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TABLE OF CONTENTS ASU Football ......................................64 ASU Performing Arts .........................83 Advertising Index .............................105 Autumn in Oz .....................................72 Banner House Museum .....................76 The Blowing Rock .............................58 Blowing Rock Art & History Museum 82 Blue Ridge Parkway ..........................20 Calendar ...........................................100 Camping .............................................32 Caving ................................................52 Chambers of Commerce .....................6 Climbing .............................................60 Concerts ............................................84 Cycling ...............................................26 Disc Golf ............................................40 Equestrian Activities ..........................62 Farmers’ Markets ..............................96 Festivals .............................................78 Fishing ................................................18 Frescoes ...........................................99 Galleries ............................................88 General Stores ..................................98
Golf ....................................................38 Grandfather Mountain .......................68 Halloween ..........................................86 Hickory Ridge Homestead ...............74 High Country Host ...............................7 Hiking .................................................23 Leaf-looking .......................................16 Linn Cove Viaduct .............................22 Linville Caverns .................................51 Numbers of Note .................................5 Oktoberfest ........................................57 Parkway Craft Center ........................77 Pet-friendly Places ...........................44 Restaurants .......................................90 Sugar Mountain .................................43 Tailgating ............................................65 Theater ...............................................80 Towns of the High Country ..................8 Tweetsie Railroad ..............................66 Watersports .......................................28 Wineries .............................................92 Woolly Worm Festival ........................70 Ziplines ...............................................36
A black bear gets into the spirit of the season at Grandfather Mountain. Animals at Grandfather’s wildlife habitats are regularly treated to enrichment activities to add some diversity to their day. For more on Grandfather Mountain, see page 68. PHOTO SUBMITTED
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Fall in the High Country
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utumn time brings to the mountains a vibrant kaleidoscope of color, unmatched by anything you’ll find elsewhere. And then there are the
leaves. Although the fall tableau is nothing short of picturesque, the High Country teems with color year-round. Art, music, shopping and scenery contribute to our cultural color, and, while the palette changes with each season, the High Country’s distinctive sense of self remains intact. In this year’s Autumn Times, you’ll find features on everything that makes our area a boon for visitors and residents alike — outdoor activities, popular attractions, the arts, nightlife and more. And, since new events and things-to-do are always cropping up, visit a local newsstand and pick up a copy of The Mountain Times for up-to-date information on
what’s happening in the High Country. Till next time, Your friends at The Mountain Times
WATAUGA COUNTY Watauga County Sheriff’s Office (828) 264-3761 Boone Police Department (828) 268-6900 Blowing Rock Police Department (828) 295-5210 Appalachian Regional Healthcare System Police (828) 262-4168 Appalachian State University Police Department (828) 262-2150
ASHE COUNTY Ashe County Sheriff’s Office (336) 846-5633 Jefferson Police Department (336) 846-5529
West Jefferson Police Department (336) 246-9410
AVERY COUNTY Avery County Sheriff’s Office (828) 733-2071 Banner Elk Police Department (828) 898-4300 Elk Park Police Department (828) 733-9573 Newland Police Department (828) 733-2024 Seven Devils Police Department (828) 963-6760 Sugar Mountain Police Department (828) 898-4349 Beech Mountain Police Department (828) 387-2342
HEALTH CARE Watauga Medical Center (Boone) (828) 262-4100
2012 Autumn Times Staff Gene Fowler Jr. Publisher Frank Ruggiero Editor Charlie Price Advertising Director Johnny Hayes Layout Editor
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Blowing Rock Hospital (Blowing Rock) (828) 295-3136 Cannon Memorial Hospital (Linville) (828) 737-7000 Ashe Memorial Hospital (Jefferson) (336) 846-7101 FastMed Urgent Care (Boone) (828) 265-7146
ANIMAL CONTROL Watauga County Animal Control (828) 262-1672 Watauga Humane Society (828) 264-7865 Ashe County Animal Control (336) 982-4060 Avery County Humane Society (828) 733-2333 Animal Emergency & Pet Care Clinic of the High Country (828) 268-2833
Jennifer Canosa Graphics Manager Andy Gainey Circulation Manager Steve Behr, Michael Bragg, Jesse Campbell, Heather Canter, Jeff Eason, Matthew Hundley, Kellen Moore, Anna Oakes, Adam Orr, Jamie Shell, Karen Sabo, Sandy Shook and Kate Smith Writers Mark Mitchell, Deck Moser, Radd Nesbit, Lisa Randolph and Rick Tobin Sales Sarah Becky Hutchins, Meleah Petty and Kelsey Steller Graphics 474 Industrial Park Drive Boone, North Carolina 28607 (828) 264-6397 • mtfrontdesk@mountaintimes.com
www.mountaintimes.com A publication of Mountain Times Publications and Jones Media, Inc., Greeneville, Tenn.
On the front: A family enjoys a sack race at one of the High Country’s many fall festivals PHOTO BY SHERI MORETZ
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High Country Chambers of Commerce ASHE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Ashe County, home to the Jeffersons (West Jefferson and Jefferson, that is), is just about as far as you can go in the High Country before entering Southwestern Virginia. The county is considered, in many respects, “a step back in time” to the way the Appalachian Mountains used to be. The chamber can direct travelers through the scenic and sparsely populated area of Christmas tree farms and rugged mountain landscapes, while offering a wide selection of brochures and maps. 1 N. Jefferson Ave., Suite C P.O. Box 31 West Jefferson, N.C. 28694 (336) 846-9550 ashechamber@skybest.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 184. The center offers information on lodging, dining, attractions, shopping and other businesses in Avery County. The friendly, knowledgeable staff is on duty Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 4501 Tynecastle Highway, No. 2 Banner Elk, N.C. 28604 (828) 898-5605 chamber@averycounty.com www.averycounty.com
BANNER ELK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Located in the heart of town, the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce promotes the area as a unique place to live in, work and visit. Information on area lodging, dining, shopping and more is available Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and all the time by clicking to www.bannerelk. org. 100 W. Main St. Banner Elk, N.C. 28604 (828) 898-8395 bechamber@skybest.com www.bannerelk.org
BEECH MOUNTAIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Whether you’re looking for a North Carolina mountain vacation full of adventure, or just a few days to relax and breathe the fresh mountain air, Beech Mountain – at an elevation of 5,506 – will give your soul something to smile about. The area offers plenty of activities and attractions for the whole family to enjoy, but also plenty of peace and quiet for a relaxing and rejuvenating time. The Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce is here to help. Location & Mailing Address: 403-A Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, N.C. 28604 Phone: (828) 387-9283 or (800) 468-5506 E-mail: chamber@beechmtn.com Website: www.beechmountainchamber.com
BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Blowing Rock is considered one of the crown jewels of the Blue Ridge. Its chamber of commerce knows this tight-knit community as no one else, and its representatives are always willing to share this knowledge with visitors. Aside from general information, lists of camping and fishing sites, and brochures, the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce also has a generous stock of menus from the town’s many eateries. 132 Park Ave. Blowing Rock, N.C. 28605 (800) 295-7851 info@blowingrock.com www.blowingrockncchamber.com
BOONE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is one of the High Country’s most active, with both a dedicated membership and an overall commitment to the betterment of the area as both a vacation destination and business hub. Now at a new location in downtown Boone on King Street, the chamber is an ideal place to stop for information on area activities, brochures and maps of the community. 870 W. King St., Suite A, Boone, N.C. 28607 (828) 264-2225 info@boonechamber.com www.boonechamber.com
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The High Country Host Visitor Center is located on Blowing Rock Road in Boone, across from Burger King.
High Country Host
PHOTO BY KELLEN MOORE
Visitor center can answer questions and show you the way BY KELLEN MOORE
Whether it’s your first visit to the High Country or just your first this year, the High Country Host Visitor Center is an excellent first stop for anyone seeking tips and information. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is prepared to tackle any question, from the more common ones, such as, “Where can I find a choose-and-cut Christmas tree?” to less typical ones such as, “Where can I find a wedding chapel — for a ceremony today?” The visitor center, located at 1700 Blowing Rock Road in Boone, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The center was started in 1980, when local businesses and area tourism officials met during an economic downtown to combine forces and pool economic resources to market the area. The nonprofit center now serves those visiting Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga and Wilkes counties. It also promotes its member businesses through advertising projects.
Staff and friends of the High Country Host Visitor Center are poised to help visitors in any way they can. PHOTO BY KELLEN MOORE
The visitor center is chock-full of brochures, pamphlets and coupon books for local attractions. Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled family vacation or a romantic mountain getaway for two, the visitor center can help point you to the right accommodations, dining and activities to suit your fancy. The High Country Host also produces the “North Carolina’s High Country
Mountain Vacation Planner.” The planner has a list of all members and is distributed across the U.S. and Canada, with some international mailings. In fact, in 2010-11, the organization printed and distributed 125,000 of the guides, which include local arts and entertainment, lodging, sports and family fun. You guessed it: Among the most common requests taken at the visitor center is
for directions. “People come to the area, and they want a map,” High Country Host’s Loraine Tyrie said. “They have GPS, but they don’t always work up here.” The center can offer maps, as well as plenty of staff members who can help show the way, including J.P. Greene of Bethel. “I’ve gotten where I can’t read this map right side up,” Greene joked from behind the counter at the visitor center. For those who prefer the technological approach, oodles of information can be found online at highcountryhost.com. The website has lists of accommodations, attractions, dining, recreational opportunities, shopping and more. For more information, stop by the High Country Host Visitor Center at 1700 Blowing Rock Road in Boone (next to KFC) or call (828) 264-1299. High Country Host Visitor Center 1700 Blowing Rock Road Boone, N.C. 28607 (828) 264-1299 www.highcountryhost.com
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The town of Boone provides the heartbeat of Watauga County, the bustling and animated spot where residents, students and visitors intermingle. The town is home to Appalachian State University, originally a teachers’ college that now attracts about 17,000 students for all types of studies. Make sure to wear your black and gold apparel to cheer on the ASU football team in the fall. The Mountaineers are best known for their three consecutive Division I national championships and a stunning upset of Michigan at Ann Arbor in 2007, but they provide a great show each and every year. Adjacent to the university, downtown Boone has dozens of restaurants, shops and galleries located near King Street. You can browse for antiques, explore the history of Boone Drug or grab a handful of sweets from the Candy Barrel inside
Mast General Store. A life-size sculpture of the late Doc Watson, legendary bluegrass picker, sits at the corner of King and Depot streets. The sculpture honors one of Boone’s prized gems who, despite nearly lifelong blindness, has become one of the most talented and prolific musicians the genre can offer. Watson died May 29, 2012. Follow the brilliant color of the changing leaves to the front steps of the Jones House, built in 1908. The house was donated to the town in the early 1980s and today houses art galleries and community functions. Boone is a town where old and new meet, and visitors are made to feel like part of the family.
Blowing Rock
Stepping into Blowing Rock is like stepping into a storybook village. The small town has a population of about 1,241 that expands exponentially
Area resident Pete Washburn sits by the Doc Watson statue in downtown Boone. FILE PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM
Blowing Rock is named after the Blowing Rock), a legendary and gravity-defying attraction just outside the downtown limits. FILE PHOTO
as tourists flock to the area, especially in summer and fall. Downtown Blowing Rock is the primary gathering space, where local government, independent businesses, churches and an elementary school come together to give the town its charm. Despite the town’s luxury and sophistication, it’s an inherently family-friendly place. Memorial Park sits prominently in the heart of town, offering playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, a gazebo and benches the entire family can enjoy. New to the Main Street scene this autumn is the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, which opened Oct. 1, 2011. The gorgeous new building, located at the end of the street next to Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, offers exhibits, classes, music and activities for both youth and adults. As you walk through town, see if you can pick out facets that resemble Jan Karon’s “Mitford” series; the fictional books were based on the people and places of Blowing Rock. The town’s namesake is located off U.S. 321 near the border of Caldwell County. The Blowing Rock attraction overlooks John’s River Gorge and explains the Native American legend that provided its name. When the family is exhausted from all the walking, talking, shopping and eating Blowing Rock can provide, view the changing leaves during a leisurely stroll along the carriage trails of Moses H.
Cone Memorial Park.
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, 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
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The Todd community straddles the Watauga and Ashe county line. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
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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.
Todd
Todd is a town so nice it’s claimed by both Watauga and Ashe counties.
The community’s main drag, Railroad Grade Road, is popular with bicyclists and walking tours as it winds along with the New River, one of the few in the world that flows north. The Todd General Store is an oldfashioned mercantile that dates back to 1914 and was built in anticipation of the Norfolk and Western “Virginia Creeper” railroad. Todd was the last stop of the route and got much of its supplies from the train. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
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The town of Seven Devils, nestled between Boone and Banner Elk, boasts panoramic vistas that highlight the High Country autumn. PHOTO SUBMITTED
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Today, the store offers dinner, bluegrass, book signings and demonstrations several evenings each week. The Todd Mercantile features the work of local artists and crafters, as well as mountain honey and other local goods. The “Todd Mahal Bakery” serves fresh delights to satisfy the sweet tooth, and the
mercantile also hosts monthly square and contra dances, with traditional mountain music by local performers. The annual Todd New River Festival, set for October, will provide about eight musical performances, children’s activities and food. The river itself provides plenty to do, from canoeing and kayaking to excellent fishing. Several companies, including RiverGirl Fishing Company and Wahoo’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
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Adventures, have outposts near Todd to provide gear and instruction for anyone interested in hitting the river.
Seven Devils
From elevations of some 5,200 feet, the town of Seven Devils straddles both Watauga and Avery counties. From many areas in the town, one has views of Grandfather Mountain, as well as Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Rich Mountain and Mount Rogers in Virginia. Seven Devils is just a few minutes from Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and Valle Crucis and can be found off N.C. 105. One of the smaller towns in the region, it does have an active town government. There is a full-time public safety department that attends to the needs of citizens and visitors and now has six full-time police officers who also serve as firefighters. A full-time public works department tends to streets, common areas and the water system, providing a full complement of services. Seven Devils began life in the 1960s as
THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE 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,’” according to the website. 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,
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Hawksnest has become one of the town’s centerpieces. Among the attractions at Hawksnest (www.hawksnest-resort.com), a private entity, is snow tubing in the winter and ziplines at other times. For more information and events at Seven Devils, visit www.townofsevendevils.org.
AVERY COUNTY Banner Elk
Nestled in a spectacular mountain valley, Banner Elk has attracted visitors since the 1840s. At that time, it was called Banner’s Elk, a name you still hear among some older residents. The town got its name from an elk, reputedly one of the last in the state, that was killed by a local hunter. A college town, Banner Elk is home to Lees-McRae College. A visit to the college is well worth the time. The old stone buildings are picturesque, as is the campus itself. Lees-McRae’s Hayes Auditorium hosts a wide variety of entertainment programs throughout the year. Banner Elk is a town of wonderful shops and restaurants, all run by some of CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
Banner Elk has attracted visitors since the 1840s, when it was called Banner’s Elk. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
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A couple takes in the sights of Sugar Mountain from a chairlift ride to Sugar Mountain Resort’s peak. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
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the nicest people you’ll meet anywhere. You will discover a unique blend of highclass and rustic existing happily side-byside. Spectacular is hardly adequate to describe the setting of the town. The early settlers didn’t believe in living on moun-
tainsides; they looked for valleys. Banner Elk’s valley cuts through lofty peaks on every side: Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain and Grandfather Mountain essentially define the boundaries. Autumn in Banner Elk means the annual Woolly Worm Festival, held every third weekend in October downtown. Tens of thousands visit the festival as woolly worms race and one lucky worm owner can win $1,000, plus have his or
her worm used to predict the coming winter weather in the High Country. If so far you are only a summer visitor to the mountains, you need to come back to Banner Elk in the winter. The town is conveniently located between two of the area’s three ski resorts, Ski Beech and Sugar Mountain. Even if you don’t ski, the mountains are often snow-covered, providing a beautiful natural element adding to Banner Elk’s beauty. Finally, Banner Elk makes an excellent base for folks who want to explore the natural wonders of Avery County. It’s not far to Roan Mountain, Grandfather Mountain or Linville Falls. For more information, call the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce at (828) 8988395, or the Avery County Chamber of Commerce at (828) 898-5605.
Beech Mountain
Picturesque downtown Boone is home to mountains of shops, restaurants and community events. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
Beech Mountain is the highest town in eastern North America. With an elevation boasting 5,506 feet, that means two things: When winter comes it’s a haven for ski enthusiasts, and during the autumn season it means cooler temperatures and some of the most beautiful views to see the wonderful colors of fall across the High Country. The rest of the world seems distant when you settle down on the front porch of a rental condominium and survey the magnificent view that is one of Beech
Mountain’s trademarks. As the heat of summer transforms into cool autumn nights, it sends you looking for a sweater and perhaps firewood to enjoy a warm evening by the fireplace. 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. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
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The Avery County Courthouse sits in Newland. FILE PHOTO
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For more information, call the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce at (828) 387-9283.
Crossnore
Crossnore is a town steeped in educational history. The town is home to Crossnore Academy, founded by Drs. Eustace and Mary Martin Sloop. The Sloops traveled the steep dirt trails in isolated mountain valleys to bring medicine to the people and convince farmers to let their children come to school. Because of poverty and distance, the Sloop school in Crossnore eventually took in boarders and built dormitories to accommodate them. It gained a national reputation for effectiveness in changing lives and in breaking the cycle of poverty, moonshine and child marriages of mountain families. Mrs. Sloop eventually put these tales to paper in her autobiography “Miracle in the Hills,” which has since been used as the basis for a drama of the same name that takes place each summer in presentday Crossnore. The Sloops built a school, hospital, dental clinic and eventually, a boarding school to give children the basis for an improved life. They brought to Avery County the first electricity, telephone,
paved road and boarding school. Through the Sloops’ advocacy, public schools flourished in Avery County. Today, Crossnore Academy carries on the work of the original school and has reclaimed the educational foundation beneath its commitment to give hurting children a chance for a better life. The school’s teachers enable it to meet not only the special needs of Crossnore residents, but also the needs of area students that 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, WiFi and more. Crossnore is famous for its Independence Day parade and celebration, and the town’s Meeting House is home to the Crossnore Jam, a series of gatherings and concerts by local musicians on the first and third Friday night through the summer and fall months. For more information, visit www. crossnorenc.com.
Sugar Mountain
If outdoor activity is your thing, look no further than the village of Sugar Mountain. Offering more than just great skiing, Sugar Mountain also provides its visitors with an array of ways to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the High Country.
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Crossnore is home to The Crossnore School, which operates the Miracle Grounds Coffee Cafe & Creamery as a working vocational classroom. PHOTO SUBMITTED
If a drive to the top of the mountain’s 5,300-foot peak isn’t what you’re looking for, Sugar Mountain can also be seen on foot. With numerous trails that wind throughout the village, you can see the vibrant reds and yellows of fall. The trails of Sugar Mountain are not just for those on foot. Many bikers choose the village of Sugar Mountain for its variety of challenging and picturesque terrain. Sugar Mountain also gives tennis and golf lovers an opportunity to enjoy their favorite sports in the beautiful mountain setting. The changing of colors on the golf course at Sugar is truly a sight to behold. The course, in addition to six fast-dry clay courts and full service tennis pro shop, ensures that visitors will never be faced with the problem of finding something to do. Autumn’s colors signals that the snow and excellent skiing at Sugar are just around the corner, with a plethora of slopes and accommodations for visitors during ski season and year-round. For more information, call the Avery County Chamber of Commerce at (828) 898-5605.
Newland
Surrounded by renowned attractions and resorts, the town of Newland also attracts visitors, but in an unassuming fashion. This small municipality of about 700
residents has been the county seat since Avery County was formed in 1911, beating out three other areas for the honor. Newland has the distinction of being the highest county seat east of the Mississippi River. The traditional courthouse, recently renovated, was constructed in 1913 and overlooks an equally classic town square, bordered by shops and churches and complete with a memorial to Avery County residents who served our country. Next to the courthouse, and also built in 1913, is the original jail, now the site of the Avery Historical Museum. Permanent exhibits at the museum include the original jail cells, numerous artifacts and information about the history of North Carolina’s youngest county. For more information, call the Avery County Chamber of Commerce at (828) 898-5605.
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
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gize the local arts and business scenes. Along with a few quaint and charming shops, the town also offers the scenic Virginia Creeper biking trail and leisurely strolls in the town’s park.
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for the old East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad and Tweetsie Railroad. Elk Park thrived due to the industry and remained vibrant after the trains stopped running through town. For more information, call Elk Park Town Hall at (828) 733-9573.
Laurel Springs
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 killed by Cherokees in 1766. West Jefferson features a thriving art scene and is home to several downtown East Tennessee and Western North murals. Carolina Railroad (ET&WNC) passed FILE PHOTO through the community from 1916 are perfect for an in-town picnic. through 1940, when a major flood They are classic small towns with warm, West Jefferson’s downtown district friendly people. washed away the tracks. The old rail is busy and active, with old stores still Jefferson was the first to be founded route later became N.C. 105 in 1956. standing and packed with unique and dyand is the oldest incorporated town in Linville has three country clubs in the namic shopping, offering everything from the High Country. It started in 1800 as area: Linville Golf Course, Grandfather real estate to art to coffee to clothing. the county seat for Ashe, which the N.C. Golf and Country Club and Linville The visitor center, operated by the Ashe General Assembly established the year Ridge; all open late spring to early fall. before. The new town stood near the base Chamber of Commerce, offers answers Eseeola Lodge is also a popular destinaand a wide selection of literature. of Mount Jefferson, both bearing the tion for golf and lodging during the sumWest Jefferson is home to the Ashe name of U.S. founding father Thomas mer months. County Cheese Plant and Store where Jefferson. A number of local tourist areas within visitors can see cheese made and purEven as the population of Ashe County a short drive share the Linville name, chase butter, a variety of cheeses and grew, Jefferson remained a quiet place, including the Linville River and majestic other goodies. with relatively few homes and a courtLinville Falls, Linville Caverns on N.C. The Jeffersons are also the gateway to house. 221 and Linville Gorge wilderness area. two state parks. Mount Jefferson State Then the railroad came. Overnight, For visitors considering making Linville Park is located just off U.S. 221. To the boom towns like Lansing and Todd blosa part-time or full-time home, they can north of Jefferson are access areas for somed. Logging meant work, and money visit Linville Land Harbor, where units was relatively plentiful. All that, however, New River State Park. are available for sale or rent in a cozy Just south of West Jefferson, near the bypassed the town of Jefferson. In 1917, a community featuring its own golf course Beaver Creek community, is St. Mary’s group of investors founded West Jefferand amenities. A number of residents reEpiscopal Church. This is the home of the side at Land Harbor part-time, while oth- son, located southwest of Jefferson, and famous fresco of Jesus on the cross by ers stay year-round to enjoy the beauty of attracted the railroad. renowned artist Ben Long. A painting of Jefferson fell into immediate decline, the area’s four seasons. the Madonna pregnant with Jesus hangs with West Jefferson becoming the Perhaps the most popular tourist aton the sanctuary wall. traction housed in Linville is Grandfather economic center of the county, although Todd, a major railroad hub, was larger. Mountain. One of the newest among Eventually, the railroad left, and LanNorth Carolina’s state parks, Grandfather Mountain offers hiking trails, picturesque sing, Todd and all other rail towns shrank considerably. Fortunately, roads came views during all four seasons, animal Steeped in generations of mountain to the Jeffersons, allowing both towns to habitats and attractions and the famous history and culture, Lansing is known for prosper. Mile-High Swinging Bridge. far more than just being the only townToday, the towns have differences and ship in the county to have a single traffic similarities. The old courthouse and light. surrounding buildings in Jefferson are Although the pace of life in the town of the center of county government, and a 150 has slowed down with the departure shopping center is located there, offerof the Norfolk and Western Railroad ing retail stories and services. The idyllic companies, Lansing has resurged with a The cities of Jefferson and West JefAshe County Park and Foster-Tyson Park new revitalization effort geared to enerferson can be found in Ashe County.
ASHE COUNTY The Jeffersons
PAGE 15
Lansing
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 they continue their adventure on the scenic byway. Although it is located at the top of the mountain and touches Wilkes, Alleghany and Ashe counties, Laurel Springs is never more than a 30-minute drive from the listed county seats.
Grassy Creek
Just south of the North Carolina/Virginia 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 exquisite dinners.
Glendale Springs
Home of the breath-taking and aweinspiring fresco paintings by Ben Long at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Glendale Springs has become revered for its budding arts scene and with the addition of the Florence Thomas Art School, the community has become a must for anyone visiting Ashe County.
Creston
Located in the northwestern corner of Ashe County, Creston sits on the border of Tennessee. The curvy winding roads can offer travelers some of the most beautiful scenic byways in the area. The Riverview Community Center is located off of N.C. 88 West in Creston and is home to festivals and other events all year long. Worth’s Chapel at Creston United Methodist Church is located in Creston, and was listed as a National Historic Building 2005. The chapel was built around 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.
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
2012
The view from the far side of the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain
Fall Colors BY KELLEN MOORE
In autumn, there’s one thing that keeps the locals here and the visitors coming back: the changing leaves. But just because you’ve seen one leaf season doesn’t mean you’ve seen them all. Building the perfect fall color palate is
PHOTO COURTESY OF HELEN MOSS DAVIS | GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN
Leaf-looking in the High Country
part art and part science, a recipe concocted anew each year. Few understand that secret recipe as well as Prof. Howard Neufeld of Appalachian State University. Technically a professor of plant physiology, Neufeld also has earned the moniker of “The Fall Color Guy.”
January 1, 2012, Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute-Boone became The Cardiology Center of ARHS.
He operates a website at biology. appstate.edu/fall-colors that includes a foliage facts, explanations of why the plants do what they do and weekly fall color reports. For the 2012 leaf season, several factors are in viewers’ favor, Neufeld said. For one, a lack of drought in spring and
summer bodes well for a good season, since drought causes trees to lose leaves early and under-develop their colors. “However, since we have never had such a warm year preceding a fall, we are in unchartered territory when it comes to predicting how the fall colors will be this
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2012
THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
PAGE 17
Hawksbill and Table Mountain
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN
FALL COLORS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16
year,” Neufeld said in late August. But the keys to a particularly spectacular leaf season are sunny days and cool temperatures starting in late August, Neufeld said. At the start of September, the High Country was firing on both cylinders. What’s also unclear is whether the summer’s early bloom will translate into an early switch to fall color, as well, he said. How long the colors stay vibrant also is up to Mother Nature. Cloudy and warm days or severe drought reduces the sugar levels in the deciduous trees, limiting the tree’s ability to synthesize anthocyanins, Neufeld said. In layman’s terms, that means duller reds and a shift to more oranges and yellows. In Watauga County, at elevations of 3,300 feet to 4,000 feet, expect the “peak” of fall colors in mid-October. The lower the elevation, the later the “peak.” While it’s hard to find a bad place to view the autumn leaves, some spots are better than others. Here are a few of our favorite leaf-looking destinations:
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
A crimson maple in MacRae Meadows at Grandfather Mountain.
It goes without saying that the Parkway is a leaf-lookers paradise. Try driving south from Blowing Rock for grand gorges and vistas, or head north from Boone into Ashe County for rolling hillsides punctuated by split-rail fences.
includes a 1.9-mile trail to the summit, which offers stunning views from both sides at an elevation of about 5,520 feet.
ELK KNOB STATE PARK
Howard’s Knob, which looms over the town of Boone, helps put the town in perspective. Surrounded by dense
Elk Knob State Park, one of the state’s newest parks,
HOWARD’S KNOB
forest, Boone and Appalachian State University appear miniature from the rock outcroppings. The park also has a covered picnic area. Mount Jefferson: Mount Jefferson State Natural Area rises to more than 1,600 feet above the town of West Jefferson, and sightseers can spot farms, pastures and forests on a clear autumn day.
PAGE 18
THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
2012
Get on the Water Fishing in the High Country
Before handling fish, wet your hands to protect their mucous coating, which protects them from waterborne bacteria. PHOTO BY KELLEN MOORE BY ADAM ORR
The northwest corner of North Carolina is home to miles of rivers and streams, three species of elusive trout, and hard hitting smallmouth bass – and crisp autumn days are a great opportunity to catch them. “Anywhere you see a stream, if it’s more than about three-feet wide, its got trout in it,” said Kelly McCoy, owner of RiverGirl Fishing Company in Todd. The New and Watauga rivers offer anglers a shot at virtually anything swimming in the High Country, though hardbattling smallmouth bass are especially abundant in the New River. Thanks to a special stocking program, anglers also have a shot at giant muskellunge in certain stretches of the New River. These hard-pulling apex predators have a mouth full of teeth and are considered especially elusive in North Carolina waters because their numbers are so few. Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties all offer anglers miles of statehatchery supported waters to try their luck, though anglers should be respectful as many streams open for public trout fishing are located on private lands. According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, “Fishing is allowed on these streams because landowners have generously provided
The New River in Ashe County is one of the oldest rivers in the world, and a prime spot for fall smallmouth bass and trout. PHOTO SUBMITTED
AREA OUTFITTERS Appalachian Angler 174 Old Shull’s Mill Road Boone (828) 963-5050 www.appangler.com Elk Creek Outfitters 1560 N.C. 105 Boone (828) 264-6497 www.ecoflyfishing.com Foscoe Fishing Co. & Outfitters 8857 N.C. 105
access to the public for fishing. Show your appreciation to these landowners by removing your trash and being respectful of their property.”
Boone (828) 963-6556 www.foscoefishing.com RiverGirl Fishing Co. 4041 Railroad Grade Road Todd (336) 877-3099 www.rivergirlfishing.com Grandfather Trout Farm 10767 N.C. 105 Banner Elk (828) 963-5098
For a different challenge, Alleghany and Watauga counties, and especially Avery County, offer miles of colder, higher elevation wild trout waters that native
www.grandfathertroutfarm.com Rick’s Smallmouth Adventures 1757 Pleasant Home Road Sparta (336) 372-8321 www.fishthenew.com Watauga River Anglers 5712 N.C. 105 South Boone (828) 963-5463 www.wataugariveranglers.com
brook trout call home. For those too young to appreciate fly-fishing, local farm ponds offer an CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
2012
FISHING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18
enjoyable fishing experience, including Grandfather Trout Farm, located in Banner Elk. The pond offers free equipment, tackle and bait and is geared toward families with children. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources commission provides fishermen information on where to fish and what’s available to catch, as well as state laws and regulations, seasons and limits, and hatchery stocking schedules, as well as state fishing records for the truly ambitious at
PAGE 19
www.ncwildlife.org/fishing.aspx. In order to fish North Carolina waters, you need a state fishing license, which you can purchase at any of the local fishing outfitters. A 10-day license costs $5 for North Carolina residents and $10 for out-of-state visitors. For an additional $10, you can add a trout stamp to the license. Before you head to the river, be sure to pick up a copy of the state regulations concerning trout streams. Pay close attention before hitting the water, as trout regulations can be complex and can vary from stream to stream and can result in hefty fines of more than $200.
Catch and release tips •
Use barbless hooks and, if you use a net, choose one made of rubber that is less harmful to fish scales, eyes, and gills.
•
Before handling fish, wet your hands to protect their mucous coating, which protects them from waterborne bacteria.
•
If at all possible, leave the fish in the water but, if you have to remove the fish from the stream, be quick and gentle, and don’t squeeze the fish.
•
When releasing a fish, hold it under the belly and point the fish facing the current. Be patient and give the fish the time it needs to recover and swim away on its own.
A mountain bass is one of the High Country’s many aquatic residents. PHOTO BY KELLEN MOORE
PAGE 20
THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
2012
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers some of the most picturesque views in the High Country.
PHOTOS BY KATE SMITH
Blue Ridge Parkway: Share the Journey BY KATE SMITH
Sunlight bumbles through maple leaves, making stained glass patterns on the gravel trail. Dogwood leaves are turning a mulberry color and the tips of black-eyed Susans are reddening. The Blue Ridge Parkway trails at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park feel like they trace the mountain’s silvery lip, with a goldenrod bowed cliff below and the shadow of the mountain above. The Moses H. Cone stop on the Parkway is one of hundreds. The Parkway spans 469 miles, from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Along the way, the speed limit
does not exceed 45 mph, and there are convenient exits to Waynesboro, Roanoke and Galax in Virginia and Boone and Asheville in North Carolina. Begun 77 years ago in 1935, the Blue Ridge Parkway was the longest road ever designed as a single unit. It was begun as a facet of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, the plan of work projects meant to soften the Great Depression’s impact. The 52 years of construction were completed with an architectural feat and 11 design awards for the Linn Cove Viaduct, a bridge that skirts along the fragile Grandfather Mountain instead of the traditional cut-and-fill road construction.
Now, the Parkway has been named National Scenic Byway and All-American Road. It is the most visited unit in the U.S. National Park System and will be depicted on North Carolina’s version of America the Beautiful Quarter in 2015. “The most rewarding part of the Parkway is really feeling like a part of nature,” ranger Amy Ranfranz said. “I get to see it all change over the year, and I realized my interests. I really love wildflowers, and I’m always looking for new spots where they grow.” Ranger Sydni Wilson added “You can also watch the bird migration patterns. For me, I love animals, and the other night I
watched two ducks fighting over food in the river, and it was just beautiful.” Though the two interpretive park guides cover 12 miles of the Parkway everyday, they assure that the same familiarity with nature can be found in a single trail hike. Gnarly trees twist like crossed knees. Rabbits, whitetail deer, squirrel and ravens are commonly skirting across the trails. An occasional fox, turkey and bear have been seen. Seventy-four different mammals, more than 40 amphibians and 35 reptiles are known to settle on Parkway land. “Just remember that you’re coming
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2012
PARKWAY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20
into their home, so treat it properly,” Wilson said. To sink more deeply into nature, the Parkway offers nine campgrounds for $16 a night. Fishing with a North Carolina or Virginia state license is allowed in one of 13 lakes. Though bicycles are not allowed on trails or walkways, many have biked the length of the Parkway road, with wild and satisfying memories. “It’s easy for people to choose what they want to do,” Renfranz said. “It’s the ease of access that makes Cone Park so special. There’s something for everyone and right outside of town you get to see so much beauty.” But every visitor of a Parkway stop has emerged with their bit of “trail magic” or a treasured spot of memory. Spots are as diverse as the easy James River canal locks in Virginia to a threemile moderate hike at Flat Top Moun-
Daniel Wake skips stones on Bass Lake.
THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE tain. There are crowded waterfalls, like Linville Falls, and still lookouts like Crabtree Falls. Educational opportunities are as simple as a request of a ranger or as complex as a tour through a historical memorial or a campfire hike. There is no formula to crafting a maximum parkway experience, Renfranz said. “Really, just be truthful with yourself about your hiking ability. As long as you’re not hating the trail because it’s too easy or too hard, you’re going to find something that you love.” Not only is the Blue Ridge Parkway a haven of royal colors during the fall, it also hosts several events like music programs, guided hikes and shows. To view a list of events by month, visit nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/ events.htm. To learn more, visit blueridgeparkway.org. To donate to the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit brpfoundation.org. To volunteer with tree planting or trail building, visit blueridgefriends.org.
Riders take their horses for a trot on the Bass Lake Trail.
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
2012
Linn Cove Viaduct turns 25
The Linn Cove Viaduct, an engineering marvel that bridged the final gap in the Blue Ridge Parkway, is about to turn 25. The elevated, S-shaped bridge officially opened Sept. 11, 1987, with a ceremonial dedication. Perched on the shoulder of Grandfather Mountain about 10 miles outside Boone, the viaduct brought completion to the 469-mile parkway across North Carolina and Virginia. Now a quarter century later, the Linn Cove Viaduct has become one of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s quintessential images, seen on everything from car commercials to postcards to road maps from the N.C. Department of Transportation. The viaduct still startles motorists as it leaps away from the mountain and soars within feet of rocks and trees, all the while offering unobstructed views to the Carolina Piedmont. “Our goal for this bridge,� said Gary Johnson, a now-retired parkway landscape architect who worked on the 10.5-mile Grandfather Mountain section, “was to have it look like it had been there
for a century — to look like it had almost grown out of the mountain.� The complex, 1,243-foot balcony cost $8,000 per foot. It was built with 153 segments weighing 50 tons apiece. Each was lowered out over the elongating end of the viaduct, epoxied into place and secured with internal cables. The American Society of Civil Engineers awarded the viaduct its Civil Engineering Achievement of Merit. “Looking back, we never realized how iconic this part of the parkway would become,� Johnson said. “Sometimes things just happen when they’re ready. This part of the parkway almost seems predestined to have turned out for the best.� During the years, the viaduct has become a tourist attraction in its own right. Folks park at the Linn Cove Visitor Center (parkway milepost 304.4) and hike the rugged half-mile Tanawha Trail for postcard views of the viaduct. There’s also a shorter, paved path that allows people to look up from beneath the hightech bridge.
“The Blue Ridge Parkway is always a highlight of any visit to the Boone area,� said Wright Tilley, executive director of the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority. “And we expect the Sept. 11 birthday of the Grandfather Mountain section to attract even more visitors to
one of the very best parts of the parkway.� For more information on this section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, along with information about trails that provide the best views of the viaduct, visit www. exploreboonearea.com.
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
2012
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Take a Hike...
...in the High Country
BY JESSE CAMPBELL
Opportunities for exhilarating and crisp hikes in the High Country are almost as endless as the chances to see beautiful cascades of fall foliage. In Ashe County, Mt. Jefferson offers casual hikers well-maintained trail ways that circumvent the mountain’s summit, while offering splendid views of the surrounding valleys and townships. The Blue Ridge Mountains can also be seen from this system of trails that sits 1,600 feet in the clear skies of western North Carolina. The mountain is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in September and October and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in November through December. Weather conditions on the mountain can differ from the townships that sit at the foot of Mt. Jefferson, so prepare for cooler conditions by bringing a light jacket and, of course, hiking boots. Also, please heed to warning and cau-
tion signs at the park and adhere to the advice of park rangers in not venturing too close to overlooks and cliffs, as these can pose immediate danger. The Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs in the southern section of Ashe County, harnesses the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains with miles upon miles of fall scenery, and a trail system with varying levels of difficulty at numerous overlooks and entrances. From the Cascades to the Mountains to Sea trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers off-road excursions to quench the adventurous thirst of any hiker. Like with any outdoors activity in the High Country that does not provide constant supervision, please proceed with caution and be wary of steep trails that might have loose footing or slippery surface areas. If you are unfamiliar with the region, it CONTINUED ON PAGE 35
The Mountains to Sea Trail, which has sections that run near the Blue Ridge Parkway, is a prime trail system for hiking in the area. FILE PHOTO
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
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BOONE
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2012
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
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2012
Cyclists flock to High Country for cooler rides, scenic views
BY MICHAEL BRAGG
Views from a bicycle on the Blue Ridge Parkway are breathtaking enough, but are entirely different during the fall. “Fall is probably the best time for riders to ride their favorite trails in the High Country,” Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park’s Kristian Jackson said. “Temperatures are pleasant, trails are often in great shape and the fall colors are stunning.” And whether the cyclist prefers road cycling or mountain biking, there’s something suited for everyone. “Road cycling to me is primo in fall and spring, because summer is a lot busier, there’s more traffic on the road, and the chance of thunderstorms are greater in the afternoon,” Boone Bike co-owner Sarah Brown said. “But once you hit the fall, you get weather that’s dry, cool and – once the leaves start dropping – your views on the road ... are gorgeous.” Cycling in the High Country is one of
A cyclist hits the trails at Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park near Boone.
FILE PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM
the reasons that Reid Beloni, Magic Cycles mechanic and sales employee, came to the area, as well as to get involved with Appalachian State University’s cycling
team. “This area is a great place to explore, and the bike is one of the best ways to see the area,” he said. “When you’re driving
in a car, you only get a certain amount of time to experience each view that’s around you, and then running you might
CONTINUED ON PAGE 27
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2012
THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
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CYCLISTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26
get a lot of time to see stuff that’s by you, but I think cycling is the perfect mix of being able to explore a lot of area and … see it at a pace that you can take in the natural beauty of what’s going on around you.” Compared to the weather conditions of the other three seasons, Beloni said that autumn has some of the most optimal conditions for a cyclist in the High Country. “It’s great scenery, it’s great temperatures and great weather in the fall,” he said. “You don’t have those afternoon thunderstorms beating you down, and you don’t have spring snow that still sticks on the roads. I think it’s a good mix of all the natural beauty in the area. It’s great weather.” But other than the scenic and expansive landscapes road cycling tends to offer, offroad mountain biking is a viable option in this area. Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park lies a few miles south of downtown Boone and is comprised of eight miles of trail, with sections marked detailing difficulty on a one-to-five “Chili Pepper rating system” to show how “spicy” or difficult it is. “The more peppers, the more spice ... greater difficulty and more consequence,” Jackson said. “Start with the less spicy and work up instead of jumping on the five-chili feature first.” For those seeking atltitude, Beech Mountain presents its Adventure Trail Park, a network of trails on both public and private lands, including single track, double track, technical downhill runs, free ride areas, fire roads and old unmaintained gravel roads — all designed by hikers, cyclists and trail runners. For cyclists, the park offers more than six miles of single track — the East Coast’s highest single track cross country trail network. No matter what terrain the bike tires ride on, safety – especially wearing a helmet – is paramount. “Check yourself before you wreck yourself,” Jackson said. “Wear your safety gear, and stay hydrated.” More information on Rocky Knob can be found at www.rockyknob.wordpress. com. For more information on Boone Bike and Magic Cycles, visit www.boonebike. com and www.magiccycles.com, respectively. For more information on the Beech Mountain Adventure Trail Park, visit www.bikebeechmountain.com.
Noah Niwinski participates in one of the several road races around the High Country.
PHOTO BY HELEN MOSS HOPPER
SAFETY ADVICE Kristian Jackson: “Wear a helmet. Rocky Knob is very rocky. Riding without a helmet is incredibly dangerous. Look before you leap. Check out all the features before you attempt to ride them. Watch others but make your own decision on what trails and features are right for you. Check yourself before you wreck yourself. Make sure your bike is up to the ride. Check the features. That jump you hit last week may have changed. Wear your safety gear, and stay hydrated.” Reid Beloni: “Well, obviously, wear a helmet. In Boone, there is a helmet ordinance, so whether you want to do that for safety or just to avoid getting a ticket, having a helmet on is the first thing. I think that we ride on some pretty quiet roads, so sometimes you forget that there’s also cars on those roads, so it’s important to pay attention where you are riding and pay close attention to cars. We have to share the road. It’s a responsibility of cyclists to ride and take a safe amount of road for themselves and also for cars to pass when it’s safe.” Sarah Brown: “Make sure your brakes are working and that your wheels are true. Air pressure is super important. Check that your chain is lubed.”
Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park has trails for varying skill levels. FILE PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.COM
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Fall into Watersports
2012
Explore the High Country from the water
BY KELLEN MOORE
Think hitting the water is solely for summer? Think again. Exploring the High Country by waterway doesn’t end when the calendar turns to September. Although whitewater rafting and tubing start to slow in the fall, other aquatic adventures are still floating on. Canoeing and kayaking on the New River stay popular well into autumn, said Jeff Stanley, owner of Wahoo’s Adventures. “It’s the best way to possibly see the leaf colors,” Stanley said. Both are also possible at Price Lake, located off the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 296. The lake provides an excellent view of unspoiled natural beauty alongside wildlife, such as fish, herons, bullfrogs and more. Those who are looking to prolong their river adventures can consider a multi-day camping and canoeing trip. The New River in Ashe County offers excellent overnight accommodations at New River State Park for a low cost. Best of all, anyone who arrives at the campsites by boat will not be turned away, even if the designated sites are full. Don’t have a boat? Have no fear. Local outfitters are ready to help. Some companies also offer hiking, rock climbing, caving and other trips.
A kayaker enjoys the New River in Ashe County. PHOTO BY KELLEN MOORE
CONTINUED ON PAGE 29
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
PAGE 29
The New River in Ashe County beckons many a kayaker. PHOTO BY KELLEN MOORE
WATER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28
For those who prefer motor power to manpower, pontoon and ski boat rentals are just a short drive away at Watauga Lake in Tennessee. Those who are used to the summertime rush might find the serenity of the fall more to their liking. Sightings of deer, bears or eagles aren’t out of the question near the lake. “It seems like after Labor Day it does slow down, which makes the lake not as crowded and really more enjoyable,” said Von Luther, an employee of Lakeshore Resort.
Price Lake offers opportunities for fishing, boating, canoeing and more, such as a 2.3-mile hiking trail around the lake. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
River Outfitters EDGE OF THE WORLD 364 Shawneehaw Ave. Banner Elk, N.C. 28604 (828) 898-9550 www.edgeoworld.com
HIGH MOUNTAIN EXPEDITIONS 1380 N.C. 105 Boone, N.C. 28607 (828) 264-7368 www.highmountainexpeditions.com
RIVER & EARTH ADVENTURES 1655 N.C. 105 South Boone, N.C. 28692 (828) 963-5491 www.raftcavehike.com
RIVERCAMP USA 2221 Kings Creek Road Piney Creek, N.C. 28663 (336) 359-2267 www.rivercampusa.com
WAHOO’S ADVENTURES 3385 South U.S. 321 Boone, N.C. 28607 (828) 262-5774 or (800) 444-RAFT www.wahoosadventures.com
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Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643 (423) 542-6777 www.wataugakayak.com
ZALOO’S CANOES 3874 N.C. 16 South Jefferson, N.C. 28640 (800) 535-4027 www.zaloos.com
Watauga Lake Marina COVE RIDGE MARINA 947 Piercetown Road Butler, Tenn. 37640 (423) 768-3741 www.coveridgemarina.com
FISH SPRINGS MARINA 191 Fish Springs Road Hampton, Tenn. 37658 (423) 768-2336 www.fishspringsmarina.com
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PIONEER LANDING MARINA AND CAMPGROUND 105 Cowan Town Road Butler, Tenn. 37640 (423) 768-3164
THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
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2012
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Camping in the High Country Located a few minutes south of Blowing Rock on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Julian Price Memorial Park features a campground with non-electric RV and tent sites, as well as bathroom and drinking water facilities. Campers have convenient access to hiking trails, fishing and boat rentals on Price Lake and picnic facilities. Park rangers offer regular interpretative programs at the campgroundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amphitheater. The campground is open from early May through the fall leaf season.
BY ANNA OAKES
Fall is the premier season to plan a camping trip. Unlike spring and summer, you can generally count on drier weather and fewer showers or thunderstorms. Temperatures are crisp and comfortable during the day, and at night, the chilly air helps you slumber even more soundly in the warmth of your sleeping bag. If a camping adventure is part of your High Country itinerary, the information about backcountry camping and vehicular camping below will help guide you to the perfect camping spot.
BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING
GRANDFATHER CAMPGROUND 125 Profile View Road Banner Elk, N.C. 28604 (828) 355-4535
Backcountry camping is permitted in national forests; you must be at least 1,000 feet from vehicular roads and parking and recreation areas. Pack light and use maps and a compass to avoid getting lost. Fires are prohibited in many areas, and using a camp stove is recommended. Note that backcountry camping is prohibited on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Located just off of N.C. 105 about 10 miles south of Boone, Grandfather Campground offers full RV hookups, primitive tent sites and fully furnished cabin rentals. Features and amenities include three bathhouses with hot showers; a camp store with firewood, ice and laundry machines; free WiFi access; and a hiking trail and playground. The campground borders the Watauga River. Pets are allowed on a leash in the campground, but not in the cabins. Open year round.
LINVILLE GORGE Camping is permitted in the Linville Gorge Wilderness, but permits are required on weekends and holidays May 1 to October 31. Permits are available at the Linville Gorge Information Cabin on Kistler Memorial Highway from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week April through October.
HONEY BEAR CAMPGROUND 229 Honey Bear Campground Road Boone, N.C. 28607 (828) 963-4586
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN
Honey Bear Campground features wooded camping sites, a small pond and a hiking trail. Pets are allowed, and a guest laundry service is available. Open until Nov. 15.
Thirteen backcountry campsites are available. No fee is required, but campers are asked to self-register at trailheads either at the Profile Trail or Blue Ridge Parkway parking areas.
CAMPGROUNDS For those who prefer the convenience of vehicular access but still crave the thrill of camping outdoors, the High Country offers numerous campgrounds. Several are listed below. Rates vary; call for more information.
The High Country offers camping opportunities for all ages, from ďŹ rst-timers to outdoors enthusiasts. FILE PHOTOS
KOA 123 Harmony Mountain Lane Boone, N.C. 28607 (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, as well as a pool, mini golf, arcade games and a farm animal mini zoo. Open until Nov. 1.
JULIAN PRICE PARK CAMPGROUND Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 297 (828) 963-5911
FLINTLOCK CAMPGROUND 171 Flintlock Campground Drive Boone, N.C. 28607 (828) 963-5325 Conveniently located off of N.C. 105 between Boone and Linville, Flintlock CONTINUED ON PAGE 33
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CAMPING IN HIGH COUNTRY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32
Campground offers tent sites, cabin rentals and full RV hookups. Also featured are hot showers, free WiFi, picnic tables, laundry services, a camp store and a covered pavilion. Open until Nov. 3.
BLUE BEAR MOUNTAIN CAMP 196 Blue Bear Mountain Road Todd, N.C. 28684 (828) 406-4226 Blue Bear Mountain Campground is located eight miles from Boone in the beautiful community of Todd. The number of campsites is limited to provide spacious, private, low-density camping for RVs and tents. The new campground offers full hookups, hot showers, a laundry room, camping supplies and trout fishing. The 2012 closing date is undetermined.
VANDERPOOL CAMPGROUND 120 Campground Road Vilas, N.C. 28692 (828) 297-3486 Vanderpool Campground in Vilas offers RV and tent camping. No alcohol, firearms or foul language is allowed. The campground features a camp store that sells ice, firewood, snacks and RV supplies. The facility also offers WiFi access and outdoor games. Open year round.
HELTON CREEK CAMPGROUND 2047 Helton Road Grassy Creek, N.C. 28631 (336) 384-2320 Helton Creek Campground is nestled in the banks of Helton Creek in Ashe County. The campPitch your tent and let nature take care of the rest during your High Country camping trip. CONTINUED ON PAGE 38
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
2012
828-963-6511 www.ValleCrucis.com
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.
Rivercross Market 828-963-8623
The 1861 Farmhouse Restaurant & Winery 828-963-6301
Taylor House Inn Bed & Breakfast ca. 1911 800-963-5581
Valle Crucis Community Web Directory 1861 Farmhouse - 1861farmhouse.com Apple Hill Farm - applehillfarmnc.com Baird House - bairdhouse.com Dutch Creek Trails - dutchcreektrails.com Inn at Little Pond Farm - ncinn.com Lazy Bear Lodge - lazy-bear-lodge.com Mast Farm Inn - mastfarminn.com Mast General Store - mastgeneralstore.com Mountainside Lodge B&B - mountainsidelodgebb.com Rivercross Market - rivercrossmarket.com Taylor House Inn - taylorhouseinn.com Valle Crucis Bed & Breakfast - vallecrucisbandb.com Valle Crucis Log Cabin Rentals & Sales - logcabinrentals.com
2012
THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
The Mountains to Sea Trail criss-crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway in the High Country.
PHOTO BY KELLEN MOORE
TAKE A HIKE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23
never hurts to let a friend or a loved one know that you are hiking in the area. There are numerous highways and intersections motorists can take to reach the Parkway. Hikers driving south of West Jefferson can take N.C. 163 East to N.C. 16 before exiting onto the Parkway at the Ashe/ Wilkes County line. There are also opportunities to enter the Parkway in Glendale Springs, off of N.C. 16 and in Laurel Springs via N.C. 18. Look for the green road signs to point
you in the right direction. If vigorous hikes along the leaf covered trails that straddle countless ridges through the High Country are not your speed, check out the newly completed paved and well-lit walkway at the West Municipal Park behind the Ashe County Public Library. Whatever your ideal hike is, the trails and pathways of Ashe County and the rest of the High Country are sure to delight both rugged outdoorsmen and Sunday strollers.
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Zip It
2012
High Country Ziplines
BY KATE SMITH
The whir of the zipline buzzes overhead, loudest in the gap of space absent of trees and level with clouds. Below, shadows shape-shift. The wind makes waves in clothes, hair and the suspended freedom. Sky Valley Zip Tours, located at 634 Sky Ranch Road in Blowing Rock, is one of 18 zipline tours in North Carolina. “But nothing can compare to this tour, specific to this region,” said Jack Sharp Jr., manager of Sky Valley. “The lines of trees and elevated platforms – it’s higher and longer than other courses.” Sky Valley Ranch is 140 acres of pristine yellow poplars, magnolias and oaks. In the 1940s, it was founded by Jack B. Sharp as a private summer camp for physically and mentally disabled children and adults. After 60 years, funding for the camp dragged, and it closed. It was used occasionally for private functions and weddings in 2011, but not until May 2012 did Jack Sharp Jr., grandson of the original founder, reopen the property to the public. “I wanted to maximize the potential of what we had, while staying close to the heritage,” he said. “I wanted to do a ropes course, a sort of camp style outdoor activity course. But Jim Wall (president and owner) of Challenge Design Innovations convinced me to do a zip course first, and then add a ropes course later.” Sharp said the ropes course is “in our five-year plan,” and he’s bonding closer to his grandfather’s vision by planning special needs courses. Right now, the course is a collection of nine ziplines, a cliff jump, a swinging rope bridge and a tree jump. A tour with Sky Valley begins with an ATV ride, literally over a river and through the woods, on a narrow gravel trail up to the mountain’s tipping ledge. There, a “ground-school” explanation is given by the group’s two guides, covering the equipment names, how to brake, how to self-assist and the slowdown and speed-up hand signals. All CONTINUED ON PAGE 37
Emily Johnson rides the zipline at Sky Valley Zip Tours near Boone.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SKY VALLEY ZIP TOURS
High Country Ziplines THE BEANSTALK JOURNEY ZIPLINES 700 Sanford Drive Morganton, N.C. 28655 (828) 430-3440 www.thebeanstalkjourney.com
HAWKSNEST 2058 Skyland Drive Seven Devils, N.C. 28604 (828) 963-6561 www.hawksnestzipline.com
SCREAMING ZIPLINES 9250 U.S. 421 North Zionville, N.C. 28698 (828) 898-5404 www.screamingziplines.com
SKY VALLEY ZIP TOURS 634 Sky Ranch Road Blowing Rock, N.C. 28605 (855) 475-9947 www.skyvalleyziptours.com
Kate Smith takes a zip at Sky Valley Zip Tours.
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2012
ZIP IT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36
zippers test out these techniques on a sample line before climbing to the top of yellowed wood tower. The first three courses are fun quick zips, so visitors can get the feel of the line supporting their weight and the air beneath their feet. The fourth course is lovingly named “Big Mama.” “She wont hurt you,” Amelia Kernan, one of the guides said. “You’ve just got to tuck, because she’s got a belly, and there’s a lot of wind out there.” “Big Mama” is about 250 above the ground and more than 1,200 feet long. Zippers usually are on the line for 40 seconds and are traveling 31 mph. Zip 5 is not as long, though it has an equally astounding view, with Howard’s Knob and downtown Boone in the peripheral. Zippers then jump backwards from a cliff face, secured by an automatic belay. A rope bridge above small rapids tugs and swings as visitors balance to the ninth zipline, where curled feet edge the rhododendrons. From this final tree plank, 50 feet above-ground, zippers jump forward and land next to the ranch trail, finalizing the course in about
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three hours. The course was constructed by Challenge Design Innovations and certified by the Association for Challenge Course Technology. “They’re the premier builders around,” Sharp said. “And we’re very strict about preparing people for up on the lines, and the age and weight requirements.” Sky Valley requires that participants wear close-toed shoes and that long hair be pulled back. Guides recommend modest clothes, as the harnesses wrap around the upper thighs, shoulders and waist, and suggest that participants bring layers to acclimate to the changing climate, as even in August, the mountain peak is chilly. Cameras and cellphones are not allowed on the course, and loose clothing and jewelry is discouraged. One of the two guides will photograph the trip, and a flash drive with all photos is available for $20. The tour itself is $79 per person or $69 per person for groups of 10 or more. Sky Valley is open seven days a week, with the first tour beginning at 9:45 a.m. and the last beginning at 2:45 p.m. on the weekdays and 3:45 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. A delivered lunch from the associated Gamekeeper Restaurant is available for $10. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.skyvalleyziptours.com or call 1-855-4-SKY-ZIP.
• •
2146 Blowing Rock Road • Boone (Located between Makoto’s and Walgreens)
www.apprhs.org/appurgent-care
Sky Valley also boasts a swinging rope bridge.
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2012
When it comes to scenery, fall foliage is a hole in one when spending a day on the golf course.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM MCAULIFFE
All Fore Fun: High Country Golfing BY MICHAEL BRAGG
If there was a way to make a pristine landscape more appealing to the eyes, it would be done by showcasing a golf course in the High Country during autumn. Courses like Sugar Mountain Golf Course and Mountain Glen Golf Club are two examples of High Country golf courses that reap the benefits of fall scenery during the
CAMPING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33
ground is minutes away from the New River, Virginia Creeper Trail, Shatley Springs and Mount Rogers. Shady and peaceful sites are available for tents and RV hookups. Open until Nov. 1.
RIVERCAMP USA/RV PARK AND CAMPGROUND 2221 Kings Creek Road Piney Creek, N.C. 28663 (336) 982-2267 Located on the New River, RiverCamp USA provides sites for tents, pop-ups and RVs with full hookups. Enjoy many outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking and biking. Canoes, kayaks and tubes are available for rent. The country store has snacks, beverages, beer and wine, ice, firewood, fishing supplies, bait and limited grocer-
tourism season. “Mountain golf in autumn is different from summer and spring,” Sugar Mountain golf director Tom McAuliffe said. “Winter’s coming, and there’s a celebration of a passing season that takes place in fall as the leaves turn orange, red and yellow.” Sugar Mountain is a public course suitable to golfers of different tal-
ents and abilities. “As a par-64, Sugar is a little different from so-called championship layouts, and, to some degree, is more attractive to retirees and up and coming recreational golfers,” McAuliffe said. “But ask around, and good players will tell you that Sugar Mountain is a valid test where
ies. Picnic tables, fire rings, playground, laundry and hot showers are also available to all campers. Campground open until the end of October.
DOWN BY THE RIVER CAMPGROUND
RACCOON HOLLER CAMPGROUND 493 Raccoon Holler Road Glendale Springs, N.C. 28629 (336) 982-2706 Raccoon Holler is located just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway between mileposts 257 and 258. The campground offers 150 sites with full hookups and 35 sites with water and electricity. Modern bathhouses, laundry facilities and cable access are available. The site features a recreation building, playground and activity field. Open until end of October.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 39
292 River Campground Road Pineola, N.C. 28662
(828) 733-5057 Down by the River Campground offers RV and tent sites, an indoor activity center, a small outdoor pavilion and laundry services. Pets are allowed. Open until Oct. 31.
BUCK HILL CAMPGROUND 6401 South U.S. Highway 19E Plumtree, N.C. 28664 (828) 766-6162 Located along 1,600 feet of the North Toe River, Buck Hill Campground offers 60 large shady RV sites, each equipped with picnic tables, fire pits and full hookups. Enjoy a lazy ride down the river on your inner tube or spend the day fishing from our trout filled waters. Open until Oct. 15.
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The High Country is home to numerous public golf courses suitable to golfers of varying talents and abilities. FILE PHOTO
ALL FORE FUN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38
par is a good measure of your abilities.” Even without the fall aesthetic scene, McAuliffe said he thinks the course is already visually appealing. “We’d like to think that our staff serves as a good ambassador for mountain golf in general,” he said. “When you play at Sugar, you’re going to find a brilliant layout on a small patch
of Eden, with rhododendron forests and running streams,” he said. As a public course, the par-72 course Mountain Glen Golf Club’s golf director, Sam Foster, said the advantage of a public course over a private course is that there are more tee times available. “The scenery is good when the leaves change,” he said. “It’s a friendly place to go golfing.” Although both courses are public, there are private courses in the High Country that offer similar views to resident and visiting golfers.
“Everyone knows about the unmatched quality of our private mountain golf communities, but Sugar Mountain, along with Mountain Glen in Newland and the Boone Golf Club, provide the mountain golf experience visitors cherish in the public domain,” McAuliffe said. But both courses benefit from the autumn season.
“Of course, the weather can be surly, and wool is a great friend, but searching for that small window of sun and brilliant blue sky that comes with the first frosts as the colors peak – well, there’s just nothing like it,” McAuliffe said. More information on both courses can be found at www.seesugar.com and www.mountainglengolfclub.com.
Public Courses BOONE GOLF CLUB 18 holes over 6,680 yards with a par of 71 433 Fairway Drive Boone, N.C. 28607 (828) 264-8760
RED TAIL MOUNTAIN 18 holes over 6,884 yards with a par of 72 300 Clubhouse Lane Mountain City, Tenn. (423) 727-7931
MOUNTAIN AIRE GOLF CLUB
18 holes over 6,404 yards with a par of 72 1104 Golf Course Road West Jefferson, N.C. 28694 (336) 877-4716
MOUNTAIN GLEN GOLF CLUB 18 holes over 6,723 yards with a par of 72 1 Club House Drive
Newland, N.C. 28657 (828) 733-5804
SUGAR MOUNTAIN GOLF COURSE 18 holes over 4,560 yards with a par of 64 1054 Sugar Mountain Drive Sugar Mountain, N.C. 28604 (828) 898-6464
WILLOW CREEK GOLF COURSE 9 holes over 1,663 yards with a par of 27 354 Bairds Creek Road Vilas, N.C. 28692 (828) 963-6865
MOUNTAINEER GOLF CENTER (DRIVING RANGE) 115 Beverly Heights Ave. Boone, N.C. 28607 (828) 264-6830
Daily tastings Over 40 varieties of oil & vinegar on tap wine • pasta • spices• cheese • art • jewelry 828 355 9313 • theartofoil.com
819 West King Street
PAGE 40
BY ADAM ORR
Just north of Jefferson, tucked into the center of Ashe County, lies one of the world’s premiere disc golf courses. Established in 2006, and designed with the aid of world disc golf champion Harold Duvall, course promoter Todd Patoprsty said the Ashe venue is among “the highest rated in the state” and has become a destination for players nationwide. “That’s really saying a lot,” Patoprsty said. “The locals (too) have realized what a fun game it is to play and have taken it to the next level to even call it a sport.” The deceptively simple sport is a lot like traditional golf – but instead of a ball and club, players use their arm and a disc. The discs come in numerous varieties, but it is typically smaller and heavier than a traditional Frisbee. Disc golfers stand at a tee and throw their disc toward the “hole,” a metal structure that includes a basket and set
THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
Flying By
2012
Disc Golf in Ashe County Disc Golf at a Glance • Course established in 2006, and designed with help of world champion disc golfer Harold Duvall of the Innova Disc Golf company. • The course offers 20 holes with an alternative 8 and 9 hole, as well as a practice basket. • Pro (blue) and Amateur (white) tee pads on every hole. Total par from Pro tees is 61, and 57 from Amateur tees. • The course lies with the multi-use Ashe County Park, so be mindful of others when throwing your discs. • Wear good shoes, as the course is a mountain course. of chains to catch the disc. Like traditional golf, disc golfers must contend with numerous trees, rocks, out-of-bounds areas and other hazards. CONTINUED ON PAGE 41
Justin Testerman prepares to throw at the Ashe County Park Disc Golf Course. FILE PHOTOS
When visiting The Crossnore School campus take a glimpse back into the age-old tradition of weaving at Crossnore Weavers: A Working Museum. Purchase the work of regional painters, sculptors, and fine craft persons while supporting the children that call Crossnore their home at Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery. Find your hidden gem at Blair Fraley Sales Store and treat yourself to something sweet at Miracle Grounds Coffee Café & Creamery. Before leaving campus view the beautiful fresco, Suffer the Little Children, 2006, by Benjamin F. Long, IV.
100 DAR Drive • Crossnore, NC 28616 • 828 733-4305 • www.crossnoreschool.org Donations are always welcome at the Blair Fraley Sales Store, and we do pick-ups!
2012
DISC GOLF CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40
Nestled on the backside of Phoenix Mountain, the course offers 20 holes, including alternative 8 and 9 holes, as well as a practice basket. According to The High Country Disc Golf Club’s website, “The new Ashe County Park Disc Golf course is an extremely cool disc golf experience that offers a little bit of everything. It’s both fun and challenging for all skill levels with hills and thrills, nice views, water hazards and OBs (out-of-bounds).” Directional signs and arrows, in addition to a course kiosk, make navigating the course a breeze, and scorecards can be printed out online at www.thehighcountrydiscgolfclub.com. The course offers both pro (blue) and amateur (white) tee pads on every hole, with a total par from the pro tees being 61, and 57 from amateur tees. There are two baskets on holes 8, 11 and 17. Pro tees play to Carolina blue baskets, and amateur tees play to the original
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yellow baskets. Also, there are no tee signs on the pro tees, but there are signs on the amateur tees. The course, nestled inside the rural setting of Ashe County Park, means there is plenty of elbowroom for players looking to get away from the crowds that flock to more urban courses. So get on the course on a sunny day this fall and find out why the Ashe County Disc Golf Park has become a player favorite. For more information on the course, or disc golf in general, visit www.pdga.com or call (336) 982-6185. Visit the High Country Disc Golf Club at www. thehighcountrydiscgolfclub. com or email comeplay@highcountrydiscgolfclub.com.
HOW TO GET THERE Ashe County Park is located at just north of Jefferson on Ashe Park Road. Coming from Jefferson, take North Main Street to Ashe Park Road. The park will be located on the left. Ashe County Park is open from 8 a.m. to dusk every day.
Dustin Eachus plays disc golf at the Ashe County Park Disc Golf Course.
The Ashe County Park Disc Golf Course offers 20 holes, and both Pro and Amateur level tee locations. IMAGE SUBMITTED
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Autumn provides palette of activities at Sugar BY JAMIE SHELL
With the heat of summer transitioning into the coolness and colors of fall, Sugar Mountain Resort is an ideal destination for visitors seeking outdoor adventure and a glimpse of the majesty and a kaleidoscope of colors indicative of a High Country autumn. Sugar Mountain Resort offers hiking and biking trails for the outdoor aficionado. The trails boast a diversity of terrain, as miles of hiking and biking trails intertwine throughout the mountain and are accessible from many points throughout both the village of Sugar Mountain and Sugar Mountain Resort. “Sugar Mountain wants to share all of the activities that are available at the mountain year-round,” said Kim Jochl, marketing director at Sugar Mountain Resort. “It gives people who want to spend time in the mountains, in the woods and in nature the opportunity to experience the mountain. Every year we’ve done this, people have enjoyed and looked forward to it. In the winter, our lift and trail services are dependent upon weather. We A view from the top, Sugar Mountain offers breathtaking views of the High Country.
FILE PHOTO
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The Watauga Humane Society’s dog park in Boone offers pups a tail-wagging good time on 3.5 acres of fenced-in land.
FILE PHOTO
Take a walk, pooch in tow You aren’t the only one dazzled by the fall leaves. The autumn High Country can serve as a playground for that furry friend you just can’t leave home without. Big or small, your canine can find him or herself racing up a rocky crag, splashing in a creek or even leaf peeping beside you on a quiet Blue Ridge Parkway afternoon. “We have a lot of dog lovers in this area,” Blue Ridge Parkway ranger Tina White said. “And they love our trails.” With the red, orange and yellow hues, neither of you will be able to stay away. Dogs are encouraged on parkway trails, as long as they’re on a leash. Be sure to bring plenty of water, and watch your furry friend to make sure he or she doesn’t sample poisonous mushrooms, plants or get into trouble with snakes.
OUR FAVORITE PLACES THE BOONE GREENWAY Complete with creeks, greenery and pretty views, the most popular place to walk your pooch is the Boone Greenway. Expect paved trails with river access points in case your dog wants to take a quick dip. Close to 5 miles of Greenway
means plenty of places for a stroll. Just be sure to take advantage of the dog litter stations and obey the leash law. Softball fields do not allow dogs, but you and your canine can sit by the fence and watch Watauga County kids run the bases. Want a shorter trek? Check out Clawson-Burnley Park on Hunting Hills Lane, next to the Deerfield Road greenway access. The short loop is full of pretty views, from the marsh to the trees. With plenty of benches, it’s a great place for napping, people-watching and (a favorite pastime of many dogs) squirrel-gazing.
THE OLD WATAUGA HIGH SCHOOL PROPERTY Located off N.C. 105 and High School Drive, the old track is a favorite of locals. While the county contemplates offers on the property, Boone residents and their pets frequent the area. Don’t be surprised to see a few neighbors walking the track.
ROCKY KNOB PARK Boone’s new 185-acre locale serves as a favorite spot for area mountain bikers. While the trail hosts beautiful scenery and lush fall foliage, it also hosts enthusiastic cyclists. Keep an eye out for wheels.
The trails are perfect for well-behaved dogs. The park is located on U.S. 421 just east of Boone city limits, seven-tenths of a mile south of the Marathon Gas Station on Bamboo Road.
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STATE PARK With 11 trails of varying difficulties, Grandfather Mountain is the perfect place for both the experienced and inexperienced trail dog. Just bring plenty of water. Home to 16 distinct natural communities or ecosystems and 73 rare or endangered species, it’s the perfect place for nature watching. Trailheads are located off-mountain on U.S. 221 or N.C. 105, and a trail map will be supplied when you register for a free permit.
ELK KNOB STATE PARK At 5,500 feet, Elk Knob State Park is the perfect hike for a stamina-heavy dog. Bring plenty of water. With views of Long Hope Valley, an Elk Knob hike isn’t complete without a camera. The summit hike is along an old logging road and steeper than you might anticipate. But, once you reach the top, the views and photo ops are worth the trek. Expect to see Mount Jefferson, Grandfather Mountain and Mount Mitchell from the summit. Elk
Knob State Park is located off N.C. 194 on Meat Camp Road. Make sure to bring a 6-foot leash. Rangers tell us the leash isn’t just about containing your pet. It’s also about protecting endangered plants. Round trip, expect a 3.6-mile trek, but it’s a tough one. Bring plenty of water for you and your furry friend.
NEW RIVER, TODD If river watching’s your game, take a trek down Big Hill Road in Todd. Here, you’ll see kayaks, canoes and inner-tubes full of people enjoying the sunshine and fall leaves. Try a picnic at Cook Memorial Park across from the Todd General Store on Railroad Grade Road.
VALLE CRUCIS COMMUNITY PARK This super-family friendly park has picnic shelters, playground equipment and the perfect walking trail for your pet. There’s even a fishpond. Leash laws are enforced here. The park is located behind the Mast General Store at 3657 N.C. 194.
MOSES CONE MEMORIAL PARK
Twenty-five miles of carriage trails makes Moses Cone Memorial Park ideal for canine and company. Think mountain views and the sparkling blue of Trout
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of the high country
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POOCH
THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE DOWNTOWN BLOWING ROCK
Lake. Try the Craftsman’s Trail, a 20-minute loop walk around the Manor where the Cones themselves walked every morning. Check it out at milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and keep driving. The parkway has plenty of trails (Julian Price Park is another favorite).
Main Street is the perfect place to show off your pooch. Take a detour to Barking Rock (1179 Main St., No. 104) for a treat on the go. While Memorial Park downtown isn’t dogfriendly, the benches at the front of the park on Main Street allow dogs, as does Broyhill Park and Davant Field, all within easy walking distance of your favorite window-shopping. Remember to leash your pet!
DOWNTOWN BOONE
HOWARD’S KNOB COUNTY PARK
Take a trek down King Street and get a double dose of downtown culture. Think quaint window-shopping with the occasional artistic masterpiece. Be sure to check out the Doc Watson statue on the corner of King and Depot streets. Downtown loves dogs. Just ask the Mast General Store (630 W. King St.), which is actually dog-friendly, and look for the water container outside of M-Prints (713 W. King St.). And dogs make great lunch dates at Melanie’s Food Fantasy (664 W. King St.), as long as they are tied to the outside of the gate. Enjoy food on the patio with your dog a few feet away. Additionally, the patio of Café Portofino (970 Rivers St.) is dog-friendly. Just bring a leash and enjoy the sunshine. Remember to leash your pet!
At 4,406 feet, expect a view. From the top, you’ll see downtown Boone and beyond. It’s where photographers get the best shots of Kidd Brewer Stadium. From King Street, turn north onto Grand Boulevard, then left on Bear Trail, then left on Eastview Drive/East Junaluska Road. From there, you’ll go up a steep road, and then turn right onto Howard’s Knob Road.
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WATAUGA HUMANE SOCIETY DOG PARK Feel like ripping off that leash? The Watauga Humane Society’s dog park is the place to go. The dog park is located along Don Hayes Road between Rutherwood Baptist Church and the Boone Stockyard and consists of 3.5 acres of fenced land. A small dog-section is perfect for the shy Yorkie. To play in the park, you have to be a member. Visit www.wataugahumanesociety.org for more information.
Valle Crucis Community Park is a pleasantly pet-friendly spot in the High Country. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
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SUGAR MOUNTAIN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43
have a good, dry summer season and we see a lot of activity. A diverse group, from kids to seniors to downhill mountain bikers, uses the trails.” Access to the trails is free through midOctober from dawn until dusk. Visitors may pick up a trail map in a mailbox located at the base of Sugar Mountain’s Flying Mile slope, when purchasing a chairlift ride ticket at the bottom station of the Summit No. 2 lift or online. Trails are maintained on a continuous basis and can change as a result of weather and other variables. Helmets are required when riding a bike within the village limits. A premier autumn event hosted by Sugar Mountain Resort, the 22nd annual Oktoberfest, takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 13 and 14. Festival admission is free. An array of artisans, craftspeople and food vendors open their booths at the popular event. A sampling of country craft fair sale items at Oktoberfest include pottery, wood, glass, books by regional authors, stained glass sun-catchers, hair accessories, handmade wooden crafts,
hand crafted furniture, ceramics, handmade pet feeders, polymer clay items, crafted rustic bark, handmade bath products, jewelry, homemade baked goods, jams, jellies, kettle corn, funnel cake and fries. Click to www.skisugar.com/oktoberfest to find a downloadable vendor invitation and vendor reservation form. During Oktoberfest weekend, visitors can climb Sugar’s 5,300-foot peak and see dynamic sights via scenic chairlift rides. The 45-minute round-trip adventure carries viewers on a breathtaking panoramic adventure, offering scenic views of North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, nearby Grandfather Mountain, Roan Mountain and beyond. For more information on Sugar Mountain Resorts, call (828) 898-4521 or email info@skisugar.com.
Ski lifts aren’t just for skiing. Even in the autumn, Sugar Mountain Resort offers lift rides for visitors to take in the area’s scenic vistas. FILE PHOTOS
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Linville Caverns
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A Gallery of Natural Sculpture
BY MATTHEW HUNDLEY
Though common in other areas of the Appalachian Mountains, limestone caverns are a rarity in Western North Carolina. One such exception, and one of the only caverns open and easily accessible to the public, is the famous Linville Caverns, situated conveniently on U.S. 221 between Marion and Linville Falls. Linville Caverns defies the traditional image of a cavern as a stark, barren crevasse between two masses of stone. As a limestone cavern, Linville Caverns boasts massive, glistening stalactites and stalagmites and immense flowstone edifices sculpted by nature into delicate, evocative shapes, all still dripping with the mineral rich water that helped to form them. A cavern system like Linville Caverns marks the location where a broad vein of soft limestone encounters the flow of mildly acidic mountain spring water. Given hundreds of thousands of years, the slight acidity in the water will slowly dissolve the limestone, opening up passageways. With time, those passageways become corri-
The Gilkey Room is named after J.Q. Gilkey, whose corporation opened the caverns for tourists.
dors and underground cathedrals, trading stalagmites for pillars and flowstone for sculptures. The flowstone is created when the dissolved minerals in the water are redeposit-
ed, one microscopic layer at a time, as the water slips slowly over the stone, leaving behind the ornate flowstone formations that take on the shape of the flowing water.
While the intricate flowstone formations are a highlight of the tour and of great interest, there are many other strange and fascinating features of the world beneath CONTINUED ON PAGE 56
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Adventure awaits in Worley’s Cave, located just down the highway in Bluff City, Tenn.
PHOTOS BY KATE SMITH
Enter the Mountain Caving in the High Country
BY KATE SMITH
The throaty inside of Worley’s Cave is like a stony, human-sized anthill, with its miles of shedding limestone, thin canals, and open rooms. Outside, the cave is a shaded gape in the side of a cliff. Inside, over rocky rumble and past an iron gate that keeps out bears and mountain lions, is the “Twilight Zone.” Dubbed by Boone-based River and Earth Adventures, this invisible line of abrupt temperature and humidity change forbears seven miles of underground blackness. G.C. Morrell found the cave, but its common name is Worley’s because of the local man who insatiably explored it. River and Earth Adventures greets reserved visitors at its Tennessee outpost at 1617 Broad Street, Elizabethton, every morning at 10 a.m. One of the outfitters’ six guides packs guests into the boxy van
for a 15-minute ride to the cave’s parking entrance. Guides customize each trip for the group size and assumed physical ability. Some prefer to travel a mild mile or complete a five-mile loop. Either way, each room and passageway is alien in its clandestine beauty. The guide leads an optional “cave roll,” 50 feet of flat body rolling through a three-foot wide crack. To locate some rooms, an eight-foot climb is necessary, with assistance. A lengthy walk through a tunnel of six-inch deep water splashes orbital shadows. There are slick rock faces coated by mud that become, with imagination, playground slides. The limestone cave has grown an inch every 100 years. Its “Pac-Man” structure dates the cave at 2 million years old, guide Alex Barnes said. The wetness within the cave evidences its health, livid CONTINUED ON PAGE 53
Visitors have left their marks in Worley’s Cave throughout the decades.
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CAVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 52
with the acidic water from local evergreen trees. “Hobbit’s Hallway” is a cramped huddle, walled by flowstones. The “Amphitheater” has a opening into “The Bride’s Chamber,” named because the room once hosted a wedding. The “Bermuda Triangle” is held up by one massive triangular stone. These and many others host Speleological formations like “Yosef,” a huge stalagmite that resembles ASU’s mascot; “Dracula,” a hanging stalactite; “Bacon,” a curtain of drapery formations; and icicle-like soda straws. At one spot, the caving party is instructed to sit down and turn out their headlamps, experiencing the blackness navigated by blind cave crickets, salamanders and bats. “There’s only two places on Earth with darkness like this – in a cave and in the bottom of the ocean,” Barnes said. The feeling is reverential and surreal. Of the 8,600 in Tennessee, the cave monopoly state of the U.S., River and Earth Adventures owner Grant Seldomridge said his company chose this one to explore because “it’s a beginner-oriented trip, but there’s a variety of experience to have. It’s also one of the larger caves in Tennessee and open to a wide age range.” The family-owned business opened in 2003. “I grew up in the outdoors, backpacking and doing extended canoe trips,” Seldomridge said. “I had a professor in Boone who took me out to Worley’s Cave. When I graduated with a recreational management degree, I saw that the industry had room for an additional outfitter.” River and Earth trains each guide with a mandatory 10 trips into the cave, having a trained geologist on staff, and offers Boy Scouts geology badges. “There’s something very prehistoric about life this minimal,” Barnes said. “It’s enthralling and bizarre at the same time.” If visitors wish to bring snacks, water or a camera to the cave, they should bring a durable backpack. Rain boots are a godsend and available for rent. The cave has a year-long temperature of 60 degrees, so long-sleeved shirts are advisable. All clothes worn will absolutely be coated in mud, so wear long pants, grub-
Adventurer Karen Manfred does the ‘cave roll,’ 50 feet of flat body rolling through a three-foot wide crack in Worley’s Cave.
bies, and bring a change of clothes. Three other cave trips are hosted for experienced cavers who have traveled Worley’s at least once. One pass is $75 but half-off Groupons are available. For more information, call toll free (866) 411-7238 or visit raftcavehike.com.
Caving Outfitters HIGH MOUNTAIN EXPEDITIONS 1380 N.C. 105 Boone, N.C. 28607 (828) 264-7368 www.highmountainexpeditions.com
RIVER & EARTH ADVENTURES 1655 N.C. 105 South Boone, N.C. 28692 (828) 963-5491 www.raftcavehike.com
WAHOO’S ADVENTURES 3385 South U.S. 321 Boone, N.C. 28607 (828) 262-5774 or (800) 444-RAFT www.wahoosadventures.com
River and Earth Adventures guide Alex Barnes leads a tour through Worley’s Cave in Bluff City, Tenn.
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CAVERNS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51
the mountain. The caverns’ history as a hideout for Civil War deserters will intrigue history buffs. Despite the perpetual darkness and chill, life perseveres in the cavern. The wildlife within the cavern, including blind trout and bats, will delight animal lovers. The seemingly bottomless pools and arching ceilings will leave visitors with a sense of wonder. Finally, when visitors reach the deepest point on the tour, tour guides often extinguish the lights, drenching explorers in the inky, perfect darkness that can only be found in caves and the bottom of the ocean, where the sun’s light cannot penetrate. When the caverns were first opened to the public in 1937, visitors slogged their way upstream through the 42-degree water of the stream that helped carve the caverns from the mountain. These days, the caverns have been made highly accessible with the inclusion of wheelchairready paths that keep visitors well clear of the frigid stream water. In spite of the extensive efforts to increase convenience and accessibility for all visitors, it is still a good idea to come prepared when you are trekking into the heart of a mountain. Below are a few suggestions to help keep your visit as comfortable as possible.
CLOTHING Regardless of the outside weather, the caverns stay a cool 52 degrees all year round. As an active, growing cavern a good deal of water will be dripping from overhead and over the stones. After a strong summer rainfall, the caverns can become quite wet. To make sure that you are as comfortable as possible, be sure to bring a sweater or light coat on normal days. If it has rained recently, then bringing a light raincoat is a good move. Due to a slight grade, the wet floor and a few grated areas, it is best to wear flat, soft-soled footwear. This will keep you from slipping or damaging your shoes while in the cavern.
STROLLERS AND BACKPACKS Due to confined spaces and low-hanging rocks, strollers and child-carrying backpacks are not permitted inside the caverns. Visitors are welcome to use strollers or child-carrying backpacks in the gift shop or while waiting to enter the caverns, but they must be left with an attendant at the door. Slings or harnesses that allow parents to carry children in front of them
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are permitted.
WHEELCHAIRS Linville Caverns is one of the few caverns that are partially wheelchair accessible. While the majority of the caverns is wheelchair accessible, there are a few areas where the layout of the caverns makes wheelchair access impossible, but paths have been arranged to make sure the group returns to the accessible path as quickly as possible. Near the entrance, there is a 30-degree downward slope for which wheelchair users should be prepared. Restrooms are also wheelchair accessible.
RESTROOMS There are no restrooms inside the caverns. Restrooms are available near the gift shop. Linville Caverns staff asks that visitors use the restroom before beginning their tour.
PHOTOGRAPHY Flash photography is allowed inside the caverns. Visitors using a video camera should not use an external light source such as a spotlight. Tripods or similar pieces of equipment are not allowed into the caverns. Due to the dim light in the caverns, it is important to be mindful of others when using a flash.
HOURS AND ADMISSION After Labor Day weekend, Linville Caverns is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day until the end of October. In November, the doors will still open at 9 a.m., but they will close at 4:30 p.m. Once December arrives, the caverns will be open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays only. Admission for the 30-minute tour is $7 for adults, $5.50 for seniors and $5 for children age 5 to 12. Children younger than 5 are admitted free of charge with an adult or senior admission.
GROUP RATES Linville Caverns offers special, discounted rates for groups of 25 or more individuals. To avoid congestion, it is important that visitors who plan to bring a group call ahead to schedule a time. The discounted rate varies slightly for school groups and is determined based on the age group of the students attending. For more details on group or school rates, click to www.linvillecaverns.com/planyourvisit/groupinformation.html.
A FEW SIMPLE RULES While visitors’ enjoyment is the focus
The Linville Caverns are accessible via a system of walkways.
of Linville Caverns’ staff, the caverns’ status as a N.C. Natural Heritage Area necessitate a few simple rules to help keep visitors, animals and the cave formations safe. Tour guides will remind guests of the rules before entering the
caverns. Guests’ cooperation will help ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone. For a complete list of the rules and regulations, click to www.linvillecaverns.com/planyourvisit/cavernsregulations.html.
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Lederhosen & Dirndls Oktoberfest at Sugar Mountain Resort Sugar Mountain Resort rolls out the barrels Oct. 13 and 14 for its annual Oktoberfest. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, the festival features Bavarian beverages, cuisine, family-friendly activities and an array of artisans, craftspeople and food vendors. Visitors can also enjoy a panoramic view of the North Carolina High Country, Southern Virginia and Eastern Tennessee’s beautiful fall foliage from the mile-anda-half-long scenic chairlift ride to Sugar’s 5,300 foot peak. Everyone, even mountain bikers, are welcome to ride the lift. A children’s activity area, located in the Ski School Play Yard, will keep the young ones entertained each day from noon until 4 p.m. The children’s area includes bounce and play stations, hayrides and a chance to meet Sugar Mountain mascots Sugar Bear and Sweetie Bear. Face painting, cotton candy, popcorn and drinks are also available in the children’s activity area. An Oktoberfest isn’t complete without the sounds of an Oom Pah Band. From noon till 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, the 15-piece Harbour Towne Fest Band
guarantees to bring the sounds, dances and enthusiasm of Bavaria to Sugar Mountain. Adding to the Oktoberfest excitement, the Avery Smooth Dancers will perform on Saturday at 1 p.m., and the Mountain Laurel Cloggers will perform on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Both dance groups are comprised of local Avery high school, middle school and elementary school students. Bavarian cuisine, including bratwurst, knockwurst, sauerkraut, strudel and pretzels will be available, starting at 11 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday. If Bavarian cuisine isn’t your preference American hot dogs, hamburgers, soda, and other festive foods will be on hand. To help wash it down, an ample supply of Spaten beer will flow generously each day until 5 p.m. Spaten Oktoberfest beer, created in 1872 and brewed in Munich, Germany, is hailed as the world’s first Oktoberfest beer. Rain or shine, the festival will go on! For more information, call Sugar Mountain Resort’s administrative office at (828) 898-4521 or visit www.skisugar.com/ oktoberfest.
Raise your steins Oct. 13 and 14 for the annual Sugar Mountain Oktoberfest. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
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The Blowing Rock Those who drive just past downtown Blowing Rock on U.S. 321 will find the town’s namesake. Overlooking the John’s River Gorge, the Blowing Rock is a vast cliff, standing 4,000 feet above sea level. Northwesterly winds travel through the gorge toward the Blowing Rock and form what is called a “flume” once they reach the wall of rock. Even without a storm forming over the gorge – and impressive sight in itself, if you happen to be there at the right time – there is a steady wind that flows and maintains the flume at fairly consistent levels. This way, a lightweight object – a napkin, for instance – can be thrown over the edge of the cliff and would most likely be cast upwards and back into the hands of the thrower (although littering is not encouraged). The legend of the Blowing Rock adds to the intrigue surrounding the flume phenomenon. It is said that a Chickasaw chieftan, fearful of a white man’s admiration for his lovely daughter, journeyed far from the plains to bring her to the Blowing Rock
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North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction
Overlooking the John’s River Gorge, the Blowing Rock is a vast cliff, standing 4,000 feet above sea level. FILE PHOTO
and the care of a squaw mother. One day, the maiden, daydreaming on the craggy cliff, spied a Cherokee brave wandering in the wilderness far below and payfully shot an arrow in his direction. The flirtation worked, because he soon appeared before her wigwam, courted her with songs of his land, and they became lovers, wandering the pathless woodlands and along the crystal streams.
One day, a strange reddening of the sky brought the brave and the maiden to the Blowing Rock. To him, it was a sign of trouble commanding his return to his tribe in the plans. With the maiden begging him not to leave her, the brave, torn by conflict of duty and heart, leaped from the rock into the wilderness far below. The griefstricken maiden prayed daily to the Great Spirit until one evening with a reddening
sky, a gust of wind blew her lover back onto the Rock and into her arms. From that day, a perpetual wind has blown up onto the Blowing Rock from the valley below. For people of other days, at least, this was explanation enough for the Blowing Rock’s mysterious winds causing even the snow to fall upside down. Considered North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction, having opened in 1933, the Blowing Rock is open year-round, weather permitting, and is wheelchair-accessible and pet-friendly. In September, its hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. October hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. November, December and January (first week) hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and $1 for children ages 4 to 11. Children 3 and younger are admitted free. Group rates are also available. The Blowing Rock is located off U.S. 321, near the Green Park Inn. For more information, call (828) 295-7111 or visit www. theblowingrock.com.
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lodging in Blowing Rock
Downtown Blowing Rock
www.alpine-village-inn.com
828.295.7206
Immaculate Rooms Fireplaces/Jacuzzis Available Pet Friendly Complimentary WiFi LCD TVs/DVD Players Walking Distance to Restaurants & Shops WINNER OF THE 2009-2012 SBCA AWARD
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828.295.9559
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Fall: Climbers’ Favorite Season BY ANNA OAKES
42610 - rock dimensions
CLIMB THE TOWER! Located at Footsloggers in downtown Boone. Fun for Families!
GUIDED OUTDOOR TRIPS
• (PCIA) Certified climbing instructors • Caving in natural limestone caves • Rock climbing and rappelling in areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest
www.RockDimensions.com
CHALLENGE COURSE & ZIPLINE
Located in Blowing Rock.
828-265-3544Explore Your Vertical World
42609 magic cycles
Many climbers say autumn is their favorite season. The weather is dry, and rocks are free from rain runoff or melting snow that make for slippery surfaces. Try climbing during your visit to the High Country this fall, overcoming boulders and rock faces with only your fingers, toes and mental fortitude. Thanks to modern equipment and experienced guide services, families — from children to grandparents — can climb very safely. If you’d like to try rock climbing for the first time or improve your climbing skills, stop by Rock Dimensions, located in downtown Boone. Just look for the 40-foot climbing tower on Depot Street, which features varying climbing terrain and opportunities for beginners or seasoned veterans. With guides certified by the Professional Climbing Instructors Association, Rock Dimensions provides half-day or full-day guided climbing trips for beginning or intermediate-level climbers. “We offer guided rock climbing trips to places in the immediate area right around Boone,” said Jenny Allen, co-owner of Rock Climbing is an accessible, safe sport CONTINUED ON PAGE 61
for people of all ages. PHOTO COURTESY ROCK DIMENSIONS
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Dimensions. Destinations include the Linville Gorge Wilderness and the Wilson Creek area. “There’s hard stuff for really dedicated, experienced climbing, but then there’s stuff that’s really aesthetic,” Allen said. Group sizes are limited to protect the environment and allow for maximum participation. “For the most part, people get really private experiences,” Allen said. “They’re not kind of lost in the crowd.” Allen said Rock Dimensions has worked with couples, parents with kids, bachelor parties and other groups. Rock Dimensions provides all equipment needed, including harnesses, helmets, ropes, belay and rappel devices, anchoring equipment and climbing shoes. 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. For more information, call (828) 265-3544 or visit www.rockdimensions.com.
ROCK DIMENSIONS 131-B S. Depot St. Boone, N.C. 28607 (828) 265-3544 info@rockdimensions.com www.rockdimensions.com
Climbers in the High Country enjoy fantastic scenery while overcoming mental and physical challenges. PHOTO COURTESY ROCK DIMENSIONS CLIMBING GUIDES
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44020 lansing
Back in the Saddle
Horse lovers have plenty of places to ride in the High Country BY JEFF EASON
Home of Stomp Fest 2012 · October 6th Old Lansing School Pond Mountain Game Lands & Nature Conservancy For directions to the most beautiful fall vistas in Northwest North Carolina visit ExploreLansingNC.com
11 miles from the Virginia Creeper Trail 4 miles from the New River 33 miles from Boone • 45 miles from Banner Elk
2012
What better way to enjoy a crisp fall day in the mountain than from the saddle of a horse? Visiting horse lovers will find plenty of other equine enthusiasts to share a trail with while viewing our gorgeous autumn scenery. You can find information about horseback riding in the High Country at Appalachian by Horseback (828-2971289), Dutch Creek Trails (828-2977117), River Run Farm (828-963-9204) and the Yonahlossee Saddle Club (828387-0390).
CONE PARK CARRIAGE TRAILS One of the most popular destinations in the High Country for horse lovers is the Moses Cone Estate in Blowing Rock. Operated by the Blue Ridge Parkway and the National Park Service, the 3,516-acre estate grounds are home to the Cone Park Carriage Trails. Moses “the Denim King” and Bertha Cone were naturalists before the term
became popular, and the couple’s estate contains some of the most breathtaking flora and fauna in the country. Combine that with the 25 miles of carriage roads available at the estate, and you have a full day of horseback riding adventure. For more information on the Cone Park Carriage Trails, call the National Park Service information desk at the Cone Manor at (828) 295-3782. The estate is located at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 295.
DUTCH CREEK TRAILS The trail rides, which are open yearround for everyone ages 6 and up, cost $50 each and last just more than an hour. There are both wooded trails and fields on the trail, and scenery abounds. Dutch Creek Trails takes cash and check, and rides step off at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the summertime, and 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the winter. The trails are closed Sun-
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round horseback riding for the entire family. Tours follow a high-mountain trail through the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering scenic vistas of Beech Mountain. With a sizable stable of horses to match anyone’s riding ability, Banner Elk Stables also boasts a connection to Hollywood, with some of its horses having appeared in feature films like “Cinderella” and “National Treasure.” Banner Elk Stables is located at 796 Shomaker Road in Banner Elk. For more information, call (828) 898-5424 or visit www.bannerelkstables.com.
HORSES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 62
days. To call ahead for reservations, call (828) 297-7117. Dutch Creek Trails is located at 793 Rubin Walker Road in Vilas, near Boone. Visit dutchcreektrails. com for more information.
LEATHERWOOD MOUNTAINS Leatherwood Mountains promises a horse-lover’s paradise, featuring full-service boarding accommodations for horseback riding trips and miles on miles of trails for riders of all skills, ranging from wide forest paths to rugged mountain passages. Facilities include 75 stalls, show arena and a round pen. Leatherwood also offers horseback riding lessons (reservations are a must), as well as horseback riding birthday parties. Leatherwood Mountains is located at 512 Meadow Road in Ferguson, just a short drive from Boone. For more information, call (336) 973-5044 or visit www.leatherwoodmountains.com.
THE SADDLE CLUB AT YONAHLOSSEE The Saddle Club at Yonahlossee offers
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BURNT HILL STABLES
a full-service, year-round equestrian facility in Boone. The club specializes in boarding, training, lessons and sales, while treating members and visitors to use of its large indoor arena, outdoor arena, cross-country course and miles of scenic trails that showcase the area’s natural beauty, including views of Grandfather Mountain and Sugar Mountain.
Step Back 150 Years... Lunch Daily Dinner Thursday – Sunday Sunday Brunch Farm-to-Table Vegetables
Yonahlossee caters to riders of all experience levels, from the simple enthusiast to the accomplished rider. The Saddle Club at Yonahlossee is located at 223 Pine Hill Road. For more information, call (828) 387-0390 or visit www.saddleclubnc.com.
BANNER ELK STABLES Banner Elk Stables promises year-
Nestled in Laurel Springs in Ashe County, Burnt Hill Stables offers miles of trails that explore the Blue Ridge Mountains and their abundant scenery, all from atop horses ideal for any skills levels. Still apprehensive? Neigh! Burnt Hill also offers riding lessons. Carriage weddings and horse boarding are also available. Burnt Hill Stables is located at 1102 Burnt Hill Road in Laurel Springs. For more information, call (336) 982-2008 or visit www.burnthillstables.com.
Specialty Beers Wines from the affordable to the rare & collectable Unique cheese from around the world Incredible chocolates Expanded selection of gourmet specialty foods, condiments & oils Gluten-free products Exclusive distributor for Arrigo Olive Oil Gift baskets & party trays, wine & dining accessories Custom wine ordering Professional, certified, helpful staff
The 1861 Farmhouse See Full Menu & Hours at 1861Farmhouse.com Across from the Original Mast General Store, Valle Crucis • 828-963-6301
Saturday Wine Tastings 1–5pm
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ASU’s All-American linebacker Jeremy Kimbrough returns an interception in 2011. PHOTO BY STEVE BEHR
Welcome to the Rock Appalachian State University Mountaineer football
BY STEVE BEHR
The High Country is home to one of the most successful Football Championship Subdivision teams in the nation. Appalachian State, which recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of its 34-32 victory over Michigan on Sept. 1, 2007, began its season at East Carolina on Sept. 1. East Carolina took a 35-13 victory. Appalachian State is a longtime member of the Southern Conference, an FCS league. The Mountaineers play six games at Kidd Brewer Stadium, also known as The Rock. Appalachian State played Montana (Sept. 8) and The Citadel (Sept. 15) and will face Coastal Carolina (Sept. 29), Elon (Oct. 6), Wofford (Oct. 20) and Furman (Nov. 10). Appalachian State usually hosts an FCS playoff game following the season. The Mountaineers, coached by Jerry Moore, return two All-Americans on defense in linebacker Jeremy Kim-
Appalachian State Schedule Sept. 1 — at East Carolina, (L 13-35) Sept. 8 — MONTANA, 6:30 p.m. (W 35-27) Sept. 15 — *THE CITADEL, 3:30 p.m. Sept. 22 — *at Chattanooga, 6 p.m. Sept. 29 — COASTAL CAROLINA, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 6 — *ELON, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 13 — *at Samford, 3 p.m. Oct. 20 — *WOFFORD, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 27 — *at Western Carolina, 3:30 p.m. Nov. 3 — *at Georgia Southern, 2 p.m. Nov. 10 — *FURMAN, 3:30 p.m. *Denotes Southern Conference game Times subject to change brough and cornerback Demetrius McCray. Appalachian State also has several talented redshirt and true freshman
that are expected to make an impact on the 2012 season. Appalachian State also set a team record by having seven former players on NFL rosters. Safety Corey Lynch (San Diego Chargers), guard Daniel Kilgore (San Francisco 49ers), linebacker D.J. Smith (Green Bay Packers) and receiver Armanti Edwards (Carolina Panthers) are all veterans who contribute to their teams in significant ways. Defensive end Jason Hunter (Denver Broncos) is on his team’s injured reserve list after suffering a torn biceps muscle. Rookie running back Travaris Cadet (New Orleans Saints) made a big impact with the Saints by scoring a touchdown in each of his first two games. He and fellow rookie receiver Brian Quick (St. Louis Rams) made their teams’ rosters. Quick was the 33rd overall selection in the NFL Draft, making him the highest selection in ASU history. Cornerback DeAndre Presley (Miami Dolphins) and safety Mark LeGree (Atlanta Falcons) are on their teams’
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Become a Mountaineer for a day (or a lifetime) and experience tailgating in Boone.
PHOTO BY DAVE MAYO, COURTESY OF APPALACHIAN STATE ATHLETICS
Game Day and Tailgating in Boone BY ANNA OAKES
There’s no better way to experience the Appalachian State game day culture than to check out the tailgating scene before Mountaineer football games. Get up early and rent a parking spot in downtown Boone to set up your own tailgate, or simply stroll through the lots and take in the atmosphere — you may even be invited to sample some game day food or join a game of cornhole (that’s “bags” or “bean bag toss” for you Yankees).
2012 ASU Home Games • • • • • •
Sept. 8 — vs. Montana, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15 — vs. The Citadel, 3:30 p.m. Sept. 29 — vs. Coastal Carolina, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 6 — vs. Elon, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 20 — vs. Wofford, 3:30 p.m. Nov. 10 — vs. Furman, 3:30 p.m.
WHERE TO PARK…
GET YOUR GEAR
… to tailgate: Free public parking is available along Rivers Street on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking becomes available after 5 p.m. on the Fridays before game days and often fills up overnight. Parking is also available for a fee at several business parking lots downtown. … not to tailgate: Parking is available at several public parking lots in the downtown area. To access maps of the lots, visit www.downtownboonenc.com.
You may not need a grill, canopy tent or similar equipment if you’re only visiting the High Country, but you can look the part. You’ll find T-shirts, hats, blankets, drink koozies, flags and more at a number of stores in town, including Sports Fanatic at the Boone Mall on U.S. 321/Blowing Rock Road and Mountaineer Mania, M-Prints, Appalachian Tees and Appalachian Sportswear on King Street near campus.
MOUNTAINEER VILLAGE
Walk up to Stadium Drive and over by Newland Hall to find Mountaineer Village, ASU’s family-friendly pregame hospitality area. This area features fun activities for young Mountaineers and offers a wide-open space for all fans to enjoy the game day experience. Each game will feature events sponsored by ASU’s corporate partners, as well as inflatables to keep the kids entertained prior to kickoff. Yosef and his fellow cheerleaders will drop by before each game to check out what Mountaineer Village has to offer.
THE RULES Some tailgates will have alcohol, and some will choose not to participate in those activities. Malt beverages and unfortified wine may be consumed in these locations by fans of legal drinking age. Those that choose to consume alcohol must be able to present a valid driver license or photo ID to reflect their age upon request. Spirituous liquor, kegs, common containers and glass containers are not permitted in any location. Consumption of alcoholic beverages
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Tweetsie Railroad’s annual Ghost Train Halloween Festival runs Sept. 28 to Oct. 27 in Blowing Rock. PHOTO SUBMITTED
Ghost Train on track for Tweetsie Railroad Hop on board for the 23rd spooktacular season of Tweetsie Railroad’s Ghost Train Halloween Festival, as the High Country’s most popular Halloween celebration begins Sept. 28 and continues every Friday and Saturday night through Oct. 27. The Ghost Train will howl through the Blue Ridge Mountains, while guests of all ages will experience a frighteningly fun time. Daytime visitors can still enjoy all of Tweetsie’s Wild West adventures, rides and attractions; but when the sun goes down, a horde of fun and creepy Halloween characters will emerge. Join Ghost Train engineer Casey Bones and his macabre crew for a scary journey on a train inescapably haunted by its past. The tracks lead into the darkness of a railroading era filled with terror and tragedy. Guests will experience chills and thrills as ghosts and ghouls from the old
railways pursue the Ghost Train’s passengers around every bend, and through every eerie forest. Visit The Boneyard and venture into the 3-D Maze and the disorienting Black Hole. Enjoy a spooky stroll through the Freaky Forest and encounter screamworthy surprises along a dark and desolate woodland pathway of terror. Brave visitors can also tour the spinechilling Haunted House and discover 13 spooky rooms, each one guaranteed to startle and challenge the imagination. Although some attractions are recommended for adults and older children, there are plenty of shows and activities for the youngest guests too. Kids can enjoy traditional trick-or-treating throughout the park. At The Haunted Palace Saloon, visitors of all ages will be enchanted by the excit-
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ing black light show. Families can take a spin on a variety of amusement rides at the Creepy Carnival and boogie down at the Tweetsie Main Street Halloween celebration where The Spice Ghouls and emcee Darkus Knight will keep your toes tappin’ and feet jivin’. The Ghost Train Halloween Festival is safe, scary fun for all ages. The gates open at 7:30 p.m. Due to the popularity of this annual event, a limited number of tickets are available for each evening. Many nights often sell out, so ordering advance tickets online is strongly recommended. Admission is $28 for adults and children, while kids ages 2 and younger are admitted free. Print-at-home tickets are available at tweetsie.com. Tweetsie Railroad is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 28. The 2012 season ends Sunday, Oct. 28. The park’s daytime hours are 9 a.m. to 6
THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE p.m. and from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. during the Ghost Train Halloween Festival. Tweetsie Railroad is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains on U.S. 321 between Boone and Blowing
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Rock. For more information and Ghost Train Halloween Festival ticket purchases, visit tweetsie. com or call 1-877-TWEETSIE. Find Tweetsie on Facebook or follow Tweetsie on Twitter @TweetsieRR.
Join Ghost Train engineer Casey Bones and his macabre crew for a scary journey on a train inescapably haunted by its past.
Tweetsie Railroad’s Ghost Train Halloween Festival is a howling good time for visitors of all ages. FILE PHOTOS
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Grandfather Mountain offers mile-high opportunities for sight-seeing, hiking and more. PHOTOS BY FRANK RUGGIERO
Grandfather Mountain offers views and adventure descent from the mountain peaks, down the slopes, into the valleys and out into the lower elevations to the east. As long as the weather is fair, Grandfather Mountain will not disappoint during the fall season. That said, a savvy guest can get the most out of the trip by following a few simple tips provided by the naturalist staff on Grandfather Mountain.
BY MATTHEW HUNDLEY
Grandfather Mountain is one of the premier natural attractions of the Appalachian Mountains. The park, museum, trails, shops and various other facets of the Grandfather Mountain experience make it a mustsee in every season, but autumn offers the grand spectacle of Grandfather’s landscape draped in fall colors. Grandfather Mountain reserves some of its most exciting events and vistas for autumn. Throughout the fall season, the staff of Grandfather Mountain will be presenting special programming and events that highlight the mountain’s autumn features, including its legendary fall colors.
TRAVEL ON WEEKDAYS IN MID-OCTOBER
CATCHING THE AUTUMN COLORS Leaf-watchers in the Southern Appalachians know that Grandfather Mountain is the place to be. Because of the amazing diversity of plant life on the mountain, the fall colors swirl together into a tapestry of color that cannot be found at lower elevations. As the air cools, chlorophyll begins to fade from the leaves. Yellow and red pigments that lay beneath the chlorophyll begin to show through. Each of the various species of trees has a subtly different shade of pigment beneath the green, resulting in the breadth of color
River otters are one of many residents of Grandfather Mountain’s wildlife habitats.
that paints the landscape. One of the reasons that Grandfather’s colors are so magnificent is the diversity of hardwood trees, which tend to produce the most vibrant colors. Yellow cottonwoods, golden poplar, pumpkincolored beeches, orange sugar maples, red sourwoods, rusty red oaks, crimson huckleberries, wine-colored sweetgums and purple dogwoods all create vivid
contrast against the stark, stony face of the mountain. While the fall leaf season lasts only a few weeks throughout most of the region, Grandfather’s elevation relative to the surrounding terrain makes it an ideal vantage point to view the changing leaves throughout the entire season. Throughout autumn, the view from Grandfather’s summit will reveal the fall colors’ gradual
Visit the High Country on weekdays during October if you can. Attractions, restaurants and hotels will be busy on peak October weekends, which means that visiting during the week should make for a less hectic, more relaxed trip. Arrive at Grandfather Mountain before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. on peak weekends For many people, weekends are the only option. For weekend visitors, the best times to arrive on Grandfather are before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. This will help you avoid waits and lines. There are other advantages to arriving early. Cool mornings clear the air, making the view across the surrounding mountains the most spectacular early in the day. In fact, early-morning visitors in October are sometimes able to see the
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skyline of Charlotte, 80 miles away. In addition, Grandfather’s animal inhabitants are more energetic, alert and playful in the early hours. On weekend mornings, go to the Mile-High Swinging Bridge first When traffic delays occur, they usually occur near the top of the mountain, where there are fewer places to park. These traffic problems usually do not develop before 11 a.m. Another way to avoid traffic at the top is to park at the parking area just below the summit and take the Bridge Trail to the top. This 15-minute walk leads visitors to a viewpoint under the swinging bridge before leading them up to the bridge itself. If you are spending a few days in the High Country, make reservations For assistance in locating lodging and making reservations, the staff at Grandfather recommends that you call High Country Host at (800) 438-7500 or click to www.highcountryhost.com. Direct links to area chambers of commerce are also available by clicking to www. grandfather.com.
PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT AUTUMN To help ensure that all of their guests get the most out of their visit, Grandfather Mountain’s staff has prepared a range of programs for all ages, including KidFest, Girl
Grandfather Mountain is an ideal vantage point for viewing the expansive swathes of color that emerge in autumn. PHOTO SUBMITTED
Scout Day, clogging performances, music, special nature programming, Beary Scary Halloween and guided fall foliage hikes. These programs are all in addition to the typical programs that are available year round. For more information on all of the programs that Grandfather Mountain offers throughout the fall season, click to www.grandfather.com/events.
DIRECTIONS The entrance to Grandfather Mountain is located on U.S. 221, two miles north of Linville and one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 305. From Boone, take N.C. 105 South to Linville. Turn left at the stoplight and take U.S. 221 North two miles to the entrance of Grandfather Mountain.
Seasonal Group Exhibitions 2012 SUMMER: July 7 - September 22 AUTUMN: October 6 - November 15 WINTER: November 23 - March 15 Opening Receptions on Saturdays May 26, July 7 & October 6, 2-5 pm Holiday Open House – November 23 & 24, 10-5 pm
Featured Artists Receptions 4th Saturdays, 2-5 pm, May – November CARLTON GALLERY Located 10 Miles South of Boone on Highway 105 in Grandfather Community 828-963-4288 | www.carltonartgallery.com | info@carltonartgallery.com
PAINTINGS • CLAY • GLASS • WOOD • FIBER ART • JEWELRY
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Avery County’s popular Woolly Worm Festival wiggles into Banner Elk Oct. 20 and 21.
Get Woolly BY JAMIE SHELL
For the past 35 years, the annual Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival has warmed the hearts of visitors and locals throughout the High Country. This year’s festival returns to downtown Banner Elk on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 20 and 21. The grounds of the historic Banner Elk Elementary School will swell with thousands of people for
FILE PHOTOS
Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival
the weekend, as the festival marks a sure sign that autumn has arrived in the High Country. Woolly worms race on strings during individual heats, and the champion is used to predict the “official” woolly worm forecast on Saturday. Mountain residents have used the brown and black stripes of the woolly worm for many years to predict the severity of the coming winter,
and the Woolly Worm Festival maintains that tradition. In addition to Saturday’s races, races take place for fun and prizes on Sunday. This family event welcomes more than 23,000 people to the community each year to not only make once-in-alifetime family memories, but also to win the prestigious title of predicting the High Country weather. A grand prize of
$1,000 doesn’t hurt participation, either. Come early, as the fun begins at 9 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, with entertainment all day. Local groups and impromptu guests provide quality music and entertainment during the weekend. Numerous vendors selling arts and crafts, as well as food and drink vendors, add to the entertainment of the festival.
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Contestants may bring their own woolly worm or purchase worms onsite to train and race. Banner Elk resident and “Mr. Woolly Worm” Roy Krege serves as host during the event. “It’s a great festival, as it has something for everyone,” Krege said. The 34th annual Woolly Worm Festival is co-sponsored by Banner Elk Kiwanis and Avery County Chamber of Commerce, with all proceeds given back to the local community to enhance schools, support children’s programs and promote business and tourism in Avery County. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for kids age 5 to 12. Children younger
THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
than 5 are admitted free. For more information, click to www. woollyworm.com, email events@averycounty.com or call (828) 898-5605.
Mark Your Calendar! What: 35th Annual Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 20 and 21 Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Historic Banner Elk Elementary School Cost: $5 for adults, $2 children age 5-12, free for children less than five years of age
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Journey to Oz BY MATTHEW HUNDLEY
Thousands of guests will follow the Yellow Brick Road to Beech Mountain this fall for the 19th annual Autumn at Oz celebration. The celebration will take place on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 6 and 7, in honor and appreciation of the Land of Oz theme park, which operated from 1970 to 1980 on Beech Mountain. Autumn at Oz represents a rare combination of pop culture, fantasy, local history and old-fashioned family fun. A full ensemble of familiar characters will inhabit the Land of Oz during sessions on both Saturday and Sunday to ensure that visitors enjoy the rare opportunity to experience the revitalized theme park. What began as a reunion for former Land of Oz employees has now grown into a yearly event designed to showcase the former theme park as it slowly undergoes painstaking renovations under the care of Cindy Keller. Keller works to organize the event each year, bringing in talent from around the country to recreate as much of the old park as possible. “Several theater groups assist us, some from as far away as New York City,” Keller said. “They’re interested in helping us rekindle, rebuild and resurrect what we can CONTINUED ON PAGE 73
The Yellow Brick Road winds through the autumn colors on its path through Beech. PHOTO BY BILLY FERGUSON
Specials Served Daily! Banquet Room Available Full Bar Available Enjoy Outdoor Dining on our Lighthouse Deck! CALL for Hours of Operation 423-725-2201 or 888-423-3785 Seasonal--Restaurant Closes October 28th and Reopens in March
www.lakeshore-resort.com lakeshore-resort@earthlink.net
2012
THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
The gates to the legendary Land of Oz will open to the public Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 6 and 7. PHOTO BY MATTHEW HUNDLEY
In Oz, surprises await around every corner. PHOTO BY BILLY FERGUSON
AUTUMN AT OZ
will cost $25 at the event while they last. Children less than two years of age are admitted for free. The property is not wheelchair accessible or accommodating to large strollers. For tickets or more information, click to www.autumnatoz.com.
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of the Land of Oz.” A visit to Land of Oz may be inspired by any number of motivations. For those with fond memories of the beloved tale of Dorothy and her adventures in the strange world of Oz, Autumn at Oz offers a rare opportunity to walk through the story itself, encountering familiar places, characters and memorabilia from the books and film. For those with an interest in the history of Avery County, a trip to Land of Oz is tantamount to taking a step 30 years into the past to get a glimpse of a worldrenowned attraction that once adorned the peak of Beech Mountain, attracted visitors from around the world and helped build the economy and tourism of the area. For youngsters of any age who are on the lookout for a sense of the surreal and fantastic, Autumn at Oz offers a unique opportunity to step out of the black and white, work-a-day world and into the full-color dream world of L. Frank Baum’s famed books. There is no single reason to visit the Land of Oz. Rather, enthusiasts of history, film, literature and pop culture all have ample cause to make Beech Mountain’s historic landmark their destination. “Hardly a day goes by that somebody doesn’t make some reference to a line in the movie,” Keller said. “It is part of the American fabric. I’m amazed how integrated it is into our culture.” Autumn at Oz has sessions on both Saturday and Sunday. The sessions begin at 9:30 a.m., and tickets are available every hour until 5:30 p.m. Advance tickets are available online for $20 per person in advance. Tickets
DIRECTIONS From Boone: Follow N.C. 105 South for 15 miles and then turn right onto N.C. 184. Follow N.C. 184 to Banner Elk and then turn left onto N.C. 194/184. N.C. 184 will veer to the right and become South Beech Mountain Parkway. Follow N.C. 184/Beech Mountain Parkway into town
PARKING Visitors should park in the Beech Mountain Resort (Ski Beech) parking lots located 1.2 miles down Beech Mountain Parkway from the Beech Mountain Town Hall and Visitor Center.
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A Hickory Ridge Homestead re-enactor demonstrates tomahawk throwing at the 2011 Boone Heritage Festival. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
Hickory Ridge Homestead brings history to life BY KATE SMITH
TH E
I N T E RIO R
D E S IG N
8562 NC Highway 105 S., Suite 102, Boone, NC 828.963.7981 • www.theknollinteriordesign.com
Eight cabins are planted along the Hickory Ridge Homestead Living History Museum, base of “Horn in the West,” the country’s third oldest outdoor Revolutionary drama. Both are organized by the Southern Appalachian Historical Association. Within the 35 acres of Daniel Boone Park, time seems to stop. Rough-cut planks and ashen red clay stone chimneys brace shingled roofs. The women have clouds of hair bobbing over their linen skirts, aprons and ruffled necks. The men wear doeskin breeches and leather boots or moccasins with belted jackets or flannel. Most carry weapons – rifles, muskets, tomahawks or frying pans. Some tell stories in front of the the Coffey cabin “amphitheater,” level with tree trunk benches. Some guide visitors through period homes, like the Tatum Cabin, filled with a dusty collections of the essentials – a fireplace, butter churn, sewing supplies, and the occasional rocker. Though the “Horn in the West” drama featured its last show of the year on Aug. 11, the Homestead will continue to be open every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to
1 p.m., until the second annual Boone Heritage Festival on Oct. 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The grounds will also be open after dusk for the week of Oct. 24 to 31, excluding that Sunday and Monday, for Haunted Horn. Hickory Ridge Homestead is located on Horn in the West Drive to the side of the Watauga County Farmers Market. “Boone was looking for a signature festival,” Dave Davis, curator and cofounder of the outdoor museum, said. A member of the American Mountain Men and the “pyro guy” for “Horn in the West,” Davis decided to fill the “empty shell” of the property’s Tatum Cabin with his period memorabilia. By 1980, the men had assembled a small growing museum on the property. “It’s here for folks to better understand the play,” Virginia Roseman, director of public relations, said. “The museum is real time. The stage is artistic.” “Our hope was for people to realize the price people paid so we can live how we do today,” Davis said. “We wanted to keep the tradition of the long-hunters and the fur traders alive.” The Homestead grew to host the yearly Apple Festival, which has become the
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Boone Heritage Festival. Last year, more than 1,300 people milled the grounds, and coordinator Michelle Ligon expects 1,700 this year. Music will be performed by local musicians like the Sheets family and Mary Greene. A jam session area will be open and instruments on site for borrowing. Storytelling will be done by Orville Hicks and Glenn Bolick, ghost stories told by Charlotte Ross, and folklore from Rick and Lonnie Ward. Craftsmen will demonstrate 18thcentury techniques like blacksmithing, candle dipping, candlewick needlework, apple butter making, cornhusk crafts, flint-knapping, flintlock rifles, hearthside cooking, leatherwork, spinning and carding, tatting, colonial trading and tomahawk throwing. A children’s craft station will be open. Hands-on activities include dipping tapered candles and making cornhusk dolls as souvenirs. Visitors can cook apple butter over the fire and sample the final product with a biscuit. The Trade Blanket raffle sells tickets
Hickory Ridge Homestead re-enactors demonstrate 18th-century techniques, including blacksmithing, candle dipping, flint-knapping, flintlock rifles and more, at the annual Boone Heritage Festival. PHOTO SUBMITTED
for $5 each or 5 for $20. It features items like a powder horn, hunting knife, haversack, hats and homemade dolls. Several local organizations will have information and demonstration booths at the festival. Vendors will sell baked goods, books, jewelry, woodworking, handmade soaps, kettle corn, fresh-pressed apple cider, leather-working and hand-knitted Alpaca
wool items. The event is sponsored by Watauga Tourism Developmental Authority. Haunted Horn began in the 1990s and, after a lapse, was restarted in 2004 by director Freda Greene. “I wanted to add something more to the events,” she said. “My daughter was 22 and my son was 29, and I figured this would be a good way for kids to stay safe
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but still have fun on Halloween.” Haunted Horn is a 25-minute haunted hiking trail through themed screams, gunshots and chainsaws. It disorients visitors with black lights and strobe lights, and this year, Greene hopes to produce a mafia theme. The production by a group of 30 ASU honor students and other volunteers goes toward the community service part of their scholarships. Ticket sales are directed toward gifts for needy children. “It’s this creepy tour though the woods to the backstage,” intern Katy Cook said. The hike leads along the upper road, across the backstage catwalk, around the turntable and back up the hill. Children ages 8 and younger are not encouraged to enter. As of press time, Haunted Horn dates are yet to be announced, although it typically takes place the last week in October. For updates, call the Southern Appalachian Historical Association at (828) 264-2120. Tickets are available on site at $10 for the general public and $8 for students. For more information, visit hickoryridgemuseum.com, booneheritagefestival.com and horninthewest.com. The Hickory Ridge Homestead is located at 591 Horn in the West Drive in Boone.
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Banner House Museum brings local history to life BY JAMIE SHELL
Visitors to the High Country can take a stroll through local culture and history with a visit to Banner House Museum, located at 7990 Hickory Nut Gap Road in Banner Elk. Banner House Museum is the renovated home of one of Banner Elk’s earliest families. Samuel Henry Banner built a home in the area in the late 1860s. Banner, wife Jane and their seven children settled in the area that came to bear their name. Banner’s descendants owned the house until the mid-1960s. In 2006, The Greater Banner Elk Heritage Foundation purchased and restored the home to its original condition and opened it to the public in 2007. The home contains several Banner family items, as well as period furnishings donated by area families, farm tools, hand stitched quilts, hand woven coverlets, vintage clothing and original documents, photographs and paintings. Period rooms have been recreated to display objects used and the culture of the time, with docent-led tours offering
n Rair o e Shin SATURDAYS May-October: 8 a.m.-Noon
PHOTO SUBMITTED
information and stories about life in the mountains during the mid- to late1800s. During the summer, the Banner House Museum offers Elk Camp for Children, where children receive hands-on experiences of pioneer life and nature studies. Local volunteers raised the funds and purchased the Banner House, decorated the rooms, landscaped the yard and trained to be docents, with the purpose of guiding visitors through Banner Elk’s history with tours and demonstrations. The museum accepts applications
Cre d Deb it, it, a n EBT d Acc Cards epte d
WEDNESDAYS June-Sept: • 8 a.m.-Noon
Horn in the West Parking Lot in Boone, NC
wataugacountyfarmersmarket.org • 828-355-4918 Fresh Produce and Plants • Local Meats, Cheeses, and Eggs Homemade Jams and Jellies • Honey • Herbs • Fresh Cut Flowers • Delicious Baked Goods • Handmade Crafts Funding received by Got to Be NC sponsored in part by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund, and a grant from the USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program
IN THIS COUPON FOR A FREE WATAUGA COUNTY $ BRINGFARMERS’ $ MARKET REUSABLE SHOPPING BAG.
for docents and provides training periodically for anyone interested in leading museum tours. Docents must be comfortable dealing with people and committed to learning more about this area’s history and available a minimum of three hours a week. The house features exhibitions, such as “Banner Elk 1860 to 1865,” that highlight area families and how they were impacted by the Civil War. The museum is open from early summer through Saturday, Oct. 19, with group and private tours available. Ban-
ner House Museum is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission price to tour the Banner House Museum is $5 for adults and $1 for children from 6 to 12 years of age. Hours of operation and fees are subject to change, however, so it is recommended to contact museum staff for most current information. For more details about the Banner House Museum, call (828) 898-3634, email bannerhousemuseum@yahoo. com or click to www.bannerhousemuseum.org.
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The Parkway Craft Center features thousands of handmade items for sale, including wood carvings, games, pottery, jewelry, paintings, toys and more. PHOTOS BY JEFF EASON
Parkway Craft Center Store in Cone Manor open until Nov. 30 BY JEFF EASON
Few things in life can be as frustrating as trying to find that perfect holiday gift for a friend or loved one. How many times have you found yourself wandering around the mall or megastore looking for something special – and not finding it? The solution to your dilemma might be found at the Blue Ridge Parkway Craft Center, located at Milepost 294 in Blowing Rock. Housed in the historic Cone Manor, former home of Moses “The Denim King” Cone and his wife, Bertha, the Parkway Craft Center has thousands of handmade items to choose from. Those items include wood carvings, wood-turned “burl” bowls, games, pottery, jewelry, paintings, Christmas ornaments and decorations, brooms, prints, woven placemats, tiles, metal sculpture, hats, vases, baskets, clothes, hand-blown glassware, yarn, sock monkeys, puppets, stuffed animals, books, stained glass and more.
CONE MANOR TOURS A trip to the Parkway Craft Center can be combined with a tour of the second floor of the Cone Manor. Parkway ranger-led tours are available on Saturdays
100+ Artists, including Will Moses (Heir to “Grandma Moses”) Oils, Watercolors, Canvas Giclees Art Prints & Framing and Sundays through mid-October. Tour times are at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. To reserve a tour, call the National Park Service information desk at (828) 295-3782, or sign up at the information desk at the Manor House. Reservations are accepted beginning at 9 a.m. for the weekend of the requested tour only. The Blue Ridge Parkway Craft Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving. It will close for the season on Nov. 30. For more information, call the craft center at (828) 295-3782.
Handmade Jewelry, Mangum Pottery, Stained Glass, Kaleidoscopes Opening Receptions on 4th Saturday, June - November
ALTA VISTA GALLERY
Located in a National Register Historic farmhouse at 2839 Broadstone Road, Valle Crucis (between Mast Farm Inn and Mast Store Annex) Only 15 minutes from Boone or Banner Elk • www.altavistagallery.com • (828) 963-5247
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2012
Fall is Festival Time BY KELLEN MOORE
’Tis the season for fall festivals. The High Country comes alive in the crisp weekends of autumn, and rarely a weekend passes without a festival to celebrate this beautiful season. Peruse the list and see which festival strikes your family’s fancy.
STOMPFEST AT NEW RIVER WINERY Oct. 6
Stompfest brings contemporary arts and music alongside art and food vendors and storytelling to celebrate the year’s harvest and usher in the winemaking season. The winery is Ashe County’s first commercial winery, founded in 2005 and located on the grounds of the old Lansing School. The short mountain growing season allows for a unique grape harvest that often leads to more flavorful and fruity wines. Tickets include free winetasting and wine glass. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, visit newriverwinery.com or call (336) 3841213.
AUTUMN AT OZ
The event includes musical performances, storytellers, historical demonstrations from costumed re-enactors, vendors, crafts, food, square dancing and a raffle. Musicians are invited to bring their instruments and join in the jam sessions. The fun takes place at the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum and Horn in the West, which includes eight original log cabins and outbuildings. For more information, visit www. booneheritagefestival.com or call (828) 264-2120.
FESTIVAL OF THE FRESCOES Oct. 13
The Festival of the Frescoes, sponsored by the Parish of the Holy Communion, brings hundreds each year to Glendale Springs for activities, music and food. The free festival celebrates the famous frescoes painted by Ben Long in two small Ashe County churches. The traditional country fair takes place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the grounds of the Mission House across the street from Holy Trinity Church in Glendale Springs. For more information, visit www.ashefrescoes.org or call (336) 877-3607.
Oct. 6-7
Autumn at Oz in Beech Mountain allows visitors to step onto the Yellow Brick Road and into the Emerald City to see Dorothy’s dream world come alive. The local Land of Oz attraction opened in 1970 to bring the beloved L. Frank Baum book to life. A full cast joins visitors for their journey. The locale offers an expanded venue this year with activities, food and drinks. Advance tickets are available online for $20 per person. Tickets are $25 at the gate (cash only), with children 2 and younger admitted free. Group rates also are available. For more information, visit www.autumnatoz.com or call (800) 468-5506.
TODD NEW RIVER FESTIVAL Oct. 13
The Todd Ruritan Club presents the 19th annual Todd New River Festival in 2012, offering live music, crafts, food, face-painting and children’s activities beside the beautiful New River, one of the world’s oldest rivers. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and stay a while in Todd, a historic crossroads community that was larger than Boone in the early 1900s. Admission is free, and the festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Walter and Annie Cook Park in downtown Todd. For more information, visit www.toddruritan.com or call (828) 964-1362.
BOONE HERITAGE FESTIVAL
OKTOBERFEST AT SUGAR MOUNTAIN
Oct. 13
Oct. 13-14
The Southern Appalachian Historical Association and the town of Boone present the free Boone Heritage Festival on Oct. 13.
Grab your beer stein and put on your lederhosen for Sugar Mountain’s Oktoberfest. The Harbour Town Fest CONTINUED ON PAGE 79
The Harbour Town Fest Band will provide a festive Bavarian atmosphere to Sugar’s 22nd annual Oktoberfest celebration Oct. 13-14. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
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Fresh-made apple butter is just one of the many High Country delectables that await at the Valle Country Fair Oct. 20. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
FESTIVALS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 78
Band will build a Bavarian atmosphere while the Avery Smooth Dancers and Mountain Laurel Cloggers will keep feet tapping. Local artisans will blend alongside Bavarian cuisine and Spaten beer, along with more traditional fares such as kettle corn, funnel cakes and candy apples. The children’s activity center, complete with inflatables, hay rides and treats ensures the festival is fun for the whole family. The free festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at Sugar Mountain. For more information, visit oktoberfest.skisugar.com or call (828) 898-4521.
VALLE COUNTRY FAIR Oct. 20
The Valle Country Fair, sponsored by Holy Cross Episcopal Church, describes itself as an “overgrown church bazaar.” The event features mountain music, dozens of arts and crafts booths, homemade jam, jelly and apple butter, as well as Brunswick stew, chili and barbecue. The fair is held in the picturesque community of Valle Crucis at the height of leaf season. Admission is free, but parking is $5 per vehicle. Money raised benefits charitable organizations in the High Country.For more information, visit www.vallecountryfair.org or call (828) 963-4609.
The annual Woolly Worm Festival, scheduled for Oct. 20-21 in Banner Elk, offers fun for all ages. FILE PHOTO
WOOLLY WORM FESTIVAL Oct. 20-21
One of the High Country’s largest and most-well known festivals pays homage to the fuzzy forecaster known as the woolly worm. The festival returns to Banner Elk for its 35th year in 2012, offering crafts, foods, rides and performances. The main events are the wooly worm races, which tempt worm-wranglers with a $1,000 prize for Saturday’s fastest crawler. Tickets are available online in advance or on the day of the event in cash. Adults enter for $5, children 5 to 12 for $2 and children younger than 5 for free. Proceeds benefit schools, children’s programs and promotions in Avery County. For more information, visit www.woollyworm.com or call (828) 898-5605.
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Setting the Stage for Autumn BY KAREN SABO
Fans of live theater and dance have a wide variety of choices this fall in our tricounty area.
APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY
The Department of Theatre and Dance at Appalachian State University begins its season with a show by its newest students. The First Year Student Showcase allows those new to the university to display their skills in a variety-show style. Audiences can catch these up-and-comers Sept. 27 to 29 in the I.G. Greer Studio Theater on campus. The students continue their season with the British farce, “Noises Off,” by Michael Frayn. This modern comedy classic is a hilarious and self-referential look at how backstage events can be even more compelling than the onstage performance. This clever script is directed by longtime faculty member Joel Williams and will be presented Oct. 3 to 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. in ASU’s Valborg Theatre. The North Carolina Dance Festival will take place in Valborg Theatre Oct. 25 to 27 at 7:30 p.m. This statewide dance festival features local dance groups from around North Carolina performing different pieces every night. “I love the show,” director Derek Davidson said about the new play, “Middletown,” by Will Eno. Called an updated “Our Town,” this play looks at what life is like in the middle of things, where we all are. It is a funny, sad, quirky look at everyday life. “Middletown” runs Oct. 31 to Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 4 at 2 p.m., and again Nov. 7 to 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. in I.G. Greer Studio Theater. Butoh Dance Theatre, featuring guest performer Paul Ibey, will be presented Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Valborg Theatre. This performance involves playful and grotesque imagery, taboo topics, extreme or absurd environments, and is traditionally performed in white body makeup with slow hyper-controlled motion. ASU’s dance department has its fall show Nov. 14 to 17 at 7:30 p.m. The Fall Appalachian Dance Ensemble features choreography by both students and faculty, and emphasizes modern dance. This show is a fun sampler of the innovative
From left, Ensemble Stage artistic director Gary Smith and actor Kent Graham rehearse a staged radio drama. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
work from the dance department, and is popular among students and community members. The university’s student-run theatre club Playcrafters will present their New Play Festival November 29 to Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. in I.G. Greer Studio Theater. With minimal faculty support, students produce one-act plays that they have written, directed and designed. This fun festival displays the variety of playwriting voices emerging from the student body and explores the issues on the minds of the college-age population. I.G. Greer Studio Theatre is located in the lower level of I.G. Greer Hall, facing the B.B. Dougherty Administration Building. Valborg Theatre is located on the north side of Chapell Wilson Hall on Howard Street, with the door facing the back of the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts on King
Street. Parking is available after 5 p.m. in campus lots and the College Street parking deck near Belk Library and Information Commons.
ASHE COUNTY LITTLE THEATRE Down the road in West Jefferson, The Ashe County Little Theatre performs “That Championship Season” Oct. 5 to 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. This Pulitzer-prize winning play by Jason Miller explores the relationship between a terminally ill basketball coach and five of the players he coached to the state championship 20 years before. Rebecca Herman directs and said that the play selection committee chose this drama in a season of comedies because, ”We always try to do something dramatic and serious to give actors a chance to try something new.”
For show times, visit www.ashecivic. com or call (336) 846-2787.
ENSEMBLE STAGE Ensemble Stage of Blowing Rock is re-vamping “Dracula,” its staged radio drama of last year. “It’ll have a different feel and taste,” said Gary Smith, Ensemble’s artistic director. Smith said that he has set this story in Blowing Rock rather than in Europe and that local references should please audiences. Its November show dates are to be announced, with Smith speculating that it may be a holiday-themed radio play. From Dec. 14 to 16, Ensemble presents its holiday extravaganza. Smith stages an original show each year and said that this year, “We want it to incorporate more than Christmas. We want there to be some Hanukkah. We want more diversity.”
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SETTING THE STAGE
N.C. Dance Festival Oct. 25-27 at 7:30 p.m. Valborg Theatre, ASU
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‘Dracula’ TBA Blowing Rock School Auditorium
Attendance at this show is becoming a new holiday tradition for many families. For Ensemble Stage show times, visit www.ensemblestage.com or call (828) 414-1844.
LEES-MCRAE COLLEGE Finally, the performing arts students at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk display their diverse range through two very different shows. Based on the popular film, the musical, “Legally Blonde,” is the last student production to be directed by community icon and professor Janet Speer, with shows during Lees-McRae homecoming weekend on Oct. 4 to 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. Professor Tessa Carr directs “Pride and Prejudice” the following month. Based on the well-loved Jane Austen novel, this new adaptation is popular for its accessibility and humor, appealing to fans of both literature and theatre. Pride and Prejudice plays from Nov. 15 to 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. Lees-McRae shows are in the Hayes Auditorium on the campus of Lees-McRae College. Tickets are sold at the door, and the box office opens one hour prior to show time. Call (828) 898-8709 for more information, or visit www.lmc.edu/academics/programs/performing_arts_studies.
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Butoh Dance Theatre comes to ASU Nov. 10. PHOTO SUBMITTED
At a Glance First-Year Student Showcase Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. I.G. Greer Studio Theatre, ASU ‘Noises Off’ Oct. 3-6 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. Valborg Theatre, ASU ‘Legally Blonde’ Oct. 4-6 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. Hayes Auditorium, LMC ‘That Championship Year’ Oct. 5-6 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. Ashe Civic Center, West Jefferson
‘Middletown’ Oct. 31-Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 4 at 2 p.m., Nov. 7-10 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. I.G. Greer Studio Theater, ASU Butoh Dance Theatre Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Valborg Theatre, ASU Fall Appalachian Dance Ensemble Nov. 14-17 at 7:30 p.m. ‘Pride and Prejudice’ Nov. 15-17 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. Hayes Auditorium, LMC New Play Festival Nov. 29-Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. I.G. Greer Studio Theater, ASU ‘Christmas in Blowing Rock 4’ TBA Blowing Rock School Auditorium
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A North Carolina Treasure
Blowing Rock Art & History Museum a big draw for art lovers BY JEFF EASON
On Oct. 1, the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM) will celebrate its first anniversary. In its inaugural year, BRAHM was visited by thousands of visitors and area residents curious about its unique architecture, special exhibits and other features. Located in the heart of downtown Blowing Rock at the corner of Main and Chestnut streets, BRAHM features several art and history galleries, a community meeting room, small video theater, gift shop and other amenities. It is ADA complient with elevator, ramps and guides for the hearing and sight impaired.
NORTH CAROLINA TREASURES The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum is featuring its new exhibit, “North Carolina Treasures: a Painter, a Potter and a Rocking Chairmaker.” The exhibit celebrates the work and lives of three of North Carolina’s most talented and beloved artists and artisans: renowned painter Bob Timberlake, potter Glenn Bolick and seventh-generation chairmaker Max Woody. Visitors to the exhibit will see examples of the artists’ fine work that spans their long careers, as well as memorabilia, tools, photographs and other belongings that tell the stories of their lives. “We are delighted to have these three exceptional North Carolinians in this exhibit,” BRAHM executive director Joann Mitchell said. “Each of them has created a lasting legacy with their work, and we are glad that we are able to share that with our visitors.” Lexington native Timberlake, who turns 75 this year, is one of North Carolina’s most recognized and successful living artists. He devoted himself to painting in 1969 after receiving encouragement from the legendary American artist Andrew Wyeth. Since Timberlake’s first exhibition in Winston-Salem in 1970, he has been featured in galleries in North Carolina, New York, Washington, D.C., Germany and Japan. North Carolina Treasures will feature a selection of his original works that represent his
The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum celebrates its one-year anniversary in October. PHOTO BY JEFF EASON
career, along with memorabilia and personal items that illustrate his interests and inspiration. The multi-talented Bolick is a testament to traditional mountain arts. He is an accomplished old-time musician, storyteller and potter. His wife, Lula, is the daughter of Seagrove potter M.L. Owen, who also taught Bolick how to work clay. Nearly 40 years ago, Glenn and Lula built a kiln and pottery shop on the Bolick family land in Blackberry (on the Caldwell-Watauga county line). Today, they and their daughter, Janet, and son-in-law Michael Calhoun continue to operate their shops there. North Carolina Treasures will display pieces of Bolick pottery, as well as memorabilia from the Bolick and Owens families. Known as “The Chair Man,” McDowell County’s Max Woody has been making chairs for more than 60 years. The Woody Family has been known for
generations for their quality handmade products, and Woody continues that tradition with his fine rocking chairs and stools, sold nationally and beyond. BRAHM has a set of Max Woody chairs on its own porch, and the exhibit also includes other examples of Woody’s work, along with traditional tools used in woodworking and other items from the artisan’s long career.
THIRD THURSDAY LECTURE SERIES BRAHM’s 2012 Third Thursday Lecture Series will wrap up for the year on Oct. 20 with a presentation by noted archeologist Dr. David Moore. A professor at Warren Wilson College, Moore will talk about the Berry Site in nearby Burke County. The program will begin at 4 p.m. in the museum’s Community Meeting Room. The Berry Site has been identified as the town of Joaera, which was visited by the Hernando de Soto expedition in 1540
and by the Juan Pardo expedition from 1567-68. Pardo built Fort San Juan at Joara, generally considered the earliest European settlement in the interior of what is now the United States. At the Third Thursday lecture, Moore will show slides of the exploration and share stories and artifacts with the audience. A reception will follow Moore’s presentation. Third Thursday is free for BRAHM members and $5 for others. General admission to BRAHM is $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 and older, students and active military. The museum, located at 159 Chestnut St., on the corner of Chestnut and Main in downtown Blowing Rock, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday (closed on Mondays). For more information, visit www.blowingrockmuseum.org or call (828) 295-9099.
2012
THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE Solid Wood Furniture Full Line of Outdoor Furniture
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Annual October Sale Oct 1-31
Home Accessories
INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE
Connecting Crossroads with Daniel Bernard Roumain and Laurelyn Dossett will perform Nov. 1 as part of ASU’s 2012-13 Performing Arts Series. PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Impeccable Service
ASU Performing Art Series BY JEFF EASON
Expect some major changes in format for the 2012-13 Performing Arts Series at Appalachian State University. That’s because current renovations to Farthing Auditorium will put it out of commission for the coming school year. As a result, this year’s Performing Arts Series will have more of a departmental feel, with performances scheduled to take place in alternate venues. Two Performing Arts Series events, however, will take place at the Holmes Convocation Center. On Jan. 22, 2013, the ASU Office of Multicultural Student Development will present “An Evening with Maya Angelou” as part of the 29th annual Martin Luther King Jr. commemorations. The event begins at 7 p.m. On April 16, the Holmes Center will be host to “An Evening with Garrison Keillor and Musical Guests.” The show starts at 8 p.m., and musical guests are to be announced in the near future. The 2012-13 Performing Arts Series schedule also includes the Kruger Brothers performing “Appalachian Concerto,” featuring the Hayes Faculty Ensemble at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, at Rosen Concert Hall. “Noises Off,” a stage performance written by Michael Frayn and directed by Joel Williams, will be presented by the ASU Department of Theatre and Dance at Valborg Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. from
Wednesday, Oct. 3, through Saturday, Oct. 6, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7. The Star of the Seas Studio will present “Dragons in the Mountains at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26 and 27, at the Broyhill Events Center (formerly Broyhill Inn and Conference Center). “Connecting Crossroads in North Carolina with Daniel Bernard Roumain and Laurelyn Dossett will be presented at Valborg Theatre at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1. The unique sounds of New York Polyphony will be presented at the Rosen Concert Hall at 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013. Walnut Street Theatre will present “Around the World in 80 Days” at Valborg Theatre at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013. Adapted from the novel by Jules Verne, the stage show is written by Mark Brown and directed by Bernard Harvard. ASU’s Hayes School of Music will present Henry Purcell’s “Dido and Aeneas” and W.A. Mozart’s “Bastien und Bastienne” at the Rosen Concert Hall at 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, through Sunday, April 8, 2013. The concert is part of the Hayes School of Music Opera Program. Ticket for all 2012-13 Performing Arts Series productions will go on sale soon. For more information, call 1-800-841ARTS, or visit www.pas.appstate.edu.
11 miles from Boone · 5320 Highway 105 South Banner Elk, NC Mon-Sat 10am - 5pm · OPEN ALL YEAR · 828 963 6466
Cheers! Enjoy a picturesque view of Grandfather Mountain on the front porch while sharing one of our delicious wines with friends!
Visit our Winery & Tasting Room!
Owners Steve & Sally Tatum
www.grandfathervineyard.com winery in Watauga County!
225 Vineyard Lane Banner Elk, NC 9 miles from Boone on Hwy 105 or 3.5 miles from the intersection of Hwy 105 & 184 toward Banner Elk 828 963 2400
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Take in a concert in the High Country BY ANNA OAKES
You’ll find an eclectic mix of folk, bluegrass, Americana, rock, soul, blues and more in the North Carolina High Country, and many venues transform into stages for weekly or semi-regular concert series.
MOUNTAIN HOME MUSIC Mountain Home Music presents the music and musicians of the Appalachian region. Most shows are on Saturdays at 8 p.m. at the Blowing Rock School Auditorium, but some exceptions are noted below. • • • • • •
Sept. 29 — Beach Music & Boogie Oct. 6 — Piano Man Jeff Little, Rosen Concert Hall, ASU Oct. 13 — Skeeter & the Skidmarks Oct. 20 — Darin and Brooke Aldridge Nov. 24 — A Celtic Christmas, St. Luke’s Episcopal, Boone, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 — An Appalachian Christmas, Grace Lutheran Church, Boone, 7:30 p.m.
MUSIC ON THE LAWN The Best Cellar in Blowing Rock hosts Music on the Lawn on Fridays. Events begin at 5:30 p.m. and last until approximately 8:15 p.m. and are free to attend. CONTINUED ON PAGE 85
The Harris Brothers are a popular act at The Best Cellar’s Music on the Lawn concerts, held every Friday through Oct. 12. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
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CONCERTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 81
For more information, call (828) 295-3466. • • • •
Sept. 21 — Soul Benefactor Sept. 28 — Harris Brothers Oct. 5 — Soul Benefactor Oct. 12 — Smokey Breeze
BLUEGRASS AT TODD GENERAL STORE Every Friday through Thanksgiving at Todd General Store in Todd, enjoy free bluegrass music. Come early for good seating. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. followed by music at 7 p.m. For more information, call (336) 877-1067.
CONTRA DANCING
Darin and Brooke Aldridge, known as ‘The Sweethearts of Bluegrass,’ are scheduled to perform at Oct. 20’s installment of Mountain Home Music. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
Get some great exercise at area contra dances, which always feature a live band. Hosted by Boone Country Dancers, dances take place from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Apple Barn in Valle Crucis and the gym at the Old Cove Creek School in Sugar Grove. Admission is $7. Don’t know the moves? Just show up a half-hour early at 7:30 p.m. for a quick lesson. For more info and a schedule, visit www.boonecountrydancers. org.
The Cabin Store
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The Most Unique Shopping Experience In The High Country!
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High Country Halloween
2012
BY KELLEN MOORE
Whether you’re looking for sinister scares or family-friendly fun, the High Country’s Halloween lineup has it all. From corn mazes and haunted houses to trick-or-treating and costuming, these favorites are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and send shivers down your spine. Here are just a few of the area’s signature events. Check them out — if you dare.
NEW RIVER CORN MAZE
Sept. 1 to Oct. 28
The New River Corn Maze promises to make getting lost fun. The maze, set on the Brown family farm, winds through five acres of corn with more than a mile of twists, dead ends and switchbacks. The farm also offers a pick-your-ownpumpkin patch and, for the first time this year, train rides. The maze is open from 10 a.m. to dark Fridays and Saturdays and 1 p.m. until dark Sundays, from Labor Day through Halloween. Other times are available by appointment. For more information, visit www.newrivercornmaze.com or call (828) 264-2986.
ASHE COUNTY CORN MAZE
Sept. 27-Oct. 28
The Ashe County Corn Maze in Crumpler offers a challenge fit for kids and adults. The maze takes anywhere from 25 minutes to hours, and there are six “stations” within the maze. After finishing the maze, play outdoor games for prizes or jump in the inflatables. A straw bale maze is perfect for little tikes. The maze is open Thursdays and Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 7 p.m. Admission is $7, and groups of 12 or more get $1 off each admission. For more information, visit ashecountycornmaze.com or call (336) 982-6285.
GHOST TRAIN AT TWEETSIE RAILROAD
Sept. 28-Oct. 27
Tweetsie Railroad resurrects its Ghost Train each Friday and Saturday night between Sept. 28 and Oct. 27. In addition to spooky train rides, the park is in rare form with a haunted house, 3-D maze and black hole, trick-or-treating and plenty of things that go bump in the
Downtown Boone business owner Bob Snead, dressed as a wizard, hands out candy and wisdom during the Boone Boo. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
night. Admission is $28 per person, and children 2 and younger enter free. A limited number of people are admitted each night, so advance tickets are recommended. For more information, visit www.tweetsie.com or call (800) 526-5740.
LANSING HAUNTED HOUSE Sept. 29-Oct. 27
Set in the now-empty Old Lansing School in Ashe County, this haunted house will knock your socks off with more than 20 rooms and hallways filled with ghastly sights and terrifying horrors. Even the brave can expect to feel a little antsy after stepping into the school. The Haunted House is $5 per person and runs from 7 to 10 p.m. on Sept. 29 and every Friday and Saturday in October. Corn mazes make getting lost fun. CONTINUED ON PAGE 87
PHOTO SUBMITTED
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HALLOWEEN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 86
BEARY SCARY HALLOWEEN Oct. 27
Grandfather Mountain celebrates Halloween with crafts, nature programs, trick-or-treating in the animal habitats and a costume contest. Guests also will have a chance to participate in an interactive program called “Going Batty for Bats.” The festivities run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are included in the price of park admission. Children in costume get in for half price. For more information, visit www.grandfather.com or call (800) 468-7325.
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ticipate in the Monster March parade, starting at 5:45 p.m. Trick-or-treating in downtown Blowing Rock begins at 6 p.m., and participating stores will be marked with black and orange balloons. From 6:30 to 9 p.m., the whole family can enjoy a bonfire in the park. A costume contest with prizes will take place at 7 p.m., followed by a moonlight scavenger hunt at Broyhill Lake. Children ages 6 to 13 can bring a flashlight and participate in teams during the hunt. For more information, call (828) 2955222.
BOONE BOO! Oct. 31
BLOWING ROCK HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL Oct. 27
Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation and the Blowing Rock Elementary PTO have teamed up to present an entire afternoon of festivities Oct. 27. The fun begins at 3 p.m. with air walks in Memorial Park, as well as games and a fun house in the recreation center. Hay rides will be offered from 4 to 8 p.m. Those who line up at the American Legion building at 5:30 p.m. can par-
The 12th annual Boone Boo! festival takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 31 in downtown Boone. The event begins with crafts and activities at the Watauga County Public Library, located at 140 Queen St. in downtown Boone. Costumed guests then parade to the Jones House before trick-or-treating at participating downtown businesses until 6 p.m. The participating businesses will mark their stores with balloons. The event is sponsored by the Downtown Boone Development Association.
A couple of zombies seek brains — and candy —in downtown Boone for the annual Boone Boo. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
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2012
‘Price Lake in Autumn’ by Ray Byram at Carlton Gallery
The High Country’s Art Galleries Art buyers and enthusiasts will find that the High Country’s art galleries have much to offer. Home to almost countless venues that host a variety of styles and mediums, there’s a gallery for just about every artistic disposition.
Something for Everyone
ArtWalk, Boone’s largest arts emporium, may have the most eclectic mix of art in the High Country. Earrings made from guitar picks, picture frames constructed from twigs and junkyard materials transformed into animals liven up a downtown hotspot that also features paintings, photography and pottery. Three floors of space are covered with the works of local and regional artists. ArtWalk is located at 611 W. King Street in Boone. Hours are 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Shopping is available around the clock at ArtWalk’s website. For more information, call (828) 264-9998 or visit www.artwalkboone.com.
Fine Art
Carlton Gallery in Banner Elk is one of the largest fine galleries of the area, featuring more than 300 artisans. For more than 25 years, Toni Carlton has selected aesthetically pleasing pieces, ranging from traditional to
contemporary. Showcased in a casually elegant atmosphere, visitors will find blown glass, wind sculptures, jewelry and paintings, among other attractive pieces. Carlton Gallery is located at 10360 N.C. 105 South in the Grandfather Mountain community, 10 miles south of Boone and 7 miles north of Linville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call (828) 963-4288 or visit www.carltonartgallery.com.
artisans. With a freshly designed showroom and new displays, Doe Ridge’s collection of fine pottery includes functional, specialty and home decor pieces. Doe Ridge Pottery is located at 585-D W. King St. in Boone. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday. For more information, call (828) 264-1127 or visit www.doeridgepottery.homestead.com.
Learning
Open Door Global Gifts brings arts the world round to the High Country’s doorstep. Handcrafted items from Africa, the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia include grass necklaces, woven bowls, rice dresses and elephant dung stationary. Open Door prides itself as a fair trade business, paying fair prices to the producers of the art. Open Door Global Gifts is located at 703 W. King St. in downtown Boone. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call (828) 355-9755.
Appalachian State University’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, the largest educational arts facility in the region, presents exhibitions, workshops and visual arts activities. With a focus on new and historically important artwork, the Turchin Center displays nationally and internationally renowned artists, as well as regional artists. The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts is located at 423 W. King St. in Boone. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call (828) 262-3170 or visit www.tcva.org.
Pottery
Other Galleries
International Flavor
Doe Ridge Pottery is the High Country’s premier local pottery dealer. Bob Meier opened the gallery and store in 1988 and remains a resident potter with numerous other
BANNER ELK
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 88
ART GALLERIES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 88
Art Cellar 920 Shawneehaw Ave. (828) 898-5175 www.artcellaronline.com Clark Gallery 393 Shaneehaw Ave. (828) 898-2095 www.clarkgallerync.com
BLOWING ROCK Art & Artifacts 159 Sunset Dr. (828) 414-9402 www.artandartifactsbr.com Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery 7935 Valley Blvd. (828) 295-0041 www.blowingrockgalleries.com Morning Star Gallery 257 Sunset Dr. (828) 295-6991 www.morningstargalleryusa.com Rock Galleries of Fine Art 1153 Main St. (828) 295-9752 www.thomaskinkadeasheville.com/blowingrock
BOONE Hands Gallery 543 W. King St. (828) 262-1970 www.handsgallery.org Jones House Community Center 604 W. King St. (828) 262-4576 www.joneshousecommunitycenter.org Modern Rustic 182 Howard St. The Nth Degree Gallery 683 W. King St. Open for First Friday Art Crawls Watauga Arts Council Galleries 783 W. King St. (828) 264-1789 watauga-arts.org
‘Woodland Path’ by Tonya Bottomley at Alta Vista Gallery
LINVILLE 87 Ruffin Street Gallery 87 Ruffin St. (828) 733-6449
CROSSNORE Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery The Crossnore School 205 Johnson Lane 828) 733-3144 www.crossnoregallery.org
VALLE CRUCIS Alta Vista 2839 Broadstone Rd. (828) 963-5247 www.altavistagallery.com
WEST JEFFERSON
Bohemia 106 N. Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-1498
www.bohemianc.com Broomfields Gallery 414 E. 2nd St. (336) 846-4141 www.broomfieldsgallery.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 www.rtmorganartgallery.com The Artists’ Theatre 8 E. Main St. (336) 846-3355 www.theartiststheatre.com
Ashe Arts Center Gallery 303 School Ave. (336) 846-2787 www.ashecountyarts.org
Ashe Custom Framing & Gallery 105 S. Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-2218 www.ashecustomframing.com
Acorn Gallery 103 Long Street (336) 246-3388 www.acorngallery.com
Originals Only 3-B N. Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-1636 www.originalsonlygallery.com
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4004 NC Highway 105 Banner Elk
828.898.7838 Monday - Saturday 10am to 8pm Sunday 11am to 6pm
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT
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Come watch the Big Football Games on our Big-Screen TVs! NFL PACKAGES
15 Beers on Tap, including numerous N.C. Beers Hours are Sunday 11:00 A.M. - 9:30 P.M. Monday-Saturday 11:30 A.M. - 9:30 P.M.
Phone #: 828-295-7262 website: www.foggy-rock.com
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Banner Elk Winery vintner and co-founder Dick Wolfe, right, serves visitors in the winery’s tasting room. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
Wine Country in the High Countr y BY MICHAEL BRAGG
The fall season is winemaking season, and it adds one more attraction in a High Country autumn. “It’s a great time for (visitors) to really come and see the winemaking process,” Dylan Tatum, winemaker at Grandfather Vineyard, said. With scenic autumn views and brisk weather, the High Country shares a similar climate to some of the more prominent grape-growing regions overseas. And while winemaking is new to North Carolina and the area, it hasn’t stopped Grandfather Vineyard & Winery and Banner Elk Winery & Villa from representing the grapes of the High Country in competitions around the world. Opening in 2006, Banner Elk Winery consistently takes home medals from the
N.C. State Fair Wine Competition, as well as in other contests across the nation, including California. “Banner Elk wines pay tribute to the rugged mountain landscape and capture the delicate nuance and subtle flavors of the fruit,” said Cyndi Greathouse, public relations consultant for Banner Elk Winery. “Our vintners produce excellent wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” Grandfather Vineyard in Foscoe, which first opened its vineyard for tastings and tours in 2011, took home gold from the state fair, as well. Grandfather Vineyard owner Steve Tatum said North Carolina wines taste more like European wines – as opposed to California wines – and have a higher CONTINUED ON PAGE 93
Area Wineries 1861 FARMHOUSE 3608 N.C. 194 South Valle Crucis (828) 963-6301 www.1861farmhouse.com
BANNER ELK WINERY 60 Deer Run Road Banner Elk, N.C. 28604 (828) 260-1790 www.bannerelkwinery.com
CHATEAU LAURINDA VINEYARD 690 Reeves Ridge Road Sparta (336) 372-2562
www.chateaulaurindavineyards.com
GRANDFATHER VINEYARD & WINERY 225 Vineyard Lane Banner Elk (828) 963-2400 www.grandfathervineyard.com
NEW RIVER WINERY 165 Piney Creek Road Lansing (336) 384-1213 www.newriverwinery.com
THISTLE MEADOW WINERY 102 Thistle Meadow Laurel Springs (800) 233-1505 www.thistlemeadowwinery.com
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WINE COUNTRY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 92
acidity, as well as a less heavy body. “Some of the wines we make, the acidity is going to be a little bit higher here, because we get these cool nights that keeps the acid up,” he said. One of the more special wines between the two vineyards is their ice wine, which is produced by letting the grapes freeze in the colder months and harvesting them at the right moment to extract more of the sugars from the wine, making it much sweeter. “In North Carolina, it’s hard to make an ice wine because you have to let grapes freeze on the vine, and it’s got to get down to a very cold temperature,” Dylan Tatum said. And while the vineyards sell their wine year round, the time to see the harvest and winemaking process is during the fall. “We have a lot of tourists,” Steve Tatum said. “You kind of like to see them taste it and see what we call this ‘wow factor.’ It’s something totally different.” Both wineries offer tours and tastings this fall. “A lot of people ... generally will come out here and spend most of the day,” Dylan
Grandfather Vineyard owner and founder Steve Tatum samples the fruit of his labors.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL BRAGG
Tatum said. “They’ll just hang out and have a bottle of wine with friends. For that time of year, it’s just beautiful outside. It’s becoming cool, and it’s enough where you
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can put on a sweatshirt and come out here and spend the afternoon and warm up with a bottle of wine.” For more information on Grandfather
Vineyard and Banner Elk Winery, visit their websites at www.grandfathervineyard.com and www.bannerelkwinery. com, respectively.
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14 Drafts Import & Micro Brews
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
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A favorite of High Country locals, Cafe Portofino offers five star dining in a casual atmosphere, without five star prices! • Extensive Wine List • All ABC Permits • Homemade Soups & Desserts • Daily Culinary & Beverage Specials
• Kids Eat FREE All Day Tues & Wed • Large Parties Welcome • Reservations Accepted • Adjacent Tap Room with Billiards & Games
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Buy fresh and local at area farmers’ markets Market Tips
BY ANNA OAKES
Summer may be over, but area farmers are still bringing plenty of harvests to market throughout September and October. If you’re planning to spend an evening at the cabin or vacation home, plan a fabulous meal with fresh, local flair. Autumn has plenty of fresh produce to offer, including the last of the tomatoes and peppers; winter squashes like butternut, acorn and spaghetti; pumpkins; leafy greens; broccoli and more. You’ll also find locally raised, grass-fed beef, chicken and pork; pastas, pastries and bread; jams, jellies and cheeses; and arts and crafts from local artisans. Plus, mark your calendars for special holiday markets held in late November and early December, with special holiday treats, décor, prepared foods, Christmas trees and greenery, crafts and other gift items.
WATAUGA COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET 591 Horn in the West Drive Boone, N.C. 28607 (828) 355-4918 Saturdays through Oct. 27, 8 a.m. to noon Wednesdays through Sept. 26, 8 a.m. to noon Holiday markets: Nov. 17 and 24 www.wataugacountyfarmersmarket.org
These tips will help make the most out of your farmers’ market shopping experience. • • • • • For a meal deal that’s sweet as honey, visit one of the area’s popular farmers’ markets. PHOTO BY ANNA OAKES
ASHE COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET Backstreet West Jefferson, N.C. 28694 Saturdays through Oct. 27, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 23, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Holiday markets: Nov. 17, 23 and 24; Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (910) 309-1932 www.ashefarmersmarket.com
• •
Arrive early for the best selection. No pets. Except service animals. Carry small bills. It’s easier for vendors to make change. Ask. Learn about unfamiliar varieties and even how to prepare them. Use large, reusable bags or baskets. Eliminate the need for plastic or paper bags. Reuse egg cartons, flowerpots, berry baskets and plant trays. Plan a picnic. Stock up on desserts, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, bread and coffee from the market and enjoy a picnic nearby or at an area park.
JOHNSON COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET 110 Court St. Mountain City, Tenn. 37683 Saturdays through Oct. 6, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (423) 895-9980 johnsoncountyfm@gmail.com
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Shopping in General
High Country General Stores
BY KAREN SABO
In our modern world, when big box stores claim to have everything shoppers could possibly want, people welcome the chance to step through creaky wooden doors into Western North Carolina’s mercantile past. General stores, usually found off the beaten path, are inviting, interactive experiences that tell us much about how our parents and grandparents lived and worked, and our local counties boast some of the most historically rich and well-known general stores in the state. The town of Todd, which straddles the Watauga and Ashe county border, has a population of only 2,200 people, but hosts two general stores. Todd Mercantile has been run since last March by Helen Barnes-Reilly. While living in Cincinnati, Ohio, she fell in love with Todd (and with a man from Todd) after visiting the area on vacation. She bakes daily with the 2,000-pound Blodgett oven and offers breads, cookies and pastries to customers. While the Todd Mercantile’s goods vary from furniture and toys to T-shirts dyed red in North Carolina clay, where items come from is a factor in whether they’re on the shelves. “We try to mostly buy from mountain areas,” BarnesReilly said, explaining that she starts purchasing locally, then goes statewide, then to other mountain regions, and then nationally. Todd Mercantile also hosts contra dances and music jams and is a member of the Todd Community Preservation Organization, a group dedicated to exploring Todd’s rich history. Just down the road, proprietors Gini and Bob Mann have owned the Todd General Store for 12 years, and found Todd by “driving in Western North Carolina until we found a cool spot in August.” Gini said their cool spot has turned into “the most
Located in the picturesque community of Todd, the Todd General Store offers a little bit of everything.
hot and happening spot,” because of frequent bluegrass concerts, book signings and storytelling events on the premises. Every Friday through Thanksgiving, the Todd General Store hosts Dinner and Bluegrass, and Gini claims, “We have a lot of famous people visit.” Todd General Store is one of the oldest continuously operating general stores in the state, and stock includes antiques, home décor, furniture, jewelry, and housewares. Gini also stays busy cooking for their café and grill on the lower level, which offers homemade lunch plates alongside ice cream. For more than 30 years, Fred and Margie Pfohl have run Fred’s General Mercantile on Beech Mountain, which they claim is the highest general store in America at 5,049 feet. Fred’s is open year-round and serves a wide range of needs. “Our whole deal was to be a general store like communities had in the past by carrying the everyday items people need for everyday existence …we’ve got a few things you can fix your plumbing with and also groceries,” Fred Pfohl said. Fred’s has slowly expanded its services to include many amenities. The Pfohls offer ski rentals in the winter, operate Fred’s Backside Deli, open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., have an online store and a mail order Christmas wreath business, and now offer guest accommodations to visitors up on Beech. “We’re in the people business in a big way,” Pfohl said. “We’re into third generations of folks in the store,” which includes his own grandson, who is also an employee at Fred’s. After recently being ranked fourth on a list of 100 North Carolina Icons, Mast General Store hardly needs an introduction. Since John and Faye Cooper reopened the original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis
22 years ago, this well-loved business has gradually spread to other parts of the Southeast. The Coopers purchased the store 97 years after the original structure had been built and, two years later, expanded into the nearby Annex. Shortly thereafter, they opened the downtown Boone branch on King Street and now have eight stores in three Southeast states. Most types of shoppers find what they need at Mast General Store. Hikers and backpackers can pick up compasses, tents and sleeping bags. Kids consider wooden toys, sock monkeys or stick-on mustaches. Housewares, walking shoes, books, CDs, fried pies and beef jerky coexist happily at Mast, although the candy barrels, many filled with hard-to-find candy popular in earlier decades, draw huge, happy crowds. Todd Mercantile is at 3899 Railroad Grade Road, Todd, N.C. 28684, and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Todd General Store is two doors down from the Mercantile, and remains open until January. Call (336) 877-1067 for hours. Fred’s General Mercantile is at 501 Beech Mountain Parkway and stays open year round. Visit www.fredsgeneral.com for information. Locally, Mast General Store has two locations on N.C. 194 in Valle Crucis and one at 630 W. King St. in downtown Boone. Visit www.mastgeneralstore.com for more information.
The original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis is on the National Register of Historic Places, taking visitors back in time to a bygone era. PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Sitting atop Beech Mountain, Fred’s General Mercantile is a store with altitude. It has the distinction of having the highest elevation of any general store in the United States.
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Holy Trinity Church in Glendale Springs features a fresco of ‘The Last Supper.’
FILE PHOTOS
The Frescoes of Ashe County BY HEATHER CANTER
Arts are a big part of the High Country area, and art galleries galore can be found. Another treasured work of art can also be found in the area in the form of frescoes. Fresco painting is an old world style of painting directly on wet plaster walls. These types of mural paintings are especially hard to do, as a great deal of technique, skill and preparation is required to create the desired effect. Ashe County is host to some of these exquisite works of art by Benjamin F. Long IV. The area first became familiar with frescoes, when, in the spring of 1974, Long contacted Father J. Faulton Hodge to begin work on the fresco they had discussed in the spring of 1972. The first fresco painted by Long in Ashe County was “Mary Great with Child” and was painted at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in West Jefferson. In the summer of 1976, Long returned to paint “John the Baptist.” “The Mystery of Faith” was done in the summer of 1977. The locations for the frescoes are St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and Holy Trinity Church. St. Mary’s is located near West Jefferson and
features “Crucifixion,” “John the Baptist,” “The Mystery of Faith” and “Mary Great with Child.” Holy Trinity is located at 195 J.W. Luke Road in Glendale Springs and features “The Last Supper” mural, which was painted in the summer of 1980. During work on “The Last Supper,” approximately 20 young artists studied with Long and learned the art of the frescoes. At St. Mary’s, interior beams are incorporated into part of the fresco mural. The frescoes in Ashe County are visited by thousands of people annually. In April 2009, the Ashe County Frescoes Foundation was created for the purpose of protecting and preserving the paintings themselves and assisting the churches in making them readily accessible to visitors and keeping their settings attractive and well-maintained. To accomplish these objectives, this independent foundation solicits funding from public and private sources. For more information about the Ashe County frescoes, visit www. ashefrescoes.org. For more information about the trail of frescoes in the High Country, including the Ashe County locations, visit www.benlongfrescotrail.org.
‘The Mystery of Faith’ fresco can be found at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in West Jefferson.
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Your Autumn Times Calendar September SEPT. 22 13th ANNUAL STICK BOY MAYVIEW MADNESS: 5K and One-Mile Fun Run will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. Sept. 22 in Blowing Rock. For more Information, visit http://blueridgeconservancy.org/ news-events/annual-events/mayviewmadness-run. GEORGE HAMILTON IV: will be in concert at 6 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre, 9331 N.C. 16, in West Jefferson. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.
OLDE TIME ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES FAIR: will be held beginning at 8 a.m. in downtown West Jefferson, presented by the West Jefferson Business Association. It features food, quality antiques, art and live entertainment. Also happening on this day is the Ashe County Arts Council’s Arts on the Mountain event (www.ashecountyarts. org). For more information and an application, call (336) 977-9165, AntiquesMain@skybest.com, or Rex Goss at (336) 977-0151, Rex.Goss@mountaintimes.com
CAMPUS OPEN HOUSE: Appalachian State University will hold its fall open house Sept. 22. Raley Hall, home to the Walker College of Business, will be open for tours from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
RUN THE GAUNTLET — THROWDOWN AT COOPER’S FARM: will be held beginning at 9 a.m. Sept. 22 at 7181 Railroad Grade Road in Todd. It’s a 4.5mile off-road running race with natural and manmade obstacles set at Copper’s Farm on the New River. For more information, visit www.mountainthrowdown.com.
SEPT. 23 WILD EDIBLES WALK: from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 23 at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock. Discover the joys of whole food, plant-based cooking. There will be interactive cooking demonstration, recipe tastings, printed take-home recipes, one yoga/fitness class at Chetola Resort, and 10 percent coupon off spa products at The Spa at Chetola Resort. To register, contact wellness@chetola. com or call (898) 295-5533.
FACULTY BASSOON RECITAL: featuring Jon Beebe will be held at 4 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Rosen Concert Hall on the ASU campus. Free admission.
lachian State University will be held from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Holmes Center on campus, sponsored by Appalachian and the Community Together.
will also give a reading from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. at the Table Rock Room. For more information, visit www.visitingwriters. appstate.edu.
THREE PEAKS USA: AMERICA’S HARDEST CYCLOCROSS RACE: will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Banner Elk Winery and Villa, 60 Deer Run Lane, Banner Elk. It is the fourth stop in the 2012 American UltraCross Championship Series and the final race in the inaugural Capo Cyling King of Pain Series. There are two routes: 51 miles with 10,000 feet of climbing and 37 miles with 5,600 feet of climbing, both of which are suitable for cyclocross or mountain bikes, and include challenging technical sections and a couple of uphill hikes. There will be four rest stops and a free post-race meal and Blowing Rock Ale at the Banner Elk Winery and Villa. For more information, visit www.threepeaksusa.com.
SEPT. 27
SEPT. 28
VICTOR WOOTEN BAND: will be in concert at 9 p.m. Sept. 26 at Legends on the Appalachian State University campus. Admission is $10 in advance, or $15 at the door. It is sponsored by APPS Concerts.
TWEETSIE GHOST TRAIN HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL: is 7:30 to 11 p.m. Sept. 28-Oct. 27 at Tweetsie Railroad, located between Boone and Blowing Rock. It’s safe, scary fun for the whole family. Visit the Haunted House or Freaky Forest, 3-D Maze, the Black Hole, rides, Halloween shows and trick-or-treating. Take a chilling journey into the night on the Ghost Train, if you dare. A limited number of guests are admitted each night. For more information, call (800) 526-5740.
SEPT. 26 1,000 PINT BLOOD DRIVE: at Appa-
FIRST YEAR SHOWCASE: featuring theater and dance students at Appalachian State University will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 27-29, at the I.G. Greer Studio Theatre on the ASU campus. NOVELIST, POET AND BIOGRAPHER ROBERT MORGAN: will speak on “Writing the Story of History” from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Table Rock Room in the Plemmons Student Union at Appalachian State University, Boone. He
SEPT. 29 MOUNTAINEER HOME FOOTBALL GAME: at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at Kidd Brewer Stadium, Appalachian State University, Boone. It’s ASU vs. Coastal Carolina and it’s also Family Weekend. CONTINUED ON PAGE 101
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THE KNOB — 2 MILES OF PURE HILL: will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 in Boone. The Knob is the annual sprint up Howard’s Knob overlooking historic downtown Boone. The Knob is the last race in the Triple Crown Series and culminates with a celebratory awards ceremony. More than $1,000 in cash prizes will be given to Triple Crown winners. For more information, call (828) 262-6116 or visit triplecrownraces@gmail.com or www.triplecrown. appstate.edu/knob.
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MOUNTAIN HOME MUSIC: concert with Nightlife at 8 p.m. Sept. 29 at Blowing Rock School Auditorium in Blowing Rock. Nightlife is a Boone-based band that plays North Carolina beach music, early rock ’n’ roll and pop music classics. Nightlife will take you back to the days of roller skates, bobby socks and white-buck shoes. Admission. For more information, call (828) 964-3392. DOC WATSON TRIBUTE CONCERT: with the Kruger Brothers and Friends will be held at 4 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Todd Community Park, 3899 Todd Railroad Grade Road, Todd. Also performing will be Charles Welch and Wayne Henderson. Tickets are $10 and $12 online and $15 on the day of the show. Tickets are available at area chambers of commerce, music stores and Todd Mercantile. For more information, visit www.toddnc.org.
SEPT 30 BEAUX ARTS FESTIVAL: will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts in downtown Boone. It feature artists Wes Waugh and Tunde Afolayan painting on-site while musicians perform and guests enjoy activities such as a caricature artist, a roaming magician, a children’s workshop, live and silent auctions and more. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children. All proceeds will benefit the Turchin Center and support access to the arts for the community.
October OCT. 3 “NOISES OFF”: will be presented by the ASU Department of Theatre and Dance Oct. 3-7, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Valborg Theatre on campus. “Noises Off” peels back the theatrical curtain to reveal the farcical escapades of a theater company in the final hours of producing a fictional farce, “Nothing On.” Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, ASU faculty and staff, and $8 for ASU students and children. Tickets are available at the Valborg
OCT. 6 ART IN THE PARK: will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 6 at the American Legion Grounds in Blowing Rock, presented by the Arts at Appalachian. It’s a juried art and craft show featuring 90 artists. For more information, call (828) 295-7851. Theatre box office.
OCT. 4 OAK RIDGE BOYS: will be in concert from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Holmes Convocation Center, 111 Rivers St., Boone. The Oak Ridge Boys, with support from Carolina Crossing, are coming to town to help raise money for the Sugar Grove Developmental Day School. For more information, visit www.theholmescenter.com/ event/2012/05/23/oak-ridge-boys or http://www.facebook.com/OakRidgeBoysBenefit. AUTHOR TALK: by fiction writer and editor Gurney Norman will be held from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Table Rock Room in the Plemmons Student Union on the Appalachian State University campus in Boone. He will also give a reading from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Table Rock Room. For more information, visit www.visitingwriters.appstate. edu. BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at Grace Lutheran Church, 115 E. King St., Boone. All are welcome to come with their pets and family for the blessing at the church parking lot.
OCT. 5 SUNSET STROLL ON SUNSET DRIVE: will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 5 in downtown Blowing Rock. Join
the art galleries, stores and restaurants for an evening open house with light refreshments and special events. For more information, call (828) 414-9111. ‘THAT CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON”: will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 5 and 6 and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 7 at the Ashe Civic Center at 962 Mt. Jefferson Road, West Jefferson. All seating is reserved. Tickets are available at the door, at the Ashe Arts Center and by phone using VISA/MC/Discover. For more information, visit www.ashecountyarts.org. HARLAN E. BOYLES DISTINGUISHED CEO LECTURE: at ASU will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 5 at the Holmes Convocation Center in Boone. Instead of a lecture by one individual, there will be a panel of previous Boyles lecturers: William R. Holland, former CEO of United Dominion; Robert Ingram, former CEO of GlaxoSmithKline; James Morgan, CEO of Krispy Kreme; and Bob Tillman, former CEO of Lowe’s. The event is open to the public. You can read more about the history of the series, and the perspectives of many of its former speakers online at www.ceo. business.appstate.edu. DOWNTOWN BOONE ART CRAWL: begins at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 5 in downtown Boone. Stroll to galleries, listen to music, meet the artists, and enjoy a meal with friends. For more information, visit www.boone-nc.org/artcrawl.html.
MOUNTAINEER HOME FOOTBALL GAME: will be held at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at Kidd Brewer Stadium at Appalachian State University in Boone. It’s ASU vs. Elon and homecoming weekend at ASU. MOUNTAIN HOME MUSIC: concert featuring the “Piano Man of the Blue Ridge” will be held at 8 p.m. Oct. 6 at a location TBA. Jeff Little is a bluegrass, blues, honky-tonk, jazz, rock ’n’ roll piano player. Former National Banjo Champion Steve Lewis and bass player Josh Scott will join Little. Admission. For more information, call (828) 9643392. THE 34TH ANNUAL BRUSHY MOUNTAIN APPLE FESTIVAL: will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 6 in downtown North Wilkesboro. The streets of downtown North Wilkesboro will be filled with more than 425 arts and crafts, 100 food concessions, four different music stages consisting of bluegrass, country, folk, gospel and Appalachian heritage. Cloggers, folk dancers, rope skippers and square dancers provide additional entertainment venues for festivalgoers. For more information, visit www.applefestival.net. STOMPFEST CONTEMPORARY ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL: will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the New River Winery, 165 Piney Creek Road, Lansing. CONTINUED ON PAGE 102
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It features artists and musicals groups. Free wine tasting with ticket ($10 in advance, $15 day of event). For more information, visit http://newriverwinery. com/events.
AUTUMN AT OZ PARTY: will be held Oct. 6 and 7 at the Land of Oz on Beech Mountain. Walk the Yellow Brick Road and meet your favorite Oz characters, Dorothy, Tin Man, Lion, Scarecrow, Witches and the Wizard. They’re all there. Visit Auntie Em’s farm and hide from the tornado in the basement. Lot’s of fun, food, music, hayrides, memorabilia and more. Tickets are $16.50 in advance and $20 at the party. Children 2 years and younger are free. A limited number of 7,000 tickets will be sold and are available online at www.autumnatoz.com.
TODD NEW RIVER FESTIVAL: will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Cook Park in Todd. In its 19th year, the festival is the largest fundraiser for the Todd Ruritan Club and attracts 2,000 people each year. The music starts at 9 a.m., and eight different bands will perform: Corklickers, The Norris Family, A Company of Cloggers, Wolfe Brothers, New Roots, Left of Blue, Creekside Grass and Upright & Breathin’. At least 30 craft and food vendors will display their creations. Young and old can view
the antique tractors, steam engines and a working gristmill grinding corn and making cornmeal on the festival grounds. Among other activities, children will have a chance to get their faces painted, too. For more information, visit www. toddruritan.org. Parking is $5.
OCT. 9 HIGH COUNTRY AUDUBON SOCIETY BIRD WALK: will be held at 8:30 a.m. at the Daniel Boone Native Gardens in Boone. For more information, visit http://highcountryaudubon.org/home. html.
OCT. 12 DOWNTOWN WEST JEFFERSON GALLERY CRAWL: will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 12 in downtown West Jefferson. Enjoy openings, demonstrations, new artists and the creative in downtown West Jefferson. For more information, visit www.ashecountyarts.org.
OCT. 13 MOUNTAIN HOME MUSIC: concert, “From the Hills of Old Virginia,” will be held at 8 p.m. Oct. 13 at Blowing Rock School Auditorium in Blowing Rock. Skeeter and the Skidmarks is an old-time mountain band. Think barn dances, the Virginia Reel, apple bobbing and foot stomping fun. The Skidmarks feature Scott Freeman (fiddle and mandolin), Edwin Lacy (banjo), Sandy Grover Mason (bass) and Willard Gayheart (guitar). Gayheart will also have some of his artwork on display. For more information,
call (828) 964-3392. BOONE HERITAGE FESTIVAL: will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, 591 Horn in the West Drive, Boone. The festival celebrates Appalachian heritage with 18th century living history demonstrations, craft vendors, music jam sessions, liar’s bench, children’s activities, live music and storytelling. Vendors are being accepted. Admission is free; children’s crafts cost a small fee. For more information, visit www.booneheritagefestival.com. OKTOBERFEST: will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 13-14 at Sugar Mountain Resort, Banner Elk. Enjoy a two-day Oktoberfest featuring live Bavarian music, German and American food and beverages, lift rides, children’s fun center, hayrides, local and regional craft fair, winter sports shop sale and performances by the Avery Smooth Dancers and Mountain Laurel Cloggers, lodging specials and much more. For more information, visit http://oktoberfest. skisugar.com. COUNTRYSIDE HAYRIDE: at Beech Mountain. TBA. For more information, call Beech Mountain at (800) 468-5506.
OCT. 14 A BLOWING ROCK JAZZ SOCIETY CONCERT: will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock. Tickets are $20 per person and $5 for students. BRJS members get in free. To make reservations, call (828) 295-4300. Dinner is available, expect a pre-fixed menu.
OCT. 17 ZIPPIN 4 KAMPIN: will be held at the Hawksnest Zipline at Seven Devils at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Oct. 17-21. Visit Hawksnest Zipline during this time and help build a Kampin Kabin for children with autism and their families. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to this cause. For more information, visit http://hawksnestzipline. com.
OCT. 19 YADKIN VALLEY INTERTRIBAL POWWOW 2012: will be held Oct. 19-21 at Ft. Hamby Park, 1534 Recreation
Road, Wilkesboro. There will be dancers, craft vendors, food vendors, storytellers and demonstrators. For more information, call (336) 306-4654.
OCT. 20 VALLE COUNTRY FAIR: will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Valle Crucis Conference Center grounds, N.C. 194, Valle Crucis. Admission is free. There is a $5 per car parking fee. No pets are allowed. The fair will feature 150 artisans from the Southeast and a variety of foods and entertainment. All profits go to local charities. The fundraising event is sponsored by the Church of the Holy Cross and the Valle Crucis Conference Center. For more information, call (828) 963-4609, email holy_cross@skybest. com or visit http://vallecountryfair.org. BLUE RIDGE DINNER THEATRE: will feature Leona Williams at 6 p.m. Oct. 20. The theater is located in West Jefferson. Admission is $30 in advance or $35 at the door. For more information, visit www.brdt.net. THE 35th ANNUAL WOOLLY WORM FESTIVAL: will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 20 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 21 at the historic downtown Banner Elk Elementary School. It features crafts, food, music and woolly worm races, which begin at 10 a.m. Worms race to see which one will be declared the winner and predictor of the coming winter weather. The overall winner is selected on Saturday. Races continue on Sunday with prizes. The festival is sponsored by the Avery County Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk and a portion of the proceeds go to support children’s charities and small business and tourism. For more information, phone (828) 898-5605 or visit www. woollyworm.com. MOUNTAINEER HOME FOOTBALL GAME: is at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at Kidd Brewer Stadium at Appalachian State University in Boone. It’s ASU vs. Wofford, and it’s Education Day. MOUNTAIN HOME MUSIC: concert featuring Blue Ridge Bluegrass will be held at 8 p.m. Oct. 20 at Blowing Rock School Auditorium in Blowing Rock. The
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“Sweethearts of Bluegrass,” Darin and Brooke Aldridge, are widely recognized for their accomplishments in bluegrass music. Admission. For more information, call (828) 964-3392.
CANDLELIGHT GHOST TOUR: will be held from 8 to 9 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Wilkes Heritage Museum at 100 East Main St., Wilkesboro. Experience a historical walking tour of Old Wilkes by candlelight with a storyteller in period costume describing tales of ghostly happenings within Historic Downtown Wilkesboro. Admission fee is $10 for adult and $5 for seniors and students. For more information, visit www.wilkesheritagemuseum.com. KRUGER BROTHERS IN CONCERT: will take place at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Ashe Civic Center in West Jefferson. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for students. The distinctive sound of the Kruger Brothers is a mix of traditional repertoire and new compositions, a blend of bluegrass, classical, and jazz influences. For more information, call (336) 846-ARTS.
OCT. 23
READING: by poet and essayist C.S. Giscombe will be held from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Table Rock Room, second floor of the Plemmons Union at Appalachian State University in Boone. For more information, visit www.visitingwriters.appstate.edu.
OCT. 26 ‘DRAGONS IN THE MOUNTAINS”: a theatrical production will be presented at 8 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Broyhill Events Center, 755 Bodenheimer Drive, Boone. This original theater work produced by Star of the Seas Studios utilizes exquisite puppets, masks, poetry and song, video, photography and live music to create a layered tableau, weaving story and place in a mythical Appalachian landscape. For more information, visit http://pas. appstate.edu.
OCT. 27 BLOWING ROCK HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL: will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Oct.
27 in downtown Blowing Rock. There will be trick-or-treating, a scavenger hunt and a Monster March. For more information, call (828) 295-5222. CANDLELIGHT GHOST TOUR: will be held from 8 to 9 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Wilkes Heritage Museum at 100 East Main St., Wilkesboro. Experience a historical walking tour of Old Wilkes by candlelight with a storyteller in period costume describing tales of ghostly happenings within Historic Downtown Wilkesboro. Admission fee is $10 for adult and $5 for seniors and students. For more information, visit www.wilkesheritagemuseum.com.
OCT. 29 HAUNTED HORN GHOST TRAIL: will be held at 9 p.m. Oct. 29-31. The Southern Appalachian Historical Association and the ASU Teaching Fellows present the event on the grounds of Horn in the West and Hickory Ridge Living History Museum in Boone. For more information, call (828) 264-2120.
OCT. 31 BOO BOONE HALLOWEEN EVENT: Ghosts, ghouls and goblins hit the streets of downtown Boone for the 12th annual Downtown Boo!! on Wednesday, Oct. 31. The fun begins at 4 p.m. at the Watauga County Library with crafts and activi-
ties for youngsters. At 4:30 p.m., from the library will be a parade for children to the Jones House Community Center, followed by trick-or-treating with the merchants in downtown Boone until 6 p.m. For more information, visit www. downtownboonenc.com/index.cfm/ news-and-events/downtown-booneevents.
November NOV. 1 CONNECTING CROSSROADS IN NORTH CAROLINA: a musical program inspired by the state will feature Daniel Bernard Roumain and Laurelyn Dossett. The show will be presented at 8 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Valborg Theatre, 408 Howard St., Boone. For more information, visit http://pas.appstate.edu.
NOV. 2 DOWNTOWN BOONE ART CRAWL: begins at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 2 in downtown Boone. Stroll to galleries, listen to music, meet the artists and enjoy a meal with friends. For more information, visit www.boone-nc.org/artcrawl.html.
NOV. 3 SLICE OF BLUEGRASS: concert featuring Jack Proffitt, Barry and Quint Reece and Bob Mink will be held from 7 to 9
p.m. Nov. 3 at Heritage Hall in Mountain City, Tenn. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door (youth $5). For more information, call (423) 727-7444.
NOV. 10 MOUNTAINEER HOME FOOTBALL GAME: is at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at Kidd Brewer Stadium at Appalachian State University, Boone. It’s ASU vs. Furman and it’s Black Saturday.
NOV. 11 PIANIST STEVE SENSENIG: will be in concert from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 17 at Heritage Hall in Mountain City, Tenn. Resident musical director at Barter Theatre, Sensenig is a pianist and keyboardist, music director, composer and arranger, performer, session musician, etc., with many years of experience in a wide variety of genres. Trained classically, he has also excelled in music theater, pop and rock, jazz, country, and Christian contemporary music. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door (youth $5). For more information, call (423) 727-7444.
NOV. 16 WEDDING SHOW OF THE N.C. MOUNTAINS: will be held Nov. 16-18 at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock. Conquer the “Bridezilla Blues” with a
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full-sensory, total immersion, wrap up the wedding plans, all-inclusive weekend. Dozens of local vendors show you the possibilities for your mountain wedding. For more information, call (828) 295-4301, extension 819.
NOV. 17 LEES-MCRAE COLLEGE OPEN HOUSE: will be held from 8:30 to 3 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Banner Elk campus. For more information, visit www.lmc.edu/ admissions/visit_us. WINEXPO: (Peabody’s 34th anniversary Charity Wine Tasting Event) will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts on King Street in Boone. There will be hundreds of wines to taste, food from the area’s finest restaurants and live music. Tickets are being sold at Peabody’s in Boone. For more information, visit www.peabodyswineandbeer.com.
NOV. 22
SECOND ANNUAL HIGH COUNTRY TURKEY TROT: will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. Nov. 22 at the Boone Greenway Trail, Hunting Hills Lane (Watauga Parks and Recreation lot), Boone. The timed 5K run will kick off at 8:30 a.m. with casual walkers, with runners and joggers starting at 9 a.m. Registration is $25 for adults and teens and $10 for children 12 and younger. Every preregistered participant will receive a commemorative long sleeve T-shirt. All ages are welcome; it’s family, children and pet friendly. Register online at www.hospitalityhouseofboone.org. All participants are encouraged to bring nonperishable items for donation, as well.
NOV. 23 CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK AND LIGHTING OF THE TOWN: in Blowing Rock is Nov. 23 at Memorial Park. There will be a visit by Santa, hot chocolate and the ceremonial lighting of the town. For more information, call (828) 295-5222. CHETOLA RESORT’S FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: takes place Nov. 23 to Jan. 27 at the Chetola Resort grounds in Blowing Rock. More than 50,000 illuminations are
featured throughout the holiday season. For more information, visit www.chetola. com.
ing Rock area. For more information, call (828) 295-3862.
NOV. 24
THE BLOWING ROCK CHRISTMAS PARADE: will be held at 2 p.m. Nov. 24 on Main Street. For more information, call (828 295-5222.
BLUE RIDGE DINNER THEATER: will feature Michael Combs in two shows, at noon and 6 p.m. Nov. 24. Admission is $30 in advance or $35 at the door. The theater is located in West Jefferson. For more information, visit www.brdt.net. ARTS AND CRAFTS CHRISTMAS SHOW: will be held Nov. 24 featuring more than 40 artisans with crafts, Christmas items and specialty foods. The show will take place at the Historic Banner Elk School in Banner Elk. For more information, call (828) 898-8395.
MOUNTAIN HOME MUSIC: A Celtic Christmas concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Boone. Anne Lough from Asheville plays the mountain and hammer dulcimer, the autoharp and the guitar. She and some of her MHM friends will play Celtic folk songs, Christmas classics and old-time. Admission. For more information, call (828) 964-3392.
ANNUAL THANKSGIVING KILN OPENING: takes place at 10 a.m. Nov. 24 at Traditions Pottery Studio in the Blow-
BEECH MOUNTAIN HOLIDAY MARKET: will be held Nov. 24. TBA. For more information, call Beech Mountain at (800)
468-5506.
NOV. 25 OPENING DAY: for ski and snow reports. Visit www.skithehighcountry.com.
NOV. 28 WATERCOLOR SOCIETY OF NORTH CAROLINA TRAVELING EXHIBIT: will take place Nov. 28-Feb. 10 at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum in Blowing Rock. It’s a traveling exhibit of 30 selected paintings. For more information, call (828) 295-9099.
NOV. 30 DOWNTOWN WEST JEFFERSON GALLERY CRAWL: will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 30 in downtown West Jefferson. Enjoy openings, demonstrations, new artists and the creative in downtown West Jefferson. For more information, visit www.ashecountyarts.org.
December DEC. 1 MOUNTAIN HOME MUSIC: An Appalachian Christmas concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at Grace Lutheran Church in Boone. Mountain Home Music closes its season each year with a free Christmas concert. In place of admission, a collection is taken and 100 percent of the proceeds go the Santa’s Toy Box and the Hospitality House. Featured will be The Mountain Home Bluegrass Boys’ Scott Freeman, Steve Lewis, Josh Scott and David Johnson, plus Mary Greene, Nancy Schennloch-Bingham, and the Mountain Laurels. For more information, call (828) 964-3392. BOONE CHRISTMAS PARADE: will be held beginning at 11 a.m. Dec. 1. Join Santa Claus and all your friends and neighbors on King Street in downtown Boone for the parade. For more information, visit www. downtownboonenc.com/index.cfm/newsand-events/downtown-boone-events.
DEC. 7 DOWNTOWN BOONE ART CRAWL: begins at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 in downtown Boone. Stroll to galleries, listen to music, meet the artists, and enjoy a meal with friends. For more information, visit www.boone-nc.org/artcrawl.html.
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Advertising Index The 1861 Farmhouse – 63 4 Seasons Vacation Rentals & Sales – 48 ASU Performing Arts Series – 46 Addison Inn – 38 Alpine Village Inn – 59 Alta Vista Gallery – 77 Animal Emergency & Pet Care Clinic – 45 Anna Banana’s – 24 Antiques on Howard – 25 Appalachian Homebrewing Supply – 25 Appalachian Regional Healthcare System – 16, 37 The Art of Oil – 39 ArtWalk – 24 Ashe County – 48 Ashe County Arts Council – 49 Ashe County Chamber of Commerce – 49 Ashe County Farmers’ Market – 48 Ashe Mountain Times – 49 Avery Animal Hospital – 45 BRAHM – 28 Banner Elk – 42 Banner House Museum – 12 Bear Creek Traders – 58 Blowing Rock – 30 The Blowing Rock – 51 Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce – 30 Bolick and Traditions Pottery – 30 Boondocks Brewing – 48 Boone Bagelry – 24 Boone Independent Restaurants – 81 Broyhill Home Collections – 30 Brushy Mountain Apple Festival – 38 Buffalo Tavern – 49 Cabin Fever – 30 The Cabin Store – 85 Café Portofino – 95 Captain’s Table at Lakeshore – 72 Carlton Gallery – 69 Casa Bella – 48 Casa Rustica – 97 Cha Da Thai – 25 Char – 25, 97 Chick-fil-A – 93 Christmas in Blowing Rock – 31 The Country Gourmet – 58 The Crossnore School – 40 Dereka’s Sugar Mountain Accommodations Center & Realty Inc. – 43 Dewoolfson – 84 Dianne Davant & Associates – 54 Doe Ridge Pottery – 24 Doncaster Outlet – 30 Dos Amigos – 95 Downtown Boone – 24 Eat Crow – 91 Echota – 11 Erick’s Cheese & Wine – 63 Festiva Hospitality Group – 12 Final Touches – 31 Foggy Mountain Gem Mine – 81
Foggy Rock Eatery & Pub – 91 Footsloggers – 60 Foscoe Fishing Company – 47 Fred’s General Mercantile Co. – 87 Frontier Barbeque – 90 Gamekeeper – 22, 90 The Gilded Lily – 31 Gladiola Girls – 24 Gold Rush Sweepstakes – 58 Golden Corral – 94 GoSkiNC– 57 Grandfather Campground & Cabins – 33 Grandfather Mountain – 10 Grandfather Trout Farm – 19 Grandfather Vineyard & Winery – 83 Green Park Inn – 67 Greenhouse Crafts – 49 Gregory Alan’s 30 Hawksnest Zipline & Snowtubing – 47 Hemlock Inn – 59 Hickory Furniture Mart – 79 High Country Stone – 75 Hill Top Drive-In – 25 The Homestead Inn – 59 Honey Bear Campground – 73 The Honey Hole – 48 Incredible Toy Company – 51 J&J Chophouse – 94 Jefferson Landing – 107 Jim’s Corner Furniture – 49 Joe’s Jazzed Up – 96 Keller Williams – 108 Kincaid Factory Direct Outlet – 35 The Knoll Interior Design – 74 Kojay’s Café – 31 Lansing – 62 Lees-McRae College – 37 Libby’s – 49 Linville Caverns – 19 Linville Land Harbor – 10 Logs America – 76 Lucky Penny – 24 M.C. Adams Clothier – 24 Magic Cycles – 60 Makoto’s Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar – 93 Mast General Store – 2 Mayview Rod and Gun Club – 61 McDonald’s – 97 Modern Subaru of Boone – 50 Modern Toyota of Boone – 50 Mountain Bagels – 96 Mountain Dog – 33 Mountain Mamma’s Bed & Biscuit – 45 Mountain Outfitters – 48 Mountainaire Inn & Log Cabins – 59 The Mustard Seed Market – 51 My Best Friend’s Barkery – 45 Nancy Schleifer Attorney-at-Law – 77 New York Life – 87 Nick’s Restaurant & Pub – 90
The Open Door Global Gifts – 25 Original Only Gallery – 49 Paolucci’s Italian Bar & Grill – 25 Parker Tie Company Inc. – 48 Peabody’s Wine & Beer Merchants – 26 Pepper’s Restaurant & Bar – 94 Pet Supplies Plus – 26 Petal Pusher Designs & Gifts – 49 Quiznos – 90 RAM’s Rack Thrift Shop – 25 Red Onion Café – 95 Rivercross – 71 Rock Dimensions – 60 Rooster Ridge Stairlifts – 69 Seven Devils – 16 The Shoppes at Farmers Hardware – 24 Six Pence Pub – 94 Sky Valley Zip Tours – 66 SkyBest – 75 Sobleski – 73 Southern Highland Craft Guild – 9 Stonewalls – 91 Sugar Mountain – 43 Sugar Mountain Lodging Inc. – 43 Sugar Mountain Resort – 57 Sugar Top Resort Sales – 43 Sunalei Preserve – 55 Tanger Outlets – 3 The TApp Room – 95 Tatum Galleries and Interiors – 83 Those Were the Days – 43 Tis the Season – 48 Tucker’s Café – 97 The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts – 24, 46 Tweetsie Railroad – 9 Valle Crucis – 34 The Village Inns of Blowing Rock – 59 Watauga Christmas Trees – 40 Watauga County Farmers’ Market – 76 Watauga Lake Cabins – 28 Watauga Lakeshore Resort – 72 West Jefferson Hampton Inn - 106 The Woodlands Barbecue & Pickin’ Parlor – 91 Woof Pack Pet Services – 45 Woolly Worm Festival – 23 Wilkes County – 38
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THE MOUNTAIN TIMES AUTUMN GUIDE
Best Mountain Views Around
2012
Come for a visit, stay for a lifetime. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Historic New River, Jefferson Landing is a gated mountain resort community designed for easy living. Offering an award winning golf course, exceptional dining and beautiful accommodations, Jefferson Landing is a great place to visit and an even better place to live. Just under two hours from the Charlotte and Greensboro airports, Jefferson Landing is located in the Northwest Mountains of North Carolina. Come see for yourself, or visit our website at www.VisitJeffersonLanding.com. Amenities include Jr. Olympic size swimming pool, 2 clay tennis courts, fitness center, access to our Riverside Park & access to locker rooms & bag storage at the Clubhouse
Offering: Golf Memberships, Social Memberships Contact the following for more information: • Cary Farmer: Director of Membership & Club Services 336 982 6414 caryfarmer@jeffersonlandingclub.com • Dean Spainhour: Director of Golf 336 982-7767 proshop@jeffersonlandingclub.com • Gary Lee: Director of Lodging 336 982 6400 lodge@jeffersonlandingclub.com • Jimmy Miller: Director of Sales 336 982 6416 jeffland@skybest.com
148 E. Landing Drive • Jefferson, NC
A Blowing Rock Tradition for more than 10 Years
990 Main Street · Blowing Rock, NC 28605 · P (828) 295-7373
www.blowingrockmarket.com Wine Shop · Gourmet Deli · Specialty Foods · Cigars · Craft Beer · Coffee Shop
Barker Realty Group
828.406.2816
Luxury Homes by KELLER WILLIAMS
“Meet Me at the Market!” www.blowingrockbroker.com