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YOUR 2016 AUTUMN GUIDE TO THE HIGH COUNTRY • HighCountryNC.com
Autumn in the
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
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2016
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2016
Welcome to the High Country W
hether you are a short-term visitor or a long-term resident, autumn in the High Country is like no where else in the nation. Each fall, a natural vibrancy descends on our mountain home, shifting the palette from green on green to one bursting with color. Join this to the sights and sounds of the season, and the High Country of North Carolina becomes a must-visit for those seeking music, art, shopping and scenic beauty. Your 2016 Autumn Times 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 up-to-theminute information on our region’s ever-evolving offerings, our companion website, highcountrync.com, is only a click away from all that’s happening in the High Country. Tom Mayer Editor
Table of Contents Our Towns .......................................10
Motorcycling................................... 64
Wineries........................................... 17
Valle Crucis ..................................... 65
Breweries .........................................18
Cycling ............................................ 66
Downtown Boone ........................... 20
Outdoor Climbing .......................... 69
Tweetsie Railroad’s Ghost Train .... 23
Indoor Climbing ..............................72
Halloween ....................................... 24
Zip Lines ..........................................73
Ashe County ................................... 26
Disc Golf ..........................................75
Grandfather Mountain ................... 28
Golf ..................................................76
Blue Ridge Parkway ....................... 30
Horseback Riding ............................77
Blowing Rock .................................. 32
Water Adventures .......................... 78
Spruce Pine ..................................... 34
Leaf Looking ................................... 80
Linville Caverns .............................. 35
Art Crawls ....................................... 83
Lees-McRae College ....................... 36
Art Galleries.................................... 84
Banner Elk ...................................... 38
Frescos ............................................ 85
Hiking ............................................. 40
App State Preforming Arts ............. 86
Mountains-To-Sea Trail ................. 40
Restaurants..................................... 87
Trail Guide .......................................41
Choose and Cut............................... 92
Foscoe ............................................. 42
Christmas ....................................... 93
Walking Trails ................................ 46
Fall Festivals ................................... 94
Hunting ...........................................47
Woolly Worm Festival .................... 96
Fishing ............................................ 48
Valle Country Fair .......................... 96
Camping ......................................... 50
General Stores .................................97
Appalachian State Football ............ 53 Fall Sports....................................... 54 Tailgating ........................................ 56 High Country Grizzlies ................... 60 Mountain Biking ............................ 63
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE
Faces of Halloween Autumn brings plenty of cool temperatures, leaves falling and time for carving crazy faces on pumpkins.
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Fall
in the Mountains 2016 Autumn Times Staff Gene Fowler Jr. Publisher Charlie Price Advertising Director Tom Mayer Editor
Numbers of Note West Jefferson Police (336) 246-9410
Avery County
Law Enforcement Watauga County Watauga County Sheriff’s Office (828) 264-3761 Boone Police Department (828) 268-6900 Blowing Rock Police (828) 295-5210 Appalachian Regional Healthcare System Police (828) 262-4168 Appalachian State Police (828) 262-2150
Ashe County Ashe County Sheriff’s Office (336) 846-5633 Jefferson Police (336) 846-5529
Cannon Memorial Hospital (Linville) (828) 737-7000
Rob Moore Production Chief Johnny Hayes, Sandra Shook, Marianne Lawrence, Taylor Eargle Layout Artists
Avery County Sheriff’s Office (828) 733-2071
Ashe Memorial Hospital (Jefferson) (336) 846-7101
Emily Robb Production Specialist
Banner Elk Police (828) 898-4300
FastMed Urgent Care (Boone) (828) 265-7146
Elk Park Police Department (828) 733-9573
AppUrgent Care (Boone) (828) 265-5505
Andy Gainey Circulation Manager
Newland Police Department (828) 733-2023
Blowing Rock Hospital (828) 295-3136
Seven Devils Police Department (828) 963-6760
Animal Control
Sugar Mountain Police (828) 898-4349 Beech Mountain Police (828) 387-2342
Health Care Watauga Medical Center (Boone) (828) 262-4100
Watauga County Animal Control (828) 262-1672 Watauga Humane Society (Boone) (828) 264-7865 Animal Emergency & Pet Care Clinic of the High Country (Boone) (828) 268-2833
Steve Behr, Brian Miller, Sherrie Norris, Jeff Eason, Erik Hoffmann, James Howell, Anna Oakes, Garrett Price, Jamie Shell, Matt Debnam and Sandra Shook Writers Mark Mitchell and Rick Tobin Sales Meleah Bryan Creative Services Director Kristin Obiso and Brandon Carini Creative Services
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2016
NEW LOCATION
for High Country Host visitor center BY ANNA OAKES
T
he Boone Visitor Information Center operated by High Country Host will be at a new location beginning this fall. The center for years has been located on Blowing Rock Road in Boone, but as of the first week of September, High Country Host’s new home is at a welcome center located at the corner of U.S. 321 and Edmisten Road — between Blowing Rock and Boone. The visitor center will continue to operate seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Formed in 1980, the visitor center and its knowledgeable staff offer experienced advice and insider information that can make a significant difference for travelers. “We work with the five counties, and so we can give people a good idea of how much they could do in a particular day — how far attractions are from one another, and that sort of thing,” said Candice Cook, High Country Host marketing director. Travelers can visit the Host’s expansive website, request a vacation guide or stop by the visitor center
PHOTO BY JEFF EASON High Country Host’s new home is at a welcome center located at the corner of U.S. 321 and Edmisten Road between Blowing Rock and Boone.
to get information about recreation opportunities in all six High Country counties.
For more information, visit highcountryhost.com or call (800) 438-7500.
High Country Chambers of Commerce ASHE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Ashe County Chamber of Commerce can direct travelers through the scenic and sparsely populated area of Christmas tree farms and rugged mountain landscapes, while offering a wide selection of brochures and maps. 1 N. Jefferson Ave., Suite C West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-9550 info@ashechamber.com 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, No. 2 Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828) 898-5605 chamber@averycounty.com www.averycounty.com
BANNER ELK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Located in the heart of town, the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce promotes the area as a unique place to live in, work and visit. Information on area lodging, dining, shopping and more is available Monday through Saturday, from 9 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 info@bannerelk.org www.bannerelk.org
BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Blowing Rock is considered one of the crown jewels of the Blue Ridge. 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 info@blowingrock.com www.blowingrockncchamber.com
BOONE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BEECH MOUNTAIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Beech Mountain, at an elevation of 5,506 feet, offers plenty of activities and attractions for the whole family to enjoy, but also plenty of peace and quiet for a relaxing and rejuvenating time. The Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, is here to help. 403-A Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mountain, N.C. 28604 (800) 468-5506 chamber@beechmtn.com www.beechmountainchamber.com
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. The chamber is an ideal place to stop for information on area activities, brochures and maps of the community. 870 W. King St., Suite A, Boone, NC 28607 (828) 264-2225 info@boonechamber.com www.boonechamber.com
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The Lake Below by Kathie Odom
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
OUR TOWNS until the university began to grow in the 1960s. The historic Jones House Community Center, a relic of Boone’s storied past, is located right on King Street. The house was built in 1908 and was given to the town in the early 1980s. Today, the home is a go-to source for art and community functions. Boone is a town where old and new mix, and visitors are made to feel like part of the family. For more information, visit www. townofboone.net.
o matter who you are, fall in the High Country has something for you. Whether it’s the college town atmosphere that Boone provides, the shops in Blowing Rock, the sights of Beech Mountain or any of the other unique experiences provided by Watauga, Avery and Ashe counties, the High Country can be your getaway for a month or an afternoon. Here’s a brief guide to enjoying the entirety of the diverse mountain community that locals are lucky enough to call home.
WATAUGA COUNTY
BLOWING ROCK
BOONE No matter which activity draws you to the High Country, it’s likely that you’ll end up in Boone at some point during your visit. Boone is the hub of Watauga County, the gathering place for people of all walks of life, whether resident or visitor, student or retiree, socialite or
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PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Boone greenway trail is a great place to walk the dog or to get some exercise while enjoying the outdoors.
seeker of peace and quiet. The town is home to Appalachian State University, one of the 17 colleges
and universities that makes up the University of North Carolina system and draws about 18,000 students. Interest in the school boomed after the Mountaineers’ football team won three consecutive NCAA Division I national championships in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The university’s presence helps create a young and friendly vibe throughout the town. Just make sure not to cross anyone by mispronouncing the name: It’s “App-uh-latch-un.” Adjacent to the university is King Street and the surrounding area, one of the town’s best shopping destinations. One-of-a-kind stores and eclectic boutiques dot the landscape, interspersed with art and craft galleries and a diversity of restaurants to suit almost any taste. Departing from downtown, other shopping areas ensure that residents and visitors lack nothing in the way of modern conveniences. But Boone has an eye on its past, too. Named for the pioneer and explorer Daniel Boone, the town dates back to about 1800, when Jordan Councill opened a store on what is now King Street. In 1820, he opened a post office, and other homes and stores began to spring up nearby. When Watauga County was created in 1849, Boone was picked as the county seat. It remained a typical small town
Blowing Rock manages to cram a ton of beauty and fun into just three square miles. The town’s name comes from an immense cliff overlooking Johns River Gorge, where the winds whip in such a way that light objects thrown over the rock float back to their owners. Anyone wishing to experience the phenomenon firsthand can visit The Blowing Rock attraction, which is open certain dates in winter, weather permitting, to showcase the town’s namesake and the Native American legend that surrounds it. For another dose of history, visit the renovated and restored Green Park Inn, a site on the National Register of Historic Places that has been a hotel since 1882. While clinging to the small-town charm and Southern graciousness of its past, Blowing Rock also includes about 20 hotels and inns and more than 100 shops. Find a place to park and spend the day on foot, exploring the shops and parks of downtown. Clothing, antiques, home furnishings, mementos and delicious treats will fill your shopping bags and your stomach as you examine the town’s treasures. Make sure to visit Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway on U.S. 321 to find name-brand items at outlet prices. The benches in Memorial Park at the center of Main Street make the perfect spot to settle down with coffee or hot chocolate and watch the world go by. The less-traveled Broyhill Park down Laurel Lane paints the perfect autumn scene, complete with a gazebo and glistening pond. The trails SEE OUR TOWNS, PAGE 11
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
OUR TOWNS FROM PAGE 10 surrounding Moses Cone Memorial Park and Bass Lake offer another scenic stroll. The picturesque town of Blowing Rock is the perfect place to have an active autumn vacation — or to relax and do nothing at all. For more information, visit www. blowingrock.com.
VALLE CRUCIS Just off N.C. 105 south of Boone, Valle Crucis offers simplicity and serenity in a pastoral riverside community. The valley contains the site of the only known Native American village in the immediate area. The first European settler of Watauga County, Samuel Hicks, also built a fort in the area during the American Revolution. Today, the community offers several historic inns, art galleries, farms and churches that provide service and comfort to all who enter. The Episcopal church has played a role throughout the community’s history. An Episcopal bishop entered the community in 1842 and provided its name, which is Latin for the “Vale of the Cross.” The Valle Crucis Conference Center, on the National Register of Historic Places, stays busy with retreats for numerous groups, and Crab Orchard Falls is a short hike from the conference center. The original Mast General Store provides a central gathering space in the community, as it has since 1883. Residents appreciate the store for its post office, morning news and coffee, while visitors can also find gifts, apparel and souvenirs. Just down the road is the Mast Store Annex, which opened about 25 years later. Behind the annex is a gravel road to the Valle Crucis Park, a recreational area with walking paths, riverfront, picnic areas and sports fields. Dining highlights include Simplicity at the Mast Farm Inn and the 1861 Farmhouse Market, formerly the Ham Shoppe, which boasts some of the best sandwiches in the High Country. For more information, visit www. vallecrucis.com.
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE The Valle Crucis Park is right behind the Mast Store Annex and it provides a walking path, playground and access points for fishing.
TODD Todd is a town so nice it’s claimed by both Watauga and Ashe counties. The community’s main drag, Railroad Grade Road, is popular with bicyclists and walking tours as it winds along with the New River, one of the few rivers in the world that flow north. Todd was the last stop of the Norfolk and Western “Virginia Creeper” railroad and got much of its supplies from the train. Today, the store offers dinner, bluegrass, book signings and demonstrations. The Todd Mercantile features the work of local artists and crafters, as well as mountain honey and other local goods, while also hosting monthly square and contra dances, with traditional mountain music by local performers. The ever-crafty Elkland Art Center, known for its colorful parades and environmentally conscious puppet shows, offers summer workshops and programs for those with a flair for creativity. The river itself provides plenty to do, from canoeing and kayaking to excellent fishing. Several companies, including RiverGirl Fishing Company and Wahoo’s Adventures, have outposts near Todd to provide gear and instruction for anyone interested in hitting the river. For more information, visit www. toddnc.org.
FOSCOE Nestled between Boone and Banner Elk is the unincorporated community of Foscoe. But don’t let its size fool you. The community is brimming with shopping, art, dining and outdoor fun. Shopping includes mementos and more at Bear Creek Traders, treats, snacks and other tail-wagging goodies for your furry friends at Mountain Dog & Friends and the luxurious linens of Dewoolfson Downs. If you’re shopping for outdoor fun, cast a line with Foscoe Fishing Company, or pan for gold with the Greater Foscoe Mining Company. Hungry? Sample some homecooked Southern goodness at the Foscoe Country Corner and Deli. Some of the High Country’s finest gourmet sandwiches and baked goods await at Eat Crow, while burgers, billiards and family fun are on cue at Country Retreat Family Billiards. Foscoe’s also home to one of the views that made Grandfather Mountain famous — the ridgeline’s iconic appearance of an old man reclining.
SEVEN DEVILS From elevations of some 5,200 feet, the town of Seven Devils straddles both Watauga and Avery counties. From many areas in the town, one has views of Grandfather Mountain, as well as Beech Mountain, Sugar
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Mountain, Rich Mountain and Mount Rogers in Virginia. Seven Devils is just a few minutes from Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and Valle Crucis and can be found off N.C. 105. One of the smaller towns in the region, Seven Devils began life in the 1960s as the Seven Devils Resort, and, in 1979, the resort became incorporated as the town. How did it get its name? According to the Seven Devils website, “The L.A. Reynolds Industrial District of Winston-Salem, N.C., formed the resort in 1965, and the founders were met with the challenge of naming the resort. At this time, there was a rumor about an old man on the mountain who had seven sons ‘as mean as the devil.’ People were heard commenting that in the winter the mountain was ‘as cold as the devils’ or ‘as windy as the devil.’ “The founders wanted a catchy, unique name that would bring attention to the mountain. They noticed the repeated appearance of the number seven, including the seven predominant rocky peaks surrounding Valley Creek, as well as the many coincidental references to ‘devils.’ ‘Seven Devils’ seemed to suggest a frivolous, mischievous resort where people could ‘experience the temptation of Seven Devils.’” In the 1960s, the town grew with a golf course, ski slope, lake, riding ground and camping area. After the resort venture experienced financial trouble, the town was incorporated. While the golf course and ski slope have been closed for a number of years, Hawksnest has become one of the town’s centerpieces. Among the attractions at Hawksnest (www.hawksnest-resort.com) are zip lining and snow tubing. For more information and events at Seven Devils, visit www.townofsevendevils.org.
AVERY COUNTY BANNER ELK The mountain valley town of Banner Elk has grown from a tiny hamlet to a town offering year-round amenities and memorable vacations for the entire family. SEE OUR TOWNS, PAGE 12
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OUR TOWNS FROM PAGE 11
Banner Elk is home to Lees-McRae College, a small, private, four-year coeducational liberal arts college affiliated with Presbyterian Church U.S.A. with more than 900 students from more than 20 states and countries. The old stone buildings nestled across campus make for a photographer’s delight. The town hosts numerous shops and restaurants and stays abuzz with activities and events. Visitors can picnic or walk in the town park, hear live music, enjoy exquisite shopping or simply relax by the mill pond and stay in one of the inns after dinner in a fine restaurant. Banner Elk is in the heart of the High Country’s many attractions, and just a short drive will take you to numerous natural settings where you can relax and revel in nature’s beauty. Banner Elk also offers many cultural happenings, with a celebrated summer theater program by Lees-McRae and art festivals by some of the area’s many galleries and artisans. Visitors are encouraged to return to Banner Elk each autumn for its Woolly Worm Festival, which attracts close to 20,000 people annually. Cutting between the peaks of Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain and Grandfather Mountain, the topography of the town provides natural definition and gentle undulation through the town’s boundaries. For more information or a calendar of events, call Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce at (828) 898-8395, or visit www.bannerelk.org.
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE A deer hops across one of the Emerald Outback trails at Beech Mountain.
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Beech Mountain has some great hiking/ biking trails on the Emerald Outback Trail system.
BEECH MOUNTAIN
At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is the highest town in Eastern North America. That means two things: When winter comes, it’s a great place to ski, and, even on the hottest day of the summer, it’s cool on top of Beech Mountain. Even when it’s steamy in the “lowlands” of 3,000-plus feet, the temperature stays comfortable. The rest of the world seems distant when you settle down on the front porch of a rental condominium and survey the magnificent view that is one
of Beech Mountain’s trademarks. Beech Mountain is a four-season resort. There are more than 5,000 beds available on top of the mountain. These range from rustic cabins to mountain chalets to luxury condominiums. When it’s time to eat, you can enjoy anything from a deli sandwich to pizza to a gourmet meal by candlelight. During the days, there are many specialty stores for shopping, a golf course, horseback riding, tennis, swimming and hiking. There are nearby canoe and raft runs that are among
the best offered in the Eastern United States. Nightlife is alive and well on the mountain. Whatever your musical taste, you can find a spot to enjoy an after-hours scene. There’s another good thing about Beech Mountain. The mountain is so huge that much of it remains in a natural state, with rich forests dotted by rolling farmland. And it’s only a short drive from the “downtown” to the country or resorts. Take your pick. Our guess is if you spend some time in Beech Mountain, you’ll want to come back to do some real estate shopping. Or at least book a slopeside condo for the ski season. For more information, visit www. beechmtn.com.
CROSSNORE Crossnore is a town steeped in educational history. The town is home to Crossnore Academy, founded by Drs. Eustace and Mary Martin Sloop. The Sloops traveled the steep dirt trails in isolated mountain valleys to bring medicine to the people and convince farmers to let their children come to school. Because of poverty and distance, the Sloop school in Crossnore eventually took in boarders and built dormitories to accommodate them. It gained a national reputation for effectiveness in changing lives and in breaking the cycle of poverty, moon-
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shine and child marriages of mountain families. Mary Martin Sloop eventually put these tales to paper in her autobiography “Miracle in the Hills,” which has since been used as the basis for a drama of the same name that takes place each summer in present-day Crossnore. The Sloops built a school, hospital, dental clinic and, eventually, a boarding school to give children the basis for an improved life. They brought to Avery County the first electricity, telephone, paved road and boarding school. Through the Sloopses’ advocacy, public schools flourished in Avery County. Today, Crossnore Academy carries on the work of the original school and has reclaimed the educational foundation beneath its commitment to give hurting children a chance for a better life. The school’s teachers enable it to meet not only the special needs of Crossnore residents, but also the needs of area students who live at home and whose educational needs are best met at Crossnore. The school is also home to Miracle Grounds Coffee Cafe & Creamery, a working vocational classroom, featuring specialty coffee drinks, homemade snacks, sandwiches, milkshakes, ice cream, Wi-Fi and more. Crossnore is famous for its Independence Day parade and celebration, and the town’s Meeting House is home to the Crossnore Jam, a series of gatherings and concerts by local musicians on the first Friday night through the summer and fall months. For more information, visit www. crossnorenc.com.
ELK PARK The town of Elk Park borders the state of Tennessee and offers a unique visiting experience. From the old-time feel of Brinkley’s Hardware Store to the additional Lower Street antique shops and classic barbershop, Elk Park takes 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 SEE OUR TOWNS, PAGE 12
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PHOTO BY ROB MOORE
Otter Falls is located in the small town of Seven Devils. It is a short hike to this little gem and one worth visiting.
OUR TOWNS FROM PAGE 12 stopped running through town. For more information, call Elk Park Town Hall at (828) 733-9573.
LINVILLE The community of Linville is located just south of the intersection of U.S. 221 and N.C. 105 in Avery County. The community was founded in 1883, designed by Samuel T. Kelsey of Kansas and named for William and John Linville, who were reportedly killed by Cherokees in 1766. East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad passed through the community from 1916 through 1940, when a major flood washed away the tracks. The old rail route later became
N.C. 105 in 1956. Linville has three country clubs in the area: Eseeola, Grandfather Golf and Country Club and Linville Ridge, all open late spring to early fall. A number of local tourist areas within a short drive share the Linville name, including the Linville River and majestic Linville Falls, Linville Caverns on U.S. 221 and the Linville Gorge wilderness area. For visitors considering making Linville a part- or full-time home, they can visit Linville Land Harbor, where units are available for sale or rent in a cozy community featuring its own golf course and amenities. A number of residents reside at Land Harbor part time, while others stay year-round to enjoy the beauty of the area’s four seasons. During the winter months, Linville is only a short drive to nearby ski
slopes at Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain, popular skiing and snowtubing destinations. Perhaps the most popular tourist attraction housed in Linville is Grandfather Mountain. The Grandfather Mountain attraction offers picturesque views during all four seasons, animal habitats and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Grandfather Mountain State Park offers hiking trails and backcountry camping opportunities.
NEWLAND The highest county seat east of the Mississippi River at 3,589 feet, the town of Newland was incorporated in 1913 as the county seat of the newly formed Avery County. Its original name was “Old Fields of Toe,” because it is located in a broad
flat valley and is at the headwaters of the Toe River. Newland was a mustering place for Civil War troops. Toe is short for “Estatoe,” an Indian chief’s daughter who drowned herself in the river in despair because she could not marry a brave from another tribe. A town of about 700 residents, Newland succeeded over three other areas for the honor of county seat. The recently renovated courthouse, originally constructed in 1913, overlooks a classic town square, bordered by shops and churches and complete with a memorial to Avery County veterans. Adjacent to the courthouse building is the original jail, which has been converted into the Avery County Historical Museum. Exhibits in the museum, which is free to SEE OUR TOWNS, PAGE 14
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townofnewland.com.
OUR TOWNS
SUGAR MOUNTAIN
FROM PAGE 13
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. Heritage Park hosts rodeo events on weekends during the summer and is the permanent home for the county’s annual Agriculture and Heritage Fair each September. Newland hosts an annual Christmas parade through downtown, with decorations adorning the town reflecting the area’s rich Christmas tree industry. With a number of restaurants and boutiques downtown, Newland is a prime destination for dining and shopping, or just to stop in on a visit to nearby Roan Mountain, Tenn., or Grandfather Mountain. For more information, visit www.
If outdoor activity is your thing, look no further than the village of Sugar Mountain. Offering more than just great skiing, Sugar Mountain also provides its visitors with an array of ways to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the High Country. One attraction in particular is the summer lift rides on Sugar Mountain. On weekends, weather permitting, visitors can ride the ski lift to the 5,300foot peak of Sugar Mountain. The 40-minute round-trip ride features a spectacular view of the High Country and runs from Independence Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. If heights aren’t what you’re looking for, Sugar Mountain can also be seen on foot. With numerous trails that wind throughout the village of Sugar Mountain, you can see both the brilliant greens of the summer, as well as the vibrant reds and yellows of fall. The trails of Sugar Mountain are not just for those on foot. Many cyclists choose the village of Sugar Mountain for its variety of challenging
and picturesque terrain. The village of Sugar Mountain also gives tennis and golf lovers an opportunity to enjoy their favorite sports in the beautiful mountain setting. With Sugar Mountain’s golf course, six fastdry clay courts and full-service tennis pro shop, visitors will never be faced with the problem of finding something to do. Whether you come for a day or stay in one of the many comfortable lodgings the village has to offer, Sugar Mountain will soon become your destination for great outdoor fun. For more information, visit www. seesugar.com.
Ashe County CRESTON Located in the northwestern corner of Ashe County, Creston lies on the border of Tennessee. The curvy winding roads can offer travelers some of the most beautiful, scenic byways in the area. The Riverview Community Center is located off of N.C. 88 West in Creston
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and is home to festivals and other events all year long. Worth’s Chapel at Creston United Methodist Church is located in Creston and was listed as a National Historic Building in 2005. The chapel was built about 1902. The interior of the chapel is finished, in part, with American chestnut wood, harvested before the blight reached the northwestern mountains of North Carolina.
FLEETWOOD Located just off of U.S. 221 between West Jefferson and Deep Gap, Fleetwood is home to great community gatherings at the Fleetwood Community Center and the local volunteer fire department. On your way to and from the busy towns of Boone and West Jefferson, stop by to look at local crafts, antiques and civic pride in Fleetwood.
GLENDALE SPRINGS Home of the breathtaking and aweaspiring fresco painting by Ben Long at Holy Trinity Episcopalian Church,
“I saw the perfect tree in Boone, NC”
CHOOSE & CUT Christmas Trees
It’s Old Fashioned Family Fun!
For details & locations of the 18 choose & cut farms, visit:
www.WataugaChristmasTrees.org or www.ExploreBooneArea.com 800-438-7500 or 828-264-3061
SEE OUR TOWNS, PAGE 15
THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
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OUR TOWNS FROM PAGE 14 Glendale Springs has become revered for its budding arts scene. The community has become a must for anyone visiting Ashe County. Proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway is an added bonus as summer sets in and fall colors begin to explode.
GRASSY CREEK Just south of the North CarolinaVirginia border, Grassy Creek is a tightly knit community that is dotted with smiling faces and countless rows of Fraser fir Christmas trees. Check out the sights around the nationally renowned New River, where you will also find the River House Country Inn and Restaurant for delectable dinners.
JEFFERSON
at the base of Mount Jefferson. The town was first known as Jeffersonton, but then became Jefferson, and was one of the first towns in the nation to bear the name of U.S. founding father Thomas Jefferson. The town is the county seat of Ashe and is home to the new courthouse, as well as the historic 1904 Courthouse. The Museum of Ashe County History is located in Jefferson and can be found in the 1904 Courthouse. The museum, through items collected and on display, offers a look at who the citizens of the county are, where they came from, how they got to the town, what did they do on the way and where do they go next? Ashe County Park and Foster Tyson Park are also located in Jefferson, the former of which hosts a nationally celebrated disc golf course.
LANSING
A rich history, dating from 1799, lies in the picturesque town of Jefferson. Jefferson was founded prior to its counterpart, West Jefferson, and stood
Whether you’re looking for a town reminiscent of the past or a town that offers whispers of tomorrow, the small, friendly town of Lansing beckons to SEE OUR TOWNS, PAGE 16
1,000’s of Affordable and Unique Gifts Cabin Decor Antiques & Vintage Homemade Soaps Soy Candles
Mountain Souveniers Original Art Pottery & Crafts Jams, Jellies & Honeys
8645 Hwy 105, Boone (Foscoe)
828-963-1183 Facebook: www.facebook.com/BearCreekTraders Store: www.bearcreektrader.com
We carry locally handcrafted items
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PHOTO BY ROB MOORE No matter where you ride in Ashe County, Christmas trees pepper the scenery, as they are a large part of the local economy.
OUR TOWNS FROM PAGE 15 travelers from near and far to visit and relax, while browsing its shops, trying some home cooking and tasting some locally made wine. The town, in the northwestern section of Ashe County, is 20 minutes from Jefferson and West Jefferson and only 45 minutes from Boone. Travelers can arrive in the town in less than an hour from Abingdon, Va., or Mountain City, Tenn. The town has one stoplight, and several businesses line the street. Home-cooked meals can be found at Country House Restaurant, while pizza, sandwiches and salads, along with specialty teas and fresh roasted coffee, are available at Pie on the Mountain. The first post office in the town was
established in 1882 and served a rural community, made up of a village and outlying farms until the railroad made its appearance, according to www.lansingnc.com. The economy and population began to take off by 1914 as the Norfolk and Western Railroad, better known as the Virginia Creeper, came to town. A big commodity for area residents was iron ore mined from the mountains. The railroad served as an avenue to transport the ore to markets in Richmond, Va., and Pittsburgh, Pa. During its history, Lansing had a cheese plant, clothing store, coffin shop, doctor’s office, bank and a restaurant, according to the town’s website. The cheese plant allowed area farmers to bring their goods to sell instead of having to travel into West Jefferson. The town was chartered and incorporated in 1928. Lansing faced two devastating
fires in the 1930s and ’40s and faced Hurricane Hugo later that century. Despite these setbacks, the town continued to flourish and expand. The Works Progress Administration built the Lansing High School in 1941, using local granite stone. The school still stands today. The scenic Virginia Creeper biking trail is available to visitors, as is the town’s park. For more information about Lansing, visit www.explorelansingnc. com.
LAUREL SPRINGS Another border community, Laurel Springs prides itself with small town charm and beauty that entices motorists from the Blue Ridge Parkway for a quick bite to eat before continuing their adventure on the scenic byway. Although it touches Wilkes, Alleghany and Ashe counties, Laurel
Springs is never more than a 30-minute drive from the listed county seats. Also, be sure to stop by the Thistle Meadow Winery for individualized tours of a family-owned wine business.
WEST JEFFERSON With a thriving arts district and Christmas trees galore, West Jefferson makes its mark on the High Country as a destination for locals, as well as visitors. The town was built around the Virginia-Carolina Railroad depot during the early 1900s. According to the town’s history, the first ownership of the valley now known as West Jefferson began in 1779 when N.C. Gov. Richard Caswell granted 320 acres to Col. Ben Cleveland, who battled the British at King’s Mountain. SEE OUR TOWNS, PAGE 17
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
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OUR TOWNS FROM PAGE 16 More than a century later, the West Jefferson Land Company surveyed the new town and fixed its limits as a square one-half mile north, south, east and west of the Virginia-Carolina Depot. The town was chartered in 1915. The town’s initial growth came through the railroad, but early development was also spurred by the opening of the First National Bank of West Jefferson in 1915. The bank’s branch office, built in 1962, is now home to West Jefferson Town Hall. The town continues to thrive today and has a little something for everyone. Those visiting the town can browse one of the many art galleries, Old meets new in the mountain community of West Jefferson. gift shops and retail stores. West Jefferson is home to many Old-fashioned snacks and candies a variety of community programming varieties of artwork, from paintings and locally made wines can also be and exhibits throughout the year. and photographs to sculptures and purchased at the store. The cheese A popular spot in the town is the quilted items. plant is open year-round and located Ashe County Cheese Plant where More information about the area’s at 106 E. Main St. in West Jefferson. visitors can see cheese made and go art district can be found at the Ashe Just outside West Jefferson, in the across the street to the Ashe County Arts Center, located at 303 School Beaver Creek community, St. Mary’s Cheese Store to purchase a variety of Ave., just off of East Main Street. Episcopal Church can be found. The cheeses, from cheddar to pepper jack The center is home to the Ashe church is the location for a fresco of and the celebrated cheese curds. County Arts Council, which sponsors
Jesus on the cross by renowned artist Ben Long. A painting of Madonna with child also hangs on the sanctuary wall. Local eateries and cafes offer all sorts of tasty treats, coffee, spirits and more, from one end of the town to the other. For more information, visit www. visitwestjefferson.org.
Never the wrong time for the right wine
U
nknown to many, the Blue Ridge Mountains actually have an ideal climate for fermenting food and drink items, and the subtropical climate means more cheese, beer and, of course, wine. Throughout the High Country, several diverse wineries are available for area residents and visitors alike to indulge in, and all serve legitimately great wine. For example, Grandfather Vineyard won a gold medal for its famed Ice Wine at the 2011 North Carolina State Fair. It also won bronze medals for its Terrace Gold and Profile Red wines. Along with wine becoming an industry, it’s also becoming a science. A bachelor of science degree program in fermentation sciences has been developed at Appalachian State University and was approved by the UNC General Administration in June 2012. Students at Appalachian State
University now have the option to pursue a bachelors degree in fermentation sciences, meaning more breweries and wineries may pop up in the future. The fermentation sciences program is an interdisciplinary degree within the College of Arts and Sciences, and is intended to provide students with a strong background in chemistry and biology and a considerable focus in business, marketing and entrepreneurial principles. Wineries across the High Country are now preparing for what will be a busy harvest season. Many wineries will allow people to come and see the product being developed in real time. According to winemakersacademy. com, red wines should be fermented between 70 and 85 degrees F, with better color and tannin extraction at the higher end of the spectrum. “In this temperature range, fruity flavors and aromas don’t get preserved, which can be good for a red wine,” said Wine Makers Academy.
On the other hand, white wine fermentation temperatures should be between 45-60 degrees F. These lower temperatures help preserve fruitiness and volatile aromatics, characteristics more in line with a white wine. White wine fermentations take longer. Whether in Avery County, Laurel Springs or at Watauga Lake, it’s never the wrong time for the right High Country wine.
Linville Falls Winery 9557 Linville Falls Hwy. Newland (828) 765-1400 www.linvillefallswinery.com
Plumtree Valley Winery 4716 U.S. Hwy 19E Plumtree (828) 765-9696 www.toeriverlodge.com
Banner Elk Winery & Villa 60 Deer Run Banner Elk (828) 898-9090 www.bannerelkwinery.com
Thistle Meadow Winery 102 Thistle Meadow Laurel Springs (800) 233-1505 www.thistlemeadowwinery.com
Grandfather Vineyard & Winery 225 Vineyard Lane Banner Elk (828) 963-2400 www.grandfathervineyard.com
Watauga Lake Winery 6952 Big Dry Run Road Butler, Tenn. (423) 768-0345 www.wataugalakewinery.com
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High Country: A growing beer hub
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he High Country is increasingly becoming known as a hub for brewing, turning the northeast corner of North Carolina into a cool destination for beer-lovers everywhere. One of the unique breweries in the High Country is Boondocks Brew Haus, located at 302 South Jefferson Ave. in West Jefferson. Boondocks Brew Haus will celebrate its two-year anniversary this Labor Day. According to Assistant Brewer Matt Vega, the Brew Haus brews local beer, which is served at an affiliate restaurant one block away, called Boondocks Brewing Tap Room & Restaurant. The Brew Haus also caters special events. “I love working here, it’s hands down the best job I’ve ever had, because I get to brew beer,” Vega said. “I enjoy the product, and it’s a proud feeling when you make a good batch of beer.” Boondocks Brew Haus recently installed a new three-part brewing system with a mash tun, boil kettle and hot liquor tank. “Essentially, you’re steeping grains that have been milled to get the sugars from it, boil that, add yeast and let it ferment,” Vega said. According to Vega, the brewing process only takes about five and a half hours, but the finished product could sit and ferment for between seven days to a few weeks. For more information about Boondocks Brew Haus, call (336) 8467525, or visit www.boondocksber.com. Another leader in the High Country brewing revolution is Appalachian Mountain Brewery, which offers more than a dozen brews on tap and donates a portion of proceeds to local nonprofits. “We are deeply involved in the local High Country community, and we are proud to be developing the area into a more verdant, healthy and exciting place to live and visit,” said information on AMB’s website. Both a brewery and taproom, AMB is located at 163 Boone Creek Drive in Boone, bordering Boone Creek and Hodges Creek near the Boone Mall. The tasting room features plenty of outdoor seating, a 120-foot-long out-
In 2013, Blowing Rock Brewing Company opened its first brewery in the heart of historic Blowing Rock. Immediate support from the local community, followed by demand for Blowing Rock brews statewide, showed the power of the craft beer culture and the passion of the people it encompasses, a spokesman for the company said. From that moment on, the company made it its mission to not just craft the highest quality mountain artisan beer, but to create a high quality experience for those enjoying beer as well.
Beech Mountain Brewing Co. 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mountain (828) 387-2011 www.beechmountainresort.com/mountain/brewery/
PHOTO BY JAMES HOWELL Matt Vega, assistant brewer at Boondocks Brew Haus, checks equipment at the brewery.
door bar bordering Boone Creek and a covered heated porch perfect for enjoying one of their beers. All of the beer at AMB is brewed through its 10 barrel (310 gallon) JV Northwest All-American made system. The brew system features a mix of 10-barrel and 20-barrel high-grade glycol chilled stainless steel jacked fermenters and several bright tanks. To contact AMB, call (828) 263-1111 or visit www.appalachianmountainbrewery.com. Several other breweries are located throughout the High Country, including:
Booneshine Brewing Company 246 Wilson Dr. Boone (828) 263-4305 http://booneshine.beer/ Booneshine Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Boone. The brewery was founded by Carson Coatney and Tim Herdklotz in early 2015. Coatney and Herdklotz met through mutual friends and many fishing trips to the N.C. Outer Banks.
Both had years of experience home brewing prior to opening Booneshine Brewing.
Lost Province Brewing Co. 130 N Depot St. Boone (828) 265-3506 lostprovince.com Opened in August 2014, Lost Province Brewing Co. is a destination microbrewery and gastrobpub located in historic downtown Boone. Lost Province brews authentic and innovative craft beer and serves savory woodfired fare. As a small, family owned and operated business, Lost Province is committed to the community, environment and employees and strives above all to provide an experience of gracious hospitality for all guests, a spokesman said.
Blowing Rock Brewing Company 152 Sunset Dr. Blowing Rock (828) 414-9600 blowingrockbrewing.com
As one of the only U.S. breweries owned and operated by a ski area, this company is dedicated to action sports enthusiasts. The brewery is nestled in the village of Beech Mountain Resort, offering, skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating, mountain biking and disc golf. The brewery provides the perfect atmosphere to relax after a long day or skiing, biking or hiking, a spokesman said. The Beech Mountain Brewing Co. is accessible for all patrons.
Blind Squirrel Brewery 4716 S U.S. Highway 19E, Newland (828) 765-2739 www.blindsquirrelbrewery.com Microbreweries, or “craft breweries,” are popping up all over the U.S., and Blind Squirrel operates four separate three-barrel systems, giving a range of diversity that is unsurpassed in the High Country, a spokesman for the brewery said. The brewery also offers casual dining, as well as on-site catering for special occasions on a year-round basis, including Christmas, office parties, birthdays, luncheons, dinners, class reunions, buffets, wedding receptions and cozy rehearsal dinners.
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Introducing the latest member of the Yamaha off-road family. One of the wild’s most tenacious and aggressive creatures, its ability to traverse extreme terrain with superior handling and off-road capability is unparalleled. It features Yamaha’s legendary Ultramatic® automatic transmission, On-Command® 4WD, class-leading long-travel suspension, plus so much more. The all-new Wolverine. It’s an entirely new breed of off-road animal.
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PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Boone has one of the leading breweries in the High Country. Appalachian Mountain Brewery donates a portion of its proceeds to local nonprofits.
Professional drivers depicted on a closed course. Always protect the environment and wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Read the owner’s manual and product warning labels before operation. Model shown with Genuine Yamaha Accessories. ©2015 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaWolverine.com
Spectacular Foliage Without the Traffic Only 35 Miles from the High Country
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ART • DINING • SHOPPING • ANTIQUES 1
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Fine & Estate Jewelry
Old World Galleries
Village Jewelers
Jones House Indoor Fall Concert Series Doors open at 7:00 pm, shows begin at 7:30pm. Tickets $20, advanced reservations recommended 828.268.6280 or visit joneshouse.org Sept. 20 – Bob Carlin Oct. 4 – Richie (Stearns) and Rosie (Newton) Oct 21 – Lightnin’ Wells Oct 28 – Joe K. Walsh Nov 12 – Sunny Mountain Serenaders Dec 9 – Chuck Brodsky
Custom Jewelry Design & Repair Paintings by Local Artists
697 West King St. Downtown Boone
828-264-6559 www.oldworldgalleries.com
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LUNCH: M-F 11-3, Sun 11:30-3 DINNER: Everyday 5-10 PM Saturday 5-10PM only 173 Howard Street Boone, NC 828.268.0434 828.268.0439 fax
16th Annual Downtown Boone BOO! Monday, October 31 4:00 – 6:00 pm Visit downtownboonenc.com for more information
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Classic Surroundings, Modern Amenities
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Take a ride on the Ghost Train Tweetsie Railroad’s Halloween Festival opens for its 27th season Sept. 23
I
t’s no secret that the mountains of North Carolina get spookier in the fall. Each evening, the sun sets earlier and once the darkness falls, even the sound of wind whipping through fallen leaves can cause a chill up one’s spine. If you’re one of those people who enjoy a good scare, a frightening ghost story or a wild ride through the dark, Tweetsie Railroad’s Ghost Train was made for you. For the 27th year in a row, Tweetsie’s Ghost Train and Halloween Festival will transform the Wild West theme park into macabre mountain of mayhem. The event takes place each Friday and Saturday evening from Sept. 23 through Oct. 29. Gates open for the Ghost Train at 7:30 p.m. each evening and tickets are $36 per person. Beginning this year, tickets are being sold for a designated night with a specific train ride time, so ticket holders will enjoy a shorter wait for the Ghost Train ride. A limited number of guests are admitted each evening and visitors are urged to purchase tickets in advance. The spooky Ghost Train will travel through the night and pick up new passengers every 30 minutes. Conductor Casey Bones will lead the journey with stops at destinations most dire. Other attractions at the Ghost Train include the Creepy Carnival, black musical shows at the Tweetsie Palace, a spine-chilling haunted house, the Boneyard and 3-D Maze, the Freaky Forest and mystifying Warp Tunnel. The always entertaining Spice Ghouls dance squad will perform dance numbers, including the popular “Thriller” routine, and will pose for photos with Ghost Train guests. Tweetsie’s Ghost Train and Halloween Festival runs from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.tweetsie.com.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TWEETSIE RAILROAD All manners of frights welcome visitors to Ghost Train.
Tweetsie Railroad’s Ghost Train takes place Fridays and Saturdays Sept. 23 through Oct. 29.
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2016
Discover Timeless Treasures
Visit the Largest Antique Mall in the High Country! Over one million items • 23,000 square feet! You have to see it to believe it! The High Country’s Best Selection, Rock Bottom Prices! • 70 Vendors • Beautiful furniture: Primitive, refurbished, shabby-chic upholstery • Amish indoor & outdoor • Glass! Glass! and more Glass! • Collectables! Collectables and more Collectables! • Art - you name it, we have it!
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PHOTO BY MEGAN SHEPPARD Hayden Cordell and Weston Beers bring the might of the Justice League to downtown Newland.
High Country fright nights BY BRIAN MILLER
H
alloween in the High Country is certain to keep you on your toes with countless spooky opportunities, from corn mazes to haunted trails. While the weather may be cooling down, there are still plenty of ways to get your adrenaline pumping through the area’s several “fright nights.” Following is a roundup of Halloween events happening in the High Country.
New River Corn Maze
Located on the historic Brown Family Farm beside the scenic New River, this five-acre corn maze offers more than just a challenge. There is a hayride and a “pick your own pumpkin” patch, and closer to Halloween there are haunted hayrides. The corn maze is open on weekends in October from 10 a.m. until dark on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 1 p.m. until dark on Sundays. Other days, you may visit the maze by appointment. New River Corn Maze is located just off of U.S. 421 between Boone and Deep Gap on Laurel Gap Ridge Road. Look for signs on the highway. For more information, visit www.newriv-
PHOTO BY AMANDA ROGERS New River corn maze and pumpkin patch features a four-acre plot of pumpkins and gourds with jack-o’-lantern sized pumpkins.
ercornmaze.com.
Ashe County Corn Maze
The Ashe County Corn Maze is a fall tradition in the High Country. The main event features a large corn maze that can take anywhere from 25 minutes to hours to complete. In addition to the maze itself, the venue offers several other games and activities for the whole family, including a monster slingshot, jump houses, pumpkin bowling and the famous giant pipe slide. There’s also a smaller hay bale maze for younger children. From Sept. 23 through Oct. 31, SEE FRIGHT, PAGE 25
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ages 8 and younger avoid going through the Haunted House, Freaky Forest or Ghost Train. However, patrons of all ages are welcomed to the park for other Halloween activities and rides. A limited number of guests are admitted each night, so it’s encouraged to order tickets in advance. Ghost Train tickets do not include admission to the park’s daytime activities. For more information, visit www. tweetsie.com or call (877) 893-3874.
FRIGHT FROM PAGE 24 the maze is open from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit www. ashecountycornmaze.com.
Hillbilly Horror
Every October, Honey Bear Campground in Boone is transformed on weekends into an interactive trail certain to give you the creeps. Walking through the woods at night is already scary enough, but when the woods are infested with “insane hillbillies,” it kicks things up a notch. In addition to Hillbilly Horror, the campground offers the unique experience of “zombie shooting.” The interactive ride, “Zombie Defender,” runs through the woods of the campground, while participants are given a paintball gun to fend off “zombies” (costumed people) in the area. Aside from the haunted trail and zombie defender, which may be too frightening for young children, the event offers hayrides and outdoor movies suitable for all ages. For more information and updates,
Lansing Haunted House
FILE PHOTO Tweetsie Railroad’s Ghost Train pulls into the station on Main Street.
visit www.hillbillyhorrorboone.com.
Tweetsie Railroad’s Ghost Train
Tweetsie Railroad’s annual ghost Train Halloween Festival continues this year, starting early on Sept. 23 and 24, and running every weekend through Oct. 28 and 29. The park is open from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
each night. Among the festivities in the park are Ghost Train rides (every 30 minutes), a Haunted House, Halloween shows, a 3-D maze, the Black Hole, trick-or-treating, the Freaky Forest and the Warp Tunnel. According to Tweetsie Railroad, officials recommend that children
Hosted at the former Lansing School building, the Lansing Haunted House in Ashe County has made itself known as one of the premier creepy attractions in the High Country during October. The Haunted House opens at 7 p.m. every Friday and Saturday in October. The attraction stays open regardless of weather, and it’s recommended that guests arrive early to get a spot in line. The tour typically lasts 15 minutes, but many participants walk through multiple times. Lansing Haunted House is located at 9710 N.C. Highway 194 N. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ LansingNCHauntedHouse.
See where to:
HighCountryNC.com
live the adventure
EAT SHOP PLAY STAY in the High Country
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My Favorite
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
2016
Producing Quality Cheese Since 1932
See Cheese Made and Visit the High Country’s Largest Cheese Store! 106 E. Main Street | West Jefferson, NC 800.445.1378 | www.ashecountycheese.com
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Emporium Martha Mae’s
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2016
PHOTO BY SKIP SICKLER | GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION At 5,946 feet above sea level, Grandfather Mountain is renowned for its breathtaking, panoramic views of the North Carolina High Country.
The Colors of Grandfather Mountain BY FRANK RUGGIERO
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ant to see the color of autumn? Then look up. Way up. Towering at 5,946 feet above sea level, Grandfather Mountain is renowned for its breathtaking, panoramic views of the North Carolina High Country. But come autumn, that viewscape shifts to a brilliant kaleidoscope of fall color. Famous for its Mile High Swinging Bridge and environmental wildlife habitats, the nonprofit nature preserve and visitor attraction is home to numerous species of plants and hardwood trees that range from pumpkin-colored beeches to blood-red sourwoods, rusty red oaks, myriad maples and much more. “It’s such a special time on Grandfather Mountain with the fall color change,” staff naturalist Alden Early said. “There’s such a varied elevation and so many mixtures of habitats that you can watch the color change in the forest below you and almost peak up toward you at the same time. It’s really amazing.” For instance, Grandfather’s peaks feature a spruce fir forest, and while that doesn’t change color significantly, it creates a stark contrast with the northern hardwood forests between 3,000 and 4,000 feet, all the way down to the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding foot-
hills. “And, you have such a long window to see fall color,” said Mickey Shortt, chief naturalist and director of education and natural resources for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the nonprofit organization that oversees the attraction. “We start seeing hints of color in September, and the peak in early October. By mid-October … we typically have nice views of fall color down in the valleys … and after they peak, we can look out east for miles of elevations to 2,500 feet and see their fall color occurring. So, really, our window extends until late October.” At such a high elevation, most of Grandfather’s leaves begin to change earlier than those at lower altitudes, and a series of guided hikes throughout October promises visitors a glimpse of peak color. To be held weekends Oct. 1 to 23, “The Colors of Grandfather” guided hikes find the mountain’s team of certified naturalists leading walks to showcase the changing leaves and explain the science behind the natural phenomenon. The hikes start at 1 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday, at a location to be determined by where the color is most vibrant, and they’re all included with the cost of admission. SEE GRANDFATHER, PAGE 29
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GRANDFATHER FROM PAGE 28
Leaves aside, Grandfather hosts a mountain of colorful activities to entertain and educate visitors of all ages, no matter the weather. Visitors can traverse the aforementioned Mile High Swinging Bridge, America’s highest-elevation suspension footbridge, for unrivaled views of the surrounding High Country, or come face-to-face with black bears, mountain lions, river otters, bald eagles and whitetail deer in the environmental wildlife habitats — large enclosures that allow visitors to see animals in natural settings. Unlike exhibits found in city zoos, these enclosures were built around the animals’ actual native habitats. Viewing areas give visitors an up-close perspective of the animals as they live in the wild, separated by moats or elevated above the habitats on large retaining walls. A special aquarium-like viewing area allows visitors to watch the everplayful river otters above or under water. Through Oct. 29, naturalists host regularly scheduled animal encounters, during which visitors can see the furry and feathered residents at their most active, while interpretive walks provide insight into the mountain’s unique biodiversity and ecosystems. Those looking to go it on their own have access to 12
PHOTO BY HUGH MORTON, COURTESY OF THE GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION Grandfather Mountain’s environmental wildlife habitats offer visitors up close encounters with black bears, mountain lions, river otters, bald eagles and whitetail deer.
miles’ worth of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, meaning there’s a hike to fit any skill level. And with handicapped accessibility, even right up to the Mile High Swinging Bridge, Grandfather Mountain allows visitors to customize their own experience with nature — be it a rugged, backcountry adventure or a leisurely drive
to the top. The mountain is also dog friendly, although canine companions are not allowed in buildings or the animal habitat areas. The Nature Museum and documentary auditorium provide indoor education and entertainment, while Mildred’s Grill restaurant offers convenient dining indoors or out (as does the Fudge Shop).
PAGE 29
Folks are also welcome to bring a picnic, as the mountain boasts literally hundreds of picnic sites. Grandfather is often much cooler than other locations in the High Country, and there’s typically a 10-degree difference from base to peak, so visitors are advised to bring a jacket or long-sleeved shirt. “Not only does fall color provide these excellent views, but we typically have cooler weather come in, and that adds to the range we can see from the top of the mountain,” Shortt said. “You can get some very great visibility days, especially in late October.” On crisp, clear days, one can even see the Charlotte skyline from the Mile High Swinging Bridge — a distance of some 80 miles, as the crow flies. To see for yourself, visit Grandfather Mountain, located at 2050 Blowing Rock Highway in Linville, one mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway, milepost 305. Fall hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with ticket sales ending an hour prior to closing. For fall color, the first four weekends in October will have extended hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with ticket sales ending at 6 p.m. Grandfather Mountain is open year-round, weather permitting, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, visit www. grandfather.com, or call (800) 4687325.
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
2016
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY: Showcasing the seasons and especially the fall PARKWAY FACILITIES IN THE HIGH COUNTRY Many points of interest are in the High Country portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Some visitor centers and other facilities close at varying points in the fall, while others remain open year-round. Check the website www.nps.gov/blri/ planyourvisit/hours.htm for specific closing dates and hours. Following is a listing of Blue Ridge Parkway facilities in the High Country area. • Doughton Park Campground (milepost 239.2) RV loop and one tent camping loop • Doughton Park Picnic Area (milepost 271.9) • Northwest Trading Post (milepost 258.7) shopping and concessions • Jeffress Park Picnic Area (milepost 271.9) PHOTO BY SKIP SICKLER/GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION Fall colors greet visitors at the Linville Falls Visitor Center off the Blue Ridge Parkway. BY BRIAN MILLER
T
he Blue Ridge Parkway is particularly popular among visitors in autumn, offering scenic overlooks and opportunities to experience the beautiful colors of the changing leaves. The 469-mile linear national park is one of the most visited sections of the National Park System. To go along with the beautiful scenery, the parkway also offers recreational, educational and cultural experiences, incorporating numerous campgrounds, picnic areas and more than 300 miles of hiking trails. The varied habitats along the parkway offer protection to an enormous diversity of plants and animals. Supporting as many plant species as any other unit of America’s National Park System, including more than 100 species of trees, the parkway offers incredible views in the fall. Monitoring the weather is an important factor in making the parkway experience as safe and enjoyable as possible. It’s encouraged to plan extensively to avoid unexpected road or weather conditions.
Weather on the parkway can vary widely due to different elevations and locations, according to parkway officials. Autumn is especially known to have large temperature swings, from near freezing to above 70 degrees. The parkway experience is meant to be slow-paced and relaxing for drivers, but it’s important to avoid distractions by enjoying the park’s beauty from designated viewing and parking areas. The safest way to enjoy fall color is by parking at overlooks available along the road, which appear frequently at regular intervals. Park staff reminds visitors that the parkway is a living and fragile resource, and visitors can help protect it by following park regulations. Visitors can find helpful information as they plan for their parkway experience from a variety of sources. The park website provides a real-time road closure map, facility schedules, safety information, suggested itineraries, visitor center locations and more at www.nps.gov/blri. Visitors can also follow park updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BlueRidgeNPS.
• Moses Cone Manor House (milepost 294) • Price Park Picnic Area (milepost 296.4) • Parkway Craft Center at the Moses Cone Manor (milepost 294) Visit craftguild.org for more information • Price Park Campground and Boat Rental (milepost 296.9) • Linn Cove Visitor Center (milepost 304.4) • Linville Falls Visitor Center and Picnic Area (milepost 316.4)
THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
2016
Mystery and history BY JEFF EASON
Imagine a world where the laws of gravity have been repealed. Balls roll uphill. Water flows wherever it will. And short people are all of a sudden as tall as their taller friends. Such is the world of Mystery Hill. Now in its 60th season, Mystery Hill is a family friendly roadside attraction nestled in a curve on U.S. 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock. It includes the Mystery Platform and Mystery House, the Hall of Mystery, the Native American Artifacts Museum and the Appalachian Heritage Museum. Constructed around the slope of the surrounding hillside, the Mystery Platform and Mystery House feature a stronger than average pull to the north, which causes some of our basic laws of physics to work differently than normal. When you walk into the Mystery House, your body will be at a 45 degree angle, even though you are trying to stand at a 90 degree angle. Native American Artifacts Museum What began as a labor of love for R.E. “Moon” Mullins and his wife, Irene,
• Cloches • Compost
turned into a remarkable collection of more than 50,000 Native American artifacts. Started on the riverbanks of Georgia, their collection includes artifacts from 23 different states. Arrowheads, pottery, pipes and knives are just a few of the remarkable pieces in this collection. The Appalachian Heritage Museum found its home at Mystery Hill in 1989. Originally located on the campus of Appalachian State University, it was formally known as the Dougherty House and was one of the first buildings erected on the state university grounds in 1903. Inside the museum are memories of life in the 19th century and early 20th century, including antiques such as sewing machines, household furnishings, photographs, clothing and other items that give visitors a glimpse into a cherished past. Mystery Hill is open seven days a week. Hours of operation from June through August are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hours of operation from September through May are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (828) 264-2792, or visit www.mysteryhill-nc.com.
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2016
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
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LINVILLE CAVERNS: See the inside of a mountain
L
inville Caverns offers visitors to the High Country one of the few experiences that can literally be called unique — unique to caverns at least. If it’s too hot or too cold outside, visitors can find shelter in the cavern system, which maintains a yearround temperature of approximately 50 degrees. First opened to the public in 1937, Linville Caverns is an active limestone cavern system that is home to an array of extraordinary natural rock formations made easily available to the amateur spelunker. “Linville Caverns offers a total walking tour,” said Lanie Gross, a manager and 14-year employee of the caverns. “You won’t have to crawl or get dirty; you don’t have to be afraid of the dark.” The caverns have been retrofitted with a system of concrete paths and ample electric lighting that make a trip under the mountain as simple as walking in and sticking close to the tour guide. Discovered in the early 1800s by local fishermen following trout into what appeared to be a solid rock wall, Linville Caverns has played host to an eclectic group of denizens in its long history. During the American Civil War, deserters from both sides of the conflict are said to have used the cavern system as a welcome, however dark, respite from their inevitable capture. In 1915, two teenage boys carrying only one lantern and undoubtedly on a mission imbued with all the recklessness that comes with their age, were lost in the cavern system for two days in the complete darkness. Their eventual escape was only made possible by their decision to wade into the frigid, chestdeep water and follow its current to the mouth of the caverns. Linville Caverns is home to a variety of wildlife that, until recently, included a population of blind trout that unfortunately came off worse in a life-anddeath struggle with a river otter which broke into their quiet, otherwise safe neighborhood, for a late night meal.
FILE PHOTO Top photo: The caverns are home to an amazing array of rock formations. Bottom photo: A diverse and dramatic display of color covers the whole cavern system.
The cavern staff has since restocked the — now sighted — fish and they can be seen flitting rock to rock in the creek that runs adjacent to the cavern path. Joining the trout in their subterranean habitat are a smattering of cavern insects, including granddaddy longlegs and cave crickets that seem to work
in tandem. They cover some of the cavern walls like a crawling, many legged tapestry. Conspicuously missing from the typical roster of cave life are bats. Linville Caverns, along with many other cave and cavern systems in Eastern North America, has been affected by the spread of white-nose syndrome, a disease that affects hibernating bats. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, white-nose syndrome has killed 5.5 million bats in the U.S. and Canada and in some cases has a 90 percent to 100 percent mortality rate. There does appear to be some progress being made in treatment of bats with WNS. Scientists are now using a special bacteria to prevent and even reverse the effects of the disease. Geomyces destructans, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats, has no effect on humans, according to scientists. Linville Caverns provides an unequalled service to those visiting the High Country. Natural wonder aside, the courtesy and professionalism of the cavern’s staff is special. “You have a unique opportunity (at Linville Caverns) to see what water can create,” Gross said. “The experience is made even more valuable with one of our guides because of their experience and enthusiasm.” The tour guides are equal parts well informed and entertaining and are more than ready to answer questions or to take photos for a visiting group. “There is just so much that I like about the caverns,” Gross said. “Every time I go in, I am amazed and I feel like I see something new.” For more information on Linville Caverns, visit its website at www.linvillecaverns.com/ or call toll free at (800) 419-0540. Linville Caverns is open to guests daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in September and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in November and December. It is located at 19929 U.S. 221 North in Marion.
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
2016
Lees-McRae elevates futures
PHOTO COURTESY OF LEES-MCRAE COLLEGE For more than 115 years, Lees-McRae College has been educating students in the mountains and beyond.
‘While Lees-McRae is a small school, you can use it to your advantage to really make connections with your professors and make the most of your time.’ — Lindsey Bijas, Lees-McRae graduate
W
hen exploring the High Country, visitors are often surprised to find a comprehensive baccalaureate school amid the natural beauty of the High Country. Lees-McRae College has been serving the area for more than 115 years — welcoming students from more than 30 states and 15 countries to study in its native stone buildings. This impressive, 460-acre campus is nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers an abundance of hiking trails and area attractions, as well as unique educational opportunities, including coursework in backpacking and rock climbing. Students enjoy the unparalleled location to complete research at the incorporated Elk Valley Preserve and Field Station or thrive in real-world settings such as performing on stage with professional actors during the Lees-McRae Summer Theatre. Boasting the highest elevated campus on the East Coast, Lees-McRae embraces its founding motto, “In the Mountains, Of the Mountains, For the Mountains,” while also making educational opportunities available online and in surrounding communities. SEE LEES-MCRAE, PAGE 37
AT A GLANCE Lees-McRae is a private four-year college offering diverse bachelor’s degrees, strong athletic programs and outstanding faculty. • Residential campus spanning more than 450 acres • 1,000 students • School colors are green and gold • Mascot is Wily the Bobcat • Pet-friendly campus • www.lmc.edu
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LEES-MCRAE FROM PAGE 36 Lees-McRae students receive a topnotch education that prepares them to further their academic studies or earn a career. But, what do today’s employers look for in recent college graduates? According to a 2015 employer survey by the National Association for Colleges and Employers, the most valued attributes are leadership, teamwork and communication skills. At Lees-McRae, students gain these skills both inside and out of the classroom, with 91 percent of graduates beginning field-related jobs or continuing advanced education within six months of graduation. This impressive placement rate is due to the hands-on learning experiences afforded all students at LeesMcRae. For example, the Wildlife Biology and Rehabilitation program offers summer clinical experiences, during which time students work up to 60 hours per week at the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center on-campus. Other programs, such as Nursing, Emergency Medical Services and Management and Education, require clinical hours and practical experience early in the student’s college career. Sharon Nelson, class of ’11, who recently completed a master’s degree in Nursing Administration, fondly remembers her experience in the RN to BSN program and her mentors at Caldwell Memorial Hospital in Lenoir. “The nurse manager there was such a role model,” she said. Lees-McRae students participate in experiential learning, including conventional internships on-campus and at businesses throughout the Southeast. Jamison Carrigan, ’15, completed a yearlong internship in the LeesMcRae Office of Strategic Planning and Effectiveness and found the internship gave him “organizational skills, data management ability, and an overall interest in answering research questions.” This, along with his double major in Religious Studies and Psychology, has helped him as he works toward a Ph.D. in the School of Psychology at The University of Texas at Austin. Students find assistance locating internship or volunteer opportunities through the Robb Center for Career Exploration. The center manages a digital job board, hosts job skills workshops and provides one-on-one career counseling for students and alumni. Career counseling is also built into the curriculum through the Career and Life Planning Seminar. This course, typically completed in the second year,
guides students through an exploration of the personal and professional values, skills and interests necessary for their future careers. Students put their skills to the test by selecting a job, preparing application materials and completing a practice interview. Documenting a career plan is also part of the course, which encourages students to actively plan for volunteer opportunities, internships, and research projects. All programs at Lees-McRae require a comprehensive senior research project designed to challenge the student on a post-graduate or professional level. Students are mentored by a faculty member in their field and present their final work to fellow students and professors prior to completing the course. Recent graduate Destini Petit, ’16, is pursuing her master’s degree in Natural Resources at the University of NebraskaLincoln and credits her faculty mentor, Dr. Sean Collins, and the senior-research project with her success, stating that they “gave me the opportunity to pursue research in an area I found interesting.” Dubois Hines, ’15, feels that not only did his classroom knowledge prepare him for working with the public, but his time as a resident assistant taught him how to work with diverse groups of people — a skill he finds particularly useful as the Naturalist Fellow at the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro, Minn.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEES-MCRAE COLLEGE The 70-acre Elk Valley Preserve and Field Station on campus provides a learning laboratory for Lees-McRae students.
And, Dubois is not alone. Many Lees-McRae students credit their experiences outside of the traditional academic classroom with their postgraduate success. Students work as tutors, researchers, residence staff, teaching assistants and more. The one-on-one experience with faculty and staff gained through such experiences give students the skills to work professionally with their future colleagues in a variety of settings. While the national job market continues to rebound, Lees-McRae graduates find themselves well-prepared for wher-
ever their career paths take them. Now at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, recent graduate Lindsey Bijas, ’16, conducted an internship at The Wolf Sanctum in Bakersville, studied abroad in Belize, completed field research and was a teaching assistant — all in only four short years. “While Lees-McRae is a small school, you can use it to your advantage to really make connections with your professors and make the most of your time,” said Lindsey. Both inside and outside of the classroom, Lees-McRae students truly are making the most of their time.
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2016
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
2016
Experiencing the High Country on foot
W
ith hundreds of miles of trails winding across the area’s highest peaks and lowest valleys, hikers of all walks of life can find the perfect trek for any skill level in the High Country. For any hiker coming to the area, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the perfect place to start any hiking venture. With no less than 20 trails between Deep Gap and Linville Falls, the parkway’s offerings range from leisurely strolls to strenuous climbs. The parkway is accessible by several major thoroughfares, including N.C. 163 in West Jefferson, U.S. 421 in Deep Gap, U.S. 321 and U.S. 221 in Blowing Rock, N.C. 105 in Linville and N.C. 221 in Linville Falls. For a full listing of trails in the area, click to www.blueridgeparkway. org/v.php?pg=61. Ashe County visitors may want to check out Mount Jefferson State Park, which offers five trails ranging from moderate to strenuous. A short distance from Jefferson off of U.S. 221, Mount Jefferson offers outdoor adventures for sturdy hikers and gorgeous sites for all. Heading toward Boone on N.C. 194, patrons of the outdoors might enjoy a diversion up Meat Camp Road to take in the sights at Elk Knob State Park. With two easy trails for tenderfoots and a longer backcountry trail for the more experienced, Elk Knob offers something for everyone. For the truly bold, a 2-mile trek to the summit of the knob offers two of the most spec-
TIPS FOR HIKING • Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. • Plan your hike. • Know where you are going. • Check and prepare for weather. • Carry a map. • Pace yourself. WHERE TO GET YOUR GEAR • Mountain Outfitters, located at 102 South Jefferson Ave. in Jefferson, has affordable apparel and an ample selection of outdoor gear. For more information, call (336) 246-9133 or visit www.mtnoutfittersnc.com. • If your outdoor excursions bring you through Boone, check out Footsloggers, located in downtown Boone on Depot Street. For more information, call (828) 262-5111 or visit www.footsloggers.com. • Mast General Store, with locations on King Street in Boone and in Valle Crucis, has backpacks, navigation systems and other outdoor gear for the perfect outdoor experience. PHOTO BY HUGH MORTON Crossing Grandfather’s ridges on the Grandfather Trail is a rigorous challenge that takes hikers in and out of wind-dwarfed spruce and fir, across or around rock walls and pinnacles and into open spaces with views of mountains unfurling in every direction. The payoff is the chance to tackle rugged, rocky terrain found nowhere else in the Southeast — and to see the view from the top of the Blue Ridge.
tacular overlooks in the area, one facing east and the other facing west. The third state park in the area, Grandfather Mountain State Park
has eight trails to explore, along with multiple camping opportunities. The park is accessible from the Boone Fork Parking Area on the Blue Ridge
Parkway, as well as Grandfather Mountain on U.S. 221 between Linville and Blowing Rock. For the truly bold, the Profile Trail entrance on N.C. 105 offers spectacular views for anyone willing to make the difficult hike. For more information and maps of the area’s state parks, visit www. ncparks.gov.
Traversing the Mountains-to-Sea Trail
T
he Mountains-to-Sea Trail is a 1,150-mile trek across North Carolina. Officially established as a land-based unit of the N.C. park system in 2000, the MST connects Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Jockey’s Ridge State Park in the Outer Banks through a series of hiking trails and river rides. According to the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, some 67 people have traveled the entire length of the trail a total of 60 times, and that number is growing every year. The MST meets up with Avery County in Segment 4, a 75-mile segment of the trail that goes through Pisgah National Forest. Hikers can follow forest ridgelines, climb peaks, forge rivers
and stroll along creeks leading to raging whitewater and breath-taking waterfalls while heading toward Beacon Heights. Hikers looking to take their time traversing this segment have several camping options available; however, camping on undesignated Blue Ridge Parkway property is strictly prohibited. Additional lodging and campsites are available a short distance away from the MST. Continuing along the trail, hikers looking to tackle Segment 5 of the MST are introduced to the views of the High Country, including Watauga and Ashe counties. The 92-mile portion of the trail offers scenery from elevations up to 4,300 feet above sea level. Starting at Beacon Heights, the trail travels down Tanawha
Trail along the base of Grandfather Mountain, a certified biosphere reserve. On a clear day, views of Grandfather Mountain, Hawksbill, Table Rock and Pisgah National Forest can span beyond 50 miles. The trail continues through Blowing Rock, stopping at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, home to Flat Top Manor and several former carriage trails. Activities at the park include walking, hiking and horseback riding. Following along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the MST comes across E.B. Jeffress Park, which includes the Cool Springs Baptist Church and “The Cascades,” a waterfall that slides over 250 feet of rocks. Traveling north, hikers come up on the Mount Jefferson Overlook in West
Jefferson, granting endless views of Grandfather Mountain, Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain. For outdoor enthusiasts looking to tackle the MST, the adventure is now easier than ever with a new set of guides that describes every mile of the route from the Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks. “These guides will make the MST more user friendly, whether you’re hiking an hour, or for weeks,” said Kate Dixon, executive director for the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The guides provide step-by-step east and westbound directions, as well as information regarding parking, camping, places to eat and more. The guides, as well as additional information, are available online at www.ncmst.org/TrailGuide.
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Trail guide: The journey begins
I
f you are an outdoors person and love to hike, there are several options for you in the Boone area. Some hikes are challenging, some not so much, but most offer scenery and options for photographers in the spring, summer, fall and winter. The trails listed below are just a handful, but do your research and check the weather before you decide to hike.
available at the following locations: Grandfather Mountain Main Entrance, U.S. 221, Linville. Trailhead entrances at the Nuwati and Profile Trail provide a free permit into the park. Hikers are strongly advised to exercise caution in case of thunderstorms or other adverse weather conditions. For further information, phone (828) 733-2013 or (828) 737-0833, send an email to hiking@ grandfather.com or look online at www.grandfather.com.
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY TRAILS
Trails located along the Blue Ridge Parkway offer hikers just about any level of trekking their heart’s might desire. Some of the trails are long and challenging, others are short loops leading to waterfalls or scenic vistas. For more information, phone (828) 295-7591 or (828) 295-3782. • Mountains-to-Sea Trail: The trail is broken down into sections. The sections closest to Boone are sections 13-17: Blue Ridge Parkway North Beacon Heights to Devil’s Garden Overlooks. It covers 88 miles and crosses several main roadways. It actually begins at the rugged base of Grandfather Mountain. For more information, visit the website: www.ncmst. org. • Doughton Park Trails: Doughton Park, located in Ashe County near Laurel Springs, has over 30 miles of hiking trails ranging from modest strolls to daylong outings. Some examples include Bluff Mountain Trail, 7.5 miles, moderate; Cedar Ridge Trail, 4.4 miles, strenuous; Grassy Gap Fire Road, 6.5 miles, easy (horses allowed); Basin Creek Trail, 6.6 miles, moderate; Fodder Stack Trail, 2 miles, moderate, milepost 241. Call (336) 372-8568 for trail maps. • The Cascades Trail: One of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s most scenic trails — and one of its easiest — this 0.5-mile turnaround leads to the scenic Cascades Waterfalls. It begins at the Cascades parking lot, about three miles north of Deep Gap, milepost 271.9. • Moses Cone Carriage Trails: Easy to moderate. The Moses Cone Park includes 25 miles of gently sloping carriage trails of varying lengths, available to hikers, joggers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. Most trails begin near the Moses Cone Manor, milepost 294.0. • Green Knob Trail: Starting at Sims Pond (milepost 295), this moderate 2.4-mile trail winds along a stream through rhododendron forest, then changes scenery to climb up along a ridgeline. • Boone Fork Trail: A moderate/
PARK SIDE TRAILS
• The Bridge Trail: Grandfather’s newest trail begins at the Black Rock Parking Area and meanders through forested areas, eventually traveling underneath the Mile High Swinging Bridge. An easy 30-minute walk. • Black Rock Nature Trail: This PHOTO BY ROB MOORE self-guided nature trail begins in the parking lot just below Grandfather’s Table Rock is a family friendly hide on the East rim of the Linville Gorge. Mile High Swinging Bridge and is good although the lower falls trails can be a strenuous loop leading through deep for beginning hikers. It’s a 1.0-mile bit strenuous, but give the better imag- turnaround through the forests of this woods and along a cascading river of es from below. Milepost 316.4. 4.9 miles in length. The trailhead is majestic mountain. Offers an excellent • Linville River Bridge Trail: located in the Price Park Picnic Area, view. This very short trail takes you down to milepost 296.5. the Linville River underneath one of • Price Lake Trail: An easy trail CREST TRAILS the oldest old arched stone bridges on leading around scenic Price Lake for • Grandfather Trail: This is the parkway. Picnic tables, restrooms 2.7 miles. If you are lucky the beavers the big one. It begins at Grandfather and water are all available. Going north Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge will be working. Trailhead is at Price on the parkway, take a left toward the Lake parking area, milepost 297.0. and eventually hits all of Grandfather’s Linville picnic area and another left • Tanawha Trail: This trail, 13 three highest peaks. This 2.4-mile just before entering the picnic area. miles in length, can be started at trail requires approximately five hours Milepost 316.5. either the Price Park Campground, of hiking time to travel the entire • Chestoa View Loop Trail: A in Blowing Rock, or at the Linn Cove length. It’s extremely rugged, with only little over a half a mile long, this trail Viaduct’s parking lot, at Grandfather wooden ladders making some sheer Mountain (milepost 305.5). Check with gives you a great view of Table Rock. cliff faces accessible. It intersects with Grandfather Mountain for a map of the Milepost 320.8. several other trails at its northern ter• Crabtree Falls Trail: A strenutrail. minus. ous 2.6-mile loop which leads to both • Linn Cove Viaduct Access • Underwood Trail: 0.5-mile the bottom and top of Crabtree Falls. Trail: The world-famous Linn Cove bypass around MacRae Peak that lets This trail begins and ends in the Viaduct, an engineering masterpiece, hikers avoid most of the ladders, ropes Crabtree Falls Campground’s parking can best be seen from this trail, which and/or severe weather on the peak. begins at the Linn Cove Visitor Center, area, near Little Switzerland, milepost There is one ladder. Strenuous and 339.5. milepost 304.4. The trail actually rocky. • Other Trails: Several small trails travels underneath the bridge, giving of varying difficulty dot the Parkway hikers an unparalleled view of this WEST SIDE TRAILS unique construction project. The trail is south past the Linn Cove Viaduct. For • Profile Trail: 2.7 miles. The a listing of mileposts and trail lengths, handicapped accessible for part of the lower part of the trail is an easy outcall the Gillespie Gap ranger office at way, and is a relatively easy stroll, but and-back leg stretcher, but the upper (828) 765-6082. does link up with the Mountains-tosection is fairly strenuous. Links with Sea Trail, Nuwati, Boone Fork and the Calloway Trail. The trailhead is located Tanawha Trail. GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN TRAILS near the Shoppes of Tynecastle on • Beacon Heights: A short hike Grandfather Mountain, one of the Highway 105 in Banner Elk. gives you access to great views of tallest and most rugged in the Eastern • Calloway Trail: 0.3-mile strenuGrandfather, the Linville Falls area, United States, is crisscrossed with ous trail that links the Profile Trail (at Hawksbill and Table Rock. A nice place well-maintained trails, most of them Shanty Spring) and the Grandfather to hang out in the sun. Milepost 305.2. for experienced hikers. Some lead into Trail (at Calloway Gap). • Linville Falls Trails: Several Grandfather’s deep woods, but most • Bottom-to-Top Linked Trail trails begin at the Linville Falls Visitor scale cliffs that can sometimes be dizzy- Outing: Profile Trail (2.7 miles) Center, in Linville Falls. All less than a ing in height. Always carry water, food to Calloway Trail (0.3 mile) to mile in length, some lead to the top of and a trail map and wear sturdy boots. Grandfather Trail (2.4 miles). Very the falls, while two lead to the bottom Permits are required for hiking all SEE TRAILS, PAGE 43 of Linville Falls. All are recommended, Grandfather Mountain trails and are
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8645 NC Hwy 105 S 828.963.1183
bearcreektrader.com
THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
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PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Rough Ridge is located at milepost 302.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Trails FROM PAGE 40 strenuous — an all day outing for serious hikers only.
EAST SIDE TRAILS
• Daniel Boone Scout Trail: Strenuous. Ascends 2,000 feet in just 2.6 miles (allow 4.5 hours for roundtrip). Recommended access is from the Boone Fork Parking Area via the Tanawha Trail. Strenuous and steep trail to Calloway Peak, the highest point in the Blue Ridge. • Nuwati Trail: 1.2 miles, easy but
rocky. Located 0.4 miles on Tanawha Trail from Boone Fork Parking Area. • Cragway Trail: Rocky and strenuous trail that links Nuwati and Daniel Boone Scout trails. Beautiful views from this trail. 1.0 mile. • Asutsi Trail: 0.4 mile. An easy connecting trail from Hwy. 221 at Serenity Farm to Boone Fork Footbridge. Provides winter access to the East Side Trails.
LINVILLE GORGE TRAILS
Here is a list of some of the more popular and longer trails in the Linville SEE TRAILS, PAGE 44
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
Trails FROM PAGE 43 Gorge area. The Linville Gorge Wilderness is one of the most remote, rugged wilderness areas in the entire Eastern United States. Trails are marked at the trailhead, but are not signed or blazed once inside the wilderness. Make sure you know how to read a topographical map and use a compass. Be prepared. Some trails include crossings of the Linville River — exercise extreme caution when crossing moving water. Hikers, campers and rock climbers get lost within this wilderness area annually, and deaths are not uncommon. Contact the U.S. Forest Service office in Marion for maps, permits, information on other trails and safety details. Permits are required for overnight outings. For more information, call (828) 652-2144. • Linville Gorge Trail: 11.5 miles ranging from easy to strenuous, wellmarked to poorly maintained. Not for beginners! Take your compass and topo map and enjoy riverside hiking through virgin forest in the bottom of the gorge. • Sandy Flats Trail: A strenuous trail on the west rim of the Linville Gorge. 1.3 miles in length and rather poorly maintained. • Babel Tower Trail: Located on the west rim, this trail has an elevation change of 1,000 feet within 1.3 miles.
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• Cabin Trail: A strenuous 1-mile descent starting at Forest Service Road 1238. Poorly marked and maintained, so take your map and compass and exercise extra caution. • Cambric Branch Trail: Accessed from Shortoff Mountain Trail, this 1.2mile trail descends along a ridgeline into the gorge. Your strenuous exercise is rewarded with good views. • Conley Cove: This is a popular trail thanks to its more gradual descent into the gorge. It accesses Rock Jock Trail on the way to the gorge floor. A moderate 1.3-mile hike with good views along the way. • Bynum Bluff Trail: One mile long, this west rim trail starts out easy, but becomes strenuous. A short spur from the main trail leads to great views of the river and gorge. • Devil’s Hole Trail: This strenuous 1.5-mile trail descends into the gorge and connects with the Linville Gorge Trail. Be careful crossing the river. • East Rim Trails: Included are Devil’s Hole Trail (1.5 miles); Jonas Ridge Trail (4.4 mile round-trip); Table Rock Gap Trail (1.6 miles). These and many other Linville Gorge trails interconnect to make trips of varying length. • Pinch In Trail: The southernmost access trail into the wilderness area, this very steep and rocky trail is a strenuous SEE TRAILS, PAGE 45
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Celebrating 34Years
PHOTO BY HUGH MORTON Grandfather Mountain in Linville offers a variety of hiking trails.
Trails FROM PAGE 44
1.4 miles that affords good views. • Spence Ridge Trail: A moderate 1.7-mile descent from the east rim to the gorge floor, this is a well-used access point to the area. Cross the river to connect to the Linville Gorge Trail. • Table Rock Summit Trail: 1.4 miles, moderate. This trail ascends from the Table Rock parking area to the towering, 4,000-foot summit on the rim of the gorge. Views are worth the hike. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail uses/crosses over this trail. • Shortoff Mountain Trail: A moderate 5.2-mile round-trip starts at the Table Rock parking area. The 2.6-mile trail follows the dramatic edge of the Linville Gorge to Shortoff Mountain, with great views of the gorge, Lake James and the N.C. Piedmont. • Hawksbill Trail: This 1.5-mile moderate round-trip starts on Forest Service Road 210. The short steep hike goes to the top of Hawksbill Mountain. The top provides beautiful views of the gorge and back to Table Rock.
MOUNT JEFFERSON PARK
Mount Jefferson State Park covers 541 acres and hikers can view North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The abundance of plants and shrubs led to the area’s protection in 1975. For more information, phone (336) 246-9653. • Rhododendron Trail: A moderate 1.1-mile trail that starts near the end of the summit trail. Self-guided booklets are available at the trailhead, providing information about points of interest at various stations along the
trail. The trail is at its most beautiful in early June when the purpleflowered Catawba rhododendron is in bloom. Magnificent view of summit ridge and valley below. • Summit Trail: Beginning at the parking lot on Mount Jefferson, the summit trail ascends 0.3 miles to the highest point on Mount Jefferson.
BEECH MOUNTAIN TRAILS
A series of nature trails crisscross Beech Mountain, all passing through gently sloping woodlands and passing over several of Beech’s main roadways. For more information, phone (828) 387-9283 or visit www.hikingbeechmtn.com. • Lake Coffey Course: This scenic 1/4-mile course wraps around the lake and is perfect for both walking and jogging. • Pond Creek Trail: This easy to moderate 2-mile trail begins at Tamarack Road, following the creek past Lake Coffey to Locust Ridge Road. The lower end of the trail has a few small waterfalls. Park at Perry Park area. • Grassy Creek Trail: Easy 1.2-mile trail follows the creek from Hawthorn Road and ends at Grassy Gap Creek Road. • Cherry Gap Trail: An easy to moderate 1.6-mile walk up undeveloped Wild Iris Road. Start at Cherry Gap Road. • Buckeye Gap Loop Trail: Moderate 8.4 miles. • West Bowl Buckeye Creek Trail: Moderate 3.4 miles. • Grassy Gap Creek Trail: Easy to moderate 2 miles. • Smoketree Trail: Easy to moderate 2 mile loop.
MID-SUMMER GROUP EXHIBITION
Continues thru September 25 Carlton Gallery Celebrates 20 years of Andrew Braitman “Pushing the Limits with Innovative Elegance” & Clay and Glass Creations by Ralph Mello and Fred Mead AUTUMN GROUP EXHIBITION
October 8 - November 15 Opening Reception October 8, 2-5pm Artists Spotlight:
Toni Carlton and Friends “Resonance of the Heart” WINTER AND SMALL WORKS EXHIBITION
November 25 - April 30, 2017 Holiday Open House November 25 and 26, 10am–5pm
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
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Paths to beauty BY LANEY RUCKSTUHL
To see the sights without straining your muscles too much, check out one of the High Country’s less intense walking trails for an easier route with equally beautiful views. A few of the trails include the following: Banner Elk Greenway This walk involves 1.1 miles of trail and begins in the park and goes through different paths to the Art Cellar Gallery, boasting a nice view. Boone Greenway Trail The greenway is located behind State Farm Road in Boone, with an entrance by the Watauga County Parks and Recreation complex and the National Guard Armory. The paved trail is 3 miles long, but relatively flat, winding back and forth past a creek. Some other hiking trails go off the main path. More information is available at (828) 264-9511. Moses H. Cone Memorial Park Whether you are looking for a strenuous hike up a mountain or a light walk on the paved paths, Cone Memorial Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway has more than 25 miles of trails to suit the level
of walking difficulty of your choice. Ask at the Manor House during operating hours for a recommendation of the best trail for your plan — some trails also allow horseback riding. Julian Price Memorial Park The Price Lake Loop Trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a 2.7-mile trail around the fishingand-canoeing hot spot Price Lake; the relatively flat trail is ideal for trail runners and walkers alike. The park also has six other trails that range from moderate to strenuous (including the famed 13.5-mile Tanawha Trail). Grandfather Mountain Although Grandfather has some of the most strenuous hikes in the High Country along the face-silhouette peaks, it also boasts some lower difficulty trails. The gentler paths can be reached via the summit road, creating a low-impact chance to view the area’s natural landscapes. Glen Burney Trail Within Blowing Rock, this trail is relatively steep, but only 1.5 miles with a turnaround, which goes past three waterfalls. More information is available at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce.
FILE PHOTO Price Lake is a gorgeous sight in all seasons, but the fall colors make it especially magnificent.
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In the High Country, deer season will intersect with some of the most amazing displays of color on Earth. Even if you don’t bag a buck, there will be plenty to see.
Hunting: A centuries-old tradition BY GARRETT PRICE
P
eople have hunted the ridges and valleys of North Carolina’s High Country long before the area’s blue-tinged peaks were ever given that lofty moniker. From a long lineage of Native Americans to the region’s earliest European settlers, hardy mountaineers have utilized the wealth and diversity of the mountain’s native game for centuries. Today, both visitors and residents of the High Country can hunt everything from whitetail deer, wild turkey and black bear to smaller game such as coyote, rabbit, raccoon, opossum and squirrel. It is even possible for the sportsman to take the occasional grouse or dove in the area. Today, by far the most plentiful and frequently hunted animal in the High Country is the whitetail deer. Scarce in the state as recently as 1900, when only 10,000 animals were estimated to be living in North Carolina, the whitetail was the target of an intense and immensely effective repopulation effort throughout the 20th century. Now the N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission estimates that more than 1 million whitetail deer call the state home. The state’s whitetail restoration effort cost taxpayers $1.2 million during its course, but now sportsmen spend $311 million each year in the pursuit of deer.
PHOTOS SUBMITTED The whitetail deer is the most commonly hunted animal in the High Country.
Mark Cox, owner of the Boonebased outfitters shop Wildlife Unlimited, said that while whitetail hunting is the most common type in the region, he frequently outfits customers for turkey and dove hunts, as well. Cox said that deer season offers hunters the chance to harvest animals in a variety of different fashions. The season is split by what method deer are permitted to be harvested, first by bow and then followed by muzzleloader and rifle toward the end of the season.
Cox said that since archery season makes up the longest period of deer season, it remains a very popular time for deer hunters. He said that as the fall season approaches he sees a lot of customers coming into the shop for bow tune-ups and equipment. “A lot of people bow hunt,” Cox said. “Archery season has a larger window of opportunity and an earlier start. Deer behavior is still somewhat settled down in the early season, they are more predictable. Later in season, when the rut starts, then their behavior changes quite a bit. The rut is an exciting time to hunt, but at the same time there isn’t as much of a pattern in deer behavior.” Following archery season is muzzleloader, a short window in which deer are permitted to be harvested by muzzle-loading rifles. Cox said that the start of muzzleloader season often coincides with the start of the rut, and so, features much more active deer. Cox said that rut — the whitetail deer mating season — while offering a more challenging hunt, is perhaps the most popular and auspicious time for trophy hunters to harvest a large buck. “Large bucks are more active during the rut,” Cox said. “There are a lot of hunters that are trophy hunters who really try to anticipate when that rut activity is going to happen. Bucks in the rut let their guard down and get out in more risky areas seeking and chasing does. The odds of harvesting a caliber buck are higher during the rut.”
High Country Autumn hunting season dates: Black bear season: Oct. 17Nov. 19 and Dec. 12-Jan. 2. Coyote: No closed season. Watauga and Ashe county deer season: Archery: Sept. 10-Nov. 4. Muzzleloader: Nov. 5-Nov. 18. Rifle: Nov. 19-Jan. 2. Avery, Mitchell and Caldwell deer season: Archery: Sept. 10-Oct. 2. Muzzleloader: Oct. 16-Nov. 20. Rifle: Nov. 21-Dec. 10. Dove: Sept. 3-Oct. 8 and Nov. 12Jan. 14. Bag limits Bear: One per season. Deer: Six total, two antlered. Dove: 15 daily. Coyote: No bag limit.
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High Country streams A perfect place to cast a line BY GARRETT PRICE
A
long with a host of lakes, ponds and rivers, there are more than 4,000 miles of streams in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, enough territory for you to explore what the National Park Service calls “one of the most diverse fishing habitats in the world.” Whether you are fishing for some of the region’s native trout population, or any combination of largemouth bass, whitefish, catfish, pike and bluegill, the High Country has something to offer you.
STONE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
PHOTO SUBMITTED Collin Kreis-Potgieter poses with a brook trout caught in the High Country.
Grandfather Trout Farm TROUT FISHING AT ITS BEST! EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED
You may bring your own or use our equipment. All bait and tackle are furnished at no charge. We will supply you with a bucket,
CLEANING • PACKING
For some people, cleaning their catch is par
clean your trout whole, then double bag and ice down your catch.
HWY. 105, 10 MILES SOUTH OF BOONE (across from entrance to Town of Seven Devils)
828-963-5098
www.GrandfatherTroutFarm.com
One of the region’s best public offerings for the traveling fisherman is Stone Mountain State Park in Roaring Gap, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Designated a national natural landmark in 1975, Stone Mountain is named for the 600-foot granite dome that dominates its skyline. In addition to the granite monster, the 14,000acre park plays host to waterfalls, mountain streams and seemingly endless forests teeming with local wildlife. The NPS calls Stone Mountain a trout fisherman’s paradise, as the park is home to more than 17 miles of streams designated as trout waters. Stone Mountain also offers ample opportunity for fisherman to camp within its boundaries. Stone Mountain can be seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Stone Mountain Overlook at milepost 230. From the Blue Ridge Parkway: Take U.S. 21 south to Roaring Gap. Turn right on Oklahoma Road and follow it for about three miles. The park entrance is on the right. Call (336) 957-8185.
JULIAN PRICE MEMORIAL PARK
Another popular High Country destination for fisherman also lies along the winding path of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Julian Price Memorial Park, named for the eponymous North Carolina insurance magnate who purchased the property in the late 1930s, offers ample opportunity for sportsmen to find that big catch. Just outside of Blowing Rock, Julian Price Memorial Park is home to the 47-acre man-made Price Lake. The
DATES Hatchery supported trout waters: Open Aug. 1 to Feb. 28. Closed: March 1-31. Daily limit: 7. Wild trout waters: No closed season. Daily limit: 4 Wild trout natural bait: No closed season. Daily limit: 4. lake is fed by Boone Fork on one end and flows over a dam topped by the parkway on the other. Facilities at Price Park offer visitors canoe rental so fisherman can plumb the entire breadth of the lake, which is stocked with various types of fish. The park is also home to more than 100 picnic sites, various campgrounds, restrooms, nature walks, hiking trails and a 300-seat amphitheater. Julian Price Memorial Park is located at milepost 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Call (828) 963-5911 or the Sandy Flats Ranger Station at (828) 295-7591 for more information.
LINVILLE GORGE
For the fisherman looking for a more rugged experience, the Linville Gorge offers an inexhaustible wealth of challenging hiking trails and secluded waterways. Fishing is permitted in the gorge by permit only. Located near the town of Linville Falls, the Linville Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the Eastern United States. The area is protected by the 12,000-acre Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. Because of the remote and rugged nature of the terrain in the gorge, hikers are encouraged to contact the U.S. Forest Service before embarking on a trip into the area. The Linville Falls Visitor Center can be accessed at milepost 316.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Linville Gorge is also accessible from U.S. 221, N.C. 181 and N.C. 183. Call the U.S. Forest Service at (828) 652-4841 for more information.
NEW RIVER
Winding through a huge portion of the High Country and lending its name and influence to several local busiSEE FISHING, PAGE 49
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FISHING FROM PAGE 48 nesses and communities, the New River offers what might be the most ample opportunity for visiting fishermen to make a catch. Solid smallmouth bass and trout fishing can be had from boat or bank almost any point along the river’s two forks. The New River is partially encompassed by the New River State Park. Located near West Jefferson in Ashe County, the park offers places for fishermen to put in and recover their boats, as well as several opportunities to camp. The New River State Park is located at 358 U.S. 221 North Access Road, Laurel Springs. Call (336) 982-2587 for information about river access points. The High Country can also provide for those anglers who are looking for a guided trip, or perhaps to try their hand at the timeless, complex art of fly-fishing. The staff at Watauga River
Fly Shop, located just outside of Boone, have years of experience sharing the craft of flyfishing with newcomers, as well as getting the old-hands out to where the fish are. Jeff Dean, owner of the shop and guide service, said that the High Country is the perfect place for the fly fisherman to ply his or her trade. “This is prime trout habitat,” Dean said. “Trout need cool clean water and we have that up here. Trout are not going to thrive in streams down in warmer climates, they need oxygen. All the pools and ripples and turbulent water create that oxygen for the fish — you need elevation drop for that to happen, and we have a lot of that here.” Dean said that each of his guided fly-fishing trips is catered to the people embarking on it. He said that his guides are equally able to assist someone who has never tried their hand at the sport or someone who’s been fishing for years. “Our trips are really catered to each person dif-
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ferently,” Dean said. “Some people want to try it who might not ever do it again — they just want to catch a fish. It can be fairly basic — teaching them to get the fly out properly. Others want to take the sport up and learn about all of it. We try to include a little of that into any trip, but some might be more instructional. Some people already are experienced fisherman and just need to know where to go. We know where the fish are. Our guides are out there everyday.” Watauga River Fly Shop is located at 5712 NC Highway 105 South, Vilas. Call (828) 963-5463 for more information. North Carolina State Fishing Licenses are available in both yearlong and temporary versions. A 10-day basic fishing license costs $7 for N.C. residents and $18 for out-of-statefishermen. If you wish to fish for trout, you must also purchase a specific trout license for $13.
PHOTOS SUBMITTED Derek Munday hefts a massive musky caught in the High Country. Less common in mountain waters than trout, the musky represents a unique challenge for local anglers.
Fly Shop & Guide Service
Watauga River Fly Shop is a full service fly shop and guide service. We offer guided wade and float trips. Come by, call or email to book your trip today! 5712 NC HWY 105 S VILAS, NC 28692 (828) 963-5463 www.wrflyshop.com BOONE
Jeff Dean shows off a freshly caught brown trout.
NC
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Immerse yourself in an autumn wilderness BY LANEY RUCKSTUHL
E
veryone needs a break from reality, sometimes. What better way to get it, as well as enjoy the natural beauty of autumn in the High Country, than roughing it? Camp out at one of the area’s many scenic campgrounds in the midst of the fall colors. • New River State Park Campground If you want to be on the water and camp in one weekend, New River State Park is the place to be. Named a National Wild and Scenic River in 1976, the New River winds and bends through gorgeous scenery. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from Zaloo’s Canoes and by-boat travelers can access three separate campgrounds. The main campground is located at 358 New River State Park Road in Laurel Springs. Call (336) 982-25987 for more information. • Linville Gorge Wilderness Located in the Pisgah National Forest, the Linville Gorge has sometimes been called the “Grand Canyon
of North Carolina.” The gorge drops 2,000 feet, providing incredible views, which are coupled by endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Camping is permitted in the gorge’s wilderness. Permits are required weekends and holidays May 1 to Oct. 31 and can be obtained at the District Ranger’s Office in Marion from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. Walk-in permits for the current week must be obtained at the Linville Gorge Information Cabin on Kistler Memorial Highway, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. • Grandfather Mountain State Park Backpackers can enjoy camping along the Grandfather Mountain trail system at 13 different sites with registration for no cost. Campers are required to leave their vehicles at either Profile Trail or Blue Ridge Parkway trailheads and self-register at campsites. Amenities are not available, so it is recommended that campers bring water and gas-powered cooking stoves. The only site along the trail that is available for advanced reservations is SEE CAMPING, PAGE 51
PHOTO BY LANEY RUCKSTUHL The Grandfather Campground is just one of many great places in the High Country to get connected with the great outdoors this autumn.
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CAMPING FROM PAGE 50 the Daniel Boone campsite, for groups of seven to 12 campers. To make reservations, visit northcarolinastateparks.com or call (877) 722-6762.
• Blue Bear Mountain Campground 196 Blue Bear Mountain Road Todd (828) 406-4226 Located on 150 acres of natural land just eight miles from Boone, this facility offers primitive tent camping, as well as less remote RV and cabin sites. For those who enjoy “glamping,” the campground also offers the unique experience of teepee camping, fully furnished with a queen-size bed and fine linens.
• Buck Hill Campground 6401 U.S. 19-E South Plumtree (828) 766-6162 Family friendly Buck Hill Campground offers RV sites equipped with picnic tables, fire pits and full hookups along 1,600 feet of the North Toe River. The campground also provides plenty to do, with 144 acres of hiking trails, a lazy river and trout-filled waters. Try your aim at its newest attraction, a scenic 3D target archery rang. • Down by the River Campground 292 River Campground Road Pineola (828) 733-5057 Stay high up in the mountains at Down by the River Campground, at an elevation of 3,350 feet. RV and tent sites are framed by beautiful landscaping and the scenic Linville River. • Flintlock Campground 171 Flintlock Campground Drive, N.C. 105 Boone (828) 963-5325 Conveniently located in the town of Boone, Flintlock Campground offers quaint camping cabins, tent sites and full RV hookups to suit every kind of camper. The campground is located beside a mountain stream, but for those interested in less primitive camping, the site also offers free Wi-Fi and cable TV. • Grandfather Campground 125 Profile View Road Banner Elk . (828) 355-4535 For those who enjoy RV camping and are looking to explore the surrounding area, Grandfather Campground is conveniently located near the towns of Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and Beech Mountain. The campground also
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has tent sites and cabins available for rental. The campground also includes a playground, deluxe bathhouses, picnic tables and fishing. Fisherman can enjoy a stocked trout pond next door or try their luck in the Watauga River. • Helton Creek Campground 2145 Helton Road Grassy Creek (336) 384-3474 Stay in Ashe County just minutes from attractions such as the New River, Virginia Creeper Trail and Downtown West Jefferson at Helton Creek Campground. The site is nestled on the banks of a creek and offers tent camping, as well as full RV hookups. • Honey Bear Campground 229 Honey Bear Campground Road Boone (828) 963-4586 Travellers on the Blue Ridge Parkway or N.C. Highway 105 can easily access Honey Bear Campground in Boone. The campground offers tent and RV camping, as well as recreation, including fishing and hiking. • Julian Price Park Campground Blue Ridge Parkway, milepost 297 (828) 963-5911 For a beautiful view by the water, this campsite is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway beside Price Lake. It offers non-electric RV sites and tent sites with access to hiking, fishing, boat rentals and picnic facilities. • KOA 123 Harmony Mountain Lane Boone (828) 264-7250 Located just outside of the Boone town limits off of N.C. 194, the Boone KOA Campground has tent sites, cabins and full RV hookups. • Raccoon Holler Campground 493 Raccoon Holler Road Jefferson (336) 982-2706 Just outside of Glendale Springs and adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Raccoon Holler Campground is perfect for RV and tent campers who can enjoy swimming, hiking, canoeing, fishing and community events at an elevation of more than 3,200 feet. • Vanderpool Campground 120 Campground Road Vilas (828) 297-3486 This family oriented campground just seven miles outside of Boone is a site for RV and tent campers. Amidst beautiful scenery, it offers Wi-Fi, outdoor games, horseshoes, beanbag toss and volleyball.
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Camping at Table Rock, on the west rim of the Linville Gorge, is a local favorite in the High Country.
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PHOTO BY LANEY RUCKSTUHL
Make sure to take your furry friend along for the adventure, but be prepared if you’re heading to the great outdoors.
Canine camping tips BY LANEY RUCKSTUHL
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ant to go camping with a special, furry guest in tow? Here are some tips to make sure it’s a successful getaway for both of you: 1. Prepare in advance: Make sure you have the necessary supplies and food for your pet before you go. From basics like a leash and dog bed to other necessities like doggie bags to clean up after your pet, make sure you have everything you need. 2. Know the rules: Read up on campground rules before you leave. There are many pet-friendly campgrounds in the High Country, but each may have different regulations. Respect them. 3. Prevent pests: Take your dog to the vet before you leave to make sure it’s up-to-date on vaccinations, and be sure to check for ticks after you get home. 4. Keep them close: Do not let your pet drink out of bodies of water that could contain harmful bacteria or other contaminants. Keep them on a leash as a courtesy to other campers to make sure they do not
PHOTO SUBMITTED Snoopy enjoys the outdoors.
disturb the people around you. 5. Prepare for weather: Consider the weather conditions. If it’s going to be warm, make sure to keep your dog in the shade. If it will be colder, consider how to keep your pet warm and whether they will need to stay in the tent. 6. Train: Make sure your dog is ready to follow basic obedience commands, so as to ensure it will not stray or disturb other campers in an unfamiliar place. 7. Have fun: Don’t forget to enjoy this time with your furry friend. Bring a ball, Frisbee or other toy to keep your pet, and yourself, entertained.
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PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Appalachian State’s Barrett Burns scores a touchdown at Kidd Brewer Stadium, the home of the Mountaineers.
Miami highlights App State’s football schedule BY STEVE BEHR
I
f visitors to the High Country want to see Appalachian State’s football team host the Miami Hurricanes this season, they’ll have to try to buy a ticket from somebody else besides the App State athletic office. That game, which is scheduled for Sept. 17, is sold out. The final tickets available were sold within an hour of them going on sale on Aug 2. That doesn’t mean that those who make a fall road trip to Boone will be shut out of all the Mountaineers’ games. Appalachian State also hosts Old Dominion on Sept. 10 and Sun Belt Conference opponents Georgia State (Oct. 1), Idaho (Oct. 22), Texas State (Nov. 5) and Louisiana-Monroe (Nov. 19). The Mountaineers started their season on Sept. 1 at Tennessee. Appalachian State, in its third season as a member of the Sun Belt Conference, posted an 11-2 record in
2015. The Mountaineers finished second in the Sun Belt with a 7-1 mark and played their first bowl game, the Camellia Bowl, in the modern era. Appalachian State fell behind early to Ohio in the Camellia Bowl, but rallied and claimed a 31-29 victory. This season, with eight starters returning on defense — five of them being seniors — and eight starters returning on offense, the Mountaineers are the favorite to capture their first Sun Belt Conference championship. “We’re very fortunate to have the bulk of our team back and a lot of those guys have played in a lot of big ballgames and know how to get themselves ready to play,” head coach Scott Satterfield said. “We really haven’t missed a beat. If I see guys being late for lifting or late for a meeting or treatment over the summer, we really haven’t had that. “You’re looking at a team that is a SEE APPSTATE, PAGE 54
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
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APPSTATE FROM PAGE 53
PHOTO BY STEVE BEHR Ashton Gregory leads Appalachian State’s volleyball team into the 2016 season.
Sports season underway BY STEVE BEHR
N
ot everybody is a football fan, although football is the highest drawing sport at Appalachian State. App State also offers volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey, and men’s and women’s cross-country. Appalachian State’s volleyball team finished second in the Sun Belt Conference in both the regular season and the conference tournament after finishing with a 22-8 overall record, 13-3 in the league. App State swept Clemson 3-0, Charlotte 3-0 and at one time, won 16 straight matches. This season, the Mountaineers played their first three matches on the road beginning Aug. 26 at Virginia Tech before returning home Sept. 2 to host the Black and Gold Invitational. Appalachian State played host to UNC Wilmington Sept. 2. The Mountaineers also was host to Wofford and Ohio on Sept. 3. Overall, the Mountaineers host 12 home volleyball matches, including the final four of the regular season. All of the Mountaineers’ games are at the Holmes Center in Boone and tickets are $5.
MEN’S SOCCER
Appalachian State is breaking in a new head coach in Jason O’Keefe this
season. O’Keefe comes to App State from North Carolina, where he was an assistant in 2014-15. Appalachian State was 8-100 overall, 3-4-0 in the Sun Belt Conference. The Mountaineers hosted the Sun Belt Conference Tournament in 2015 where they won in the first round, but fell in the semifinals. Appalachian State plays just six home games this fall, including its home opener on Sept. 13 against USC Upstate. Appalachian State plays its home games at the Appalachian Soccer Stadium in the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex just off Industrial Drive in Boone.
WOMEN’S SOCCER
Appalachian State’s women’s soccer team, coached by Sarah Strickland, also plays in the Sun Belt Conference. The Mountaineers play seven home games this season, including a Sept. 4 showdown with Big-10 Conference member Maryland. Appalachian State also plays its home games at the Appalachian Soccer Stadium in the Red Mackorell Soccer Complex.
CROSS-COUNTRY
Appalachian State’s cross-country program, coached my Mike Crucio, has just two home meets this fall. The first was the Covered Bridge Open held Sept. 2, and the next is the
Mountains to Sea Deals on Sept. 16. The Mountaineers will also run in Charlottesville, Va., Spartanburg, S.C., Kernersville and in the Sun Belt Conference championships in Dothan, Ala.
LEES-MCRAE COLLEGE ATHLETICS
Lees-McRae College, located in Banner Elk, offers 17 varsity sports, including men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cycling, men’s and women’s cross-country and volleyball in the fall. The Bobcats play in the Division II Conference Carolinas league. Lees-McRae is a national contender in men’s and women’s cycling and is a regional and occasionally a national power in women’s soccer.
MEN’S SOCCER
The men’s soccer team at LeesMcRae is coached by Rich Wall and plays at the athletic fields located at the east end of Banner Elk. The Bobcats played their first game at home on Sept. 1 against Anderson (S.C.). Lees-McRae will play eight home games in 2016.
WOMEN’S SOCCER
The women’s soccer team, coached by Kiko Magana, plays its first game Sept. 25 against Ferrum. The Bobcats will play 10 home games in 2016 at its soccer complex in east Banner Elk.
little more mature. That’s really probably, juniors and seniors are the bulk of your good players, so we’ll see how this team ends up, but I think this team is more of we know what we have to do, let’s go get it done.” Appalachian State’s offense is led by senior running back Marcus Cox, who has a chance to become the all-time leading rusher in the program’s history. Also leading the offense is quarterback Taylor Lamb and an offensive line that returns four starters from 2015. Winning the Sun Belt championship is top of the Mountaineers’ priority list. “We were one game shy last year,” Lamb said. “We went 11-2 and you’re all happy, but you still didn’t win that championship. That’s been on our mind since the end of the Camellia Bowl. We had spring ball it was everywhere. You come into workouts every day and you see it on the wall that you didn’t win the Sun Belt championship and that’s our main goal this year is to win the Sun Belt championship.” All of App State’s home games are at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Individual tickets are $30-$40 depending on location of the seat. Appalachian State hosts Old Dominion on Sept. 10, Georgia State on Oct. 1, Idaho on Sept. 22, Texas State on Nov. 5 and Louisiana-Monroe on Nov. 19. APPALACHIAN STATE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Sept. 1 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 12 Oct. 22 Oct. 27 Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Nov. 26
at Tennessee OLD DOMINION MIAMI at Akron GEORGIA STATE* at Louisiana-Lafayette* IDAHO* at Georgia Southern* TEXAS STATE* at Troy* LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE* New Mexico State*
7:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. noon TBA TBA 8 p.m. TBA 7:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA 4 p.m.
*Denotes Sun Belt Conference game
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2016
It’s tailgating time in the mountains BY SHERRIE NORRIS AND SHARON CARLTON
C
risp autumn days in a college town beckon us to join the jubilant camaraderie and incomparable atmosphere of a college football game day. If you are a fan of football — currently the most popular game in America — you should be prepared for the best experience possible for tailgating. Although many styles of tailgate gatherings exist, there are basic rules for everyone — from the rowdiest sports fans to the most genteel groups. Both hosts and guests alike will vie for MVP of game day get-togethers when playing by the following rules. HOSTING THE PERFECT TAILGATE EVENT • Know the rules for your venue: What time can you set up? How late can you stay? Are there restrictions on time and location for smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages? Hosts need to know what types of grills, tents, music systems, glass containers and alcoholic beverages are permissible at their chosen tailgating sites.
• Where is the closest restroom? Garbage receptacles? This is important, beneficial information to share with your guests. • Setup location is key: A spot at the end of a row may provide more room and ensure you are not blocked. Consider marking your location with a tall pole, a unique, attention-grabbing flag or a colorful tent so your guests can easily locate you. Keep a well-charged cell phone with you in case you need to guide guests in. • Plan for the weather: Bring sunscreen, hats and extra paper towels for sweltering, sun-drenched days. Carry extra sweatshirts, gloves and lap throws for chilly days. • Be the first person at the tailgating site: If you set up long before the official beginning of tailgating time, it’s OK to leave, but make certain you return before your guests arrive. • Prepare plenty: Ample food, beverage, ice and chairs are tailgating essentials. You may want to request guests to bring specific items — or have a list ready as guests ask what they can bring. SEE TAILGATING, PAGE 59
y rd•inar o a r t x E •• • • • ed r delive
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PHOTO SUBMITTED Carmen Critcher, her son and grandson, Kenlee and Kenden Critcher, along with Yosef, get their game day smiles on as kickoff time gets closer.
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
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TAILGATING
2 Tbsp. chili powder (or more to taste)
FROM PAGE 56
4 cans kidney beans, filled when emptied with 4 cans of water (or more for desired consistency) Bring to a boil and simmer for at least 45 minutes. Transport in spillproof containers. Reheat on grill in large pot at party site. (Recipe may be halved for small group or doubled for larger one.)
Be cautious about keeping perishable foods at proper temperatures. • Provide hand sanitizer. Sanitizer is an excellent resource for sharing finger foods without sharing germs. • Plan for game time. If you do not pack up before game time, have a designated person or group stay with your possessions at the site during the game. • Be responsible. Arrange to have designated drivers available for any guests who should not drive. • Clean up with care. Showing common courtesy for those who will later use the tailgating area — and appreciation for the loan of the space — are primary tailgating manners. Bring sufficient garbage bags to aid the cleanup process. Far from an oxymoron, tailgating etiquette is what makes the difference between a rowdy free-for-all and a funfilled quality gathering. IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR FOR THE CRITCHERS Tailgating is something Barry and Carmen Critcher of Boone look forward to each year, but they are loving it even more this season for good reason — two of their sons are playing on the App State Mountaineer football team. “Whether it’s a home game or an away game, we tailgate,” said Carmen. “The group we tailgate with comes up with a menu for the season based on the mascot of the team we are playing. For example: When we played the Georgia Southern Eagles, the theme was “Fry the Eagles,” so all food was chicken related. When we played Wyoming, we did a cowboy theme — Cowboys (Last) Supper.” The Critchers’ tailgate parties have also included do-it-yourself grilled cheese bars, taco bars, potlucks — and one of Carmen’s favorites: “A potato bar when we played Idaho.” At home games, the Critcher tailgating site attracts a large number of family members, friends and others, including members of the ROTC who work hard on game day to patrol the parking lots. “We play (loud) music, throw football, play cornhole, dance and eat — a lot,” she said. “And, pictures are a must. We have to document everything for our scrapbook. As a proud mama of two ASU football players this year, you’ll be able to hear me cheering very loud. I’m their biggest fan.”
TAILGATE TREATS Grilled Potato Wedges 4 large baking potatoes
PAGE 59
Buffalo Wings 4 to 5 pounds chicken wings Black pepper Salt 4 cups oil ½ stick butter or margarine 5 Tbsp. Tabasco or other hot sauce of choice (more or less, depending on taste) 1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
PHOTO SUBMITTED A preplanned menu for your tailgating experience can help make sure your game festivities run smoothly. ½ lb. of butter 2 Tbsp. garlic powder 1 Tbsp. paprika 1 Tbsp. hot sauce 1 Tbsp. salt 2 tsp. ground black pepper
Melt butter in a heavy pan over medium heat and add garlic powder, hot sauce, salt and pepper — stirring slowly to mix completely. Once combined, allow to cool slightly. Place potatoes in bowl and add butter mixture to coat thoroughly. Place potato wedges on the grill. Close lid and turn every 10 minutes or as they begin to brown, which ever occurs first. Cook until well browned and tender when pierced. You can even use some of the leftover butter mix to coat the grilled potato wedges.
Simple Sirloin Kabobs 1 boneless beef top sirloin steak, cut 1-inch thick 1 oz. pkg. dry ranch salad dressing mix 2 Tsp. water 1 Tsp. vegetable oil 1 med. green or red bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces
1 med. yellow squash or zucchini, halved lengthwise, sliced crosswise into ¾ -inch pieces
In small bowl, combine dressing mix, water and oil; mix well. Cut steak into 1¼- by 1-inch pieces. Alternately thread beef and vegetables onto four 12-inch metal or wooden skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes prior to using. Brush kabobs with dressing mixture; place on grill over medium heat. Grill, uncovered, approximately 10 to 12 minutes for medium-rare to medium or longer as needed, turning occasionally.
Easy Chili Recipe 2 lb. hamburger 2 chopped onions Brown together in skillet, and drain before placing into a large pot Add: 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce 2 (l5 oz.) cans tomatoes 2 Tbsp. sugar 2 tsp. garlic 2 tsp. oregano 1 Tbsp. salt (or more to taste)
Chop off tip of each wing, and discard. Cut wing in half at the joint to make two pieces. Sprinkle on pepper and salt. Heat oil over high heat in a deep skillet, Dutch oven or deep fryer until it starts to sizzle (around 400 degrees F.). Add half the chicken wings and cook until crisp, stirring or shaking occasionally. When done, drain on paper towels and cook the remaining wings. Melt butter or margarine over medium heat in heavy saucepan; add hot sauce and vinegar. Stir well. Remove immediately from heat. Place chicken in large pan or platter; pour the sauce on top, making sure to evenly coat each piece. These can be made on site or ahead of time and kept warm in appropriate container if needed for travel.
Baby Ruth Brownies 1 pkg. brownie mix 3 (2.1 oz.) Baby Ruth candy bars, chopped 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, brought to room temperature ½ cup sugar 1 large egg 2 tsp. milk
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare brownie mix as directed and stir in chopped candy. Pour into a greased 9by 13-inch baking pan. In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and milk to the cream cheese mixture, blending well. Drizzle cream cheese mixture over brownie batter and swirl with a knife to create a marbled look. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out almost clean. Remove brownies from oven and cool completely.
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2016
Grizzlies digging in the High Country BY STEVE BEHR
Appalachian State has made the Boone area famous for college football. A 34-32 upset win over Michigan in 2007 put the App State program on the map. The Mountaineers have since won a bowl game, finished second in the Sun Belt Conference in just their second year in the conference and is favored to win the Sun Belt in 2016. Now Indoor football is an option to High Country football fans in the spring of 2017. That’s when the High Country Grizzlies, an indoor franchise, will debut at the Holmes Center in Boone next spring. The Grizzlies were awarded an expansion team in the American Indoor Football League in June 2016, but the league folded in July. The Grizzlies will be a part of a new league, the Arena Development League, which will include teams from the AIF and other leagues. Tryouts for the Grizzlies will be held
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Oct. 15. The team will begin practices in February and is likely to begin play in March. The Grizzlies will be coached by Josh Resignalo, who is a veteran in arena football, as a general manager and coach. Resignalo coached the expansion Triangle Torch, which played in the AIF in 2015. Raleigh businessman Donald Thompson is the owner and former Appalachian State equipment manager William Thompson, who is no relation to Donald Thompson, is the general manager. The move to the ADL was unexpected. “We had no idea whatsoever,” William Thompson said. “Being honest, we had talked with our commissioner at that time prior to that before our press conference and we were excited about talking about our scheduling and that nature to get ready to SEE OUR TOWNS, PAGE 61
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
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PHOTO SUBMITTED Grizzy, the High Country Grizzlies mascot, entertains the crowd at a news conference.
GRIZZLIES FROM PAGE 60 play, so we had no idea it was coming.” The team will play in the Holmes Center, which will seat 6,100 fans. Donald Thompson said the ticket prices should range from $12-$15 to make it affordable. “We’re going to be the difference between a movie or going bowling or people can go hang out with the Grizzlies,” Thompson said. “We’re going to be the excitement of that weekend, so we think that being that single point of high-octane entertainment is going to pull people not specifically Boone, but from surrounding counties which we believe is about 100,000 people within that 45-minute radius to be able to pull from.” Donald Thompson knows that Boone, which has about 17,200 yearround residents, is a small market compared to Raleigh, which is closer to 400,000 residents. He’s hoping that residents from Ashe County (27,000 population) and Avery (17,700), Caldwell County (81,900) and fans from border counties in Tennessee will make the trip to Boone to see the Grizzlies play. He’s also counting on the Grizzlies
being one of the first choices for local people to do in the spring. “In Raleigh, with the million-plus people, you would think that would be the type of place you would have to be,” Thompson said. “When, in actuality, there is so much more competition for discretionary income in sports dollars, that you’re going to get lost in the shuffle. Here in Boone, the time of year we’ve picked in the spring, we’re going to be the only game in town.” Donald Thompson knows there is risk involved in starting a new franchise. He is hoping that the investment will lead to landing other franchises in other sports. “There’s risk there for sure,” Thompson said. “Why were we willing to take that risk? Because I think the reward is far greater. The bigger plan for me is to when we make this work, I think we can replicate our pattern in multiple cities and then you can build a big business from it. This individual team alone is not going to be a big business. But if we can replicate that pattern and all of a sudden, whether it’s arena football or indoor soccer or other minor-league sports, then as a business person, I can build a portfolio of teams that can create a pretty large business.”
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
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Enjoy Breathtaking Views PHOTO SUBMITTED Renn Herdklotz and Pierce Tunstill take on the challenging trails of the Emerald Outback as part of NC High Country Cycling Club’s skill development camp.
Mountain biking in the High Country BY ERIK HOFFMANN
A
s the old saying goes, it’s not the destination, but the journey that is memorable. When your heart is pumping faster than your legs are pedaling, it makes for an unforgettable journey
while traversing the many off-road biking trails in the mountains of the High Country. The crisp autumn air mixed with colorful foliage in North Carolina brings mountain cyclists of all experience levels back year after year. Starting out at Pisgah National SEE MOUNTAIN BIKE, PAGE 64
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The ups and downs of motorcycling the High Country roadways BY BRIAN MILLER
M
otorcycling is popular in the High Country because of the beautiful mountain scenery, as well as the winding routes and endless hills. Autumn is a particularly scenic season for riders, as several routes run through wooded areas and alongside the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take advantage of the fall riding season with the several motorcycle routes
the High Country has to offer. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a great place to enjoy a scenic or challenging ride. Take your time on your ride by stopping on the scenic overlooks that portray the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and stretch your legs at hiking trails, picnic areas and other stops along the way. Several routes offer winding roads, as well as straighter ones. For more specific information on routes and lengths, visit www.blueridgemotorcycling.com.
The following are segments many motorcyclists have traveled. • N.C. 194, from Boone to West Jefferson, is a 26-mile route with speed limits ranging from 35 to 55 miles per hour. On this ride, you will drive by the New River, while rolling in and out of mountains. The Todd community is about halfway through the route, which features crafts, food and often free live music in the park on Saturdays. • S.R. 1213, or Georges Gap Road, is a 10-mile route running from Sugar Grove to the Bethel community in Watauga County. This is a very curvy road with hills throughout. The Cove Creek Store, located on U.S. 321 at the beginning of the route, provides food, as well as ethanol-free gas.
features a unique landscape with plenty of trees. There are no gas stations or restaurants available along the route, but you can find both in Linville and Blowing Rock. • N.C. 194 has a 15-mile route from Valle Crucis to Cranberry. Speed limits range from 35 to 55 miles per hour, but this is a very windy road through mountainous farms and valleys. In Valle Crucis, you can stop by the historic Mast General Store. N.C. 194 also passes through the town of Banner Elk, where there are several restaurants, shops and fueling stations.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
• U.S. 221, from Linville to Blowing Rock, is a 19-mile route with speed limits ranging from 35 to 45 miles per hour. The winding road
• Just over the state border, “The Snake” on U.S. 421 runs from Mountain City, Tenn., to Bristol, Tenn., hitting Virginia and North Carolina in between. The 33-mile ride is known for its 489 curves, three mountains and one valley. The route has several guided tours that take you on scenic rides and roads less traveled. At the midpoint of the drive is Shady Valley, with stores, food and souvenirs.
www.mtbproject.com/trail/5773178. Sugar Mountain, located in Avery County, has more than 20 miles of biking trails coming in and out of the village and Sugar Mountain Resort Trails are easily identifiable with markings and range in degree of difficulty from easy and fun to expertly demanding. Their Gray chairlift takes riders to the top of the mountain, providing one of the longest rides in North Carolina. For the most daring of daredevils, Sugar Mountain has the “National Expert Downhill Trail,” which offers up 1,200 feet of vertical and a few jumps and creek crossings. The bike trails are open for the season through Oct. 16. For more information, visit www.skisugar.com. Just 10 miles north of Sugar Mountain, cyclists will find Beech Mountain, which is a year-round destination for avid mountain bikers and is home to the Emerald Outback Trails. The Beech trees and lush greenery inspired the creation of the nearby Land
of Oz theme park, which closed in 1980. Beginning in June, there is lift access to the Emerald Outback and is available Friday through Sunday (for a fee), located at the Beech Mountain Resort. The lift includes trays to carry mountain bikes to the summit as riders follow behind in traditional lift seats. The lift for bikes stops in September. The system includes more than eight miles of awesome views and challenging trails. At 5,400 feet above sea level, the trails are free and open to the public seven days a week. For more information, visit www. emeraldoutback.com. For mountain bikers looking to stay around Watauga County, Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park is the perfect spot to pedal away. The park boasts four trails, starting with Rocky Branch Trail. Rocky Branch starts with a climb over rising and falling dips that run next to U.S. 421. The 2.6-mile trail is rated moderate to intermediate. The Jump Start Skills area is
on this trail. A more difficult trail, the one-mile Middle Earth Trail, takes bikers counterclockwise around a rockier terrain. The trail leaves and reenters the upper leg of the Rocky Branch Trail. Make sure to check out the PBJ Skills Trail. It’s a stimulating ride named for its pumps, berms and jumps. The Boat Rock Loop is an advanced 3.6-mile trail found on the upper slopes of Rocky Knob. If you only want to do part of the trail, there’s a “bail-out” spot. Finally, the Ol’ Hoss Trail is the highest elevation trail and most advanced trail at Rocky Knob. While the trail is three fourths of a mile, it reaches the summit of the mountain at 4,000 feet. There are drops and obstacles that cannot be avoided. After the climb up, there’s only one direction to go … down. For more information, visit the park’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ RockyKnobPark or www.rockyknob. wordpress.com.
A motorcyclist rides on the Blue Ridge Parkway during fall.
MOUNTAIN BIKE FROM PAGE 63
Forest, the lands that make up the Grandfather Ranger District can be found between Lenoir and Blowing Rock on U.S. 321. There you will find a variety of bike trails from the 4.5-mile Watauga Turnpike gravel road trail to the most difficult rated 11.4-mile Wilson Ridge Trail. For a complete listing of available trails in the Grandfather Ranger District, visit http://www. mtbikewnc.com/trailheads/pisgahnational-forest/. While wheeling around the area, Zack’s Fork Mountain Bike Trail is located in the heart of Lenoir, with easy access to the downtown area. It is a single-track experience for novices or a fast flow trail for the more experienced cycler. The average ride time for the round-trip 5.6-mile trail is 55 minutes. For more information or current track conditions, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/zacksforkmtbtrail or
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www.ValleCrucis.com
Dutch Creek Trails 828-297-7117
St. John’s Church ca. 1858
A haven for travelers since the 1800s, Valle Crucis, a National Rural Historic District, offers shops, beautiful bed and breakfast inns, delicious cuisine, wine tasting, rustic cabins, horseback riding, adventure and more.
Little Red School House ca. 1907
Original Mast General Store Est. 1883 828-963-6511
Over Yonder Restaurant & Bar 828-963-6301
Taylor House Inn Bed & Breakfast ca. 1911 800-963-5581
Valle Crucis Community Web Directory Dutch Creek Trails - dutchcreektrails.com Lazy Bear Lodge - lazy-bear-lodge.com Mast Farm Inn - themastfarminn.com Mast General Store - mastgeneralstore.com Mountainside Lodge B&B - mountainsidelodgebb.com Over Yonder - overyondernc.com Rivercross Made in USA - rivercrossmadeinusa.com Taylor House Inn - taylorhouseinn.com
Mast Store Annex Outfitters & Candy Barrel ca. 1909 828-963-6511
Rivercross Made in USA 828-963-8623
Mountainside Lodge Bed & Breakfasat 877-687-4333
Mast Farm Inn Lodging & Restaurant ca. 1812 828-963-5857
Lazy Bear Lodge Bed & Breakfast 828-963-9201
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Riders from a previous Blood, Sweat and Gears event.
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE
Biking in the High Country: A cyclist’s wonderland BY ERIK HOFFMANN
T
here’s no better feeling than having the cool, crisp mountain air pushing against your face as you descend from hills
G
at remarkable speeds, taking a sharp curve, breathing in vast amounts of oxygen and then seeing through a finished bike ride. That is the bicycling experience that awaits anyone who wants to pedal
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of the most beautiful scenery found in North Carolina with elevation gains of FROM PAGE 66 more than 6,000 feet. There is another cycling event the following day called tions for cyclists riding the Blue Ridge the Blue Ridge Ascent. For more inforParkway is Moses H. Cone Park at milemation about this ride, visit www. post 294 near Blowing Rock. blowingrock.com/fallclassic. Moses H. Cone Park is 4,200 acres The 2016 Cycle N.C. “Mountain to of hiking trails, picnic sites, campCoast” ride is scheduled from Oct. 1 to grounds and more. It’s home to a 3008. seat amphitheater with seaRiders start being transsonal interpretive programs ported from Cary to Banner and evening campfires. Elk for a good night’s rest Just three miles up the before heading out first parkway is Julian Price thing the next morning, Memorial Park, another pedaling their way through great spot to stop. Here, to Wilkesboro before endcyclists can lay their bikes ing up in Atlantic Beach. down and pick up an oar The Boone-Town Throwand take a canoe ride Down at the High Country around Price Lake or pitch Fairgrounds in Watauga a tent and camp underCounty is considered a neath the stars at the parkmust-see race every year. way’s largest campsite. Cyclocross is considered The Blowing Rock Fall by many as the steepleClassic is a 72-mile ride PHOTO BY ERIKA GIOVANETTI chase of bike racing. This and part of the triple crown Gracyn O'Neal, 4 1/2, type of race is part of the of bike rides, along with proves that safety can North Carolina Cyclo-cross Blood, Sweat and Gears and Series, held at the High the Beech Mountain Metric be stylish. Country Fairgrounds in of The Hat Trick Cycling Boone annually. This year’s event will Series in the High Country. take place Oct. 16. This year’s classic will be held Sept. For more information about the 24, starting at 8 a.m. Throw-Down, www.facebook.com/ The route takes riders along some countdowntothethrowdownboonenc.
CYCLING
THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
2016
Millions of years in the making: Outdoor climbing offers challenges for all skill levels BY MATT DEBNAM
F
ormed by millions of years of pressure, heat and intense geological forces, the rock formations of the High Country attract climbing and bouldering enthusiasts from across the country every year. For those bold enough to challenge these mammoth stone monuments, the area is a veritable playground of stone. For those just starting out in the world of rock climbing, Rock Dimensions in Boone is the perfect place to start. Boasting a 40-foot-tall, multifaceted climbing wall, Rock Dimension offers 4,000 square feet of varying climbing terrain and opportunities for beginners or seasoned veterans to challenge SEE CLIMBING, PAGE 71
PHOTO COURTESY ROCK DIMENSIONS Climbers in the High Country enjoy fantastic scenery while overcoming mental and physical challenges.
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An Uncommon Experience The Village Inns of Blowing Rock are Hillwinds Inn, Ridgeway Inn and The Village Inn, three stylish accommodations conveniently located just steps from the shops and restaurants of Blowing Rock. Each of the three inns offers a complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon reception. Accommodations include deluxe rooms, suites and cottages. Pet friendly rooms available, upon request only.
The Hillwinds Inn: 828.295.7660 The Ridgeway Inn: 828.295.7321 The Village Inn: 828.295.3380
www.TheVillageInnsOfBlowingRock.com
2016
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PHOTOS SUBMITTED With a trained staff of instructors on site, Rock Dimensions is the perfect place to begin your High Country climbing adventure.
CLIMBING FROM PAGE 69 themselves on a variety of approaches which might be encountered in nature. Three climbs on the tower cost $19.95 and include a climbing shoe rental. For those interested in a full day’s worth of adventure and instruction, the company’s “tower to rock” program offers a two-hour instructional course on the climbing tower before allowing participants to experience the real deal on nearby granite cliffs. In addition to the climbing tower, Rock Dimensions also offers half-day and full-day trips to some of the most popular climbing sites in the area. Participants in both halfday and full-day trips will learn necessary safety skills for an outdoor environment, along with terminology, climbing movement and useful knots. Full-day trip destinations include Crowders Mountain State Park, Pilot Mountain State Park, the Linville Gorge Wilderness area and the Wilson Creek area. Participants should wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes. Rock dimensions will provide har-
The Rock Dimensions climbing tower in downtown Boone allows climbers of all ages and skill levels to challenge themselves before taking on the real thing.
nesses, helmets, climbing shoes and all necessary ropes and equipment. For those ready to take things to the next level and set out on their own adventures, Rock Dimensions and the adjacent Footsloggers sell all manner of climbing gear and maps. A number of popular bouldering and climbing areas await. Grandfather Mountain is home to some of the area’s better known rock climbing attractions and is sure to test your grit and dexterity in scaling these oblong natural structures. Please be sure to stay on the trailways while traversing
Grandfather. There are several boulders scattered across the sides of the mountain, but heed the warnings of park officials. If you are traveling from Boone, take N.C. 105 South toward Banner Elk and take a left onto U.S. 221 North. Stay alert and pay attention to directional signs, as the main entrance to the attraction will be on your left. A town such as Blowing Rock, which literally sits at the edge of the High Country on more or less of a cliff, is filled with boulder fields to fit a variety of skill levels. According to booneboul-
ders.com, the Lost Cove is a small, but impressive field of boulders with a “high concentration of problems” that is very close to Grandfather Mountain. To reach the cove from Boone, take N.C. 105 South toward Banner Elk. Once you reach Tynecastle, stay straight until you reach a stop sign. When you reach a four-way stop sign, take Roseboro Road, and stay on this road until you reach the Blue Ridge Parkway. Go approximately 1.1 miles across the parkway down a gravel road. There will be a couple of boulders on the left, according to booneboulders. com. Before you set out to punish the rocks and dirt of Appalachia, heed a few simple warnings from trained professionals and outfitters. Regardless of where you go this fall, be sure to pack the appropriate rock-climbing safety equipment and make sure you are not trespassing in reaching your destination. In addition to climbing, Rock Dimensions offers a ropes course, team-building activities and caving expeditions to Worley’s Cave in Tennessee and Robert’s Cave in Virginia.
Climbing Resources ROCK DIMENSIONS With an experienced staff of climbers, Rock Dimensions can help fulfill the needs of every climber. From basic instruction for beginners to quality gear for seasoned professionals, the staff at Rock Dimensions have you covered. Visit the store in downtown Boone adjacent to Footsloggers, call (828) 265-3544 or visit www. rockdimensions.com. FOOTSLOGGERS In addition to all the gear you’ll need for your climbing adventure, Footsloggers offers books and maps you’ll need to plan your trip. Visit the stores in downtown Boone and Blowing Rock, call (828) 2625111 or visit www.footsloggers. com. BOONEBOULDERS.COM Information about bouldering opportunities in the High Country, including photos, videos and articles. MOUNTAINPROJECT.COM With detailed information on climbing and bouldering sites in the High Country and beyond, the Mountain Project is a resource for those ready to venture out on adventures of their own.
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PHOTO COURTESY CENTER 45 Center 45’s bouldering walls offer climbers of all ages the opportunity to experience difficult climbing challenges in a safe environment before tackling the real deal.
The Coolest Club in the Country...
Center 45 offers indoor bouldering opportunities BY MATT DEBNAM
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or climbing enthusiasts, nothing can put a damper on outdoor climbing plans more than an unexpected autumn shower or an early-season snowfall. Fortunately, for those foul weather days when the climbing bug just won’t stop biting, Center 45 in Boone offers an array of indoor bouldering challenges and aerial fitness programs. Originally opened in September 2015, the climbing gym was the brainchild of three Appalachian State University graduates who picked up on a need in the regional climbing community for an indoor alternative . The gym, which boasts 2,000 square feet of bouldering space, is open to the general public six days a week, from Tuesday through Sunday, with members-only climbs every Monday. Day passes are $14 for adults and $12 for youth, veterans, police, firemen and K-12 educators. Climbing shoes are available for rent on site for $4 per day. Climbing chalk
is also available for $2 per day, with a chalk/shoe combo costing $5 per day. Special daily deals also apply, with $10 Tuesdays, $10 ladies night on Wednesdays after 5 p.m. and $10 college night on Thursdays. In addition to a large bouldering wall, the center also offers workshops on the kinetic art of aerial acrobatics, where participants use lengths of suspended silks to wrap, suspend and swing their bodies in various positions. Sessions cost $20 for the general public, and are an excellent way to build strength and flexibility, a spokeswoman from the gym said. After working their muscles on the bouldering wall or aerial silks, guests can also enjoy a relaxing massage from one of the center’s licensed massage therapists. Sessions are $20 to $30 for a 30-minute massage, $45 to $60 for a 60-minute full-body and $75 to $90 for a 90-minute session. Memberships are also available at the center, with basic rates of $69 per month or $529 per year. For more information, visit www.center45.com or call (828) 386-1550.
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Zip lining offers bird’s-eye view of the High Country BY MATT DEBNAM
Imagine soaring above the gorgeous scenery of the High Country, with the autumn foliage rushing by as you approach speeds of 50 miles per hour. While this unique perspective may sound like something from a dream, a number of zip line tours in the area promise visitors highspeed adventures, taking in scenery from above. Safety is a primary concern at zip line operations in the region, so all participants are required to wear the appropriate harnesses, head protection and supplemental gear while participating on tours. Several zip lines serve the High Country, including Sky Valley Zip Tours of Blowing Rock, Hawksnest in Seven Devils and Blind Squirrel Canopy Tours in Plumtree. SKY VALLEY ZIP TOURS Ascending more than 300 feet and covering more than 140 acres, Sky Valley Zip Tours provides some of the most aesthetically satisfying zip line tours that can be found. With a line traveling more than 1,600 feet, Sky Valley offers a oneof-a-kind adventure that takes guests in and above the trees. In addition to the nine zip lines offered, Sky Valley offers other activities including cliff jumping, a swinging bridge, waterfalls and more. All zip-line equipment is provided by Sky Valley Zip Tours, at no additional cost. Equipment includes a full-body harness, helmet, gloves and two trained canopy rangers per group. At a cost of $79 per person, the tour lasts approximately three hours. New to Sky Valley is the Whistle Pig adventure park, which offers kid-sized zip lining experience for youngsters ages 4 and older, who are at least 48 inches tall. For more information on Sky Valley Zip Tours, visit www.skyvalleyziptours.com or call (828) 264-8600. HAWKSNEST ZIPLINE Hawksnest Zipline offers the largest zip lining facility in the area, with 20 zip lines and four mega zips, ensuring a high adventure zip line canopy tour. Mega zips at Hawksnest feature trips that travel a distance more than 1,500 feet long and 200 feet high. Zip lines cover more than four
PHOTO SUBMITTED Flying high over the hills and dales of the High Country, biplane tours offer a unique way of taking in the area’s beautiful views.
must weigh between 80 and 220 pounds. For more information on Hawksnest Ziplines, visit www. hawksnestzipline.com or call (828) 963-6561.
PHOTO COURTESY HAWKSNEST ZIPLINE Scenic views such as this one, as seen at Hawksnest, await adventure seekers this autumn in the High Country.
miles of terrain and reach speeds up to 45 mph. The most popular tour at Hawksnest is the Hawk Tour. This is a great experience for firsttimers, according to Hawksnest staff. During the 1.5-mile tour, riders will utilize 11 cables and two swinging bridges. This tour is $80 per person and has a weight capacity up to 250 pounds for a participant. Complementing the Hawk Tour, Hawksnest also offers a slightly longer package called the Eagle Tour. This nine-cable tour consists of almost three miles of cable riding, with speeds approaching 50 miles per hour. The Eagle Tour costs $90 per person. Participants must be at least 8 years old and
BLIND SQUIRREL CANOPY ZIPLINE TOUR Situated on the banks of the gorgeous Toe River in Avery County, Blind Squirrel Brewery offers a “squirrel’s-eye view” of the surrounding area from its zip line course located at the brewery’s campground and farm retreat. Consisting of 11 zip lines and four sky bridges, the tour is led by two professional rangers after participants go through a brief ground school training. The full tour lasts approximately three hours and costs $69 per participant. All equipment is provided on site, and participants are required to wear closed-toe shoes. Tours run rain or shine and each group is accompanied by a photographer. Flyers must be at least 10 years of age and weigh between 70 and 250 pounds. For more information on the Canopy Zipline Tour, visit www. blindsquirrelbrewery.com/ ziplines or call (828) 765-6353.
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2016
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
2016
The High Country is perfect for disc golf BY JAMES HOWELL
Disc golf is growing more and more popular, and several courses throughout the High Country give residents in the region and visitors alike an opportunity to enjoy this fun new type of recreation. Disc golf is played like regular golf, but with Frisbee-like discs and metal baskets, instead of balls, clubs and holes. One of the true gems of local disc golfing is the High Country Disc Golf Course located in Ashe County Park in Jefferson. For some perspective, www.discgolfscene.com ranks the Ashe County course as the No. 1 disc golf course in North Carolina. “The High Country Disc Golf Course is certainly the crown jewel of our property here at Ashe County Park,” said Scott Turnmyre, director of Ashe County Parks and Recreation.
“The popularity of disc golf continues to grow, in large part due to the inexpensive nature of the sport.” To give the sport a try, a person only needs to purchase three discs (distance driver, midrange, approachputter) for less than $50. The sport doesn’t take any special skills other than learning a basic disc throw. As interest grows in the sport, players can pick up new tips and tricks to enhance their games. “The course at Ashe County Park offers a great opportunity to get outside in a beautiful setting and a great hike if you walk the entire course,” Turnmyre said. “Disc golf is certainly a sport that can be enjoyed by a very broad segment of the population. We meet and see people of all ages here to play and enjoy some great times.” The idea for the now High Country Disc Golf Course was first pitched by SEE DISC, PAGE 76
A North Carolina Tradition. Iconic Views and Unique Gift Shop theblowingrock.com • 828-295-7111 • 432 Rock Road • Blowing Rock
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Playing the links in the High Country BY ERIK HOFFMANN
Fresh morning dew, early birds catching worms and groups of four teeing up for a relaxing 18 holes on the links — welcome to golfing in the High Country of North Carolina. Complete with awe-inspiring mountain views and cooler temperatures, the northwest corner of North Carolina offers several choices and levels of play from the novice to the expert, from Avery County to Ashe County, and points in between. Boone Golf Club, located at 433 Fairway Drive in Boone, offers 18 holes of what Golf Digest considers “rated 4.5 stars.” The course was designed by Ellis Maples in 1959 and boasts 6,680 yards of golfing bliss. The par 71 course has blue, white, gold and red tees with three par 5
holes, 11 par 4 holes and four par 3 holes. Boone Golf Club also has a pro shop stocked with the latest apparel and equipment for both men and women golfers. It offers club repair, demonstrations, junior clinics and private instruction. Mountain Aire Golf Club, located at 1104 Golf Course Road in West Jefferson, has 6,404 yards of mountain views and challenging holes throughout its course. With four par 5 holes, 10 par 4 holes and four par 3 holes, Mountain Aire has four sets of tees to challenge anyone’s skill level. If there isn’t time for a full round of golf, check out Willow Creek Golf Course, located at 354 Bairds Creek Road in Vilas. It is a 9-hole Par 3 executive course with varying eleva-
PHOTO BY JAMES HOWELL The nationally recognized High Country Disc Golf Course is located in Ashe County Park at Ashe Park Road in Jefferson.
tions and lush, green views all around. Willow Creek was designed by Tom Jackson and has hosted many a golfer since its opening in 1975. With no tee times, Willow Creek operates on a “first-come, first-served” basis. The Mountain Glen Golf Club, located at 1 Club House Drive in Newland, was designed by George W. Cobb in 1964 and has remained unchanged ever since. The front nine has mostly flat and open fairways and the back nine goes upward to what was once called “Cranberry Draw.” Mountain Glen also offers a driving range with flag markers up to 200 yards, a practice putting green and chipping area. For anyone would just wants to hit the ball without keeping score, the Mountaineer Golf Center, located at
DISC FROM PAGE 75 Todd Patoprsty, a then-Ashe County resident who got into disc golf while in Georgia and played his way up to North Carolina. In 2006, Patoprsty approached then Ashe County Parks and Recreation Director Joe Boccardy about putting a course in the Ashe County Park property. “Boccardy was a very progressive parks director that was looking for new ways to bring people into park facilities and quickly put together a meeting of the ACPR advisory board members to present the idea,” Turnmyre said. “The advisory board was excited about the idea and moved forward to construct the first nine holes of the course. Todd (Patoprsty) was in contact with Harold Duvall, worldrenown disc golf course designer, and executive at INNOVA Disc Golf.” Harold was familiar with Ashe County and was excited to help design and put a course here. The first nine holes were designed and constructed in 2006, each hole with two tee pads, and a long and a short (pro and amateur) option. The front nine opened in 2007 and was a huge success. Duvall, Patoprsty, Boccardy and another ACPR employee, Daniel Quinn, began working on plans for a back nine in the wooded ridge of Ashe County Park. With a great deal of funding from INNOVA, those holes were opened in 2008, making the High Country Disc Golf Course one of the top courses in North Carolina and nationwide.
115 Beverly Heights Ave. in Boone, is the perfect spot for teeing up and smashing a few balls. Mountaineer Golf Center offers a practice facility with multilevel teeing stations, elevation stations to hitting areas and more. It also offers lessons with PGA professional Lee Sayre, who provides more than 40 years of experience and can help correct any golf swing, regardless of your experience. The links at Sugar Mountain Golf Course, located at 1054 Sugar Mountain Drive in Sugar Mountain, reach elevations more than 4,000 feet above sea level. The par 64 course includes nine par 3 holes, eight par 4 holes and only one par 5 hole. Many have referred to the course as Sugar Mountain as “Everyman’s Golf Course.”
Duvall and INNOVA still have a large footprint here with the course. Twice each year, INNOVA sends up a team from its home office in Rock Hill, S.C., to walk the course and make the necessary improvements (cutting unnecessary vegetation, etc.). INNOVA also sponsors an annual tournament at the course called the High Country Disc Golf Championship, that attracts many amateur and professional disc golfers from all over the country. “With some course improvements this year, we are pleased that we have a total of 20 baskets (holes) to offer,” Turnmyre said. “Another tournament is planned for Oct. 15 of this year and the annual Ice Bowl will be held in February.” For more information about High Country Disc Golf Course, call (336) 982-6185. Another notable disc golf course is located at Beech Mountain Resort. The 18-hole course is more than 8,000 feet long with a one-of-a-kind design. Players can enjoy a beautiful scenic view while hiking from hole to hole and can take a chairlift ride to get an even better view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Beech Mountain Resort is open Friday through Sunday from June 5Sept. 27. Another relatively new course is located at Wahoo’s Adventures in Boone. The nine-hole course offers players a short but fun challenge to tackle. For more information, call toll free (800) 444-RAFT or (828) 262-5774.
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PHOTOS SUBMITTED Top, Rebecca Clawson and Auri Hayes take a ride in Avery County. Right, One of the tunnels that the horse trail at Moses Cone Manor passes through.
Horseback riding: ‘Happy trails to you’ BY STEVE BEHR
When fall hits the High Country, a transformation also hits that can be breathtaking to the eye. The temperatures fall just enough where a light jacket or a comfortable sweatshirt is needed. The leaves on the trees turn into the usual yellow, reds, browns and greens. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the area on horseback. Several areas allow visitors and locals alike to enjoy what the High Country has to offer on horseback, be they in Watauga, Ashe or Avery counties. Most offer trails that cater to the beginning to advanced riders. Several also offer boarding services for people who may bring their own horses to the area. It’s highly likely that, especially during weekends when the leaves on the trees are changing color, that reservations will have to be made in advance to ensure a chance at finding a horse and a trail to ride. Dutch Creek Trails in Vilas offers rides across a 132-acre farm. Dutch Creek offers three trails that vary in difficulty, but are about the same length. The cost is $50 per rider. “A ride takes a little over an hour,” said Dutch Creek Trails owner Keith
Ward. “We’ve got about three trails in and three trails back out. They’re all about the same length, they’re just a little different in terrain.” The rides begin at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Dutch Creek Trails is closed on Sunday. Ward says the summer months are the busiest during the season, but fall Saturdays can also be busy, especially when the leaves are turning in October. Appalachians By Horseback 1095 E. King St. Boone Hours: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. (828) 297-1289 www.appalachiansbyhorseback.com Banner Elk Stables 796 Shomaker Road Banner Elk (828) 898-5424 www.bannerelkstables.com Burnthill Stables 1102 Burt Hill Road Laurel Springs (336) 982-2008 www.burnthillstables.com Dutch Creek Trails 793 Rubin Walker Road
“It’s a true mountain trail ride,” he said. “You’re in the woods for about two-thirds of the time, but we’ve got some real good views of Grandfather Mountain and Hanging Rock and views like that.” VC Farms, located in Valle Crucis, offers a dude-ranch experience for those who visit Watauga County. Valle Crucis is located just west of Boone along Highway 194 South. Vilas (828) 297-7117 www.dutchcreektrails.com Grandfather Stables 534 Church Hollow Road Boone (828) 260-7938 www.grandfatherstables.com Leatherwood Stables 512 Meadow Road Ferguson (336) 973-5044 www.leatgherwoodmountains.com Valle Crucis Farms 4365 N.C. 194 South Valle Crucis (828) 963-5399 www.vcfarms.com
In Boone, Grandfather Stables, located at 534 Church Hollow Road in Boone, offers lessons in horseback riding and boarding services. Appalachians by Horseback located in Boone is open 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. every day. Burnthill Stables in Ashe County offers one- and two-hour rides for up to 10 people. The rides are $25 per hour per horse. BurntHill Stables also offers horses for all skill levels and has 32 horses available. Burnthill also offers boarding for horses at $150 per month or $15 per night. Leatherwood Mountain in the Ashe County community of Ferguson has a variety of trails that are easy to rugged mountain trails. Leatherwood is open seven days per week and has a trail that is longer than four miles that lasts about two hours and is $90. Leatherwood also has a trail that is longer than two miles that lasts about an hour that costs $50 to ride. Leatherwood also offers 15 minute rides for $20, 30 minute rides for $40, 45 minute rides for $60 and 60 minute rides that are $80. Banner Elk Stables is open yearround and has horses available for every riding ability. A reservation is required.
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Hiking, walking and water adventures BY STEVE BEHR
It’s easy to enjoy what the High Country has to offer from the land. Some prefer to “take a hike” on one of the area’s hiking trails. There are trails of various degrees of difficulty that can cater to the different types of outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and ability levels. Some may prefer to take in the sights of the High Country on horseback. There are several available stables that allow people to get off the roads and highways of the area and explore places that cars can’t reach. Then there are the numerous roads, such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, which offer stunning views, especially in October when the leaves on the trees change colors. For those looking for things to do in the High Country that’s off of land, there’s always a trip on one of the many waterways in the area. There are businesses in the area that offer campgrounds close to lakes and some which offer a chance to raft down one of the rivers that crosses through the area. Visitors can choose to go canoeing, kayaking, boating and fishing along the Watauga or the New rivers. Tourism starts to decrease after Labor Day, but it doesn’t mean that the opportunities to participate in outdoor sports have to. Lakes in the area, including Price Lake located in Julian Price Memorial Park near milepost 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, can provide fisherman a chance at one final trip before winter starts to approach. There are several businesses which can help folks who wish to have one more trip on the river in the fall. They include Wahoo’s Adventures, Edge of the World, High Mountain Expeditions, River and Earth Adventures, Watauga Kayak, RiverCamp USA or Zaloo’s. For those who want to do some fishing a little more away from the shore, they can go to Watauga Lake, which is located just over the state line in Tennessee. They have boat rentals such as Bayview Cove Ridge, Fish Springs, Lakeshore, Mallard Cove and Pioneer Landing. Watauga Lake has 106 miles of shoreline and is home to 13 species of game fish. Bayview Campground and Marina 167 Bayview Lane
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Price Lake offers a tranquil ride in a canoe or nonmotorized boat for visitors and fishermen alike.
Butler, Tenn. (423) 768-0434 www.bayviewcampgroundandmarina.com Cove Ridge Marina 947 Piercetown Road Butler, Tenn. (423) 768-3760, (423) 768-3741 info@coveridgemarina.com www.coveridgemarnia.com Edge of the World 394 Shawneehaw Ave. Banner Elk (828) 898-9550 www.edgeofworld.com Fish Springs Marina 191 Fish Springs Road Hampton, Tenn. (423) 768-2336 www.fishspringsmarina.com High Mountain Expeditions 3149 Tynecastle Highway Banner Elk (828) 898-9786, (828) 266-RAFT www.highmountainexpeditions.com Lakeshore Marina 2285 Highway 321
Hampton, Tenn. (423) 725-2223, (888) 423-3785 info@lakeshore-resort.com www.lakeshore-resort.com Mallard Cove Marina 200 mallard Cove Drive Butler, Tenn. (423) 768-3440 www.mallardcovemarina.com Pioneer Landing at Cherokee Overlook 105 Cowan Town Road Butler, Tenn. (423) 768-3164 dan@pioneerlanding.com www.pioneerlanding.com Price Lake at Julian Price Memorial Park milepost 297, Blue Ridge Parkway (828) 963-5911, park campground kiosk River and Earth Adventures 1655 Highway 105 South Boone (828) 355-9797, (866) 411-7238 www.raftcavehike.com
RiverCamp USA 2221 Kings Creek Road Piney Creek (336) 359-2267 info@rivercampusa.com www.rivercampusa.com Wahoo’s Adventures 3385 U.S. 321 Boone (828) 262-5774, (800) 444-RAFT www.wahoosadventures.com Watauga Lake www.wataugalakeesperiencecom Watauga Kayak 1409 Broad St. Elizabethton, Tenn. (423) 542-6777 wataugakayak@charter.net www.wataugakayak.com Zaloo’s Canoe’s Kayak and Tubes 3874 N.C. 16 South Jefferson (336) 246-3066, (800) 535-4027 zaloos@skybest.com www.zaloos.com
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Leaf looking at its best in the High Country appstate.edu/fall-color-report/fallcolor-map-north-carolina. You may also follow Neufield as Fall Color Guy on Facebook.) In early August, Neufield predicted the 2016 fall season in the northern mountains “to be close to normal, but it was too early to know for sure.” At that time, he had already seen birch trees dropping leaves, along with some sugar maples and a few red maples already turning, to which he attributed to “probably heat and drought effects,” which, he added, happens every year. In early October, he said, we should see “good color.”
BY SHERRIE NORRIS
Any season is the perfect season for touring the back roads of the High Country, but “leaf season” provides the ultimate scenic experience for visitors and homefolk, alike. Whether on the graveled portion of a winding country road or roaming the Blue Ridge Parkway that attracts thousands of sight-seers this time every year, you are almost guaranteed a spectacular display of nature at her best when leaves of green turn to crimson, gold and numerous shades in between. Thousands of “leaf-lookers” come to the High Country for the aweinspiring seasonal wonder, and few leave disappointed in a typical autumn season. There are exceptions, however, when too much rain or not enough of the same affects the colors and staying power of leaves to the branches. While it’s easy to start out on a random leaf-looking adventure, it’s best to consult a local expert or reliable source for the best locations for full color viewing. Howie Neufeld, biology profes-
FILE PHOTO Empty benches line the trails at Bass Lake, with leaves strewn upon the ground.
sor at Appalachian State University, provides fall foliage predictions and weekly updates on the status of fall color development for the mountains of Western North Carolina.
Along with Michael Denslow, Neufield also produces a fall color map with updates and tips for leaflookers (Visit www.biology.appstate. edu/fall-colors or www. biology.
TIPS ON FALL PHOTOGRAPHY Aiming for the perfect photo to remind you of your leaf-looking excursion? Early morning and late evenings, right around sunrise and sunset, seem to produce perfect quality pics, but don’t discount the late afternoon and overcast days, when the sun isn’t so bright and the shadows appear softer. Don’t miss the close-up shots of the leaves, or a sweeping landscape view. You will be amazed either way.
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LOCAL ART
Art crawls in High Country
W
hat better way to spend the evening than taking in the sights and enjoying local art galleries? Throughout the High Country, art crawls are held on select dates each month, giving people the option to spend the evening in the mountains, where the weather is cool, the people are friendly and artistic talent is abundant. The second Friday night Gallery Crawl in downtown West Jefferson is the place to be for all three, as the Ashe County Arts Council sponsors gallery crawl events from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 12. Crawlers are invited to stroll the streets, visit the galleries, view the downtown murals and take advantage of the downtown restaurants. “West Jefferson has so much to offer when it comes to the arts, and our gallery scene and the second Friday Gallery Crawls is at the top of the list of great things to do,” said Jane Lonon, director of the Ashe County Arts Council. “West Jefferson’s gallery crawls began in 2000. Now in our 16th year, the reputation of the quality arts and crafts here attracts visitors from all across North Carolina for a fun evening in the mountains.”
A good number of galleries
A total of 18 galleries will be open after hours to showcase the latest artwork of local and regional artists. The participating galleries include Acorn Gallery, Ashe Arts Center, Ashe Custom Framing and Gallery, Backstreet Beads and Handcrafted Jewelry, Bohemia, Catchlight Gallery, Dawg Lot, Florence Thomas Art School, Foxfire Holler Fiber Art, Frenchy’s Art Gallery, Great Southern Gothic, Originals Only Gallery, Quilt Square Girls, Riverside Trading Post, RT Morgan Gallery and Glass by Camille, Stephen Shoemaker Studio and West Jefferson Coffee Shop. “The crawl is an easy walking tour of the downtown area, and it’s a good opportunity to see many examples of public art, including 14 murals, sculpture, Arts on Fire painted fire hydrants and the painted concrete pedestals featuring the Wildflowers of Ashe,” Lonon said.
PHOTOS BY JAMES HOWELL Ron and Barbara Seiverth, from Melburn Beach, Fla., view an original piece of artwork titled ‘Native American’ from Dale R. Carlson at the Ashe County Arts Center building.
The first Friday Art Crawl
On the first Friday of every month, visitors can come to downtown Boone to shop, mingle and meet local artists from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at shops and galleries. Attendees are free to stay late for live music and enjoy food and drinks at one of the many fine restaurants located in Boone.
Second Saturday Celebration of the Arts
Start your day off with a visit to the participating studios and galleries on the second Saturday for a studio and gallery hop through downtown Boone. For participating studios, visit /watauga-arts.org/wordpress/wp-content/ uploads/2013/08/Promo-Page-.jpg./ Participants then can visit the Blue Ridge ArtSpace in Boone from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for an evening rich A couple walks down the sidewalk of West Jefferson during a Gallery Crawl event in “art-full” experiences. on Friday, Aug. 12.
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Art galleries in the High Country T
For more information, call (828) 2646559.
he High Country has an abundance of art galleries boasting a wide variety of venues and mediums. Buyers, enthusiasts and anyone in the area can enjoy a wide variety of art, as well as countless educational opportunities at the galleries. Being such an intimate place, one of the greatest perks visiting a gallery is the chance to meet local artists in and around the area who make consistent appearances at the High Country’s multiple galleries.
Continuing education
West Jefferson’s Florence Thomas Art School & Gallery offers resources for instruction, exhibition and experience in the fine arts and heritage crafts for Ashe County and the region. The school and gallery are named after the late Florence Thomas, an Ashe County artist who died in 2007 but lived 98 artistic years, creating countless paintings capturing the importance and natural beauty of High Country landscapes. Thomas continues her legacy through the nonprofit art school. Florence Thomas Art School & Gallery is located at 10 S. Jefferson Ave. in West Jefferson. For more information, call (336) 846-5175.
Fine art
For more than two decades, Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery has provided the public with custom framing and artwork, featuring more than 25 of the most accomplished artists in the Southeast. Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery is located at 7539 Valley Blvd. in Blowing Rock. For more information, call (828) 295-0041 or visit. The Art Cellar Gallery has accomplished veteran status as well, bringing art to the community for more than 20 years. The gallery features the works of regional, national and internationally acclaimed artists. The Art Cellar Gallery is located at 920 Shawneehaw Lane in Banner Elk. For more information, call (828) 898-5175, or visit www.artcellaronline.com. Carlton Gallery is one of the most established fine art galleries in North Carolina. Representing more than 200 local, regional and national artisans, the gallery hosts a wide variety of art in a variety of mediums, including paintings, glass, sculpture, wood, clay, wearable art and jewelry. Carlton Gallery is located 10 miles south of Boone and seven miles north of Linville on N.C. 105 in the Grandfather Mountain community. For more information, call (828) 963-4288, or visit www.carltongallery.com.
Holiday Artisan Market
PHOTO BY BRIAN MILLER
From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, a holiday artisan market is coming to Harvest House Performing Arts Venue, located at 247 Boone Heights Drive, Boone. There will be a curated selection of handmade goods from artists across the Carolinas and surrounding states. The market will feature jewelry, fine arts, ceramics, woodwork, glassware, prints, handmade clothing and more. “The goal of the Artisan Market is to connect the consumers with the makers as a way to build relationships, not only in the local economy but in support of the handmade movement,” said founder and director Melina LaVecchia. “Folks will have a chance to choose from the best handmade goods in the area to give as gifts or fill stockings with.” The Artisan Market is a free and family friendly, offering local food and artisan beverages from Boone’s newest culinary establishments.
Kent Paulette paints live at Studio 140 in Banner Elk.
Pottery
Doe Ridge Pottery was opened by Bob Meier in 1988, and has constantly been one of the High Country’s top local pottery dealers. Meier showcases his own pottery as well as the work of numerous other artisans. The gallery’s pottery includes functional, specialty and decorative pieces. Doe Ridge pottery is located at 585 W. King St., Suite D, in downtown Boone. For more information, call (828) 264-1127, or
visit www.doeridgepottery.com. Bolick Pottery and Traditions Pottery, located in downtown Blowing Rock, features the work of the Bolick and Calhoun families, who trace their crafts and inspirations several generations back, close to 190 years. Bolick Pottery and Traditions Pottery is located at 1155 Main St. in Blowing Rock. For more information, call (828) 295-6128, or visit www.traditionspottery.com.
Jewelry
Old World Galleries specializes in fine jewelry in platinum, gold, sterling silver, gemstones and custom-designed jewelry. With more than 30 years of experience, gallery owners Charlie and Joy Travis demonstrate precise work. The gallery also buys, sells and appraises antique and estate jewelry and offers jewelry repair, cleaning and evaluation. Old World Galleries is located at 97 W King St. in Boone.
Gallery listings BANNER ELK The Art Cellar Gallery 920 Shawneehaw Ave. (828) 898-5175 www.artcellaronline.com SEE GALLERIES, PAGE 85
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GALLERIES FROM PAGE 84
The Martin House 1116 Main St. (828) 295-6128 www.traditionspottery.com
Art Purveyors World HQ 112 Aldridge Park (828) 963-7246 www.artpurveyors.com
Jerald Melberg Gallery 110 Sunset Drive (828) 414-9888 www.jeraldmelberg.com
Carlton Gallery 10360 N.C. 105 South (828) 963-4288 www.carltongallery.com
Rock Galleries of Fine Art 1153 Main St. (828) 295-9752 www.thomaskinkadeasheville.com/ blowingrock
Clark Gallery 393 Shawneehaw Ave. (828) 898-2095 www.clarkgallerync.com Maggie Black Pottery 1225 N.C. 105 (828) 773-2459 www.maggieblackpottery.com Sally Nooney Gallery 7137 N.C. 194 South (828) 963-7347 www.sallynooney.com Studio 140 140 Azalea Circle (828) 352-8853 www.facebook.com/studio140
BLOWING ROCK
BOONE Artwalk 611 W. King St. (828) 264-9998 www.artwalkboone.com Blue Ridge Artspace 377 Shadowline Drive (828) 264-1789 www.watauga-arts.org Doe Ridge Pottery 585-D W. King St. (828) 264-1127 www.doeridgepottery.homestead.com Hands Gallery 543 W. King St. (828) 262-1970 www.handsgallery.org
Art & Artifacts 159 Sunset Drive (828) 414-9402 www.artandartifactsbr.com
Jones House Community Center 604 W. King St. (828) 262-4576 www.kevinbeck.com
Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery
Kevin Beck Studio 1590 Shull’s Mill Road (828) 963-1181 www.kevinbeck.com
7935 Valley Blvd. (828) 295-0041 www.blowingrockgalleries.com Bolick Pottery & Traditions Pottery
Turchin Center for the Visual Arts 423 W. King St.
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www.altavistagallery.com Rivercross Market 3595 N.C. 194 (828) 963-8623 www.rivercrossmarket.com
WEST JEFFERSON PHOTO BY BRIAN MILLER These are handcrafted mugs from last year’s Holiday Artisan Market at Harvest House in Boone.
(828) 262-3017 www.tcva.org
LINVILLE, NEWLAND, PINEOLA AND CROSSNORE Pam Brewer Studio 41 Redbird Lane, Newland (828) 733-5755 www.pambrewer.com Linville River Pottery 2180 Goose Hollow Road, Pineola (828) 387-1944 www.linvilleriverpottery.com Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery The Crossnore School 205 Johnson Lane (828) 733-3144 www.crossnoregallery.org Anvil Arts Studio 2839 Broadstone Road, Linville Falls (828) 765-6226 www.studiosculpture.com
VALLE CRUCIS Alta Vista 2839 Broadstone Road (828) 963-5247
Ashe Arts Center Gallery 303 School Ave. (336) 846-2787 www.ashecountyarts.com Acorn Gallery 103 Long St. (336) 246-3388 www.acorngallery.com Bohemia 5 N. Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-1498 www.bohemianc.com Ripples Gallery 101 N. Jefferson Ave. (336) 219-0089 www.claytonproctor.com R.T. Morgan Art Gallery and Glass by Camille 120 N. Jefferson Ave. (336) 246-3328 The Artists’ Theatre 8 E. Main St. (336) 846-3355 www.theartiststheatre.com Ashe Custom Framing & Gallery 105 S. Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-2218 www.ashecustomframing.com Originals Only 3-B N. Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-1636 www.originalsonlygallery.com
Touches of Italian artistry throughout the High County
Frescoes: A painting done rapidly in watercolor on wet plaster on a wall or ceiling, so that the colors penetrate the plaster and become fixed as it dries, used in Roman times and by the great masters of the Italian Renaissance, including Giotto, Masaccio and Michelangelo. Art patrons do not have to worry about updating their passports to admire frescos, as they can be found in Ashe, Avery and Wilkes counties. Benjamin Franklin Long IV, Ashe County’s frescoes artist, learned his craft from renowned international artist Pietro Annigoni while devoting
himself to mastering the art of oil to canvas. Art lovers can find Long’s work along the Benjamin Long Fresco Trail in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. Long desired to display his skills and receive greater recognition for his artistry, so he arranged to create the first two frescoes in Ashe County in 1974. There are three frescos in St. Mary’s Church, located at 400 Beaver Creek School Road in West Jefferson, including “Mary Great with Child,” “John the Baptist” and “Mystery of Faith.”
In 1977, Long, with a gathering of apprentices and assistants, created a fresco of “The Last Supper” at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, located at 120 Glendale School Road in the Glendale Springs community. The fresco shows Jesus and his disciples gathered around a table for the Last Supper, the disciples each not knowing how the events to unfold would change their lives and the course of history. In the art form known as fresco painting, the artist presses pigment into wet plaster. The pigment becomes chemically bonded with the plaster
and, in so doing, hardens with the plaster to produce a surface that is remarkably resistant to the ravages of time. Fresco paintings date back 3,000 years or more, testifying to their durability. Ashe County has been blessed with these awe-inspiring and eternal art treasures. Each year, the Festival of the Frescoes is held to honor, and draw attention to, Long’s work. The 2016 Festival of the Fescoes is schedSEE TOUCHES, PAGE 86
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2016
ASU’S PERFORMING ARTS SERIES
he Schaefer Center for Performing Arts on the Appalachian State University campus continues to bring well-known acts from around the world to the small town of Boone. With the largest stage in the High Country, the Schaefer Center hosts the Performing Arts Series each year to highlight cultural experiences, music, dancing and theater. The 1,673-seat auditorium features orchestra and balcony level seating, with a purpose to enhance the artistic and cultural landscape of Appalachian State University and the surrounding areas. The Schaefer Center’s mission is to provide year-round presentations and community events that enrich, educate, inspire and promote quality of life. This year’s bill includes 2016 Grammy Award winners for best blue grass album, The SteelDrivers, as well as other musical performers, including Havana Club All-Stars and The Nile Project. Aside from music, the series welcomes contemporary ballet dancer Jessica Lang Dance and a screening of the critically acclaimed film, ‘Remember.” According to Anna Gaugert, director of marketing and public relations of Arts and Cultural Programs, more per-
TOUCHES FROM PAGE 85 uled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 8 at Holy Trinity Church, located at 120 Glendale School Road in Glendale Springs. In 2015, despite the dreary, rainy weather, crowds still came in droves to the annual Festival of the Fescoes to see the Long’s magnificent works of art. According to parishioner Walter Skroch, Long’s fresco depicts a few things differently in the famed “Last Supper” scene from the Holy Bible and depicted by other artists. One example of this is a mediumsized dog in the bottom left-hand corner of the fresco. Skroch said this kind of dog would not have existed in the Middle East at that time. The dog is actually a depiction of a real dog that spent time around Long while he was painting inside Holy Trinity Church in 1977. “He told me the reason that dog is in there is because, ‘He spent 47 days with me, more than any student,’” Skrotch said, quoting Long. “You don’t want to paint something exactly like
formers are expected to be added to the schedule this season. For the most recent updates, visit http://theschaefercenter.org.
2016-2017 PERFORMING ARTS SERIES SCHEDULE Tuesday, Sept. 27 Havana Cuba All-Stars Embrace the culture of Cuba as the Havana Cuba All-Stars share their rich musical heritage, from the rumba to the cha-cha-cha to the habanera. Comprised of Cuba’s greatest and most prominent musicians, this 11-member band makes its debut tour of the United States with “Cuban Nights.” Drawing inspiration from the Cuban Son, a genre which later gave way to salsa, the program’s infectious melodies and rhythms showcase the cultural diversity of the Cuban people and will leave audiences dancing in their seats.
Thursday, Oct. 6 Film Screening: “Remember”
struggling with memory loss who is living out his final years in a serene retirement home. A week following the death of his beloved wife, Ruth, he suddenly gets a mysterious package from his close friend Max (Academy Award-winner Martin Landau), containing a stack of money and a letter detailing a shocking plan.
ertoire rich with stunning movement and dynamic visuals that transforms classical ballet into emotionally engaging contemporary work. Hailed “a master of visual composition” by Dance Magazine, the Bessie Award-winning Jessica Lang choreographs to enrich and inspire audiences by immersing them in the beauty of movement and music.
Friday, Nov. 11
Tuesday, April 4
The SteelDrivers
The Nile Project
Winner of the 2016 Grammy Award for best bluegrass album, the Nashvillebased SteelDrivers have won audiences with their blend of country, soul, blues and other contemporary influences. When the group was founded in 2005, the lineup included now-acclaimed country singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton. Today, the SteelDrivers continue to create an unapologetic hybrid of new music with an old feeling. SteelDrivers fan Vince Gill describes the band’s fusion as “an incredible combination.”
Wednesday, Feb. 8 Jessica Lang Dance
Egyptian ethnomusicologist Mina Girgis and Ethiopian-American singer Meklit Hadero founded the Nile Project in 2011 with a mission to educate, inspire and empower citizens of the Nile basin to foster the sustainability of the Nile River’s ecosystem. The 27-member Nile Project collective brings together musicians hailing from along the great river that connects 11 countries and more than 400 million people, to make music that combines the rich diversity of one of the oldest places on Earth. For more information on the upcoming events, including ticket prices, visit http://theschaefercenter.org. All performances begin at 7 p.m. at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts.
“Remember” tells the story of Zev Guttman (Academy Award-winner Christopher Plummer), a 90-year-old
Founded in 2011, New York-based Jessica Lang Dance is known for a rep-
someone else.” “Suffer the Little Children,” a Fresco found at Crossnore School in Avery County, depicts the children who lived at Crossnore. Completed by Long in 2006, the “Suffer the Little Children” was inspired by the scripture of Mark 10:14, “Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not: for such is the kingdom of God.” “Suffer the Little Children” is located in the E.H. Sloop Chapel at Crossnore, with daily viewings from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Crossnore School is located at 100 DAR Drive in Crossnore. For more information about the school or these frescoes, call (828) 733-4305 or visit www.crossnoreschool.org. A bit down the mountain, in Wilkesboro, Long’s “St. Paul’s Conversion” and St. Paul Writing is Epistles” can be found in the common areas of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church or by visiting www.stpaulwilkesboro. org. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is located at 200 West Cowles St. in Wilkesboro. To see more of Long’s work, visit www.benlongfineart.com.
PHOTO BY JAMES HOWELL Patty Baker, left, and Chris Hoyt, from Fuquay Varina, N.C., take pictures of the fresco inside Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Glendale Springs during the 2015 Festival of the Frescoes..
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179 Howard Street. Downtown Boone. 828.266.2179. TheLocalBoone.com
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S UP ! O GR ME E G LCO R LA WE
A Favorite of High Coun y Locals • Extensive Wine List • Adjacent Tap Room with Billiards & Games • Large Selection of Craft Beers • Patio Dining Available, • All ABC Permits Leashed Dogs Welcome • Daily Culinary & Beverage Specials • 12 Rotating Taps to Include a • Large Parties Welcome Large Selection of Local Beers • Reservations Accepted
• Open Lunch & Dinner, All Day 7 Days a Week
Large Screen TVs
See all College games Saturdays and NFL Package on Sundays.
970 Rivers Street, Boone, NC 828-264-7772 • www.CafePortofino.net
Mon-Sat
Grill Hours: Mon - Thurs 11:00am - 8:30pm and Fri - Sat 11:00am - 9:00pm Daily Lunch Specials Mon - Fri Open until 11pm Mon - Thurs and Midnight Fri - Sat
Home Pool Table Repairs, Recovery & Move & Setup Cues, Lights, Covers & Complete Billiards Accessories
Follow us on Facebook & stay up to date on special events and daily specials!
HOURS: Mon. - Sat. 6am - 5pm Sun. 7am - 3pm
HOURS: Mon. - Sat. 6am - 3pm Sun. 7am - 3pm
Boone's original Bagel Shop since 1988
Featuring Boone Bagelry Bagels
Serving Breakfast and Lunch All Day 14 Varieties of Freshly Baked Bagels Vegetarian and Gluten Free Options Available Featuring: Deli Sandwiches, Fresh Salads, Home made Flavored Cream Cheeses, Omelettes, Pancakes, French Toast, Burgers, Gyro Free Delivery
Coffee Bar with Espresso, Latte and Cappuccino drinks, with Bald Guy Brew Coffee Gourmet Lunch Menu Featuring: Turkey Apple Grilled Cheese, Fresh Chicken Salad w/Blueberry Balsamic, Lox Hash, Burgers, Deli Sandwiches Breakfast served All Day: Omelettes, Pancakes, French Toast Vegetarian and Gluten Free Options Free Delivery
Home of the Famous Bagelicious
OLD DOWNTOWN LOCATION
AT THE 105 WATERWHEEL
516 West King Street 262.5585 www.boonebagelry.com
125 Graduate Lane 262.1600 www.bbwaterwheelcafe.com
Chinese, Japanese, Sushi & Thai 100% No M.S.G. 240 Shadowline Dr., AA3 + AA4 - Boone Inside Harris Teeter Shopping Center
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon-Thurs: 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Fri-Sat: 11:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
828-386-1170 • 828-386-1179 Everyday Specials: Sushi Rolls 2 for $8 • 3 for $11
Hibachi Chicken $5 Take Out Only!
ASU 10% OFF (with ID)
TAKE OUT AVAILABLE or use Boone Take-Out • tastegrill@hotmail.com www.tastegrill.wix.com/tastegrillboone
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DAILY FOOD AND DRINK SPECIALS! Reservations are not required
Menu and More Info available at
www.thecardinalboone.com
www.cfarestaurant.com/boone/home
1711 Hwy 105 | Boone, NC | 828.355.9600
Fine Teas • Custom Spice Blends Fresh Spices & Herbs
Gourmet Salts & Sugars
The Spice & Tea Exchange® of Blowing Rock
1087 Main Street, Unit 4 Blowing Rock, NC | 828-372-7070 spiceandtea.com/blowingrock facebook.com/TSTEBlwgRock
2082 Blowing Rock Rd Boone, NC 28607 828-264-4660
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CHRISTMAS TREE CAPITAL: High Country tree farms abound with perfect family trees
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esidents of the High Country, as well as numerous visitors come to the region each late autumn, often with families in tow, to find and purchase that perfect Christmas tree to adorn the home and celebrate the season. Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties for years have been a given destination to find trees of varying shapes, sizes and types. Most choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms are family owned, and many families choose to make the Christmas tree purchase into a full experience. A number of farms offer apple cider, games for children and additional items for purchase to round out the “musthaves” for any family celebrating the holidays. Christmas trees, such as the Fraser fir, are popular with families who often drive multiple hours up the mountain in
order to adorn their homes with greenery. The North Carolina High Country is one of the few places in the United States that has the climate and soil suitable for growing, and many farmers across the region have made the tree a primary source of income. Genuine Christmas trees are not only decorated and a sight to behold, but they are also beneficial in other ways. According to the N.C. Christmas Tree Association, real Christmas trees while in the field absorb carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases and release fresh oxygen into the air. The association reports that one acre of Christmas trees provides the daily oxygen requirement for 18 people. With more than 500,000 acres of SEE CHRISTMAS, PAGE 93
PHOTO BY JEFF EASON The High Country’s many choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms guarantee fresh trees for local families and visitors alike.
HUGE S AV I N G S ON
• FA C TO R Y C LO S E O U T S • MARKET SHOWROOM SAMPLES • O V E R S TO C K G O O D S • DISCONTINUED AND MORE RU G S • L A M P S • WA L L A RT
S AV I N G S U P T O 7 5 % O F F R E TA I L B E R N H A R DT FA C TO R Y O U T L E T 4 9 1 6 H I C K O R Y B LV D . , G R A N I T E F A L L S , N C 2 8 6 3 0 8 2 8 - 3 1 3 - 0 7 9 5 FA X : 8 2 8 - 3 1 3 - 0 7 9 6 O P E N T U E S - S AT 9 - 6 • C LO S E D S U N & M O N
US HWY 321 - BETWEEN HICKORY AND LENOIR
HICKORY’S BEST KEPT SECRET!
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Getting a head start on Christmas
T
hese hills are alive with a variety of activity during the autumn season — it’s all about football for some, clearing out, cleaning out and preparing for winter for others — and for many, it’s about getting a head start on Christmas. Nowhere is the latter more evident than in the High Country, where countless fields are covered with the ever-popular Fraser fir, known far and wide as the “Cadillac of Christmas trees.” For decades, at least a couple of the state’s 100 counties occupying space in this far northwest corner have shared the title of “Christmas Tree Capitol of the World,” and continue to attract countless families to the area in search of the perfect tree and related ornamental items,
including wreaths and roping. The big push comes each year during the long Thanksgiving weekend, when choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms open their gates to families returning to the area from miles around to claim their prize. Many of the farms offer nostalgic hayrides through the fields, offering hot chocolate, cookies and various surprises to help make memories to last a lifetime. Many, too, welcome Santa Clause for an early stepover as he gets his last-minute wish list in order. Most also have gift shops on site, filled with traditional mountain crafts, canned goods and home-baked items that make for the perfect gifts for those hard-to-buy-for folks on your shopping lists.
CHRISTMAS FROM PAGE 92 Christmas trees in the United States, Christmas trees provide oxygen for more than 9 million people per day. Young, fast growing trees such as Christmas trees release more oxygen than mature forest trees, while fields support local economies and local wildlife populations such as turkey, quail, songbirds, rabbits and deer. Among other notable facts regarding High Country Christmas tree growers is that North Carolina has approximately 1,300 growers producing Fraser fir Christmas trees on an estimated 40,000 acres, representing more than 98 percent of all species grown in North Carolina. The North Carolina Christmas tree industry is ranked second in the nation in number of trees harvested and cash receipts, with the state producing more than 19 percent of the real Christmas trees in the United States. According to the Avery County Christmas Tree Growers Association, the North Carolina Fraser fir has been
Around the same time, local farmers markets host holiday markets, featuring seasonal goods, canned foods and decorative items, allowing area visitors to return to their homes with a little bit of the hills in their possession. A walk down main street in any of our mountain towns starting in late November also provides for those sentimental Norman Rockwell-like photo opportunities, when, for a brief reprieve, all is well with the world and daily cares and stress are at an all-time low. It’s Christmas in the mountains — or at least, a dress rehearsal for the real thing to come. There’s no better place to get a head start on the most magical time of the year than here in the High Country.
judged the nation’s best through a contest sponsored by the National Christmas Tree Association and chosen for the official White House Christmas tree 12 times (more than any other species), selected in 1971, 1973, 1982, 1984, 1990, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2012. For families looking to choose and cut their tree this season, the Fraser fir is a popular choice because of its soft, pleasant-to-touch needles, incomparable needle retention, long lasting aroma and more pliable-yet-stronger branches for even the heaviest ornaments. Traditionally, the choose-and-cut season begins every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving. In many mountain towns, local shops decorate for the holiday season, offer sales for visitors and host special events to get everyone into the Christmas spirit. Information about local choose-andcut farms can be found on the following websites: www.ashecountychristmastrees.com, www.averycountychristmastrees.org and www.wataugachristmastrees.org.
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North Carolina’s Preeminent Gallery Now Open In Blowing Rock Open Through Mid-November at 110 Sunset Drive
Wolf Kahn, PINK, GRAY AND GREEN, 2015, Oil on Canvas, 36 x 68 inches
Romare Bearden (1911-1988), MORNING, 1979, Lithograph, 19 1/4 x 25 inches
Featuring works by Wolf Kahn, Romare Bearden, Lee Hall, Thomas McNickle, Robert Motherwell and Brian Rutenberg, among others.
110 Sunset Drive Blowing Rock, NC 28605 828 414 9888 gallery@jeraldmelberg.com www.jeraldmelberg.com
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FILE PHOTO Thousands of visitors flock each year to the Valle Country Fair in Valle Crucis. Among the popular hangouts is the Fair Stage, where more than a dozen musical performances take place during the daylong event.
FALL FESTIVALS Bringing color and pageantry to the High Country
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ollowing the heat of summer, the climate cools and thoughts turn to the changing of the seasons and kaleidoscope of colors that grace the various mountain towns that make up the High Country region. Visitors and natives alike are drawn to a wide array of opportunities to experience the charm of those who call the area home and the festivals put on throughout the season that makes those who take part want to return to the High Country season after season. Whether one fancies a trip to Oz, a good beer or even woolly worm racing, visitors will surely find plenty to do this autumn in the High Country.
ON THE SAME PAGE LITERARY FESTIVAL SEPT. 13 TO 17 Returning for 2016 is Ashe County Public Library’s On the Same Page Festival. Started in 2009, the festival is a five-day celebration of reading and writing. On the Same Page offers a chance for writers to interact with readers and for readers to connect with writers. Writers are also given the opportunity to participate in a variety of workshops and programs that instruct on the craft. This year’s event will feature authors that include Darnell Arnoult, Diane Chamberlain, Judy Cook, Elliot Engel, Georgann Eubanks, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, Jeremy Hawkins, Charlie
Lovett, Beth Macy, Sarah Shaber and Kevin Morgan Watson. The festival hosts a “festival read,” which features a book that will be read and discussed. This year’s book is “Pretending to Dance” by international best-selling author Diana Chamberlain. The festival is sponsored by the Ashe County Public Library and the Ashe County Arts Council and is supported with major funding from SkyLine Membership Corporation and many individual donors – the Page Turners. On the Same Page is also funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the North Carolina Arts Council. The county of Ashe and the town of West Jefferson also support On the Same Page. For more information, visit www. onthesamepagefestival.org for details about times and locations of events. Most are free and open to the public; some require reservations/tickets.
AUTUMN AT OZ SEPT. 9 TO 11 Perhaps unique to the High Country is Beech Mountain’s Land of Oz theme park. It first opened in 1970 to celebrate the mythos of the legendary film. The initial theme park is now closed, but reopens for one weekend each fall for a SEE FESTIVALS, PAGE 95
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into an annual event that attracts thousands and raised more than $40,000 for High Country charities in 2015. This year’s festival will hosts food and craft stands offering mountain crafts and food ranging from fresh apple butter to Brunswick stew. The festival also will host mountain music with more than a dozen different groups of varying genres. Admission to the fair is free, but expect large crowds and to pay $10 to park adjacent to the fairgrounds. For more information, visit www. vallecountryfair.org or call (828) 9634609.
BANNER ELK WOOLLY WORM FESTIVAL OCT. 15 AND 16
FILE PHOTO ‘Mr. Woolly Worm’ Roy Krege presents the $1,000 top prize to main-event winner Rebecca Perree, who poses with her winning worm named ‘Twinkle Toes’ at the 2015 Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival.
FESTIVALS FROM PAGE 94 special trip down the yellow brick road, accompanied by a full cast of characters from the film. Tickets are $35 each for a two-hour interval of tours and are available online. For more information, visit www.landofoznc.com or call 1 (800) 514-3849.
BRUSHY MOUNTAIN APPLE FESTIVAL OCT. 1 A free event held by the Brushy Mountain Ruritan Club, the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival is one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in North Carolina. The festival is typically attended by thousands of people and plays host to 425 arts and crafts booths and 100 food stands, making the festival one of the largest single-day arts and crafts fairs in the Southeastern U.S. The festival is held to celebrate the apple harvest from the nearby Brushy Mountains, and more than 100 church, civic and other nonprofit organizations from Wilkes and surrounding counties take part in each year’s event. The festival offers music, as well as four separate stages hosting bluegrass, old-time, folk and Appalachian music. Also represented at the apple festival are Appalachian crafts such as soap and chair making, pottery throwing and
quilting. Not to be forgotten, there will also be apple vendors from around the state selling apples, apple cider and dried apples. For more information, visit www. applefestival.net or call (336) 921-3499.
BOONE HERITAGE FESTIVAL OCT. 9 Presented by the town of Boone and the Southern Appalachian Historical Association, the Boone Heritage Festival focuses on Appalachian history, heritage and contemporary Appalachian life. The festival includes musical performances, storytellers, historical demonstrations from the colonial and Revolutionary time period, vendors, regional crafts, children’s activities, food and a raffle. Boone Heritage Festival is hosted on the grounds of the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, which maintains eight original colonial buildings and outbuildings. Admission to the festival is free. For more information, visit www. booneheritagefestival.com or call (828) 264-2120.
OKTOBERFEST AT SUGAR MOUNTAIN OCT. 8 AND 9 The 26th annual Sugar Mountain
Oktoberfest brings a festive, Bavarian atmosphere to the High Country this autumn. Featuring the Harbour Towne Fest Band and music from the Valle Crucis Middle School band, the festival will have plenty of musical entertainment. Activities at the festival will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day (rain or shine) and admission, parking and shuttle service is free. Bavarian cuisine including bratwurst, knockwurst, sauerkraut, strudel and pretzels will be available. Spaten Oktoberfest beer, the world’s first Oktoberfest beer, is the featured beer at Sugar Mountain’s Oktoberfest. In addition to traditional Bavarian cuisine, there will be good old American standards, including hot dogs, hamburgers, soda, cotton candy, kettle corn, funnel cakes, candy apples and more. Through the Children’s Fun Center, kids will also be provided for, having the opportunity to enjoy hayrides, inflatable bounce houses and a chance to meet Sugar Bear and Sweetie Bear, Sugar Mountain’s mascots. For more information, visit oktoberfest.skisugar.com or call (828) 8984521.
VALLE COUNTRY FAIR OCT. 15 This October, Valle Crucis plays host to the 38th annual Valle Country Fair. Started as a fundraiser for the Holy Cross Episcopal Church, it has grown
The annual Woolly Worm Festival takes place during the third weekend in October in downtown Banner Elk. Annually attended by more than 20,000 guests, the Woolly Worm Festival is perhaps one of the High Country’s largest festival events. Up to 1,000 worm racers vie for the top position and the honor of having their worm predict the upcoming High Country winter weather at the festival’s famous woolly worm races. The festival is sponsored by the Banner Elk Kiwanis Club and the Avery County Chamber of Commerce, and a portion of the proceeds go to support numerous charities and organizations. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children and free for children younger than 5. Tickets are available online or at the gate, and race registration fills up early, so the festival recommends that those wishing to participate get a head start. For more information, visit www. woollyworm.com or call the Avery Chamber of Commerce at (828) 8985605.
PUMPKIN AND HARVEST FESTIVAL OCT. 22 The Greater Newland Association sponsors its second annual Pumpkin and Harvest Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15. The festival features contests, games and “everything pumpkin’.” The festival features competitions for the largest pumpkin and a pie eating contest, in addition to a pumpkin catapult, costumes and more. The Pumpkin and Harvest Festival is held at Riverwalk Park in Newland. For more information, visit www.greaternewland.org or call (828) 278-8360.
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STEP BACK IN TIME at the general store
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and its cornmeal available for purchase, a plethora of staple goods, antiques and gifts, The Old Hampton Store property has evolved with time to feature an art gallery, a restaurant with live entertainment and, most recently, a tavern. Hours are: general store, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; restaurant, 11 a.m.- 8:30 p.m.; and tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. or later. The store is located at 77 Ruffin St. in Linville. For more information, call (828) 733-5213 or visit www.oldhamptonstorenc.com.
trip to the High Country is not complete without a visit to one or more of the area’s general stores. For the older folks to take a step back in time and reminisce about the “good old days” or for the younger generation to get a feel for life as it was in a different era — a stop at any of the historic treasures will provide dinner-table conversation for a long time to come.
MAST GENERAL STORE IN VALLE CRUCIS AND BOONE A destination in itself, Mast General Store is a part of local history that has been lovingly stitched into the fabric of the High Country. The original store, first opened in 1883 by Henry Taylor, and later purchased by WW Mast, can still be found in the Valle Crucis community, where it maintains much of its charm reminiscent of days gone by. The creaky wooden floors and the Valle Crucis post office therein take visitors back to a simpler place in time, as does much of its inventory. At the same time, however, the store is well stocked with countless goods to meet today’s needs — from clothing and footwear to hardware, gourmet food items and everything in between. At one time, the store was known to carry everything “From cradles to caskets.” The Annex, located right next door, is one of the remaining resources for traditional “penny candy,” as it was once known. While priced by the pound today, the candy selection is vast and includes everything from oldtime favorites to the new confections sure to please the palate of young and old alike. Both the Valle Crucis store and Annex are open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Boone Mast General Store and Candy Barrel is located at 630 West King St. and offers many of the same products as does the Valle Crucis original. The Boone store is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call (828) 963-6511, (828) 262-0000, or (866)
COVE CREEK STORE
PHOTO SUBMITTED Barrels filled to the brim with candy at Mast General store in Valle Crucis.
367-6878. You can also check them out online at www.mastgeneralstore. com or find them on Facebook.
FRED’S GENERAL MERCANTILE Perched atop Beech Mountain at 5,049 feet above sea level, Fred’s General Mercantile is known as the highest general store in America. A popular destination for vacationers and locals alike, Fred’s has long been known for having just about everything a person might need — and if they don’t have it, Fred Pfohl has often been quoted to say that, chances are, you just might not need it, after all. Considered a favorite landmark of Beech Mountain, Fred’s has been serving the area since 1979, opened and operated by Fred and Margie Pfohl, who for many years, lived on site above the store. Whether it’s stable goods or gourmet foods you’re looking for, fresh produce, meats and baked goods, hardware for your home repair needs, apparel (especially skiwear in the fall and winter), beer or wine, Fred’s can take care of your needs and save you a trip off the mountain once you are tucked in for the weekend. Or, like many locals know, it’s worth the trip up the mountain on any day just to
shop and visit with the great folks at Fred’s. Many visitors to the mountain plan their visits around mealtime, so that after meandering through Fred’s, and choosing from the eclectic selections available, they can enjoy a meal at the Backside Deli, which features an array of sandwiches, salads, desserts, pizza, dessert and beverages. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fred’s General Mercantile is located at 501 Beech Mountain Parkway. For more information, call (828) 387-4838 or visit www.fredsgeneral.com.
THE OLD HAMPTON STORE The Old Hampton Store, located in the shadows of Grandfather Mountain in Linville, has been a part of local heritage since 1920, when it served as a favored stop along the original Tweetsie Railroad track. The East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad, known as Tweetsie, was the narrow-gauge railroad that served Eastern Tennessee and Northwestern North Carolina when mining and timber supported the local economy. While much of the store’s personality has remained the same through the years, including the on-site gristmill
A cornerstone of its community, the Cove Creek Store has assisted customers with their needs since the 1950s. Often described as a “discount country store,” Cove Creek Store specializes in providing for the grocery, hardware and feed needs of the local and tourist population in the western Watauga County area. The store also offers a selection of gluten-free products, healthy foods and snacks. Cove Creek Store, located at 1182 U.S. 321 in Sugar Grove, is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday- Saturday. For more information, call (828) 297-2111 or visit its Facebook page.
GRANDFATHER COUNTRY STORE
Since the early 1920s, the Grandfather Country Store has been “the country store” for the eastern slope of Grandfather Mountain. Offering a mixture of today and yesteryear, Grandfather Country Store offers patrons a chance to surf the Web with its in-house Wi-Fi, all the while comfortably basking in the warmth of the old woodstove. Take a moment to enjoy a cup of gourmet coffee or a bite of their fine pastries. If food is an afterthought, check out the store aisles filled with local crafts, collectibles and antiques. Located at 6371 U.S. 221 South in Blowing Rock, the store is open 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday. For more information, call (828) 295-6100 or visit www.grandfatehrcountrystore.com.
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Advertising Index
4 Seasons Vacation ......................................................26 Anna Bananas ..............................................................20 Antiques on Howard....................................................20 Antiques on Main ........................................................24 Appalachian Antique Mall ...........................................20 Appalachian Regional Health Systems ....................... 61 Ashe County Arts .........................................................26 Ashe County Chamber .................................................26 Ashe County Cheese .................................................... 27 Ashe Rental Agency ..................................................... 27 Banner Elk Winery ......................................................39 Barra ............................................................................39 Bear Creek Traders ................................................ 15, 42 Benchmark...................................................................20 Bernhardt Furniture ....................................................92 Blackberry Creek Mattress .................................... 42, 61 Blowing Rock Chamber ...............................................82 Blowing Rock Frameworks..........................................22 Blowing Rock Furniture .............................................. 57 Blowing Rock, The ....................................................... 75 Blue Mountain Metalworks .........................................38 Blue Ridge Realty ........................................................29 Blue Ridge Travel Association.....................................46 Boone Bagelry ....................................................... 20, 90 Boone Rent All .............................................................56 BRAHM........................................................................94 Brass Exchange ............................................................ 81 Brews & Bites ...............................................................32 Cabin Store ..................................................................63 Café Portofino ..............................................................90 Caldwell Memorial.......................................................70 Capone’s Pizza .............................................................20 Cardinal, The ............................................................... 91 Carlton Galleries ..........................................................45 Casa Rustica.................................................................87 Cha Da Thai ................................................................. 21 Chick Fil A.................................................................... 91 Choose and Cut Christmas Trees ................................ 14 CoBo ............................................................................. 21 Crossnore School .........................................................69 Dewolfson .............................................................. 42, 67 Downtown Boone .................................................. 21, 31 Dutch Creek Trails .......................................................65 Echota ............................................................42, 79, 100 ES Interiors ..................................................................60 Family Billiards .....................................................42, 90 Flat Top Brewery .........................................................38 Foggy Pine Books.........................................................20 Foscoe Rentals .............................................................99 Fred’s General Mercantile ...........................................28 Gamekeeper .................................................................60 Grandfather Campground ...........................................66 Grandfather Mountain ................................................ 51 Grandfather Trout Farm .......................................42, 48 Grandfather Vineyard............................................ 42, 74 Green House Crafts .....................................................26 Green Park Inn ............................................................22 Hands of Light & Fire .................................................. 27 Happy Shack ................................................................68 Hawksnest ................................................................... 55 Hickory Furniture Mart.............................................. 80
While visiting the High Country grab a warm drink and be sure to also visit our great advertisers.
High Country Resort Rentals ......................................60 Home Acres Fine Furniture........................................ 33 In Your Home Furnishings............................................8 Incredible Toy Company .............................................32 Jefferson Landing ........................................................44 Jenkins Realtor ............................................................ 15 Jerald Melberg Gallery ................................................93 Jim’s Corner Furniture ................................................ 27 Jordon’s Guns and Ammo ...........................................34 Juice Boone..................................................................89 Kayes Kitchen ..............................................................88 Kincaid Furniture Outlet ............................................... 3 Lakeshore Resort and Marina ..................................... 19 Lazy Bear Lodge...........................................................65 Lees McRae College ...............................................38, 43 Libby’s .................................................................... 27, 69 Local, The............................................................... 21, 89 Los Arcoiris ..................................................................87 Lost Province ...............................................................20 Lucky Penny.................................................................20 Magic Cycles ................................................................20 Makotos Japanese & Sushi .......................................... 91 Martha Mae’s Emporium ............................................ 27 Mast Farm Inn .............................................................65 Mast General Store .................................................. 2, 65 Mountain Aire Golf ...................................................... 72 Mountain Aire Seafood & Steaks................................. 27 Mountain Dog .............................................................. 53 Mountain Home and Hearth .......................................43 Mountainside Lodge ....................................................65 Museum of Ashe County .............................................26 Mustard Seed ............................................................... 31 My Best Friends Barkery .............................................38 My Favorite Kitchen Things ........................................26 Mystery Hill ................................................................... 7 New River Building Supply ......................................... 75 Old World Galleries ..................................................... 21 Originals Only Gallery ................................................. 27 Over Yonder .................................................................65
Paramount ...................................................................98 Parker Tie.....................................................................26 Parkway Craft Center .................................................. 10 Pedalin’ Pig ..................................................................88 Peoples Furniture ........................................................34 Perry Gold Mine ..........................................................66 Pet Place....................................................................... 52 Proper ..........................................................................89 Rams Rack ...................................................................20 Red Onion ....................................................................87 Reinhart Fine Art ...........................................................9 Richmond Inn ..............................................................34 River Street Ale House ................................................ 21 Rivercross ..............................................................62, 65 Six Pence Pub...............................................................88 Skybest Security...........................................................29 Sorrento’s Bistro ..........................................................39 South West Trading Company ....................................34 Spice and Tea exchange ............................................... 91 Spruce Pine Main Street ..............................................34 Stonewalls ....................................................................38 Sugar Mountain Golf ...................................................50 SugarTop Resort ..........................................................63 Sunalei Preserve ..........................................................58 Tanner Doncaster ........................................................32 Tapp Room ..................................................................87 Taste Grill ....................................................................90 Tatum Galleries ..................................................... 42, 74 Taylor House Inn .........................................................65 The Chef’s Table ..........................................................39 Tis the Season ..............................................................26 Town of Seven Devils...................................................68 Tweetsie Railroad ........................................................44 Uptown Funk ...............................................................34 Watauga Fly Shop ........................................................49 Water Wheel Cafe ........................................................90 Westglow Resort & Spa ...............................................62 Woodlands BBQ ..........................................................89 Yamaha of Wilkesboro ................................................ 19
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