Also included in the park is the 3.6-mile long Boat Rock Loop and the three-quarters of a mile Ol’ Hoss Trail. The Ol’ Hoss

BIKING DESTINATIONS IN THE HIGH COUNTRY

Rocky Mountain Bike Park 285 Mountain Bike Way, Boone, NC 28607

Emerald Outback Trail System

From rugged trails to hilly paths, mountain biking options abound across Avery, Ashe and Watauga counties.

Trail is considered the most challenging trail in the park, while Boat Rock Loop also shares its own challenges, though not quite as strenuous. Rocky Knob in Boone was coined one of the “Ultimate ride spots” by Velo magazine. Rocky Knob is open from dawn until dusk everyday and is free and open to the public.

To learn more about the mountain bike trails and operations at Sugar Mountain Resort, visit skisugar.com. To learn more about the offerings at Beech Mountain Resort, visit beechmountainresort.com.

328 N Pinnacle Ridge Rd, Beech Mountain, NC 28604

Beech Mountain Resort

1007 S Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604 (800) 438-2093

www.beechmountainresort.com

Sugar Mountain 1009 Sugar Mountain Dr, Sugar Mountain, NC 28604 (828) 898-4521

www.skisugar.com

Boone Greenway 607 Deerfield Rd, Boone, NC 28607

www.townofboone.net/town-parks-greenways

LEXIE CARROLL

PHOTO SUBMITTED

PHOTO COURTESY BEECH MOUNTAIN RESORT

Mountain biking at Beech Mountain Resort offers experiences for every level of mountain bikers.

Fall motorcycling

JAMIE SHELL

For those who wish to “get their motors running,” perhaps no scenery to hit the open road is as appealing as the highways of the High Country.

Breathtaking 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.

Honeycutt has served as 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.”

One popular destination for local motorcycle enthusiasts is the Blue Ridge Parkway. For 469 miles, from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Cherokee, N.C. and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Parkway cuts through a sensory delight, a treasure forest of twists and turns, highs and lows and, of course, grand vistas from 200 overlooks. Tired of riding? Many of the overlooks also serve as trailheads, so a chance to stretch your legs is available as well.

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 a challenging and slow test of twists and turns, be sure and visit Grandfather Mountain. The winding road to the top is a treat in itself, but stop and walk across the mile-high suspension bridge. The horizon stretches and stretches before you, in at least three directions.

If a leisurely day-trip ride is more your speed, the 19 miles U.S. 221 between Blowing Rock and Linville is a Sunday drive type of treat, or Shull’s Mill Road from near Blowing Rock to Hound Ears and Foscoe brings lots of smiles. You might even see some unusual country residences along the way and if you don’t mind a dirt and gravel road, a side trip on the Old Turnpike Road pays colorful dividends.

A little further south of Avery County, Mount Mitchell thrusts up as the highest peak east of the Mississippi River and, as you might expect, is worth the ride to the top — but only if mountaintop panorama grandeur is your thing.

For riders who may not be experienced when it comes to traveling on mountain roads, Honeycutt said the twoday trip on the Parkway from 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 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.”

In and around the High Country, there are plenty of great country roads to explore. Straightaways are rare, so opportunities to “hit the apex” of a curve are numerous.

Whether you have a Bonnie, a Duck, a Hog or a Dresser, motorcycling in the High Country is another name for fun, especially in the autumn season.

WHERE TO FIX YOUR RIDE (OR PICK UP A NEW ONE)

Looking for bike repairs, service or a new ride? Check these locations out for your motorcycling needs.

Action Cycle Sports, 2349 Old U.S. 421, Boone, NC 28607. (828) 262-1558. Sells motorcycles, as well as offers expert repair services.

Stamey’s Cycle Center, 836 Kimberly Lane, Boone, NC 28607. (828) 264-5847. Sells motorcycles, offers repair services, and even sells tires, too.

Boone Action Cycle, 8483 U.S. 421, Vilas, NC 28607, (828) 297-7400. Features motorcycles, ATVs, side by sides, plus service and repair.

Central Cycle Sales Yamaha, 102 N. Main St., Jefferson, NC 28640. (336)-846-7744. On road? Off road?

Central cycle sales as a Yamaha solution.

Hill River Cycles, 13282 U.S. 221 South, Fleetwood, NC 28625. (336)-877-2802. As of Aug. 16, Hill River Cycles is no longer doing repair work and offering sales by appointment only, after 6 p.m.

Smokin’ Motorcycle Repair, 1145 Bare Creek Access Road, Jefferson, NC 28640. (336)-977-3452. Specializes in repairing older motorcycles, like Shovelheads, Evos, and Twincam.

Brushy Mountain Powersports, 4641 West U.S. 421, Wilkesboro, NC 28697. (336)-973-3325. Dealer in Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha. New and pre-owned. Parts & service. Street bikes, dirt bikes, ATVs, side by sides, and trailers.

CrossRoads Harley-Davidson, 1921 U.S. 421, Wilkesboro, NC 28697. (336)-667-1003. New and preowned inventory of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, in Sport, Cruiser, Adventure Touring, Grand American Touring, Trike and CVO categories. Offers full line of accessories and service, as well as customization.

Views and winding road make for spectacular motorcycling in the High Country.

AUTUMN GOLFING IN THE MOUNTAINS

NATHAN HAM

The mountains North Carolina has some of the finest public and private golf courses you’ll find in the region. With the perfect scenery and beautiful layouts of many of the courses in the High Country, enjoying a round of golf is high on the list of many visitors to the area.

Ashe, Watauga and Avery counties all offer courses that offer so fun rounds of golf with views you won’t find anywhere else. Ashe County has two golf courses; one public course and one semi-private golf club.

Mountain Aire Golf Club in West Jefferson is a public course and is considered the third oldest course in the High Country. The course was originally called West Jefferson Golf Club when it opened in 1949. Carl Hagel purchased the course in 1971 and it has remained in the family ever since then. Mark Hagel expanded the course to 18 holes in 1985. While the Hagel family still owns the course, it is Mark’s son-in-law, Philip Shepherd, that does most all of the hand-on management of the course and the playing surface. The course also hosts numerous community golf tournaments throughout the year.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NCGA

SEE GOLF ON PAGE 87

GOLF

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 86

To book a tee time at Mountain Aire, call (336) 877-4716. More information about the course and the housing community within it can be found at www. mountainaire.com

Jefferson Landing is a semi-private club located in Jefferson off of NC Highway 16, surrounded by pristine mountain views, luxurious homes and condominiums. The course, which opened in 1991, was designed by PGA Hall of Famer Larry Nelson. The course plays a total of 7,110 yards, making it the longest course in the High Country. Jefferson Landing routinely hosts golf tournaments throughout the spring, summer and fall, and even hosted the North Carolina Amateur Golf Championship this summer.

For tee times and more information about Jefferson Landing, call the pro shop at (336) 982-7767 or visit www.visitjeffersonlanding.com/Golf.

Boone Golf Club, a public course located off of Fairway Drive in Boone, opened to the public in 1959. The course’s total distance is 6,686 yards and 6,018 yards from the regular tees. The course, which sits at an elevation of 3,346 feet above sea level, has a good mixture of short tees with par 3s that average 199 yards and large par 5s that average 556 yards off the tee.

Call the pro shop at (828) 264-8760 to get your tee time. Boone Golf Club’s season typically runs from April through November. More information on the golf course including a hole-by-hole overview for each hole on the course, go to www.boonegolfclub.com.

A “hidden gem” of the High Country golf scene would be the nine-hole course in Vilas known as Willow Creek Golf Course. The course, which is all par 3 holes, was designed by Tom Jackson and opened in the 1970s. The holes range from 137 yards at their shortest to 221 yards at their longest.

The trickiest part of Willow Creek is the size of the greens. The small putting greens make your tee shot accuracy even more important, otherwise you’ll be hoping for a par at best on each hole.

The course does not currently take reservations or require set tee times, golfers take the course on a first come, first served basis. For prices and any other additional information on Willow Creek Golf Course, call (828) 963-6865 or visit www.willowvalley-resort. com/willow-creek-golf-course.

In Avery County, the Sugar Mountain Golf Club, owned and operated by the town, features nine par 3s, eight par 4s and one par 5 hole to make up its 18-hole course. The course measures 4,443 yards overall and 4,071 from the regular tees. A par score on the course is 64.

At over 4,000 feet of elevation, Sugar Mountain Golf Club is a public course that is a must-play for anyone that wants to continue their golfing tour across the High Country.

You can reserve your tee times online at seesugar. com/golf/ or call (828) 898-6464.

Mountain Glen Golf Club in Newland first opened in 1964 with nine holes and then opened another nine holes a year later. The public course was designed by golf course architect George Cobb, who is most famously known for first designing Quail Hollow in Charlotte and the Augusta National Par Three Course.

Mountain Glen plays at 5,968 yards from the regular tees. If you are up for a challenge, take on the full course at 6,523 yards from the back tees.

Call Mountain Glen at (828) 733-5804 to set up a tee time.

Land Harbor Golf Club in Linville is the final options among the public golf courses in the High Country.

The 18-hole course originally started out as a nine-hole course, but thanks to some great design work collaborations between Tom Jackson and local golfer Ernie Hayes, they were able to turn 23 acres of rugged property that many thought would be unusable, into the second nine-hole course. The first nine holes measure in at 2,950 yards while the back nine plays at a distance of 1,927 yards. The course combines to play at a par score of 69. The course also used to be for members only, however after recently becoming a public course, it has been one of the most popular stops for golfers in the High Country.

Give the pro shop a call at (828) 733-8325 to set up a tee time or visit their website at linvillelandharborgolf.com/

The High Country also

features four clubs that are considered private clubs, but often open their courses up for numerous charity tournaments throughout the year.

Blowing Rock Country Club operates from May through October and was recently redesigned to offer an even better playing experience. Blowing Rock Country Club opened for its first round of golf well over a century ago in 1915. The club is also North Carolina’s only course designed by Seth Raynor, who designed around 85 courses in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Learn more about the Blowing Rock Country Club at blowingrockcountryclub.com/Golf.

Hound Ears Club located in Boone was the third

COURTESY PHOTO Boone Golf Club opened in 1959.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 87

course in Watauga County to open, following behind Blowing Rock Country Club and Boone Golf Club. The course, located off of NC Highway 105 near Shulls Mill, is an 18-hole course that was designed by George Cobb in 1964.

At its longest, the course plays at 6,307 yards and is 6,145 yards from the regular tees. The course offers a variety of par 3s, par 4s and par 5s, and is well-known for having several longer par 4s that are almost impossible to reach with a tee shot for most golfers.

You can find out more information about Hound Ears Club and the golf course online at www.houndears.com/Golf.

Beech Mountain Golf Club has the rare distinction of being able to play golf while viewing mountain ranges in North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The court was designed by Willard Byrd and was recently redesigned to extend the course of play to 6,250 yards in length. The course, which first opened in 1969 with

the first nine holes, sits at an elevation of around 4,500 feet. The course is open from May through October.

You can learn more about the course at Beech Mountain Club by visiting beechmtn.club/the-course.

Linville Ridge Golf Course holds the distinction of being at the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. The course sits at 4,949 feet and will likely give you the coolest, most comfortable round of golf anywhere in North Carolina as temperatures in the summer and early fall do not get nearly as high at that

elevation.

The course was originally designed by George Cobb and would end up being the final golf course he ever designed. The course went through a bit of a redesign in 2007 as Bobby Weed was brought in to add some additional challenges for players on the course. Linville Ridge plays to 6,813 yards from the back tees and 6,210 from the regular tees.

Information on the club and the golf course can be found at www.linvilleridge.com/golf-pages/golf

With the perfect scenery and beautiful layouts of many of the courses in the High Country, enjoying a round of golf is high on the list of many visitors to the area.

Mountain Aire Golf Club in West Jefferson is the third oldest golf course in the High Country.

Horseback adventures

Ridin’ through the High Country

PATRICK MCCORMACK

The High Country has a prodigious past with regards to horseback riding, as it is home to the longest, continuous running equestrian event in the United States in the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show. Located at the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve, the show celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023.

Outside of premier horse shows, trails abound in the area for riders to saddle up and mosey around amongst the falling leaves.

If you have your own horse, a prime spot to head is Cone Manor Estate, off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock. There you can explore 26 miles of carriage and horse trails, around Flat Top Manor, a beautifully crafted mansion dating back to 1901. Alternatively, park near the estate’s Bass Lake and enter the trails down at the low-elevation portion of the property and venture out there.

For anyone wishing to ride who doesn’t own a horse, there are plenty of options that await the curious beginner and seasoned veteran alike.

Grandfather Stables is a multipurpose facility nestled at the base of Hollaway and Grandfather mountains, just southwest of Boone, operated by Lesley Wooten. On offer there are guided trail riding trips, horsemanship lessons, summer camps and more. (828) 963-5000 (grandfatherstables.com)

Focusing on Cone Estate riding trails is VX3 Trail Rides (828) 963-0260 (vx3trailrides.com). At the turn of the 19th into the 20th century, Bertha and Moses Cone were avid horse riders, and the couple made the estate their summer respite. Nowadays, entertaining guide and VX3 owner Tim Vines leads individuals or groups out onto the trails year-round, weather permitting. The rides are custom and around 2.5 hours. Be sure to book in advance, as tours can book up quickly.

Also located in Watauga County is Yonahlossee Stables, near the outskirts of Boone just off Poplar Grove Road. The facility includes a main barn, both indoor and outdoor arenas, and several paddocks and pastures. Yonahlossee keeps their student class sizes very small, so reach out well in advance for potential

lessons. The stables also offer horse boarding and leasing services. (828) 963-4223 (yonahlosseestables. com)

You might also check out Leatherwood Stables down the mountain a little bit in Ferguson, with some 75 miles of trails to ride and explore. They consist of woodsy paths along beautiful ridges, old logging roads, creek crossings, as well as a mixture of long climbs and descents. It is a 4,000-acre resort on the boundary separating Watauga and Wilkes counties. (800) 4626867 (leatherwoodmountains.com).

Whether an experienced cowboy or a little green in your horsemanship, Dutch Creek Trails offers horseback riding adventures in Vilas, a little east of Boone. Known as a “cowboy poet,” owner Keith Ward admits that he lives on the wrong side of the Mississippi, born and raised on a farm in the Appalachian Mountains. (828) 297-7117 (dutchcreektrails.com).

At Banner Elk Stables, in addition to a scenic ride on the flanks of Beech Mountain in Avery County, you might be riding a horse that was used in a movie, according to the business’ website. They describe it as, “a memorable, high mountain trail ride in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” (828) 898-5424 (bannerelkstables.com).

PHOTO BY TOMMY WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

A group of horseback riders traversing a trail near Leatherwood Mountains.

Area corn mazes

Offer challenges, autumn fun

Among some of the activities that are popular during the Fall season is the corn maze. The trail, or maze, has been cut out of a cornfield and the goal is to navigate these paths

without getting lost or stuck in dead ends.

Most of the corn mazes are designed with different themes, such as animals, team logos, sayings or characters which can only be viewed in full from the air. Many corn mazes will offer maps and clues for the tourist to successfully negotiate the trails that cover

many acres of land. It is reported that corn mazes began showing up in America as early as 1982. They can vary greatly in size and complexity, depending on the land available and the designer of the maze.

BARB HOLDCROFT

PHOTO SUBMITTED

An aerial view of the corn maze constructed at Lantern Farm.

MAZE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 92

There are a number of corn mazes available throughout the High Country. Harvest Farms in Valle Crucis is offering tourists a variety of activities that include not only its corn maze, but hayrides, two sunflower trails, a you-pick flower farm and a you-pick pumpkin patch are on the premises. Prices vary according to age: $15 for ages 13 and up includes the corn maze, hayride and sunflower trail. This combo price is $10 for ages 4 to 12, and those 3 and under are free. Their season begins on Saturdays, Sept. 9 and 16, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The hours of operation change on Saturday Sept. 22, through October 29, with the addition of Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m. They offer a special flashlight tour on Saturday, Oct. 16. For more information contact them at (828) 2600765 or visit harvestfarmswnc.com.

Another popular venue is the New River Corn Maze in the Boone area on the Brown family farm beside the scenic New River at 660 Laurel Gap Ridge Rd. In addition to the corn maze, they also offer a pumpkin patch and tram rides throughout the farm. They have bundle prices of $10/person with those 5 years old and younger participating free. The business will open on Saturday, Sept. 16, and operate on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until dark, and on Sundays

from 1 p.m. until dark. More information can be found by calling (828) 2642986 or visiting newrivercornmaze. com.

The Lantern Farm Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze on Doe Meadows Drive in West Jefferson plans to be open from September 26 through October 29 this year. They feature a professionally designed corn maze as well as a haunted experience at night in their forest, based on a local historical event. The corn maze experience is augmented by a hayride, pumpkin patch and an animal park. Prices vary according to the number of activities. The bundle package for all events is $10.80 for adults and $5.40 for children. For more information, call (828) 278-9805 or visit their website at lanternfarm.com.

For those exploring just outside northwest North Carolina, it’s a short drive to the Stickley Farms Corn Maze in Bluff City, Tenn. Their operations begin on Friday, Sept. 29, and run through the end of October. Hours are on Wed. and Thurs. from 6 to 9 p.m., Fridays 6 to 11 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m. In addition to the corn maze, they offer a petting zoo, inflatables and hayrides. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for ages 5 to 12 years old, and children four years and younger are free. If purchasing the entire experience, the combo price is $25, $22 and free, respectively. More information can be obtained by calling (423) 444-3494 or checking out thestickleyfarm.com.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Harvest Farms loaded with pumpkins for the autumn season, which includes its annual corn maze.

App State football

looking to turn the tide after last season’s 6-6 campaign

MOSS BRENNAN

Few things go together as well as a good football game and great fall weather. From backyard scrimmages to Friday night lights, autumn is the season to toss the pigskin around.

Boone is where to find some of the best football in the state as it plays host to the Appalachian State Mountaineers every year. When the fall rolls around, the college students have settled in, the leaves are changing to beautiful hues of red and orange, and the excitement for game day builds.

Since moving to the FBS in 2014, the Mountaineers have established themselves as a powerhouse in the Sun Belt Conference. Heading into the 2023 season, App is looking to secure another conference championship after a 6-6 season that saw them not go to a bowl game.

“It’s been a great offseason,” App State football head coach Shawn Clark said at a team media day. “Coach Matt Greenhalgh has done a fantastic job in the weight room with strength conditioning, and Dr. (Jacob) Cooper, our sports psychologist, has really helped us in anticipation of this year. I’m excited for this football team. It’s good to be back.”

After the 2022, App State lost nearly 30 seniors, including their two-year starting quarterback. With newcomers from the transfer portal and as incoming freshman, App State’s football will look a bit different with a new quarterback under center. Gardner-Webb, East Carolina, Coastal Carolina, Southern Miss, Marshall and Georgia Southern are all coming to The Rock this season. All six opponents traveling to Boone made postseason appearances a year ago.

Following a nonleague schedule that is comprised of a Sept. 2 opener against Gardner-Webb, a Sept. 9 trip to North Carolina, East Carolina’s long-awaited return to Boone on Sept. 16 (Family Weekend) and a Sept. 23 appearance at Wyoming, App State begins Sun Belt play at West Division foe ULM on

Sept. 30.

The only non-Saturday game on App State’s schedule falls 10 days later — a nationally televised, Tuesday night home game against Coastal Carolina. Eleven days after hosting Coastal, the Mountaineers face Old Dominion to play a conference game in Norfolk, Va., for the first time.

The West Division team coming to Boone in 2023 is Southern Miss, and App State will host the Golden Eagles for Homecoming on Oct. 28. That game will be played five years after the hurricane-related cancelation of an App State-Southern Miss game that was scheduled to be held at Kidd Brewer Stadium in 2018.

The only instance of back-to-back home games occurs as Marshall travels to Boone for a Nov. 4 game at The Rock one week after the Southern Miss visit. The Mountaineers then have back-to-back road games for the second time in 2023, with a Nov. 11 game at Georgia State and their first

To keep up with App State football information, visit appstatesports.com/sports/football.

Sun Belt Conference game at James Madison in Harrisonburg, Va., on Nov. 18.

App State wraps up the regular season against Georgia Southern in Boone on Nov. 25.

PHOTO COURTESY APP STATE ATHLETICS In a football game against the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, Appalachian State set a record attendance number for a school athletic event, at 40,168.

PHOTO BY CADE BETTINGER/APP STATE ATHLETICS

Running back Nate Noel runs with the ball against Georgia Southern.

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App State Tailgating

A Beloved Tradition

PATRICK MCCORMACK

Tailgating holds a unique role in college football. By turning fall Saturdays into widely celebrated days, college football itself is a tradition complete with its own folklore and adjacent activities. Tailgating is one key component of the college football landscape.

In the hours leading up to nearly every game, hundreds, if not thousands, of fans gather in parking lots to set up events of their own. Laughter, raucous music, and the tantalizing smell of grilling food fills the air. Attendees open the backs of their vehicles and celebrate the day in parking lots and streets.

Nearly every Saturday, no matter where you look, beer, grilled meats and standard Southern cuisine

SEE TAILGATING ON PAGE 97

App State football fans tailgate at Kidd Brewer Stadium, also known as ‘The Rock.’

TAILGATING

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 96

side dishes will be consumed across university campuses. Lawn games such as cornhole, beer pong, and ladder golf are set up anywhere that space can be found. These preliminary competitions excite and energize the sports fans who are hungry for the action that will occur later in the day.

On game days around Kidd Brewer Stadium during Appalachian State University football games, wave after wave of fans can be found with their vehicles and tents filling up parking lots around the Appalachian State University campus. Focus always builds to the excitement of the Mountaineers taking the field against their foes of the day. Spaces open for tailgating at App include the Greenwood Lot on Bodenheimer Drive for Yosef Club Members and students with a permit (assigned spaces); the Raley/Duncan/Music lots; and Stadium and Justice lots, which are open to Yosef Club members with appropriate hang-tags. Additionally, the university offers an alcohol-free tailgate section, the Family Fun Zone.

Consumption of alcoholic beverages may take place in designated parking lots by fans of legal drinking age. Those participating in drinking alcoholic beverages must be able to present a valid driver’s license or photo ID to reflect their age upon request. Spirituous liquor, kegs, common containers and glass containers are not permitted in any location.

App State’s football tailgating policy states that propane and charcoal grills are the only permissible sources of heat for cooking. The university states that

burned coals and/or residue from cooking is not allowed to make contact with the paved surface of the parking lot. Hot coals must be completely extinguished with water prior to leaving the tailgating site. Open flame fires are prohibited. The university also recommends that fans use their vehicles to power any audio or video equipment. While generators are not prohibited, they are not recommended as they are potential safety hazards. Additionally, fans can use bathrooms that are available in Trivette Hall, the Plemmons Student Union and the Central Dining Hall; portable bathrooms are located in parking lots and tailgate locations throughout campus.

Tailgating attendees are able to dispose of trash in nearby dumpsters that have been placed in high-traffic tailgate areas. Representatives from a number of agencies pass out trash bags in various parking lots throughout the day to ensure all tailgating garbage is picked up. This season, fans will have multiple opportunities to tailgate, as The Rock is host to six home games this season. On Sept. 2 FCS opponent GardnerWebb comes to Boone for the campaign opener, while Sept. 16 sees in-state stalwart East Carolina visit Kidd Brewer. App’s first home conference game is set for a Tuesday evening, on Oct. 10 versus Coastal Carolina. The Southern Miss Golden Eagle fly in to play on Oct. 28, and then the Marshall Thundering Herd roll into the High Country on Nov.

4. The Mountaineers final home game has long-time conference rival Georgia Southern coming to town on Nov. 25. Tickets can be purchased at appstatesports.evenue.net, or by calling (828) 262-7733 (press 0 for a ticket representative, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Laughter, raucous music, and the tantalizing smell of grilling food fills the air.

Explore. Experience. Enjoy.

Nestled in the mountains of Jefferson, NC, rests an upscale resort community ideal for weekend getaways, special events and everyday living. Jefferson Landing is a gorgeous, gated development featuring luxurious accomodations, fine dining and affordable membership options to our golf and social clubs.

Book your adventure today to explor, experience and enjoy all that Jefferson Landing has to offer.

Jefferson Landing is the premier wedding venue of the High Country. We would love to help you plan your special day and create the perfect wedding memories you will cherish for a lifetime.

Jefferson Landing is the premier wedding venue of the High Country. We would love to help you plan your special day and create the perfect wedding memories you will cherish for a lifetime.

From ceremonies to receptions, rehearsal dinners to luncheons, we have everything covered. Whether you prefer grand or intimate, country chic or traditional elegance, we're your venue. You have the option of an outdoor wedding, rehearsal or reception dinner down by the stunning New River at Riverside Park, or you may desire a more elegant reception at the recently renovated Club House with seating for 200 plus. The centerpiece of the luxury rustic Club House is the Main Dining Room with its 33-foot-high vaulted ceiling, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and breathtaking views of the mountains, perfectly landscaped scenery and beautiful golf course. To get you even closer to nature, the Club House doors open to a 6,000-square-foot patio with spectacular panoramic views for your special event.

From ceremonies to receptions, rehearsal dinners to luncheons, we have everything covered. Whether you prefer grand or intimate, country chic or traditional elegance, we're your venue. You have the option of an outdoor wedding, rehearsal or reception dinner down by the stunning New River at Riverside Park, or you may desire a more elegant reception at the recently renovated Club House with seating for 200 plus. The centerpiece of the luxury rustic Club House is the Main Dining Room with its 33-foot-high vaulted ceiling, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and breathtaking views of the mountains, perfectly landscaped scenery and beautiful golf course. To get you even closer to nature, the Club House doors open to a 6,000-square-foot patio with spectacular panoramic views for your special event.

Jefferson Landing Country Club and Resort is a full service banquet and catering facility. A full catering menu is available offering everything you will need, from buffets to plated luncheons or dinners, as well as your own custom requests for our Executive Chef. Our expert events and catering staff will assist you with planning every detail to insure that your event conveys a sense of excellence and make your beautiful day stress free.

Jefferson Landing Country Club and Resort is a full service banquet and catering facility. A full catering menu is available offering everything you will need, from buffets to plated luncheons or dinners, as well as your own custom requests for our Executive Chef. Our expert events and catering staff will assist you with planning every detail to insure that your event conveys a sense of excellence and make your beautiful day stress free.

Only minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and just under two hours from the Charlotte and Greensboro airports, Jefferson Landing is located in the Northwest Mountains of North Carolina. You and your guests will feel more than welcome, and we will work our hardest to ensure complete customer satisfaction.

Only minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and just under two hours from the Charlotte and Greensboro airports, Jefferson Landing is located in the Northwest Mountains of North Carolina. You and your guests will feel more than welcome, and we will work our hardest to ensure complete customer satisfaction.

Ashe County Christmas tree industry supports local economy, boosts community pride

ERIN ISLEY

At the closing of the year, Christmas promises a final season of cheer. Homes are filled with green and red decorations, gifts are wrapped in shiny paper and tied with glittering ribbon and Christmas trees are strung with bright lights and sparkling ornaments.

The first record of a decorated Christmas tree dates back to 1510 when a group of Latvian merchants adorned a tree with artificial roses, which are a common symbol of the Virgin Mary, according to the National Christmas Tree Association.

Today, Christmas trees come in various shapes, sizes, colors and kinds. Artificial trees allow for a single purchase of a Christmas tree to last for years. Yet, people all over the country still flock to Christmas Tree farms for that nostalgic feel and the authentic scent of a real Christmas Tree.

North Carolina has more than 850 Christmas tree growers across the state which produce approximately 50 million trees across more than 38,000 acres, according to the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association.

In 2017, a study by Apartment Guide showed that North Carolina produces the second most Christmas trees in the nation right behind Oregon. Furthermore, Ashe County is the largest tree producing county in the United States, according to the Ashe County Christmas Tree Association.

Around 12,000 acres of Ashe County land produces 20 million trees for the High Country of North Carolina.

When families visit the High Country to buy their trees, they can buy trees from a lot or visit a farm and participate in the Choose and Cut opportunity that most farms offer. Families stroll through the Christmas tree farms until they find the perfect tree. They can alert farm workers and have their specific tree cut down and rolled up. It can then be bought and taken back with the family to its new home.

In Watauga County, families can choose and cut their Christmas Tree at Appalachian Christmas Mountain, Appalachian Evergreens, Bear Wallow Choose and Cut, Bluestone Greenery, C & J Christmas Trees, Circle C Tree Farms, Clawson’s Choose and Cut,

Miller’s Choose and Cut, Panoramic View Christmas Tree, Poplar Grove Choose and Cut, Swinging Bridge Farm and more.

Trees and greenery sales contribute more than $85 million annually to Ashe County’s economy, making the Christmas tree season a vital part of the year for residents, according to the Ashe County Christmas Tree Association.

For those searching for a real Christmas tree in Ashe County, Davis Tree Farm, Cline Church Nursery, Frosty’s Choose & Cut, Ivy Point Farm, Lil’ Grandfather Choose & Cut, Long’s Choose and Cut, Lyalls Nursery, Mistletoe Meadows, RRR Laurel Knob, Wayland’s Nursery, Westend Wreaths, and others will gladly help.

Cline Church nursery has also been chosen to provide this year’s White House Christmas Tree.

Among the many varieties of trees available in the High Country, the Frasier fir is special in the fact that it is native to North Carolina.

Frasier fir trees are grown in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, Mitchell, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey counties.

“Congratulations to the folks at Church’s nursery,” said Vice Chairman of the Ashe County Commissioners, Chuck Olive at a recent meeting. “They had the national Christmas tree competition this past week in Minnesota and they won the best Fraser Fir in the nation and the best wreath in the nation.”

This specific variety of Christmas tree has also been chosen to be the official White House Christmas tree 14 times, according to the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association.

In Avery County, visitors can browse a selection of Christmas trees at Cartners Choose & Cut, Pittmans Tree Farm, Christmas Corner Choose & Cut, Snowy Mountain X-Mas Tree Farm, Twin Pines Nursery, Jonas Ridge Tree Farm, Two D’s Nursery and more.

COURTESY PHOTO

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper took delivery of the capitol Christmas tree from Cline Church Nursery in Fleetwood in 2022.

Your 2023 Mountain Times guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway

The beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most traveled roads in all of America. Beginning in the Shenandoah Valley of 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.

In the fall, expect extremely busy roads as leaf lookers visit the area to see the beautiful colors the Parkway has to offer.

Constructed during the Great Depression and sanctioned by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) has a historic aspect to it, as well as the beautiful stone archway bridges found throughout the length of the roadway were constructed by the WPA workers of the day.

Ultimately, however, it is the incredible vistas and views that make this road a destination for tourists from all over the United States as well as the world.

The BRP is also what brings visitors here to the High Country, which includes the towns of Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk as well as wilderness areas stretching from Linville Gorge and Linville Falls to Mount Mitchell,

which is the highest peak found east of the Rocky Mountains. This amazing region is considered one of the more picturesque of the BRP journey and there will be much to do here in 2023.

The following is a guide to some of the better stops to be found along this particular stretch of the BRP going from north to south. There will be attractions noted for the normal everyday tourists and some adventures listed for the more adventurous among us who want to hike the trails, mountains and gorges of the area.

The north side of our journey starts with the Deep Gap exit on the BRP that is located at milepost 276. The turnoff will put you onto Hwy. 421. Heading west, this is one of the main ways to get to our lovely mountain college town of Boone, where there is much to do as far as food, live music, art, antiquing, festivals and more.

The music and arts scene in Boone is on the rise. During the spring and fall, that is buoyed by the hustle and bustle of Appalachian State University. In the summer months, however, it is tourism that drives the activity in Boone as folks leave the hot weather of the lower altitudes behind to drive up into the cooler weather of the mountains.

The coming month of June is when the live music scene

truly gets rolling in the High Country. The first weekend in June will feature the Boone In Blossom music and arts festival, the second weekend of the month will find the 2nd annual High Country Jazz Festival getting into high gear, and the third weekend of June finds the downtown area blocked off for the 2nd annual Boonerang Music Festival.

The name ‘Boonerang” refers to the phenomenon of folks coming to Boone and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains as kids on vacation or as students at Appalachian State who then leave the area to begin their careers elsewhere, but then they boomerang back and return to the mountains to try to create their own niche in this unique part of the world.

In July, the folks at Appalachian State University are stepping up with its annual Summer Series run of live concerts, which will include shows by John Oates on July 14, Keb’ Mo’ and Allison Brown on July 22, and a big, outdoor stadium throwdown by Darius Rucker on July 29.

If you get back on the BRP to explore, there are other exits that lead to other wonderful mountain towns in the area. At milepost 291, you will find the US 221 exit to

DEREK HALSEY

Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway with Hawksbill Mountain behind on the left and Table Rock Mountain on the right.

Grandfather Mountain is along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Photos by Derek Halsey

Deer on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

PARKWAY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 102

Blowing Rock, which has been a famous tourist stop since the 1800s. There is much to do and take in while visiting Blowing Rock, from the many distinctive shops found on Main Street to mountain views and fine restaurants.

Farther on down the roadway, the exit onto another section of Hwy. 221 at milepost 305 will take you to the entrance of Grandfather Mountain State Park and the resort town of Banner Elk. Banner Elk is surrounded by the ski resorts known as Sugar Mountain Ski and Beech Mountain Resort. In the summer months, there is a weekly concert held on Thursday nights beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the town’s Tate-Evans Park that is free for all.

Right up the mountain from Banner Elk is Beech Mountain Resort, and during the summer season the venue opens up its 5506’ Skybar club on top of the mountain on Saturday afternoons for brews, live music and incredible views. Downhill mountain biking trails and a mountainside disc golf course are also open to the public.

Beech Mountain Resort has also become an impressive live music destination over the past few years, and the summer of 2023 featured their best lineup yet. Performing on the outdoor stage at about 5,000 feet above sea level will be The Revivalists on June 10, Amos Lee and Langhorne Slim on July 15, Sheryl Crow on July 28, JJ Grey and Mofro along with Dawes on July 29, My Morning Jacket on July 30, and Grace Potter and Morgan Wade on August 12. More information can be found at beechmountainresort.com.

For those seeking adventure of a more natural kind, as in hiking and more, the Deep Gap section of the BRP mentioned above is a good place to start, as it begins an amazing sector of the BRP that passes by accessible mountain peaks and multiple gorges including the Linville Gorge, the steepest gorge in eastern America that is also called “The Grand Canyon of the East.”

As you head south on the BRP, you will find the historic Moses Cone Manor at milepost 294. The house and 1,000-plus acres of wonderful land was made into a park years ago. There you will find a gift shop, friendly tour guides as well as a 4-mile roundtrip trail to the fire tower that overlooks Boone.

At milepost 296 on the BRP, you will come across Price Lake and its adjacent campground, amphitheater, picnic area and boat ramp with plenty of summertime activities offered for visitors.

If you go three miles farther south to milepost 299, you will find the beginning of the more adventurous mountain hiking trails located on the BRP, with the Boone Fork Trail leading things off. Exploring the northern side of Grandfather Mountain, this popular pathway is a moderately hard trail that is lovely in its scenery.

For those not wanting to hike, you will find a pullover

at milepost 301 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 below.

At milepost 300, one of the more popular mountain trails on this section of the BRP begins. Known as the Rough Ridge Trail, the parking lot is usually filled with vehicles, especially on a warm, sunny day. This moderately difficult trail takes you to some stunning overlooks on Grandfather Mountain, although the path can get crowded on the weekends.

Back on the road, if you drive or bike a little further to the south, you will experience one of the more famous sections of the BRP called the Linn Cove Viaduct. This was the last section of the BRP to be completed and it is a curvy engineering marvel as the road 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 which provides a trail that goes alongside and underneath the viaduct.

At milepost 305, you will find what many consider to be the “Coolest Short Trail in the East,” the Beacon Heights Cliff Trail. It is a quick 1,400-foot hike to the top of the path, as long as you follow the Beacon Heights Trail signs while crossing other trails. Once near the peak, you will find a stone bench. Go straight past the bench for a cool view, but the better view can be found if you take a left at the bench, then hike up a short set of natural rock stairs that will lead to a flat cliff where the sights are spectacular. From there you can see Grandfather Mountain to the left, Wilson Creek Gorge in the middle and the dual elbow-shaped mountains to the right that mark the peaks of Hawksbill and Table Rock Mountains overlooking Linville Gorge.

For those with families, the one-mile drive into Grandfather Mountain State Park at milepost 305, followed by a turn to the west on Hwy. 221, leads you to many impressive views and fun activities. For an entrance fee, the trip to the top of the Grandfather Mountain attraction will feature the zoo, featuring bears, elk, mountain lions and more, a brand-new Nature Center, many trails to hike including the famous and challenging Profile Trail, a gift shop, a restaurant and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge to walk across. The views are stunning from the top of Grandfather Mountain, which is 54-feet shy of 6,000 feet in elevation. And, on a rare crystal-clear day, you can see the skyline of Charlotte, NC, 90 miles away on the horizon. More information on entry reservations at Grandfather Mountain State Park can be found at grandfather.com.

On July 6 to 9, a very special event takes place on top of Grandfather Mountain called the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, celebrating everything Scottish, from music to the ancient sports to dance to the history. More information can be found at gmhg.org

Back on the BRP, at milepost 308 you will find a parking lot for an easy 30-minute hike known as the Flat Rock Trail. The fairly level trail leads through some thick woods and ends up with a view that looks over the valleys below. This is also known as the “Sunset Trail” as it is a superb place to watch a sunset, especially if nature is putting on a good show as the sun fades below the horizon.

As you continue traveling south on the BRP, you will find a series of three exits that lead to the Linville Falls and Linville Gorge attractions. For those wanting an easy trip, the milepost 316 exit will take you to the Linville Falls Visitors Center, campground and picnic area.

For an amazing view of Linville Gorge, continue on the BRP to milepost 317 where you will find the right turn onto the Hwy. 221 exit. Once off the Parkway, turn left onto Hwy. 221 and then take another left less than a mile ahead onto Hwy. 183. About 0.7 of a mile farther on Hwy. 183, you will find a gravel road on the right with signs that will lead you to “Wiseman’s View” and Linville Falls. The first parking lots you will see on the left are for the two trails that lead to different views of Linville Falls. If you take Route 1238 for almost exactly four miles further, however, you will see the sign for the Wiseman’s View parking lot on the left. Here there is a baby stroller/ wheelchair accessible paved walkway that leads to as special a view of Linville Gorge as you could hope to experience. The vistas will simply take your breath away.

Please remember, however, that Route 1238 to Wiseman’s View is a gravel mountain road that can be very rough in spots, so if you have 4-wheel drive or all-wheeldrive vehicle, you should be fine. If you are in a vehicle that is two-wheel drive, only go on the gravel road if it is dry and safe. Watch out for the occasional ruts ahead of you, and turn around if you have to, but otherwise, the heart-stopping sights at Wiseman’s View are very much worth the effort.

Continuing down the BRP, your adventure will lead you to even more great views and fun stops along the way with places to explore such as Crabtree Falls, the town of Little Switzerland, the Museum of North Carolina Minerals, the live music venue (afternoons) known as the Orchard at Altapass and more. A few miles south of the BRP on Route 221 will also lead you to the entrance of the popular Linville Caverns.

As you continue on your way, you will eventually come across the turnoff to Mount Mitchell at milepost 355. At 6,683 feet in elevation, Mount Mitchell is the highest mountain east of the Mississippi River and the good news is that you can drive virtually all of the way to the top.

Once your day of adventure is over and you return to your lodging in Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk or other High Country towns, there is a wealth of fine restaurants, craft breweries, wineries and more to enjoy on the mountain.

HIGH COUNTRY

NATHAN HAM

There are few places to better enjoy the sights and sounds of nature in the High Country than at the numerous state parks that you will find across this mountainous terrain. Whether you want to be on top of the world at the highest peak east of the Mississippi River at Mount Mitchell, or hanging out along the banks of the New River, one of the oldest rivers in the world, all of that and more can be found on just a few short drives.

SEE PARKS

ON PAGE 105

PARKS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 104

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN

Grandfather Mountain State Park truly has something for everyone. The park, located in Linville, has numerous hiking and backpacking trails that offer fresh air and exercise for the adventurists that want to get off of the beaten path. For the nature enthusiasts, be sure to visit the wildlife habitats that the mountain has to offer, as well as the newly completed Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. No visit to Grandfather Mountain would be complete without taking a stroll across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, which happens to be the highest suspension footbridge in the United States.

Throughout the year, Grandfather Mountain offers special events and programs on the mountain. Those events typically take place from April through the end of October and feature guest speakers, outdoor events, animal encounters and much more.

To plan your visit to Grandfather Mountain State Park, visit grandfather.com/visit.

SEE PARKS ON PAGE 106

PHOTO BY MONTY COMBS | GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION

Grandfather Mountain has a long list of things to do on a visit to the park.

PARKS

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MOUNT MITCHELL

Mount Mitchell State Park, located in Burnsville in Yancey County, is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Standing at 6,684 feet above sea level, Mount Mitchell has some of the most breathtaking views that you will ever find. Be sure to take advantage of the observation deck to enjoy the views off of the mountain.

The park offers campsites (by permit) as well as hiking trails and picnic shelters to enjoy the tremendous beauty of the mountain. The trail system at Mount Mitchell connects to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and offers parking for campers that want to begin their backpacking trek into the Pisgah National Forest.

For more information on Mount Mitchell State Park, visit www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/mountmitchell-state-park.

MOUNT JEFFERSON

Mount Jefferson State Natural Area is located in nearby Ashe County, roughly a 25-mile drive from Boone. Mount Jefferson has five miles of hiking trails

and is home to over 700 native plants along the slopes of the mountain. Mount Jefferson’s peak sits 4,665 feet above sea level and is about 1,600 feet above the towns of West Jefferson and Jefferson that sit at the base of the mountain.

The hiking trails feature the Mountain Ridge Trail, the steeper Summit Ridge Trail, the Rhododendron Trail and the Lost Province Trail, the latter two being loop trails that will bring you though different views of the natural area each step of the way.

For additional information on the Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, visit https://www.ncparks.gov/ state-parks/mount-jefferson-state-natural-area.

NEW RIVER STATE PARK

New River State Park in Ashe County features four different access points: The U.S. 221 Access, Wagoner Access, Kings Creek Access and Elk Shoals Access. Throughout the park, there are nine total miles of hiking trails as well as picnic shelters, camping sites and even trailer and RV sites.

The waters are perfect for canoeing, kayaking or simply floating down the river to enjoy beautiful scenery and enjoy some time on the water with friends and family.

The New River was designated as an American

Heritage River in 1998 and flows through North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. The river, which flows north for 320 miles, is widely considered to be the oldest river in North America and one of the five oldest rivers in the world. Geologists estimate that the river formed between 260 million and 325 million years ago.

For more information on the access locations of New River State Park, visit www.ncparks.gov/stateparks/new-river-state-park

ELK KNOB

Elk Knob State Park is located off of Meat Camp Road in Todd, near the Watauga and Ashe County line. The state park covers 4,423 acres and first opened in 2003. Elk Knob is the third highest peak in Watauga County, reaching an elevation of 5,520 feet. The park offers camp sites as well as approximately 5.5 miles of hiking trails and even a mile of cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails if you are brave enough to venture to the park in the winter months.

For additional information on Elk Knob State Park, visit www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/elk-knob-statepark

Bright fall colors can be seen far and wide from one of the Elk Knob trails.

Lees-McRae Summer Theatre put on several productions of “Red, White and Blue Ridge” at the beginning of this summer, a variety show celebrating North Carolina’s history and culture.

THEATERS

ACROSS THE HIGH COUNTRY

The High Country is a hub for theatre arts, with many campus, community and historic theaters spread throughout the region. The productions put on at these theaters feature a wide array of performers, from community members all the way up to professional actors. Each of these venues has something unique to offer, but they all highlight the rich culture of the High Country in some way.

SEE THEATERS ON PAGE 108

LILY KINCAID

THEATERS

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APPALACHIAN THEATRE OF THE HIGH COUNTRY

Built in 1938, this theatre operated for nearly 70 years before closing in 2007. In 2019, it was reopened as a performing arts center under nonprofit ownership. Today, Appalachian Theatre of the High Country offers a variety of shows and events that appeal to patrons of all ages and tastes.

At 1 p.m. on select Wednesdays through September, Appalachian Theatre of the High Country will be offering free guided tours of the historic facility. The tours last around 45 minutes, are open to guests of all ages and while reservations and donations are appreciated, they are not required.

This autumn is a busy one for Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, with “Napoleon Dynamite LIVE” on Sept. 1, Noel Freidline Group on Sept. 10, Larry & Joe on Sept. 17, DaShawn Hickman’s “Sacred Steel” on Sept. 28 and Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra on Sept. 29. In October, the theatre will feature Tray Wellington Band on Oct. 6, Appalachian State University Jazz Ensemble on Oct. 8, Highland Reverie with Holler Choir on Oct. 12, Tatiana Hargreaves and Allison de Groot with Holler Choir on Oct. 13 and Flat River Band on Oct. 20.

Appalachian Theatre of the High Country is located in downtown Boone. For more information, including a calendar of events and ticket prices, visit www. apptheatre.org.

ENSEMBLE STAGE

Ensemble Stage was founded in 2009 and originally started presenting productions in Blowing Rock. In 2017, however, the professional theatre found its new home in the Cultural Art Center at the Historic Banner Elk School. It has put on more than 100 productions with more than 500 performances since its inception.

This fall, Ensemble Stage will put on two productions: “To Die For” and “Hitchcock Radio Hour: The Haunting Hour & The Birds.” “To Die For” is a comedic thriller that follows best-selling historical romance writer Carla Woods as she navigates an unusual situation that unfolds when a mysterious man shows up at her Gothic mansion on a dark and stormy night. This show will be on stage Sept. 15 through Sept. 24.

Each year, Ensemble Stage puts on a staged radio play based around the stories of Alfred Hitchcock just in time for Halloween. This year’s radio play tells two stories, “The Haunting Hour” and “The Birds,” and will be on stage Oct. 27 and 28.

Ensemble Stage’s performances take place in the 99-seat Hahn Auditorium, located within the Historic Banner Elk School in downtown Banner Elk. For more information, including showtimes and ticket prices, visit www.ensemblestage.com

HAYES AUDITORIUM

Lees-McRae College is home to an active theatre department year-round. In the summer, performers travel from all over to participate in Lees-McRae Summer Theatre, and during the school year, the LMC Theatre Department puts on three main stage productions with casts made up of performing arts students.

Lees-McRae has not announced the productions it has lined up for this upcoming academic year. In the past, however, it put on shows such as “James and the Giant Peach,” “The Glass Menagerie” and “Clue: On Stage.”

For more information, including this year’s theater productions at Lees-McRae, visit www.lmc.edu/academics/programs/theatre-arts/calendar.htm.

SCHAEFER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Located on Appalachian State University’s campus, the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts features campus and community events and hosts visiting artists from all over. In addition to its 1,660-seat venue, the Schaefer Center also hosts events all around ASU’s campus.

This season, Sonia De Los Santos will perform at the Schaefer Center at 10 a.m. on Oct. 4. The show is interactive and features a bilingual collection of songs and educational bits about musical instruments and rhythms from Latin America.

At 10 a.m. on Nov. 16, Native American intertribal dance troupe Indigenous Enterprise will share and educate the audience on Indigenous culture and Native identity through traditional dance, song and fashion, all with a contemporary flair.

The Schaefer Center is also hosting a number of speakers throughout the season, which will all take place at 6 p.m. on various days in Plemmons Student Union. More shows, including those that are a part of the “Schaefer Center Presents” series, will take place in the fall. For more information on the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts and its upcoming shows, visit theschaefercenter.org.

Appalachian Theatre of the High Country holds both movie showings and live shows in downtown Boone.

Each year, Ensemble Stage puts on a staged radio play based around the stories of Alfred Hitchcock just in time for Halloween.

This year’s radio play tells two stories,“The Haunting Hour” and “The Birds,” and will be on stage Oct. 27 and 28.

Boone’s Appalachian Theatre brings live programming to the community

MOSS BRENNAN

The fall season of ATHC presented events includes multiple musical events featuring of all kinds of music.

The Appalachian Theatre was built in 1938 by W. Ralph Winkler and A. E. Hamby based on a design by a Lenoir architect, Clarence P. Coffey. The theater first opened on Nov. 14, 1938, and operated for nearly 70 years, until its closure in 2007. On Oct. 14, 2019, the fully renovated Appalachian Theatre of the High Country reopened to the public.

The Tray Wellington Band will perform on Oct. 6 beginning at 8 p.m. Winners of the 2019 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year award, The Tray Wellington Band is a great band to see.

The Appalachian State University Jazz Ensemble begins at 5 p.m. on Oct. 8. Directed by Mr. Todd Wright and Mr. Rodney Berry, The Jazz Ensemble performs a diverse repertoire highlighting the excellence of the Hayes School of Music.

The Highland Reverie with special guest Holler Choir takes the stage on Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. to celebrate the release of their new album “Nowadays.”

Tatiana Hargreaves & Allison de Groot with The Swingbillies of Boonetown are next up on Oct. 13 starting at 7:30 p.m. Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves create a sound that is adventurous, masterful, and original, as they expand on the eccentricities of old songs, while never losing sight of what makes them endure.

Brianna Tam is the next to take the ATHC stage on Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Layer by layer, riveting solo electric cellist Brianna Tam uses her bare feet on her loop station in order to envelop captivated listeners in her epic symphonic experience.

The Flat River Band — consisting of three brothers Andy, Chad and Dennijo Sitzem— who grew up in a multi-generational family band will be performing at the ATHC at 8 p.m. on Oct. 20.

Just in time for Halloween, “An Evening of Appalachian Murder Ballads” hits the ATHC stage. Murder ballads are a sub-genre of the traditional ballad form dealing with a crime or a gruesome death. Their lyrics form a narrative describing the events of a murder, often including the lead-up and/or aftermath. Some murder ballads tell the story from the point of view of the murderer, with others tell from the perspective of the victim.

Tickets for these events will go on sale to ATHC members and non members at the theatre’s website at www.apptheatre.org. All events are subject to change.

PHOTO COURTESY ATHC

The Flat River Band.

PHOTO COURTESY ATHC

The Tray Wellington Band

Carlton Gallery

Experience artistic talent throughout the area

Local artist are in plenty in the High Country. From Plein Air to to sculpture, there are a variety of mediums used in the area. Visit one of the many galleries, shops or museums that hold some of the greatest works of art in the area.

Not only do local artists get a chance to show off their work, but also visiting artists and traveling art displays get to be showcased for art lovers of all ages. Take the time to travel through the area to visit some of these art galleries.

WATAUGA COUNTY

BLOWING ROCK ART & HISTORY MUSEUM

159 Ginny Stevens Ln. Blowing Rock, NC 28605

(828) 295-9099

www.blowingrockmuseum.org

The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) first opened in 2011 and offers a glimpse at art and historical exhibits about Appalachian Heritage and History. The museum is open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday.

BLOWING ROCK FRAMEWORKS & GALLERY

7539 Valley Blvd.

Celebrating 41 Years

Owner/Artist Toni Carlton says

“These

Blowing Rock, NC 28605 (828) 295-0041

www.blowingrockgalleries.com

Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery was founded in 1994 by Tim Miller and has brought together more than 25 of the best artists in the southeast. In addition to the outstanding artwork on display, they also offer custom art framing, everything from paintings and photos to prints and even newspaper clippings.

JORDYN DANIELS

“The Protector,” an acrylic on canvas painting from Noyes Capehart, depicting a face in the trees looking over a home, is the type of art featured at the Art Cellar Gallery.

GALLERIES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 112

Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

DOE RIDGE POTTERY

585 W. King St., Suite D Boone, NC 28607

(828) 264-1127

doeridgepottery.homestead.com

Doe Ridge Pottery is owned and operated by Bob Meier. The studio is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

HANDS GALLERY

543 W. King St.

Carlton Gallery

Boone, NC 28607 (828) 262-1970

www.handsgallery.org

Hands Gallery first came about behind the effort of a small group of craftspeople in 1975. Since then the co-op gallery has brought dozens of artisans into the gallery to showcase their years of hard work. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Winter hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

JONES HOUSE CULTURAL CENTER

604 W. King St. Boone, NC 28607 (828) 268-6280

www.joneshouse.org

The Jones House is now home to the SEE GALLERIES ON PAGE 114

Celebrating 41 Years

AUTUMN GROUP EXHIBITION

Resonance of Presence

Lori Hill & Toni Carlton

October 7 - November 15

Opening Reception October 7, 2-5

WINTER GROUP & SMALL WORKS EXHIBITION

November 24 - April 30, 2024

Holiday Open House - November 24 & 25, 10-5

For information on 2023 Workshops please call 828-963-4288 or visit www.carltongallery.com

Located 10 Miles South of Boone on Highway 105 in Grandfather Community 828-963-4288 | www.carltongallery.com | carltongallery@carltongallery.com

PAINTINGS • CLAY

GLASS

WOOD

FIBER ART • JEWELRY

PHOTO COURTESY ART CELLAR GALLERY

GALLERIES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 113

Mazie Jones Gallery, which rotates different exhibits throughout the year. The Jones House also has two permanent exhibits that highlight the history of Boone and the Jones House. Galleries are open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

TRADITIONS POTTERY

1055 Main St.

Blowing Rock, NC 28605

(828) 295-5099

www.traditionspottery.com

Mike and Janet Calhoun produce handmade pottery in number of different designs and shapes. Their studio is located at 4443 Bolick Road about three miles south of Blowing Rock.

TURCHIN CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS

423 W. King St.

Boone, NC 28608

(828) 262-3017

tcva.org

The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts on the campus of Appalachian State offers numerous dynamic tours and exhibit celebrations throughout the year. The Turchin Center also holds workshops, art talks and other events. The center is

open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday, and from noon until 8 p.m. on Friday.

WATAUGA COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL – BLUE RIDGE ART SPACE

377 Shadowline Dr. Boone, NC 28607 (828) 264-1789

www.watauga-arts.org

The Blue Ridge Art Space has four galleries and a gift shop as well as classrooms for different art workshops. The space is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and extended hours for classes and workshops.

ASHE COUNTY

ASHE ARTS CENTER

303 School Ave. West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-2787

www.ashecountyarts.org

The Ashe Arts Center is home to a year-round exhibition space that showcases different works by local and regional artists. In addition to the rotating gallery of work, a gallery shop offers locally produced arts and crafts to purchase. The Ashe Arts Center is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday

SEE GALLERIES ON PAGE 115

PHOTO BY PATRICK MCCORMACK

Some of the paintings from the GIFTED: Collecting the Art of California at Gardena High School, 1919-1956 collection, on displaying inside the Atwell Gallery at BRAHM through Dec. 2023.

GALLERIES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 114

through Friday and from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday.

ASHE CUSTOM FRAMING & GALLERY

105 S. Jefferson Ave.

West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-2218

ashecustomframing.com

Ashe Custom Framing & Gallery has been open for 18 years and gives local artists a location to exhibit their work and gives customers a place to custom frame design services. The hours of operation are from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday.

CATCHLIGHT GALLERY

118 N. Jefferson Ave.

West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-1551

catchlightgallery.net

Since 2012, CatchLight Gallery has dedicated its space to talented photographers who want to display and sell their creations. The gallery is located in downtown West Jefferson and is open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday.

FLORENCE THOMAS ART SCHOOL

10 S. Jefferson Ave. West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-3827

florenceartschool.org

With gallery exhibits and multiple workshop and classroom opportunities, the Florence Thomas Art School has a little bit of everything to offer. The school is open from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

LOST PROVINCE CENTER FOR CULTURAL ARTS

9710 Highway 194 Lansing, NC 28643

lostprovincearts.org

The Lost Province Center for Cultural Arts offers a variety of classes including

basketry, ceramics, fiber arts, printmaking, wine making and classes for children as well. Operating hours are from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. by appointment only.

ORIGINALS ONLY GALLERY

3-B N. Jefferson Ave. West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-1636

originalsonlygallery.com

Originals Only Gallery displays work from Ashe County artists Joan Stiles Bell and Susan Van Wyk. The gallery also has handcrafted woodwork from Elijah Holman as well as a wide selection of North Carolina pottery. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and other times by appointment.

RT MORGAN ART & GLASS BY CAMILLE

120 N. Jefferson Ave.

West Jefferson, NC 28694

(336) 246-3328

rtmorganartgallery.com

RT Morgan has operated an art studio full time in the Appalachian Mountains since 1986. The RT Morgan Art Gallery opened in 2002 and begin showcasing his work. Camille Morgan is a selftaught stained glass artist and has been creating glass works since 1986. The gallery is open from noon until 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and other days by appointment.

AVERY COUNTY

ART CELLAR GALLERY

920 Shawneehaw Ave.

Banner Elk, NC 28604

(828) 898-5175

www.artcellargallery.com

The Art Cellar Gallery first opened in 1993 and offers different fine artwork from a broad range of styles and mediums including paint, clay, stone, wood and glass. The Art Cellar Gallery is open to visitors Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

BE ARTISTS GALLERY

185 Azalea Cir.

Banner Elk, NC 28604

(828) 898-6767

www.seymourcc.net/beartistsgallery

BE Artists Gallery in the Historical Banner Elk School that has a large variety of work on display including paintings and drawings in oils, acrylics, and pastels; photography, graphic arts, pottery, jewelry, metalworks, fine furniture, wood turnings, wood carvings, fabric art and more. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

CARLTON GALLERY

10360 Highway 105 S. Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828) 963-4288

www.carltongallery.com

Carlton Gallery first started as a weaving studio in 1982 and is now one of the most popular galleries in the region. Over 300 artisans have their works featured in the gallery, everything from blown glass to pottery, paints, and jewelry. Carlton Gallery is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through

Saturday and from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. The gallery is also open by appointment.

CLARK GALLERY

393 Shawneehaw Ave. Banner Elk, NC 28604

(828) 789-9290

www.chrisclarkgallerync.com

The Clark Gallery has been open in the High Country since 2001. The gallery is open from 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

SALLY NOONEY GALLERY

7137 Highway 194 S. Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828) 963-7347

www.sallynooney.com

The Sally Nooney Gallery features animal paintings, landscape paintings, still life paintings and glass art. The gallery is open 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday.

PHOTO BY NATHAN HAM

A big crowd gathered at the Ashe Arts Center for an MLK Day Celebration event.

Ashe County has the largest collection of barn quilts in the region with more than 150 documented sites, with different self-guided tours available throughout the county.

Traverse the High Country via Barn Trails

BEECH MOUNTAIN — BANNER ELK AREA BARN QUILT TRAIL

Anyone who has spent time driving on the backroads of the High Country has more than likely seen barn quilts. These colorful, geometric “quilts,” which are often painted wood rather than fabric, are long-standing symbols of Appalachian heritage and culture.

Remapped in 2019, the Avery County Barn Quilt Trail has been split into three sections, featuring more than 40 barn quilts. For a comprehensive list of the quilt squares, including coordinates for where they are located visit www.beechmtn.com/avery-county-quilttrail-blocks.

Ashe County is home to a large collection of barn quilts, with more than 150 documented sites. Members of the community, artists and Ashe County Arts Council designed, painted and mounted quilt block paintings on barns throughout the county through the Ashe Arts Barn Quilt Project. Some of the quilts

LILY KINCAID

WEST JEFFERSON BARN QUILT TRAIL

PHOTO SUBMITTED

PHOTO SUBMITTED This 8-by-8 foot quilt square hangs on a barn overlooking the Watauga Greenway near the old Humane Society building.

BARN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 116

were sponsored by the Arts Council, while others were created by community members.

The trail has been divided into six loops, which feature most of the quilts. The red loop takes visitors through some of the prettiest and most historic areas of Ashe County.

For directions on how to navigate each loop, visit www.ashecountyarts.org/ barn-quilts.php.

SPARTA BARN QUILT TRAIL

Launched by the Alleghany Quilters Guild in 2009, the Sparta NC Barn Quilt Trail takes viewers throughout the town of Sparta and the Alleghany County countryside. To view the 14 brightly painted barn quilt patterns on the sides

of barns, businesses and houses visit www.highcountryhost.com/sparta-ncbarn-quilt-trail.

WILKES COUNTY BARN QUILT TRAIL

The Wilkes County Barn Quilt Trail features 17 quilts across the county. Art students from Wilkes County Public Schools helped produce three of the 17 quilts, as part of an effort to pass the historic tradition down to future generations. In 2012, a new working vertical Barn Quilt Sundial was installed in downtown Wilkesboro and became part of the official trail. This project was made possible by the Wilkes County Quilters Guild in partnership with the Cultural Arts Council of Wilkes. For more information about the Wilkesboro Barn Quilt Trail, visit www. wilkesboronc.org.

An iconic barn sits on pastoral land in Valle Crucis that was donated to the Blue Ridge Conservancy by John and Faye Cooper.

These colorful, geometric “quilts,” which are often painted wood rather than fabric, are long-standing symbols of Appalachian heritage and culture.

Ashe County Frescoes become staple of beauty for community

ERIN ISLEY

The Frescoes were painted by Benjamin F. Long IV in 1974 in St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. While the churches used to be separate entities, they belong now to the same congregation known as the Episcopal Parish of the Holy Communion. The congregation rotates services between the two churches. Even month services are held at St. Mary’s and odd month services are held at Holy Trinity.

Frescoes are a method of painting with water-based paint directly onto wet plaster. This plaster is usually on walls inside of buildings like churches, banks and government offices. Some of the most famous fresco paintings are Michelangelo’s “The Sistine Chapel Ceiling,” Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” and “The Last Judgment” also by Michelangelo.

Long collaborated with Reverend Faulton Hodge to design and create his first fresco at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church: “Mary Great with Child.” In this fresco, the Virgin Mary is portrayed as pregnant with Jesus Christ under a solar eclipse.

Long’s “John the Baptist” followed shortly after his first piece and concluded the series with “The Mystery of Faith.” “John the Baptist” is a portrait of John the Baptist holding a wooden staff and pointing to his head, while wearing a brown cloth in the desert.

“The Mystery of Faith” is the centerpiece of this triptych. It portrays Jesus on the cross while a spiritual form of Jesus rises above the body on the cross. The spiritual Jesus has his hands open on either side of his form.

St. Mary’s Church is located at 400 Beaver Creek School Road in West Jefferson.

In 1977, Long created a life-size representation of the Last Supper within the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Glendale Springs.

The fresco presents Jesus and his disciples at the Last Supper table. One disciple is seen walking out the door of the room in the painting while another is walking down the stairs. The fresco takes up an entire

PHOTO BY ERIN ISLEY Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Glendale Springs

FRESCOES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 118

wall of the church behind the altar and is painted in softened tones. Long worked on the fresco with his team of 20 students for three months.

Holy Trinity church is located at 195 JW Luke Rd. in Glendale Springs.

Festival of the Frescoes is held each year to celebrate the pieces of art and bring community members together. This year, the festival will be held on Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a raffle, silent auction, children’s games and activities, a bakery booth and much more at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Glendale Springs.

The Ashe County Frescoes Foundation, established in 2009, serves the community by working to preserve Long’s artwork. The foundation is a non-profit. The frescoes are free to all who wish to stop by and marvel at Long’s work.

At this year’s Ashe County Chamber of Commerce’s annual event, the Ashe County Frescoes Foundation won the “Coolest Corner” Award. This award is presented to organizations and people who help to promote tourism to Ashe County.

“If you haven’t been there, your family hasn’t been there, whether you like the art or not, if you’re a religious person or not, it’s a wonderful place,” said the president of The Ashe County Frescoes Foundation, Jeff Dreyer. “Those churches are beautiful places to meditate and

enjoy the art.”

Janet Pittard and David Chiswell wrote a book called “The Ashe County Frescoes of Benjamin F. Long IV.” The book was commissioned by the Ashe County Frescoes Foundation to better explain the history and spiritual meaning of the frescoes as well as explore Long’s artistic career.

Long is a contemporary portrait and fresco painter. Long was born in Texas, but grew up in Statesville, North Carolina. After receiving a degree in Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Long joined the Art Students League of New York to continue his passionate study of art.

Throughout his painting years, Long has received four distinguished awards, is the only non-Italian to have a fresco in the Abbey de Monte Cassino, has works on exhibition at the Royal Academy and the Royal Portrait Society, has combat art archived at the National Marine Corps Museum from his time serving in Vietnam and has been included in the Art Renewal Center’s “Living Masters.” Long has created 15 frescoes. NationsBank in Charlotte contracted Long and his team of artists to create a series of frescoes in their building, leaving the subject of the paintings to the creative mind of the team. It was Long’s first secular fresco undertaking. Today, Long’s fresco in Charlotte’s Bank of America Corporate Center is the largest secular fresco in the United States.

For more information about the Frescoes visit www.ashefrescoes.org or call (336) 982-3076.

PHOTO BY ERIN ISLEY

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in West Jefferson

Frescoes are a method of painting with water-based paint directly onto wet plaster. This plaster is usually on walls inside of buildings like churches, banks and government offices.

Save the date for the 45th Annual Valle Country Fair

Popular event to take place Saturday, Oct. 21

the field and from our hands.”

The Valle Country Fair will take place on Saturday, Oct. 21 in Valle Crucis.

“It all began with a group of chatty women,” said Dedy Traver, a Holy Cross Church member who has organized the Jams & Jelly booth for each of the previous 44 Valle Country Fairs. “When it started 45 years ago, there wasn’t an authentic country fair in the area — one that celebrates the harvest from

From these humble beginnings as a fundraiser for the Holy Cross Church Building Fund, the Fair became a regional event that is as colorful as the surrounding hillsides in Autumn.

The first year, the Fair was a small affair. It was held at the Apple Barn and featured a pig pickin’ lunch, freshly pressed apple cider, and a square dance with a cakewalk that evening. Amazingly, the event was pulled off by the 35 members of the church. All the

proceeds that year went to build a parish hall for Holy Cross. Since the second year, all net proceeds have been given back to the community.

“We felt we had given to ourselves once,” explained Traver. “Thereafter, the fruits of our labors should go to helping other people.”

According to Holy Cross Church records, more than $1,000,000 in net proceeds raised by the Valle

KEITH MARTIN

PHOTO BY BILL BARBOUR Face painters add color and cheer in the Kids Activity Area at the Valle Country Fair.

PHOTO BY CATHERINE MORTON Apple butter is the signature flavor of the Valle Country Fair with volunteers stirring the boiling pots from before daylight on the day of the Fair.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 120

Country Fair have gone to local community support since 1978. That amount includes grants to 122 different agencies throughout the High Country, as well as to emergency funding for thousands of individuals and families experiencing financial hardships.

Funds come from food booths operated by church members and from the approximately 150 arts and crafts exhibitors who pay fees to participate.

“Exhibitors donate 10% of their earnings from sales at the Fair to help people in need in this area,” said Exhibitor Co-Chair Suzie Long. “Everyone who at-

tends the Fair is helping people in need when they purchase hand-made crafts, home-cooked food, apple butter, baked goods, jams, and jellies. Everyone is participating in helping others.”

The whole community pitches in to make the Fair a success. Each year, performers including cloggers, storytellers, square dancers, musicians, and more contribute their talents for the enjoyment of fair goers. The Children’s Council organizes the children’s activity area. The Boy Scouts are on hand to handle trash removal and teenagers from Mountain Alliance haul decorations and equipment from storage to the fairgrounds and back to storage again.

“It takes every member of our church, plus friends, to pull together the event,” said Fair Chairman Gustav Gauss. “That’s over 200 people — from Dedy Traver calling out for parishioners to make jams & jellies to the volunteers from the Valle Crucis Conference Center who help with parking on the day of the Fair.

“The success of the Fair is people helping people from the heart,” Gauss said. “This year the Valle Country Fair will celebrate 45 years having raised over $1 million to help others. Everyone in attendance can feel proud to have been a part of our success.”

The single-day harvest festival is held in a large hayfield located alongside NC Hwy 194 between Valle Crucis and Banner Elk. Admission to the Valle Country Fair is free and parking is available in the adjoining field for $10 per car, $25 for a small bus or van, and $50 for a motor coach. No pets are allowed.

Media sponsors for VCF 2023 are Mountain Times Publications and Cur-

tis Media Group.

The event is produced by Holy Cross Episcopal Church in cooperation with the Valle Crucis Conference Center. Proceeds are used to provide grants to local

non-profit organizations, and relief to local families with emergency needs. For more information, contact Holy Cross Church at (828) 963-4609 or visit the Fair at www.vallecountryfair.org.

BULL RIDING CHALLENGE

“The success of the Fair is people helping people from the heart.”

- Gustav Gauss, Fair Chairman

PHOTO BY BILL BARBOUR

Banner Elk’s Marlene Crosby and Vilas’ Farrell Shepherd of the Boone Trail Band share many years of stage and recording experience.

PHOTO BY BILL BARBOUR Bill Welch (L) and John Goodrich (R) have been using the antique cider press to make cider for decades.

Fall Festivals bring the party to the High Country

LILY KINCAID

From family oriented events, such as the Woolly Worm Festival and the Valle Country Fair, to more specific ones, such as Oktoberfest and the Antlers & Acorns Songwriters Festival, there’s a fall festival for just about everyone in the High Country. As with all outdoor events in the mountains, be sure to dress in layers and be prepared for rain, as the weather changes quickly.

ANTLERS & ACORNS SONGWRITERS FESTIVALS

From Sept. 4 to 9, various spots around King Street and Howard Street in Boone will host the Antlers & Acorns Songwriters Festival. The festival is presented by Working Title Farm and each day holds a unique lineup of food, drinks, music and conversations with songwriters and musicians.

For the schedule of events, as well as information on which events are free and which are ticketed, visits www. workingtitlefarm.com/antlers-acornsschedule.

AUTUMN AT OZ

Each fall, the Land of Oz on Beech Mountain reopens for one of the world’s largest “Wonderful Wizard of Oz” events. On Sept. 8 to 10, Sept. 15 to 17 and Sept. 22 to 24, fans of the 1939 film can explore the site of the original 1970’s Oz-themed park during Autumn at Oz. Tickets are $55 and children two years and younger get in free. For more information, visit landofoznc.com/ autumn-at-oz

ART ON THE MOUNTAIN

Ashe Arts Center in West Jefferson will host Art on the Mountain, a craft festival sponsored by the Ashe County Arts Council, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23. More than 25 artists and crafters will be there to sell their unique pieces, and a number of artists will be holding demonstrations of their craft, including basket weaving, quilting and woodworking. For more information, visit ashecountyarts.org/ art-mountain.

OKTOBERFEST AT SUGAR MOUNTAIN RESORT

The 34th annual Oktoberfest at Sugar Mountain Resort will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 7 and 8. Harbour Towne Fest Band and the Avery County Cloggers will perform at the festival, and a variety of craft vendors are set to attend. Festivities also include the Bavarian costume contest, inflatables, hay rides, corn hole, water balloon toss and pumpkin bowling. Admission, parking and shuttle services are free. For more information, visit oktoberfest. skisugar.com.

VALLE COUNTRY FAIR

Valle Country Fair is an authentic mountain fall festival set to take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21. Guests can explore mountain culture through helpings of Brunswick stew to entertainment from cloggers, square dancers and bluegrass artists. Handmade art, crafts, jams and jellies are available for purchase at the festival, and patrons can visit alpacas, try out

The Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival is an annual event each October in downtown Banner Elk.

Each October, Sugar Mountain Resort throws its weekend-long Oktoberfest festival, with activities for the whole family.

FESTIVALS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 122

pumpkin bowling or get their faces painted. The festival takes place across from Holy Cross Church in Banner Elk, located along Highway 194 between Valle Crucis and Banner Elk. Admission is free and parking is $10 per car. For more information, visit www.vallecountryfair.org.

BANNER ELK WOOLLY WORM FESTIVAL

The 46th annual Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival will take place on Oct. 21 and 22 at the Historic Banner Elk School. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children ages six to 12, and free for all children 5 years and younger. The festival’s biggest attractor is the woolly worm races, in which the winner can earn up to $1,000. In addition to the races, 150 vendors set up at the festival, selling food, woolly worm souvenirs, art and more. All proceeds from the festival go toward schools, children’s programs and tourism in Avery County. For more information, visit www.woollyworm.com.

Land of Oz on Beech Mountain stays closed for most of the year, only opening for a few weekends in the fall.

TheHalloween Spirit

October in the High Country of North Carolina is filled with the red, yellow and orange leaves of peak season; the crisp apples of apple picking farms; sweet corn formed into mazes and a shift to cooler weather.

Visitors to the High Country in October can participate in the spirit of fall through all of these activities and more. Yet, at the end of the month, Halloween interrupts the fall harvest with the promise of monsters, ghouls, candy, costumes and hand-carved jacko-lanterns.

Halloween can be celebrated by carving a pumpkin with friends or family picked at any of the numerous pumpkin patches across western North Carolina. Harvest Farm LLC is a 7-acre farm that sells pickyour-own-pumpkins right from the patch. The farm is located at 3287 NC 194 in Valle Crucis. Opening day for the pumpkin patch and corn maze is Saturday Sept. 9.

Banner Elk’s Historic

Elk School hosts a trunk-or-treat event for kids and families where students can compete in a costume contest and play halloween-themed games.

Families can also climb aboard a haunted truck for a spooky hayride. The C & J Farm Haunted Trail runs every Friday and Saturday night through October from dark until 10 p.m. They are located at 1999 Brookshire Road in Boone.

Tweetsie’s Ghost Train runs from the end of September through October on Friday and Saturday nights. The park is transformed into a monstrous playground when the sun goes down. Costumed characters roam around the park while Halloween decorations and spooky music help to set the frightful mood. Trick-ortreat stations line the roads of the park. The Palace Spooktacular Show, Freaky Forest, Haunted House and Ghost Train will give families and friends a

SEE HALLOWEEN ON PAGE 125

ERIN ISLEY

Banner

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Halloween House near Hardin Park created by Travis Spencer with help from Abby, Connor and Wyatt. In this year pictured, the house was a “walk around” attraction.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Anna, Connor, Abigail, Wyatt and Travis Spencer in front of their decked out house for Halloween.

HALLOWEEN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 124

Halloween-filled night.

In the morning to afternoon of Oct. 28, Grandfather Mountain will welcome visitors to the park for the Beary Scary Halloween event. Children can trickor-treat on the mountain and watch Halloween enrichments like pumpkins be given to the animals. Children who arrive in a Halloween costume will also receive half-priced admission. This event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Grandfather Mountain.

To celebrate the night of mischief, Blowing Rock hosts a Halloween Festival. This year the festival will take place the Saturday before Halloween on Oct. 28 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The

Haunted Theme Park Haunted Theme Park

OPEN SEPT-NOV

festival features trick-or-treating at the local businesses in downtown Blowing Rock, Halloween-themed games and a costumed Monster March down Main Street. The event is free to all who want to participate.

Great Southern Gothic in West Jefferson offers walking ghost tours around the historic downtown year round. For $10 visitors and residents can be taken on an hour and a half long tour to hear local ghost stories. Participants are also welcome to share their own ghost theories and stories on the tour.

During Halloween evening, the Jones House Cultural Center hosts Boone Boo! The celebration is a downtown trickor-treat event with Halloween music, monster-sized inflatables and surprise performances.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

A giant werewolf stands guard at Heather Raimo’s house for Halloween.

Antique stores make the old new again

ERIN ISLEY

The rusty Coca-Cola signs, vintage portraits, handmade wooden furniture with brass fixtures and the smell of dust are characteristic of the familiar antique shop. Antiquing has become a hobby for many across the nation with family heirlooms lost and returned, a craving for the nostalgia for the good ole’ days and the decorative vintage appeal.

In the High Country, the history of antiques is preserved in many ways. Museums like the Museum of Ashe County History, Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, Appalachian Cultural Museum and Avery County Historical Museum help to showcase the history of each town and culture. Today, many individuals want to preserve the items and memories of the past in their own homes as well.

One way to do this is by antiquing. Antique shops in the High Country are plentiful, but each has their own style and manner of items. Antique hobbyists will often find themselves visiting many different antique shops looking for that perfect relic. By shopping in antique stores, one can receive new decorations, furniture, signs and glassware with the character of the past.

In Watauga County, those looking for antiques can visit Antiques on Howard, Appalachian Antique

Mall, Hidden Valley Antique Mall Inc., Blowing Rock Antiques and many more. Inside these stores one might find a piece of the past that calls to them with its charm and worn look.

Antiques on Howard has received the Best of the Best Antique Shop in Watauga County for four years in a row and has 6,000 square feet of space for people to explore. They are open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to

SEE ANTIQUE ON PAGE 127

Antiquing has become a hobby for many across the nation with family heirlooms lost and returned, a craving for the nostalgia for the good ole’ days and the decorative vintage appeal.

Many antique treasures are available for hunters in the High Country.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 126

5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Shoppers can find Antiques on Howard at 199 Howard St. in Boone. Charlene Headley has owned Antiques on Howard for 18 years.

“I like antiques, and I would come in and hang out with the girls who worked here,” Headley said.

One vendor at the store, Stevie Lambert, runs a booth with sea shells, old photos, records and more. Old cassette tapes are one of his best sellers.

“Most of this stuff is from my grandfather,” Lambert said.

Students moving into new apartments from Appala-

chian State University also bring in a lot of business to antique stores like Antiques on Howard because they want to buy furniture and decor, Headley said.

Antiques on Main in West Jefferson offers a variety of household items, kitchenware, outdoor supplies and knickknacks. This antique store has over contributing 50 vendors and 30,000 square feet of floor space within their building. They are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Avery County is home to Back Alley Pickers, Terry’s Attic, Graylight Gallery, Hidden Treasures and even more antique shops for residents and visitors to choose from. Hidden Treasures features over 20 vendors and are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are located at 137 Main Street in Elk Park.

Not only wood products, but glassware antiques are popular collectibles.

The Middle Fork Greenway trailhead features directional signage along with a parking lot, accessible from U.S. 321, just north of the North Main Street intersection with U.S. 321, near Shoppes on the Parkway.

Area pocket parks embrace the High Country outdoors

JILLYAN MOBLEY

The Middle Fork River is an integral part of High Country history and has provided emotional, physical and environmental benefits to Appalachia for centuries. As the world changes around the river, the Blue Ridge Conservancy seeks to protect the river and surrounding land while encouraging community members and tourists to reap the benefits of the river through the Middle Fork Greenway Project.

The Middle Fork Greenway is an in-progress multiuse recreational trail that will connect Boone and Blowing Rock. The Blue Ridge Conservancy continues to partner with the town of Boone, town of Blowing Rock and Watauga County in developing the trail as an access to local attractions and green spaces while protecting more than 90 linear acres of land.

One completed, the Middle Fork Greenway will be about six-and-a-half miles long and connect to the existing Boone Greenway, creating more than 15 miles of continuous trail for walking, jogging, cycling, rollerblading and skateboarding. The miles of trail will allow access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Mountain-toSea Trail, Shoppes on the Parkway, Tweetie, Mystery Hill, the hospital and acute care facility and downtown Blowing Rock in addition to several pocket parks and trailheads.

Creating safe access, improving health and supporting local economy are essential objectives in each

step of creating the trail, but while the trail has many intentions, preserving access to public land is the main priority of the Blue Ridge Conservancy.

Stories from the River, made possible through a grant from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, is part of the Middle Fork Greenway’s historical preservation and aims to enrich the experience of greenway users while protecting and celebrating the natural and cultural heritage of the Middle Fork River. The outcome of the project is currently displayed on the project’s website and social media account and kiosks at the three pocket parks along the Greenway will detail known-history of each area.

With picnic tables and benches along the creek, Sterling Creek Park offers a great place to enjoy the wildlife and greenery of the mountains. Wildflowers are shaded by a wide variety of tree species, the oldest of which believed to be the Northern Red Oak. Four parking spaces are available in the gravel parking lot outside the park that is about one miles away from tourist attractions like Mystery Hill and Tweetsie Railroad. As the Greenway project progresses, the green space will connect to the Blowing Rock and U.S. 321 Trailheads.

Traveling north from the U.S. 321 trailhead, the Greenway will eventually connect to Goldmine Branch Park. The land that makes up Goldmine Branch Park off Nayeli Cook Road was donated by the Cook family. A pair of conjoined red maples rooted in the bank

weather high water, wind, draught and the clearcutting of nearby forests in the first two decades of the 20th Century. The stream and surrounding land is now protected by the Blue Ridge Conservancy and can be appreciated by those traveling the Greenway.

Eventually, travelers will be able to take the Greenway north to get from Goldmine Branch Park to get to Payne Branch Park.

Payne Branch Park was dedicated in 2005 as the first park along the route of the Middle Fork Greenway. At a celebration on Oct. 2, more than 50 community members gathered at the green space to celebrate “a new chapter of the river’s life.” In 2020, the state of North Carolina funded the removal of a decommissioned dam which opened up the flood plane and promoted restoration. The park with a picnic area, river access, boulders and places to fish is now ample with wildlife.

Nature enthusiast can also look forward to Boone Gorge Park — which is projected to open in 2024. With bridges, a parking area, restrooms, river access points and observation decks, the park is sure to have impressive views of the beautiful Middle Fork River.

With anticipated progression of the trail and green spaces like Boone Gorge Park, the Blue Ridge Conservancy is raising funds to fill the gaps grants do not cover. For more information on how to support the Middle Fork Greenway Project, visit www.middleforkgreenway.org.

PHOTO BY JILLYAN MOBLEY Payne Branch Park has beautiful views of the Middle Fork River.

PHOTO BY JILLYAN MOBLEY The Middle Fork Greenway gives public access to one of the most popular trout fishing spots in the area.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Enjoy

Local breweries

NATHAN HAM

If there has been one industry boom in the High Country over the last decade, it would be the creation and expansion of the local breweries and wineries that are sprinkled across the region. Whether you are looking for a relaxing glass of wine, a stout IPA beer, or a sweet cider, the High Country has all of that and plenty of other selections that will make your taste buds happy.

APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN BREWERY

The first place that many in the High Country think of when the conversation of local beer gets brought up is Appalachian Mountain Brewery. AMB, as the locals came to call it, has been in operation since 2013. They offer a wide variety of tastes that include the Boone Creek Blonde Ale, the Low & Hazy IPA and several different ciders. Recently, AMB also partnered with Bojangles to bring a taste of their class southern-style sweet tea with a bit of a hard twist. The Bojangles Hard Sweet Tea has an ABV of 5% and is sold across the Carolinas.

AFor more information, you can go to their website, amb.beer, or call (828) 263-1111.

BEECH MOUNTAIN BREWING COMPANY

Beech Mountain Brewing Company has the distinction of being one of the only breweries operated at a ski resort in the United States. The brewery currently offers 12 year-round beers, including the 5506 Pale Ale, a tribute to the elevation of the mountain, as well as the Beech Blonde Lager, Mountain Town Amber and Patroller Porter. Beech Mountain Brewing also offers five seasonal beers and four sour ales if you want to try something a little different.

For more information, you can go online to their website, beechmountainresort.com/mountain/brewery, or call (828) 387-2011.

Drink

BLOWING ROCK BREWING COMPANY

Blowing Rock Brewing has been in operation for 11 years and operates their ale house in Blowing Rock and the draft house in Hickory. The brewery currently offers seven year-round beers and more than 10 seasonal and speciality selections.

Some of their year-round beers include the 321 Crushable IPA, High Country Hazy Pale Ale, Cloud SEE BREWERIES ON PAGE 131

New River Brewing

Booneshine Brewing

Molly Chomper

BREWERIES

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Rise IPA and the Blowing Rock IPA.

For more information, you can go online to their website, blowingrockbrewing.com, or call (828) 414-9600.

BOONDOCKS BREWING

Boondocks in downtown West Jefferson has a restaurant and their Brew Haus just down the street from the restaurant that offers all of their beers on tap. While they might not sell their beers in stores anywhere, the tasty beverages at Boondocks are certainly worth the trip to Ashe County.

A few of the popular choices at Boondocks include their locally-inspired IPA, West Jefferson Juice, the 3Top-3Hop IPA, named after Three Top Mountain in the county, the West Jefferson Centennial Ale that was made in celebration of West Jefferson’s 100th birthday, and the Blue Ridge Brutal Brown, a brown ale named after the Blue Ridge Brutal bike race that takes place each August in the county.

For more information, you can go to their website, www.boondocksbeer.com, or call (336) 246-5222.

BOONESHINE BREWING COMPANY

In their eight years of operation, Booneshine Brewing grew from a small tasting location behind Boone Mall, to their large tasting room, restaurant and beer garden that is now near the soccer complex off of U.S. Highway 421.

Some of the famous Booneshine brews include the East Boone Pilsner, Space Pegasus IPA and the Booneshine IPA. They also offer several fun seasonal beers including the Kringleberry Stout, a chocolate raspberry stout, the South Fork Grapefruit Gose and the Golden Hour Double IPA.

For more information, you can go to their website, booneshine.beer, or call (828) 386-4066.

KETTELL BEERWORKS

Banner Elk is home to Kettell Beerworks. The brewery used to be called Banner Elk Brewing Company until their current owners rebranded it with the more creative name of Kettell Beerworks. Their beers are canned and on tap at several locations throughout the High Country.

The brewery currently has eight beers they carry throughout the year and two seasonal beers. The seasonal beers include their Oktoberfest that is arriving now and the Alpine Rush which is their winter ale. Some of their most popular year-round selections include the Crabby Louie, an Imperial

IPA, Velvet Panda, an Oatmeal Stout, and their Vonderbier, a Munich-style lager.

For more information, you can go online to their website, www.kettellbeerworks.com, or call (828) 898-8677.

LOST PROVINCE BREWING CO.

Lost Province has been at the forefront of the most recent beer expansion projects in Boone. They went from a small brewing operation and a pub on Depot Street in Downtown Boone to operating the pub and the Hardin Creek Taproom off of U.S. Highway 421 as you head toward the east side of Boone.

The Lost Province IPA, the Hipster Juice IPA and the Pink Velvet raspberry wheat beer are sure to keep you going back for more of their ever-growing beer selection.

For more information, you can go online to their website, lostprovince.com, or call (828) 265-3506.

MOLLEY CHOMPER

Take a trip to Ashe County to visit the High Country’s only cidery, located in the tiny town of Lansing. Molley Chomper offers a tasty variety of ciders, some of which include ciders from apples and fruits grown just a few steps from the front door, as well as neighboring areas in Ashe and Watauga counties. The Porch Swing cider is made from wild crab apples that are grown just up the hill from the building. Mountain Maelstrom features locally-grown fruits. Molley Chomper estimates that 93% of their fruit comes from farms within 60 miles of the cidery and they purchased approximately 60 tons of fruit from small farms in 2022.

For more information, you can go online to their website, www.molleychomper.com, or call (404) 769-1439.

NEW RIVER BREWING

New River Brewing originally started in Lansing, but has since grown larger and moved closer to the more populated areas of Ashe County. New River Brewing now operates a restaurant in downtown West Jefferson and a taproom about a half-mile down U.S. Business 221 between West Jefferson and Jefferson.

The Farmhouse Ale and Take Me To The River lager are two of their most popular selections. If you want something a little sweeter and with a little more kick to it, try the Skeeter Pee hard lemonade that also comes in numerous flavors throughout the year including pineapple, all the berries, cherry, apple and other fruity flavors.

For more information, you can go to their website, newriverbrewing.beer, or call (919) 452-8367.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing glass of wine, a stout IPA beer, or a sweet cider, the High Country has all of that and plenty of other selections that will make your taste buds happy.

Sip and Savor

WINERIES DOT THE HIGH COUNTRY LANDSCAPE

JAMIE SHELL

Autumn in the High Country is a prime time to indulge, relax, and take a sip of some of the most refreshing, elegant wines the area has to offer.

Over the years, many different wineries have been established and made their mark in the High Country. While Watauga and Avery counties have been a hub for these establishments, Ashe County has also introduced a recent winery that will fulfill all of a connoisseur’s desires.

OLD BARN WINERY

Opening up in the summer of 2022, Old Barn Winery has made its mark on Ashe County. The Sexton Family, owners of Frosty’s Choose and Cut, opened the winery on the Christmas tree grounds and have since been providing some of the High Country’s tastiest wine to both locals and tourists.

With choices ranging from Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, sweet Rosé to the classic reds and whites, the winery can satisfy any of your needs.

In addition to the wine, the Old Barn Winery also offers live music every weekend.

Old Barn Winery is located at 2152 Beaver Creek School Road, West Jefferson, North Carolina 28694. For more information, visit their website at www. oldbarnwinery.com or call (336) 246-8494.

BANNER ELK WINERY AND VILLA

The first winery to open in Avery County was Banner Elk Winery and Villa. They opened in 2005 and have made their mark as one of the most popular wineries in the High Country. It’s won awards including a gold, silver and two bronze medals for its products at the 2016 North Carolina State Fair.

Known as “the jewel of the High Country,” Banner Elk Winery and Villa offers an array of wines such as reds, whites, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Blueberry

Wine and more.

Aside from the wine, Banner Elk Winery and Villa features numerous suites for guests to stay in, and is a destination wedding location.

Banner Elk Winery and Villa is located at 135 Deer Run Ln., Banner Elk, NC 28604. For more information and to shop wines, visit www.bannerelkwinery.com.

GRANDFATHER VINEYARD AND WINERY

Grandfather Vineyard and Winery in Banner Elk opened its doors in 2011, but was long planned before then. The Tatum Family bought land in 2000 and knew they would one day open up the winery. With a Christmas Tree business in mind, the family’s love for wine took the bait and they began planting grapevines instead.

The vineyard offers shipping of its products to approximately 34 states. Products range from $9.95 for

PHOTO SUBMITTED Linville Falls Winery offers a villa-like experience as well as an array of wine options.

WINERIES

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the 22-ounce hard cider to the $26.95 bottles of Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

In addition, live music and food trucks are on site to accompany you while you take a sip of the locally sourced beverages. The winery also recently took home five awards, including three gold medals, at the 2023 NC Wine Competition. Grandfather Vineyard and Winery is located at 225 Vineyard Lane, Banner Elk, NC 28604. For more information, visit www.grandfathervineyard.com or call (828) 963-2400.

LINVILLE FALLS WINERY

Located at an elevation of 3,200 feet, Linville Falls Winery offers a space for weddings, private events, classes and reservations. After opening in 2012, the winery has become a hot spot for locals and tourists.

According to Jessica Boone, the winery planted their mountain vineyard 19 years ago, taking cues from vineyards around the world who share the area’s similar climate, such as the Rhine River Valley in Germany and the Alsace region in France.

“Among the grapes, we produce are

Riesling, Petit Verdot, Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Noiret, Marechal Foch, and Marquette, but we are still adding to that list as we learn more about the grapes that will flourish here in the Appalachian High Country,” said Boone.

“Our vineyard thrives in the warm days and cool nights that are part of the personality of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and those conditions are optimum for developing great flavor in our grapes that give way to excellent wines. Our wines cover a wide spectrum of preferences, from full-bodied reds like our Cabernet Sauvignon, to crisp white wines like our Cascade blend, to the fruit-filled flavors found in our Riesling, all the way to dessert wines with a lot of history like our Cherry Bounce.”

Guests can get a tasting experience that is both child and pet friendly. For those of age, chosen wines can be tasted in one ounce pours with requests taken for a glass or a bottle. Guests can pair that with live music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Linville Falls Winery is located at 9557 Linville Falls Hwy., Newland, NC 28657. For more information, visit www.linvillefallswinery.com

THISTLE MEADOW WINERY

Thistle Meadow Winery, located in Laurel Springs, is the choice winery of

Alleghany County. They offer 30 to 45 minute winery tours as well as wine tastings, with each guest able to taste up to five wines.

Their wine list includes a wide variety of wines — dry reds, dry whites, blush wines and sweet wines and even cooking wines, Many of the wines made at Thistle Meadow Winery are named after landmarks, communities or people found in Alleghany County.

The winery was recently ranked third among North Carolina wineries by the South Eastern Winery Review and scored a perfect “10” in friendliness.

Thistle Meadow can create custom wines and blends as well as private label products.

Thistle Meadow Winery is located at 102 Thistle Meadow, Laurel Springs, NC 28644. For more information, visit www.thistlemeadowwinery.com

MENARICK VINEYARD & WINERY

The Yadkin Valley’s tasty winery is deemed MenaRick Vineyard and Winery. They specialize in Spanish and Portuguese varietals.

The winery chooses not to filter its products, believing that it helps keep the authenticity of the wine’s aroma

and flavor intact. MenaRick is currently offering offering wine flights (five wines/ flight) and wine by the bottle or glass. Shipping to no less than 40 states, the winery offers an incredible variety of wines, including Tempranillo, Rosalina, Grenache and more.

MenaRick Vineyard and Winery is located at 328 Luffman Road, Ronda, NC 28670. For more information, visit www.menarick.com.

ROARING RIVER VINEYARDS

Roaring River Vineyards is another winery located in Wilkes County, which officially opened in 2016. The establishment combines wine, beer and food with a unique and breathtaking atmosphere. Roaring Rivers offers a selection of nine wines such as the Cabernet Sauvignon, the Norton Red, the Rock and Roar and more.

Onsite, you can find a tasting room, a restaurant and an incredible view to take in all while you sip on your cool glass of wine.

Roaring River Vineyards is located at 493 Brewer Mill Road, Traphill, NC 28685. For more information, visit www.roaringrivervineyards.com.

PHOTO COURTESY GRANDFATHER VINEYARD AND WINERY Grandfather Vineyard and Winery offers a variety of wines for customers.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Old Barn Winery is the High Country’s newest winery, offering beautiful scenery, tasty wine and live music.

Those who enjoy live, old-time music can visit Phipps General Store in Lansing during its weekly Friday jam sessions.

General Stores

a taste of days gone by

There’s something charming about a store that serves as a one-stop-shop for firewood, groceries, live bait, gifts and more. While they may be becoming less and less common in certain areas, general stores still thrive in the High Country.

FRED’S GENERAL MERCANTILE (BEECH MOUNTAIN)

501 Beech Mountain Parkway

www.fredsgeneral.com

(828) 387-4838

For more than four decades, Fred’s General Mercantile has been a staple of the Beech Mountain community and, due to the community’s distance from other stores, it serves as a virtually all-encompassing outlet for residents and tourists alike.

The main store includes a grocery store, hardware

store and clothing store. Fred’s offers a full grocery selection, from canned goods to essentials like milk and eggs, a wide array of tools and hardware, shoes, jackets and more.

Also located in the store is Fred’s Backside Deli, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Due to its proximity to Beech Mountain Resort, Fred’s also offers guest quarters for rent and ski and snowboard rentals. The store’s slogan is “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it,” and in addition to its variety of goods, it is also a great spot to find information about things to do and see on Beech Mountain throughout the year.

GOOBER PEAS COUNTRY STORE (BOONE)

1773 NC-194

(828) 386-1017

Right along Highway 194, going north out of Boone, Goober Peas is something of a hidden gem of Watauga County, not often discovered by those who stick

around downtown Boone.

Goober Peas carries local meats, farm-fresh eggs, Ashe County Cheese, local jams and jellies, firewood, ice and more. The store offers Cheek’s whole milk by the gallon, so fresh you have to shake it to blend the cream on top, private label Muscadine grape juice, niche soda brands and more.

The store offers much more than just food, though. Soaps, live bait, greeting cards and items made by local artists are just a few of the things one can pick up during a trip to Goober Peas.

MAST GENERAL STORE

Original Store

3565 Hwy. 194, Valle Crucis

(828) 963-6511

www.mastgeneralstore.com

LILY KINCAID

GENERAL

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Annex

2981 Broadstone Rd., Banner Elk/Valle Crucis (828) 963-6511

Boone

630 West King St. (828) 262-0000

Mast General Store offers outdoor gear and wear, casual clothing, trinkets, candy and more. The store has been treasured by Watauga County since the first store opened in Valle Crucis, near the southern edge of the county.

The store’s success amounted to it having locations in Asheville, Boone, Hendersonville, Waynesville and Winston-Salem in North Carolina; in Columbia and Greenville in South Carolina; Knoxville in Tennessee; and Roanoke in Virginia.

From large barrels of both old-timey and modern candy to cookbooks to tents, Mast General Store’s offerings have moved away from everything a community might need to a wide range of things the community may be interested in.

PHIPPS GENERAL STORE (LANSING)

2425 Silas Creek Rd. (336) 384-2382

If one finds themselves near the small town of Lansing, a stop at Phipps General Store is a great item to include on the agenda. The restored general store serves as a spot for locals and visitors alike to come enjoy old-time music and bluegrass.

Musicians travel from the High Country and beyond to play at the weekly jam sessions at Phipps on Fridays. Merchandise, food, beverages and locally crafted items such as jewelry, handbags, pottery and birdhouses are available at these sessions.

VINTAGE FARMHOUSE GENERAL STORE (WEST JEFFERSON)

424 E. Second St. (336) 846-4777

thevintagefarmhousewj@gmail.com

Open Monday through Saturday, the Vintage Farmhouse General Store boasts having something for everyone. There’s clothing for women and children upstairs, as well as other merchandise, such as house decor and jewelry. In the basement, the store houses a “man cave.”

Vintage Farmhouse General Store operates a fullservice bakery and coffee shop with a large menu to choose from, including specialty lattes, fried pies, cookies and ice cream.

Barrels of candy inside of the Mast General Store.

Fred’s General Mercantile serves as a one-stop-shop for those living on or visiting Beech Mountain.

MYSTERY HILL

Keeping guests questioning for 75 years

In May of 1948 Mystery Hill opened its doors to the people of the High Country. Located just outside of Boone, Mystery Hill is open all summer long for family fun.

This tourist attraction has grown around a mysterious gravitation anomaly, where water flows up hills and dizzying attractions are ready to be experienced. A plethora of indoor and outdoor attractions are available 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

“Most locals think of (Mystery Hill) as the place to bring guests when they are in town. That’s why we do annual passes, we get a lot of local folks who have annual passes because they bring visitors in with them,” CEO Matthew Underwood said. “For $10 more than the regular ticket you can get a ticket to get you access all year long. Plus discounts off of guests, discounts off of food, and discounts off of merchandise.”

Mystery Hill offers so much to explore, including a tomahawk hill, bull riding, period costume photos, shopping and more. Located along the Middlefork Greenway, rental pedal cars are available for people to use. Eventually the rental pedal cars can be taken all the way to the Boone Greenway and Blowing Rock when the greenway is expanded.

An escape room is coming to Mystery Hill in the near future, which will be based on theories of aliens that some have speculated due to the gravitational anomaly. Full details will be available later into the season.

At Prospector Hill Gem Mining, people of all ages can purchase a bucket of

PHOTO BY JORDYN DANIELS

The main gift shop is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

A guide at Mystery Hill demonstrates the gravitational oddities associated with the attraction.

MYSTERY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 136

up to four pounds of gems and gravel to hand sort. An option of purchasing a bucket with 10 pounds of real fossils is also available. A dig site is available for children to live out big dreams of becoming an archeologist. Children are given tools to brush away sand to find arrowheads, that they can keep.

The largest selection of old fashioned sodas are available year round — up to 168 options for those looking for a classic syrupy sweet beverage. If it is too hard to choose, purchasing a a mix and match six pack is an alternative. For those who need more than a beverage can pick up lunch at Front Porch Eats, the onsite restaurant with a variety of options, including mason jar milkshakes, soft baked pretzels, nachos, and more. There are four retail sites on the grounds. There is a main gift shop with a multitude of items with more than souvenirs available. The gift shop at Prospector Hill Gem Mine has earth science gifts and the museum has a gift shop that has historical related gifts. Finally for the bull riding area, there is a western theme gift shop available.

For more information visit Mystery Hill’s website at mysteryhill.com or call (828) 264-2792

Blowing Rock visitor Jay Janish takes aim with a tomahawk.

PHOTO BY JORDYN DANIELS

Prospector Hill Gem Mine has space both indoors and outdoors.

This tourist attraction has grown around a mysterious gravitation anomaly, where water flows up hills and dizzying attractions are ready to be experienced.

Mystery Hill offers so much to explore, including a tomahawk hill, bull riding, period costume photos, shopping and more.

AN ADVENTURE IN FINE DINING

EMU VENISON ELK BISON MOUNTAIN TROUT BOAR DUCK

grilled pekin duck breast fettuccine primavera

godiva chocolate martini cheesecake

grilled elk denver leg with bleu mac ‘n’ cheese

Family Billiards: A Tradition of Excellence Since 1996

Country Retreat Family Billiards & Grill is conveniently located in Foscoe - 8 miles south of Boone and Blowing Rock off highway 105 (next to the Dollar General), and 8 miles north of Banner Elk and Linville. This summer Family Billiards is celebrating 25 years in operation as the high country’s only pool room, featuring 10 professional pool tables. Family Billiards is a family friendly non-alcohol recreational destination as well as a full service restaurant I grill. They host weekly handicapped pool tournaments for the more dedicated pool players of all levels, as well as catering to recreational and first time pool players. The grill operates from 11 am - 8:30pm Monday through Saturday, with the pool room remaining open until 11 pm Monday through Saturday. The dining area includes a covered front porch for those wishing to eat outside. Family Billiards is closed on Sundays.

Family Billiards & Grill’s pool room and pool tables have always been considered as top notch and are maintained in immaculate condition, but their main business is their quality food & beverage operation, of which close to half of which is take-out orders. The majority of regulars come for their quality, consistent and affordable food offerings, although many have never played pool here. The room features numerous large screen TV’s generally featuring sports I news I weather during the daytime and sporting events at night. Chef Brian Anderson prepares daily specials Monday through Friday, which virtually always sell out. Family Billiards is a small operation that caters to and depends largely on their loyal following of regulars, but everyone is welcome as a family friendly recreation I entertainment and dining option for locals as well as tourists visiting the high country.

10 Professional Pool Tables