BANNER ELK
Welcome to Banner Elk - the place to BE
Ihave lived most of my 75 years in Banner Elk and have seen it grow and change over those years in numerous ways. However, the character of Banner Elk, the heart of Banner Elk, has not changed. It is the place I want to BE. It is my hometown and I want to share it with you.
I am a third-generation resident of Banner Elk. My roots are deeply embedded in our beautiful mountains. My grandfather brought his bride to live in Banner Elk in 1910 at the request of Reverent Edgar Tuffs, the founder of Lees-McRae College. He established a hospital and served the medical needs of the area his entire life, as did my father and brother. I live within sight of my grandfather’s home and the home where I grew up. This is the place where I was meant to BE.
As the President of the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce, one of my favorite activities is serving as one of the volunteer hosts at our Welcome Center. On Mondays, I am honored to welcome our many visitors to my hometown and answer questions about my favorite place to be. In fact, the slogan written on our shirts at the Welcome Center is, “Just BE.” Just being in Banner Elk is a pleasure for me, as it is for our fulltime residents, part-time residents and our many visitors throughout each season of the year.
Banner Elk, situated in the beautiful
Blue Ridge Mountains, has four distinct seasons to enjoy. Our elevation cools the air and helps people who live off our mountain to escape the summer heat.
The magnificent colors of our mountains in the autumn are an attraction that draws people from far and near. Once the leaves fall from the trees, our cold weather can decorate the trees with rime ice, which is fog frozen around each little bare branch. Snow-covered mountains are also a regular treat. Spring is a beautiful time of rebirth with many flowering shrubs and wildflowers greeting the warming temperatures.
concerts in the Tate-Evans Town Park. Fall is a perfect time to take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway south of Grandfather Mountain to enjoy the dramatic autumnal colors of our mountains.
Banner Elk sits between the two largest ski resorts in the South for those who like skiing,
Lees-McRae College is one of the few colleges in the U.S. named for two women – generous benefactor Mrs. Susanna P. Lees and celebrated North Carolina teacher Mrs. Elizbeth A. McRae. It is a fully accredited institution of higher learning with many programs of study offered, including nursing, wildlife rehabilitation and theater arts. Lees-McRae College has a nationally ranked cycling team and offers a variety of other sports. Lees-McRae College recently completed a major rehabilitation of its main campus and has added the South Campus through the purchase of Grandfather Home for Children. Lees-McRae College has always been and will always be a major part of Banner Elk.
Each season provides different activities to enjoy. Summer brings moderate temperatures making golf, hiking, cycling or just sitting around an outdoor fire a distinct pleasure. Our Chamber of Commerce offers a summer series of free
snowboarding and other snowy pursuits. Springtime hiking trips to Linville Gorge, Grandfather Mountain or Roan Mountain are always a bountiful feast of beauty. Exploring the mountains in and around Banner Elk will work up your appetite, and Banner Elk offers the widest array of dining experiences in the High Country. American, Italian, Chinese, Cajun, Vietnamese and Mexican cuisine are all excellent and readily available. If you want a salad or a unique sandwich or prime rib, you can find the best in Banner Elk.
In addition to the musical and dramatic play productions provided by the college, Ensemble Stage Company offers a full season of professional productions in its own theater, located in the Cultural Arts Center in the Historic Banner Elk School. You can also find the BE Artist Gallery, the Banner Elk Book Exchange, Common Ground, Carolinas Mountain Life, and Avery Community Yoga in the Historic Banner Elk School’s Cultural Arts Center. Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, Banner Elk is the place to BE.
Welcome to our exceptional school district
On behalf of the Avery County School System, it is my pleasure to welcome you. Avery County is a special place, and our school system is proud to play an integral role in shaping the future of this incredible community. At Avery County Schools, our mission is to inspire and empower every student to reach their full potential. From our dedicated teachers and staff to our engaged families and community partners, it takes all of us working together to provide the high-quality education our students deserve. Whether through academics, the arts, athletics, or service, we strive to nurture well-rounded individuals prepared to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
This year, we are excited to celebrate the many successes of our students and educators, who consistently demonstrate resilience, creativity, and excellence. From the classroom to the community, their hard work and achievements are a testament to the spirit of Avery County. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our families, local businesses, and civic organizations who invest in the
success of our schools. Together, we are building a brighter future for our students and ensuring that Avery County remains a wonderful place to learn, grow, and thrive.
Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to our schools. I look forward to the great things we will accomplish together in the year ahead.
With warm regards, DR. TERRY WORRELL Interim
Superintendent
Avery County Schools
DAVID L. TATE President , Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce
Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce President David L. Tate.
Photo submitted
Terry Worrell
Avery County - What can we do for you?
Welcome to Avery County, where adventures await around every turn.
Our county consists of 11 charming small towns, each with its own personality. They are Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Crossnore, Elk Park, Linville, Linville Falls, Newland, Pineola, Plumtree, Seven Devils and Sugar Mountain.
Sadly, our county was one of the ones in the path of Hurricane Helene. We lost family, friends and neighbors, and too many of our neighbors suffered damage to their homes and businesses. In the aftermath of the storm, we saw heroes stepping up all over our county. We made new friends as heroes arrived daily to bring needed supplies and help us dig and cut our way out of the destruction left behind by the raging waters and winds. Town and county lines were blurred as people rushed to help each other. It has been heartwarming to see people come together in such a meaningful way to rebuild. While some of the damage may take time to repair, we are all grateful to have come through the worst of it. We still have a lot of work to do, but with each passing day, life feels a little more normal. Most of our businesses are open and are ready to welcome visitors to Avery County.
We are lucky to enjoy the best of all four seasons here. Both Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain offer winter adventures for everyone with skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledding and snow tubing. In spring, you can watch the greens unroll up the mountains and explore miles of trails. In summer you can enjoy our moderate temperatures while hiking, biking, rafting, fishing, tubing in our rivers, golfing, horseback riding, zip lining, swimming and water skiing. We are probably best known for our beautiful fall colors and our now nationally known Woolly Worm Festival. A scenic ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway, including the Linn Cove Viaduct, is a wonderful way to take in the colors and views. There is so much to do and see in Avery County. We host numerous festivals including Oktoberfest, Sugarfest and our Woolly Worm Festival. We are also home to the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster and the nearby Bare Dark Sky Observatory and Planetarium, one of only two in the world. Our Grandfather Mountain is home to the Highland Games, held every July. Grandfather Mountain offers animal habitats for viewing otters, eagles, elk, deer, black bears and cougars. The
recently remodeled Wilson Center for Nature Discovery includes a dozen interactive exhibits that connect to the mountain’s 16 natural communities, weather, climate and natural history. Grandfather’s outdoor learning spaces include an amphitheater among the trees and a pavilion. Inside, an ADA-accessible theater, classrooms and food service facilities expand the park’s capacity for hosting events.
Robin Morgan Executive Director
Avery County celebrates a rich cultural history which is documented at the Avery County Historical Museum in Newland, the county seat. While there, visitors, and especially railroad enthusiasts, can experience the lovingly restored Linville Depot and Caboose #505 of Tweetsie Railroad fame.
Cultural events are offered by Lees-McRae College and Ensemble Stage. Visitors have fun discovering works from local artisans in our art galleries and shops and nearby Penland Gallery. Live music is one of the most popular events in our area. You can find schedules for most venues on our website, averycounty.com as well as a directory of our members and a digital copy of our Business and Visitors Guide.
Linville Caverns is a popular spot to cool
Ioff on the rare days that our temperature tops 75 degrees. Open year-round, one can see amazing stalactite and stalagmite formations, a bottomless pool, underground stream with native trout and more.
We have several choices of healthcare providers. These include everything from Cannon Memorial Hospital, Appalachian Regional Behavioral Health, The Baker Primary Care Center and High Country Community Health, to individual practices like Dogwood Primary Care & Medical Aesthetics and Women’s Health of the High Country. We also have several options for your wellness needs with Northwest Chiropractic, The Spa at Eseeola, Williams YMCA of Avery County and Zenergy Massage.
The Avery County Chamber office serves as the Visitors Center for Avery County. We invite you to stop by the Chamber when you are visiting. We are in the Shoppes of Tynecastle at 4501 Tynecastle Hwy, Unit 14 in Banner Elk. We would love to answer your questions and help you find your new favorite things to do in Avery County. If you can’t stop in, feel free to call us at (828) 898-5605. We look forward to welcoming you to Avery County.
Welcome to Banner Elk - A resilient town
have been Mayor of Banner Elk for 13 years and have always been proud of the Banner Elk staff and citizens, but this year I witnessed more strength, empathy and skills than ever before of those who call these Western North Carolina mountains home.
At the end of September, Hurricane Helene devastated our beautiful scenic area, and our lives changed. We had no electricity, water and sewer, Internet, and roadways into Banner Elk were washed away. As soon as the hurricane was over, Town Manager Rick Owen and his wife Nancy made their way to Town Hall. Fire and Rescue was alert and moving, Public Works crew was out fixing all they could, and the Police Department was out trying to locate people. Citizens who could get to Town Hall came for either assistance or they came to help. Our local Lowe’s Hardware brought in two truckloads of bottled water and opened their doors to their store for citizens to take whatever they needed: chainsaws, heaters, gas cans, tools. Our own Banner Elk’s Eggers Construction replaced a culvert and put in a temporary road for access to the outside world. Closed restaurants emptied their freezers and fed our citizens. For up to six weeks these restaurants, without revenue, fed workers and citizens. Generous people and agencies helped us recover in so many ways.
Banner Elk School was transformed into a big box store. Generous people would bring in truckloads of needed items, and our volunteer citizens would unload trucks, organize the merchandise and other volunteers would be personal shoppers for those in need. Those volunteers included our Town Council members and their spouses.
Brenda Lyerly Banner Elk Mayor
One of the interesting outcomes of this horrific event is that our citizens organized a recovery center. The entire Historic
In front of the Historic Banner Elk School, coffee and snacks were available for workers and those in need. Generous groups would bring lunch and food trucks. Town Councilman Mike Dunn was out front each day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. orchestrating food for each day. Our Best Western allowed showers and rooms and three meals per day for all citizens. It was
truly amazing. Yes, we had wonderful outside agencies who came in to help us, but it all began with the Town Manager at the helm and our talented local citizens and businesses taking charge of what needed to be done.
Fast forward to less than three months later, and we are back in business. The roads are open, and all Banner Elk citizens have water and sewer, electricity and Internet. Our restaurants and businesses are open, as well as Beech and Sugar Mountain ski resorts. Small Town Christmas the first weekend in December put us in the Christmas spirit and a sense of normalcy.
We lost our beautiful fall this year, but we are looking forward to accommodating all our visitors in all of our seasons to come: winter, spring, summer and fall.
Welcome to Banner Elk
Small Town, USA
Banner Elk is an exceptional example of small town USA we have to offer here in Avery County. It has the prestige of being a college town that is home to Lees-McRae College which is a vital part of this small mountain community. It flourishes with a rich local culture, a diverse population of visitors, full and part–time residents. People come here to visit from all walks of life to enjoy the beauty of our mountains, all the many outdoor recreational activities, to include our first-class ski destinations and some of
the finest dining in the High Country.
The Avery County Sheriff’s Office considers it an honor and privilege to serve this community and Avery County. As we take on the mission to provide public safety, we want to ensure that everyone who visits Avery County will have a safe and enjoyable experience in the High Country.
As the Sheriff of Avery County, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of the many visitors who make Avery County a vacation destination every year.
Lees-McRae College
Banner Elk’s Hometown Institution
Upon entering the holiday season, the idea or perception of “hometown” evokes a stronger sentiment or perhaps a more meaningful tug on our hearts. In the aftermath of Helene, we have experienced a heightened sense of community and commitment to helping our family, our neighbors, our friends. While the devastation is vast and
deep, the kindness and compassion shown in and to our community has truly been unceasing.
For almost 125 years, Lees-McRae College has called Banner Elk home. We are intrinsically linked to each other, and we are stronger because of our shared history and our ongoing collaboration. The renovation of the Historic Commons is complete, and I am excited to offer a historically grounded, yet technologically advanced space to our students, our employees and our community. We will continue to conserve our natural resources and build upon the motto that Edgar Tufts captured, In the Mountains, Of the Mountains, For the Mountains.
We encourage you to visit our campus at Lees-McRae College during your sojourn to Banner Elk and experience first-hand the pride and strength of our hometown. We are confident you will conclude that your time here was time well spent.
Avery County Sheriff Mike Henley.
Lees-McRae College President Dr. Lee King.
Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
ARTISTS & ART GALLERIES
BE Artists Gallery
185 Azalea Cir SE
Banner Elk NC 28604
828-260-5389
www.beartistsgallery.com
Cinda Leigh Art
P.O. Box 1101
Banner Elk NC 28604
904-377-8107 www.cindaleigh.com
Hardin Fine Jewelry
920 Shawneehaw Ave Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-4653 www.hardinfinejewelry.com/
It’s All About the Art
163 Shawneehaw Ave S Banner Elk NC 28604 (828) 783-9233 https://itsallabouttheart.net/
The Art Cellar Gallery
920 Shawneehaw Ave
Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-5175 www.artcellargallery.com/
ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
Apple Hill Farm
400 Apple Hill Rd. Banner Elk NC 28604
828-963-1662 www.applehillfarmnc.com
Avery County Farmers Market
828-733-5052 www.averycountyfarmersmarket.net
Carolina Mountain Life Magazine
P.O. Box 976 Linville, NC 28646
828-737-0771
https://cmlmagazine.online/
Dutch Creek Trails
3740 Bethel Rd.
Sugar Grove NC 28679
828-297-7117
https://www.dutchcreektrails. com/
Elk River Club
1000 Clubhouse Dr. Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-9773 elkriverclubnc.com
Ensemble Stage
182 Azalea Circle Banner Elk NC 28604
828-414-1844 www.ensemblestage.com
FORUM at Lees-McRae College
Pamela Adolphi P.O. Box 649 Banner Elk NC 28604 828-898-8748 https://www.lmc.edu/community/ forum.htm
Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation 2033 Blowing Rock Hwy Linville NC 28604
828-733-2013 www.grandfather.com/
High Country Trip Advisors & Shuttle Services
196 Boyden Rd. Banner Elk NC 28604 828-548-3138
High Gravity Adventures 215 Tweetsie Railroad Lane Blowing Rock, NC 28684 828-266-0176 www.highgravityadventures. com
High Mountain Expeditions 3149 Tynecastle Hwy Banner Elk NC 28604
828-264-7368 www.highmountainexpeditions.com
Holston Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center 6993 Hickory Nut Gap Rd. Banner Elk NC 28604
844-465-7866 www.HolstonCenter.org
Sugar Mountain Resort, Inc.
1009 Sugar Mountain Dr. Banner Elk, NC 28604 828-898-4521 www.skisugar.com
Watauga Lake Fishing Adventures
423-483-6212
www.wataugalakefishingadventures. com
FINANCIAL, INSURANCE, & LEGAL SERVICES
Elk Pointe Capital 397 Shawneehaw Ave. Suite C Banner Elk NC 28604
828- 898-7810
https://www.elkpointecap.com/ First Community Bank
115 Main St. E. Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-5100
https://www.firstcommunitybank. com/
John M. Wright, Attorney
139 Main Street East Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-9761
www.johnmwrightattorney.com/
LifeStore Insurance Services
148 Highway 105 Extension Boone NC 28607
828-264-2626
https://www.lifestoreinsurance.com/ Fortner Insurance Agency, Inc.
156 Main St. E. Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-6366
www.fortnerinsurance.com/
Patty’s Billing Services, Inc. P.O. Box 2314 Banner Elk NC 28604
828-260-5991
Straightline Processing 2215 Hassell Place Charlotte NC 28209
704-491-1213
https://www.StraightlineProcessing. com
BUILDERS, HOME IMPROVEMENT & UTILITIES
A.T.T.I.C. Design, LLC
200 Park Ave., Suite B Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-8244
Atticdesign.net
Avery Heating and Air Conditioning
1600 Linville Falls Highway
Linville NC 28646
828-733-5842
https://www.averyheating.com/
Avery Landscape and Paving 635 Little Horse Creek Rd. Newland NC 28657
919-818-2698
https://averylandscapeandpaving. com/
Avery Rent-All 1829 Tynecastle Hwy Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-6301
https://averyrent-all.com/
Boone Heating and Air Conditioning
164 Mr. Bish Blvd. Boone NC 28607
828-268-1125
www.booneheatingandair.com/
Dianne Davant & Associates 5111 Hwy. 105 S Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-9887 www.davant-interiors.com/
Hunter’s Tree Service, Inc. 1731 Beech Mountain Road Elk Park NC 28622
828-733-3320 www.hunterstreeserviceinc.com
Highland Mapping, Inc. 395 Shawneehaw Ave Banner Elk NC 28604 828-898-7720 www.highlandmapping.com/
Isley Construction Co, Inc. 4236 Linville Falls Hwy Newland NC 28657 828-898-7544 www.isleyconstruction. homesandland.com/
J.A.C.K.S. Glass and Mirror 65 Orchard Lane Banner Elk NC 28604 828-733-9600 www.jacksglassnc.com/
Mountain Construction Enterprises 1345 Poplar Grove Rd. South Boone NC 28607 828-963-8090
www.mountainconstruction.com/
Mountain Craft Builders PO Box 412 Banner Elk NC 28604
828-260-0013
https://www.mountaincraftbuilders. com
Mountain Electric Cooperative, Inc. 1373 Elk Park Hwy Newland NC 28657 828-733-0159 www.mountainelectric.com/
New Lifestyles Carpet One Floor & Home 2862 Tynecastle Hwy Banner Elk NC 28604 828-528-4013
www.newlifestylescarpet1bannerelk. com/
Phil’s Heating & Air 1800 Miles Field Rd. Elk Park NC 28622 423-552-6938 philsheatingandair.com
Sky House L.L.C. 2874 Tynecastle Highway Banner Elk NC 28604 828-898-3717
https://www.skyhousecompany.com/ Skyline
Membership Corporation 16 High Country Square Hwy 184 Banner Elk, NC 28604 828-898-1350 skybest.com/
VPC Builders
2059 Tynecastle Highway Banner Elk NC 28604 828-295-0707
https://www.vpcbuilders.com
Water Quality Lab and Operations, Inc. 1522 Tynecastle Highway Banner Elk NC 28604 828-898-6277 www.wqlabs.com
Wheels Contracting, INC
86 Eagles Nest Maintenance Trail Banner Elk NC 28604 828-898-5510
www.wheelscontracting.com
Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
CHURCHES
Banner Elk Presbyterian Church
420 College Dr.
Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-5406
bannerelkpresbyterian.org/
Banner Elk United Methodist Church
486 College Dr. Banner Elk NC 28604
828-974-3699
bannerelkumc.org/
CLEANING & RESTORATION SERVICES
Highland Pro Clean, Inc.
136 Asa St. Newland NC 28657
828-733-5089
www.highlandproclean.com
Marcus’ Cleaning Service LLC
518 Cole Hollow Rd. Newland NC 28657
828-733-3093 www.marcuscleaning.com/
HEALTH & FITNESS
Adorned Aesthetics, PLLC
465 N Old-181 Newland NC
828-964-4610
https://linktr.ee/adornedaesthetics
AMOREM (Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc.) (828) 754-0101
https://www.amoremsupport.org/
Beech Mountain Club 114 Clubhouse Road Beech Mountain NC 28604
828-387-4208
https://beechmtn.club/
Dogwood Primary Care
3990 NC Highway 105 South, Suite 1 Sugar Mountain, NC 28604 www.dogwoodprimarycare.com
High Country Caregivers
895 State Farm Rd, #400-B Boone NC 28607
828-832-6366
https://www.highcountrycaregivers. com/
Life Care Center of Banner Elk
185 Norwood Hollow Rd.
Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-5136
lifecarecenterofbannerelk.com/
Williams YMCA of Avery County
436 Hospital Drive Linville NC 28646
828-737-5500 ymcaavery.org/
LODGING
Banner Elk Mountain Cabins P.O. Box 1981 Banner Elk NC 28604
828-387-1209 www.bannerelkmtncabins.com
Best Western Mountain Lodge 1615 Tynecastle Hwy. Banner Elk NC 28604
828- 898-4571 www.bestwesternbannerelk.com
Bluegreen Vacations
Blue Ridge Village
3781 Tynecastle Hwy
Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-9737 www.bluegreenvacations.com
Carolina Cabin Rentals, Inc.
197 Old US Highway 321 Blowing Rock NC 28605
828-295-6000 www.carolinacabinrentals.com/
Cornerstone Cabins and Lodge of Banner Elk 64 Cornerstone Cir. Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-3115
https://cornerstonerentals.com/
Little Main St. Inn & Suites
607 E. Main St.
Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-6109 www.thelittlemainstreetinn.com/
The Azalea Inn 140 Azalea Circle
Banner Elk NC 28604
828-260-9528
https://theazaleainnbb.com/
The Old Greer House
1688 Balm Hwy.
Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-2843
https://www.theoldgreerhouse.com/
The Lodge at River Run
2981 Banner Elk Hwy
Banner Elk NC 28604
(828) 260-1352
https://thelodgeatriverrun.com/
White Wolf Lodge & Holy Smokes BBQ
3363 Beech Mountain Pkwy
Banner Elk NC 28604
828-387-4200
www.whitewolflodge.org
MARKETING, PHOTOGRAPHY & WEB SERVICES
Bramble Media & Marketing
336-981-7917
www.bramblemarketing.com
Cynthia Viola Photography Banner Elk NC 28604
828-260-3301
www.cynthiaviola.com/
Deckard & Company
Brian Deckard
941-462-4546
https://highcountrydigitalmarketing. com/
Varsity Promo Group
Samantha Warren
704-579-0314
https://varsitypromo.dcpromosite. com/
NONPROFITS
AMOREM (Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc.) (828) 754-0101
https://www.amoremsupport.org/
Avery County Chamber of Commerce
4501 Tynecastle Hwy., Suite #14
Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-5605
https://averycounty.com/
Avery County Habitat for Humanity
2170 Millers Gap Hwy
Newland NC 28657
828-733-1909
www.averycohfh.org/
Avery Humane Society
279 New Vale Road Newland NC 28657
828-733-2333
https://www.averyhumane.org/
Banner Elk Garden Club
P.O. Box 248
Banner Elk NC 28604
828-260-4323
Banner Elk
Presbyterian Church
420 College Dr Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-5406 bannerelkpresbyterian.org/
Banner Elk United
Methodist Church
486 College Dr. Banner Elk NC 28604
828-974-3699 bannerelkumc.org/
Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC in Avery County PO Box 82 Spruce Pine NC 28777
828-518-0099
https://www.bbbswnc.org/
Blue Ridge Advocacy Center PO Box 2171 Banner Elk NC 28604
828-386-1116 www.appalachianmediation.com
Ensemble Stage
182 Azalea Circle Banner Elk NC 28604
828-414-1844 www.ensemblestage.com/
Feeding Avery Families
500 Pineola St. Newland NC 28657 828-783-8506 www.feedingaveryfamilies.org/
FORUM at Lees-McRae College P.O. Box 649 Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-8748
https://www.lmc.edu/community/ forum.htm
Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation 2033 Blowing Rock Hwy. Linville NC 28646
828-733-2013
www.grandfather.com/
High Country Breast Cancer Foundation P.O. Box 1029
Blowing Rock, NC 28607 614-928-6544 highcountrybreastcancerfoundation. org/
High Country Caregivers 895 State Farm Rd, #400-B Boone NC 28607 828-832-6366
https://www.highcountrycaregivers. com/
Holston Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center 6993 Hickory Nut Gap Rd Banner Elk NC 28604 844-465-7866
www.HolstonCenter.org
Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina 338 Brook Hollow Rd. Boone NC 28607 828-264-1237 www.hospitalityhouseofboone.org/
Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk P.O. Box 2321 Banner Elk NC 28604 828-898-9044
https://bannerelkkiwanis.org/ Lees-McRae College 191 Main St. Banner Elk NC 28604 828-898-5241 www.lmc.edu/
Mayland Community College 785 Cranberry St Newland NC 28657 828-733-5883 www.mayland.edu/
OASIS, Inc. 225 Birch Street Boone NC 28607 828-264-1532
www.oasisinc.org
Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
Sugar Mountain Tourism Development Authority (TDA)
251 Dick Trundy Lane
Sugar Mountain NC 28604
828-898-9292
https://seesugar.com/
The Greater Banner Elk
Heritage Foundation/Banner House Museum
7990 Hickory Nut Gap Rd. Banner Elk NC 28604
828-783-8506 www.bannerhousemuseum.org
Town of Banner Elk
200 Park Ave.
Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-5398
www.townofbannerelk.org
Town of Banner Elk TDA 704-466-3744
https://www.bannerelk.com/
Town of Seven Devils TDA
157 Seven Devils Road Seven Devils, NC 28604
828-963-5343 Sevendevils.net
WAMY Community Action
723 Cranberry Street
Newland NC 28657 (828)264-2421
https://wamycommunityaction.org/
Williams YMCA of Avery County 436 Hospital Drive Linville NC 28646 828-737-5500 ymcaavery.org/
REAL ESTATE
Banner Elk Realty
161 Silver Springs Drive, Suite #2 Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-9756 www.bannerelkrealty.com
Beech Mountain Club 114 Clubhouse Road
Beech Mountain NC 28604
828-387-4208
https://beechmtn.club/
Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals
2464 US Highway 421 South Boone NC 28607
800-237-7975
https://www.blueridgerentals.com/
Blue Ridge Realty and Investments
110 Main St, Banner Elk NC 28604
828-737-3100 blueridgerealty.net/
Carolina Cabin Rentals, Inc.
197 Old US Highway 321 Blowing Rock NC 28605
828-295-6000 www.carolinacabinrentals.com/
Dereka’s Sugar Mountain Realty, Inc.
106 Sugar Mountain Dr. Sugar Mtn, NC 28604 800-545-9475 www.staysugar.com/
Eagles Nest Realty, LLC
51 Eagles Nest Trail Banner Elk, NC 28604 800-770-9311 eaglesnestatbannerelk.com/
Elk River Property Owners Association, Inc.
643 Banner Elk Hwy. Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-9791 www.elkriverpoa.com/
Elk River Realty, Inc.
539 Banner Elk Hwy. Banner Elk NC 28604, 828-898-9777 www.elkriverclub.com/
Engel & Volkers Banner Elk
610 Banner Elk Highway Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-3808 bannerelk.evusa.com/en/
Harry Berry Realty, Inc. 3812 Cleveland Street Hollywood FL 33021 954-816-6521 www.harryberryrealty.com/
Mountain Retreats Realty
P.O. Box 2437 Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-6325 www.ncmountainretreats.com/
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
3990 US Hwy 105 South, #3 Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-5022 www.premiersothebysrealty.com/
Reserve II at
Sugar Mountain HOA
PO Box 1166 Sugar Mountain, NC 28604
704-458-8611
Silver Springs Farms, LLC
600 Old Turnpike Rd. Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-6896
https://www.bexrealty.com/NorthCarolina/Banner-Elk/Silver-SpringsFarm/
Sugar Mountain Ski and Country Club HOA, Inc.
100 Sugar Ski Dr. Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-9784
www.sugarmountain.com
Sugartop Resort
Condominium Association
303 Sugar Top Dr.
Sugar Mountain NC 28604
828-898-5226
www.sugartop.com/
The Farm at Banner Elk
Dobbins Rd./Farm Loop Rd
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-4416
www.thefarmatbannerelk.com/
The Summit Group of the Carolinas
415 Shawneehaw AveBanner Elk NC 28604, US
828-898-3500
www.summitgrouprealestate.com
RESTAURANTS, BREWERIES, AND WINERIES
Banner Elk Cafe and Lodge
Espresso Bar and Eatery
324 Shawneehaw Ave S Highway 184 Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-4040
www.bannerelkcafe.com
Banner Elk Winery & Villa
60 Deer Run Lane
Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-9090
www.bannerelkwinery.com
Bayou Smokehouse and Grill/Bayou Store
130 Main St. E.
Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-8952
https://www.facebook.com/ BayouSmokehouse/
BE Scooped
144 Azalea Circle SE Banner Elk NC 28604
828-504-0684 https://www.bescooped.com
Carolina Barbeque
500 Pineola St Newland NC 28657
828-737-0700 www.carolinabbqnewland.com/
Chef’s Table
140 Azalea Circle Banner Elk NC 28604 (828) 898-5214
https://bannerelkvillage.com/chefstable/
Famous Brick
Oven Pizzeria, Inc.
402 Beech Mountain Pkwy Beech Mountain NC 28604
828-387-4000 https://www.famousbrickoven.com/
Genuine Foods
844-436-3663 https://www.genuinecampusdining. com/
Highland’s Prohibition Kitchen
151 Shawneehaw Ave Banner Elk NC 28604
Las Banderas
488 Main St W Banner Elk NC 28604, US (828) 898-4343
Prime 21
140 Azalea Circle Banner Elk NC 28604 (828) 898-2100
Primo
140 Azalea Circle Banner Elk NC 28604 (828) 898-5214
Reid’s Cafe and Catering Co.
4004 Highway 105 S. Ste.8 Banner Elk, NC 28604 828-898-9200
www.reidscafeandcatering.com
Sips Soda Shop 828-467-1016 facebook.com/sipssodashop.nc
Sorrento’s Italian Bistro 140 Azalea Circle Banner Elk NC 28604 828-898-5214
bannerelkvillage.com/ The Barn at Cornerstone 64 Cornerstone Circle Banner Elk NC 28604
828-260-1125
https://www.thebarnatcornerstone. com/
White Wolf Lodge & Holy Smokes BBQ
3363 Beech Mountain Pkwy Banner Elk NC 28604 828-387-4200
www.whitewolflodge.org
Williams Deli & Bakery 100 High Country Square, Suite 32 Banner Elk NC 28604 828-898-2300
Williamsdeliandbakery.com
RETAIL SHOPS
Avery County Habitat for Humanity 2170 Millers Gap Hwy Newland NC 28657 828-733-1909
www.averycohfh.org/
Banner Elk
Soap & Candle Co. 3221 Tynecastle Hwy. Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828) 898-4006
https://bannerelksoapcandleco.com/
BE Artists Gallery
185 Azalea Cir SE Banner Elk NC 28604, US 828-260-5389 www.beartistsgallery.com/
BJ’s Resort Wear
145 Main St Banner Elk NC 28604, US 828-898-4229
Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
Callista Flower Co. Flowers, Home Goods & Gifts
441 Shawneehaw Ave
Banner Elk NC 28604
828-742-1818
https://www.callistaflowerco.com/
DeWoolfson Down
9452 NC Hwy 105 S Banner Elk NC 28604
828-963-4147
www.dewoolfsonlinens.com
Hardin Fine Jewelry
920 Shawneehaw Ave Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-4653
www.hardinfinejewelry.com/
Mountaineer Garden Center 1735 Tynecastle Hwy Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-5219
mountaineergardencenter.com/
My Best Friend’s Barkery
176 Shawneehaw Ave
Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-5625
www.mybestfriendsbarkery.com/
Native Botanicals, Inc.
115 Snowridge Rd
Banner Elk NC 28604
828-260-2867
https://www.nativebotanicalsinc. com/whys3.html
Provisions Mercantile & Gifts
110 Sugar Mountain Dr. A1 Sugar Mountain, NC 28604
828-387-6565 https://www.facebook.com/ ProvisionsSugarMtn/
Reilly’s
358 Shawneehaw Avenue South Banner Elk NC 28604
828-783-9477 www.reillysshop.com
Roan Mountain Tire Express
8379 Hwy 19 E
Roan Mountain TN 37687 (423) 630-8473
Ross Chrysler Jeep Dodge 2282 Hwy 105 South
Boone NC 28607
828-264-2875
rossauto.com
Sassy Curated Consignment & Gifts
8830 NC Hwy 105 South Boone NC 28607
828-967-0052
https://sassyconsignments.com/
The Art Cellar Gallery
920 Shawneehaw Ave
Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-5175
www.artcellargallery.com/
The Sign Shop P.O. Box 426 Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-4437
The Twisted Twig Antiques and Accents
2780 Tynecastle Hwy
Banner Elk NC 28604
619-964-0038
www.thetwistedtwigantiques.com/
Wraps Box & Ship
2331 Tynecastle Hwy #184
Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-9696
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
Aspbury, Jenny
Benbasat, Albert & Joan Berns, Ted Silver & Carol Brewer, Sara Brubaker, Mary Jo and Dan Coutts, David & Linda Dolab, Sharilynn & Charles Hahn, Bud & Silva Hansen, Susan Hendrix, Dan & Elizabeth Holt, Brenda Krege, Roy & Marion Lott, Tommy & Sherry Lyerly, Brenda
McLendon, Jerry & Kathleen
McNamee, Laura Newman, Dick & Joyce O’Connell, Paul & Susie
Olan, Meredith and Tony Ormond, Linda & Gene Petcoff, Thomas & Sally Privatte-Robinson, Sandra Ramo, Neil & Marilyn Randolph, Tamara Reynolds, Roy & Cathy Schaffel, Nancy Schaffer, Carol
Seitz, William & Carol Simmons, Nancy & Stephen Snow, Roseanne Solomon, Sandy Finci Soyars, David & File, Mark Steele, Elizabeth Swinkola, Jim & Ann Tate, David L. Testani, Bob & Sandy Watts, Mary Williams, John & Linda Zimmer, Larry & Chris
Banner Elk BY THE NUMBERS
The following is a list of important area phone numbers for your convenience:
Fire,
Rescue, Police and Emergency: 911
Town of Banner Elk/Banner Elk Town Hall: (828) 898-5398
Avery County Chamber of Commerce: (828) 898-5605
Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce: (828) 898-8395
The Avery Journal Times newspaper: (828) 733-2448
Banner House Museum: (828) 898-3634
Banner Elk Police Department : (828) 898-4300
Banner Elk Fire Department: (828) 898-4623
Banner Elk Exxon: (828) 898-5210
Lees-McRae College: (828) 898-5241
Avery County Sheriff’s Office: (828) 733-2071
Avery County Schools: (828) 733-6006
Cannon Memorial Hospital: (828) 737-7000
Mountain Electric Cooperative: (828) 733-0159
Williams YMCA of Avery County: (828) 737-5500
Beech Mountain Resort: (828) 387-2011
Beech Mountain Police Department: (828) 387-2342
Beech Mountain Fire Department: (828) 387-4612
Sugar Mountain Resort: (828) 898-4521
Meet the Municipality of BANNER ELK
BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER
The Town of Banner Elk has been a staple of Avery County for quite some time, from being one of the first established towns in the county to a huge economic driver as one of the most popular tourist spots in the state. With developmental infrastructure and commerce enhancements, Banner Elk remains one of the preeminent command posts of not only the county but also Western North Carolina. Thousands of people visit Banner Elk every year, and the town has earned recognition nationwide. Brenda Lyerly was elected as mayor in 2012 and has further cultivated the culture and ideals of the mountain hamlet town.
“I appreciate more every day how special this town is. It takes all of us to make the town into what it is today, including Council members, town manager, office support, maintenance crew, police department, and
Banner Elk volunteers and citizens,” Lyerly said. “Also, the Banner Elk Fire Department is striving to make updates and build their membership.”
Infrastructure has played a vital role in both the growth and the challenges of Banner Elk. No greater challenge to the infrastructure occurred than with the effects of Hurricane Helene in September 2024, as extensive replacements and repairs to water and sewer infrastructure significantly impacted the town for weeks until the town was able to carry out a significant rebuilding effort.
Prior to Helene, however, the town had recently updated its sewer system and is still in the process of seeking a location for a new well. There currently exists plenty of well water, but Banner Elk wishes to be prepped and anticipates population growth. Although the contemporary infrastructure is adequate and could handle even more population due to the accommodation of
visitors, the historic overlay of the town provides certain restrictions that Lyerly, the council, planning board and zoning commission must work with. While infrastructure offers unique potential and obstacles, a natural balance is also sought after.
“We want to keep Banner Elk with our own personality,” said Lyerly.
Zoning and ordinances are also viewed as crucial to the town in order to maintain that personality and keep enough greenspace. Banner Elk offers an esoteric backdrop for Avery County and has pride in its personable presentation. The town leaders and its residents have a vision for the area and wish to keep striving toward its goals.
“Banner Elk has had a master plan for many years. One of the flagships of that plan is the signature brick sidewalks that make our town so walkable, as well as it gives a really classy look,” Lyerly explained. “An extra bonus with the brick sidewalks is that
anyone who wants to preserve their name or their pet’s name or make a memorial can purchase a brick, have it inscribed and request a spot in town for the brick to be placed. Our winter snowflakes that don each streetlight in town are a hit as well.”
Culture and heritage also land squarely on the shoulders of Banner Elk leadership, to which residents and leaders alike wish to uphold the inherent values of the arts. Many components of the town reach a cultural level unique to the county and help make Banner Elk a noticeable region.
“The biggest endeavor in the past several years for Banner Elk is the purchase from the county of the Historic Banner Elk Elementary School in the heart of Banner Elk, and then determining what it should be and how to make it happen,” Lyerly said.
The historic Banner Elk Elementary School rock building was built in 1938-1939
by the WPA. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017. With lots of community effort, the rock schoolhouse was transformed into the Cultural Arts Center. It now houses the BE Artists Gallery, a Book Exchange, Carolina Life Magazine’s corporate office, The Community Yoga Studio, Buckhead Photography Studio, Common Grounds and Ensemble Stage.
Ensemble Stage is a 99-seat theater space converted from the old school auditorium.
Culture is very important to Banner Elk with respect to the arts center, Lees-McRae College, historic buildings and theatrical performances.
“We have a lot of artists in the area. It helps draw people into town,” Lyerly noted.
One specific goal of Banner Elk that the mayor outlined is the ambition to diversify the businesses in town which may be on the horizon with different merchants in play. “Banner Elk is blessed with many fabulous restaurants, but we are short on shopping opportunities. We do have several opportunities for art purchases, and we have a couple of gift shops. We would love to see more of a variety,” Lyerly stated.
One of the longstanding burdens of interest for residents of Banner Elk is the need for workforce housing, much like other towns in the county, and the market of both rental and secondary homes. Lyerly and town personnel are aware of the potential hindrance and are actively working toward ideas and solutions.
“The biggest concern from our citizens these days seems to be the huge influx of home buyers, developers and visitors,” Lyerly noted. “The sheer volume of people in town and on our two-lane roads has been a challenge in all seasons. There was a lull in the past where merchants and restaurant personnel could catch their breath and make repairs and updates. There are no such lulls these days.”
While noted as a residential concern, Lyerly also added that, “The secondary home market people have been generous and helpful with so many things.”
There exists a level of complexity and unique attributes to Banner Elk which are specific to the town. A notion of balance will continuously be addressed by town leadership and acted upon for the best interest of Banner Elk.
Banner Elk is famous for its hosting of substantial events such as the Woolly Worm Festival each October, the annual Fourth of July Parade and Party in the Park, its Summer Concerts in the Park, as well as its multiple Art on the Greene events.
AJT file photo
The town of Banner Elk is governed by a mayor and five members of the town council, along with guidance from the town manager and staff.
File photo
Corner on Main is a popular gathering place that is a centerpiece of the downtown business district in Banner Elk.
Find that perfect item while shopping in BANNER ELK
BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER
Banner Elk is home to many great shops and businesses. Whether you’re looking for homemade goods, woodwork decor or fresh produce, you’re sure to find those items and more right here in Banner Elk. Here are a few of the places well worth the time of stopping in to visit and browse while in town.
ANTIQUES AND CONSIGNMENT
Those Were the Days 3440 Tynecastle Hwy. (828) 898-5505
Those Were the Days is a 4,000-squarefoot antique mall with plenty of items to match all kinds of niche interests or collections. The mall has a collection of records, antique toys, vintage glassware, furniture, jewelry and more.
The Twisted Twig Antiques and Accents
100 High Country Sq. (619) 964-0038
Boasting a stock of one-of-a-kind pieces. The Twisted Twig is an antique and accent store that sells both vintage items and newer gifts and decor. With an extensive and eclectic lamp collection and decades-old pieces of furniture, a visit to this store is the perfect way to add some vintage spice to your home.
Banner Elk Consignment Cottage (828) 898-5733
Banner Elk Consignment Cottage offers everything from statement pieces such as furniture and artwork to smaller pieces such as cutlery and figurines. When looking for unique pieces to decorate your mountain home, stop by the cottage to see what they offer.
CLOTHING
Discounted Name Brands
2989 Tynecastle Hwy., Unit 2, Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828) 783-9266
If you are looking for a great deal, look no further than Discounted Name Brands. They have lots of new, name-brand items for 30%-60% off.
BJ’s Resort Wear
145 Main St. W (828) 898-4229
Bl’s Resort Wear offers high-end women’s clothing to ensure that you’re up-to-date with the latest trends. You can expect friendly staff and good customer service from this boutique that has been serving the Banner Elk area for more than 30 years.
The Dande Lion
4501 Tynecastle Hwy. #12 (828) 898-3566
If you’re looking for the perfect outfit, complete with shoes and accessories, look no further than The Dande Lion. This boutique specializes in personal shopping and has a stock that pairs with a variety of aesthetics.
Banner Elk Shirt Company
3175 Tynecastle Hwy. (828) 898-4007
If you’re visiting and looking for a memento of your time in the beautiful town of Banner Elk. Banner Elk Shirt Company has styles for every season. Every member of the family can grab a personalized Woolly Worm Festival shirt or a gift for a loved one from this long-standing family business.
JEWELRY
Hardin Fine Jewelry
920 Shawneehaw Ave. S (828) 898-4653
Hardin Fine Jewelry sells one-of-a-kind pieces for every occasion. Their stock features pieces crafted from artisans from around the world, with a variety of gems and diamonds to choose from.
SPECIALTY FOODS
Avery County Farmers Market
185 Azalea Cir. SE
Avery County Farmers Market is a great seasonal hub for organic and locally grown produce, jams, jellies, honey, eggs and more. Open weekly at the Historie Banner Elk School throughout the season, it’s a wonderful chance to explore the High Country’s delicious, homegrown and homemade food.
Bayou General Store
130 Main St. E (828) 898-8952
Local goods and gourmet foods abound at the Bayou General Store. Stop by to check out their selection of gifts, fine wines and local brews as well.
Erick’s Cheese and Wine
4004 NC-105 #10 (828) 898-9424
If you’re looking to buy a unique gift for a loved one or a treat for yourself, browse Erick’s Cheese and Wine for a variety of fine wines and cheeses from around the world.
Banner Elk Olive Oil and Balsamics
155 Banner Rd. SW (828) 898-4441
Banner Elk Olive Oil and Balsamic has everything you need to take your cooking to the next level. With a variety of imported olive oils, vinegars, herb mixes, ceramics and more, their products are sure to impress.
HOME AND GARDEN
Banner Elk Soap & Candle Co. 3221 Tynecastle Hwy. (828) 898-4006
Locally made candles, soaps, bath bombs
and mugs are just a few great gift ideas from Banner Elk Soap and Candle Co. Whether it’s for you or for a friend, Banner Elk Soap and Candle Co. has a scent for everyone. While you’re there, stop and visit the newly added Banner Elk Fudge Shop.
Mountaineer Garden Center Florist and Greenhouses 1757 Tynecastle Hwy. (828) 898-5219
When you’re looking to liven up your yard or home in the spring, stop by Mountaineer Garden Center Florist and Greenhouses. Choose your favorites from a large selection of shrubs, flowers, houseplants, soil and more.
Secret Garden Nursery 1947 Tynecastle Hwy (828) 387-7623
Marked by the colorful Adirondack chairs out front, Secret Garden Nursery is an essential visit for those with green thumbs. Offering vibrant flowers, succulents, houseplants and pumpkins and gourds seasonally, they have all you need to brighten up your mountain home.
File photo
Bayou Restaurant brings a taste of cajun flare to Banner Elk, with food and drink options in its convenient location in the heart of downtown.
Creative Interiors
4501 Tynecastle Hwy., Unit 4 (828) 898-9636
If you’ve got the itch to redecorate.
Creative Interiors has your back. As an interior design firm and retail shop, the storefront offers furniture, accessories, gifts and other home goods.
Rustik by Underwood
12710 Tynecastle Hwy. (828) 898-9663
Rustik by Underwood sells handcrafted natural wood furniture perfect for the statement piece you’ve been looking for. They can design custom tables, benches and other furniture to fit any lifestyle and taste.
Avery Knifeworks
2780 Tynecastle Hwy. (828) 850-9250
Locally owned and operated, each blade from Avery Knifeworks is handmade. The Banner Elk showroom has knives of various sizes and purposes, handmade jewelry, charcuterie boards, cutting boards, leather wallets and more.
PETS
My Best Friend’s Barkery
176 Shawnechaw Ave. S (828) 898-5625
Don’t forget your four-legged friends while shopping. My Best Friend’s Barkery has something for every pet, including food, treats, toys, beds and other products for cats and dogs.
SKIING AND OUTDOORS OUTFITTERS
Alpine Ski Center
3150 Tynecastle Hwy. (828) 898-9701
Alpineskicenter.com
Edge of the World
394 Shawnechaw Ave. S (828) 898-9550
Edgeoworld.com
Extreme Snowboard and Skis
13071 Tynecastle Hwy. (828) 898-7669
www.extremenc.com
Ski Country Sports
3149 Tynecastle Hwy. (828) 898-9786
www.skicountrysports.com
Photo by Christian Gardner Downtown Banner Elk offers numerous shopping opportunities and historic venues to visit, regardless of season.
Please the palate at Banner Elk’s area BREWERIES AND WINERIES
BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER
Whether you’re looking for a spot to enjoy an adult beverage or a spot to simply sit back and enjoy some fellowship, visitors, and locals have many options right here in Banner Elk. Banner Elk’s current facilities have something to please everyone, from casual drinkers wanting an afternoon away from home to connoisseurs looking for a full-blown experience.
KETTELL BEERWORKS
Purchased by Mark and Yumiko Founded in 2010, Kettell Beerworks is the sole brewery of Avery County. After falling in love with the beer, current owners Joe and Susan Royall bought Kettell in January 2024.The name “Kettell” itself is a family name, originally meaning kettle or cauldron. Kettell Beerworks categorizes their beers in tiers. First Tier beers are for easy drinking, being the lowest on the scale in alcohol by volume and international bitterness units. Roll cast, a German Kolsch-style ale; Vonderbier, a contemporary Munichstyle lager; Copper Elk, an American amber ale; and Velvet Panda, an oatmeal stout, are the First Tier beers. Second Tier beers are slightly higher in ABV and IBUs. These include the Supernova IPA, a low-bitterness fruity brew, and Nymphomaniac, a Belgian-style ale. Last are the Third Tier Beers, which have the highest ABV and offer unique, bold flavors. Crabby Louie, an imperial IPA, and The Speak Easy, a Bourbon barrelaged Baltic Porter, fall into this category. Additionally, Kettell Beerworks offers seasonal ales, including Oktoberfest, a traditional, full-bodied Marzen lager, and
Alpine Rush, a crisp winter ale.
As a result of Hurricane Helene, the business suffered damage but was able to reopen in a matter of weeks, exemplifying a resilient spirit. Kettell Beerworks is located at 567 Main St. E. in Banner Elk. The taproom is open from noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday. For more information, call (828) 898-8677 or visit https://kettellbeerworks.com/.
BANNER ELK WINERY
In 2005, Banner Elk Winery and Villa became the first commercial winery to open in Avery County Founded by Angelo Accetturo and Richard Wolfe, the
winery is located on a property that used to be a blueberry farm. Wolfe, the original winemaker, passed away in March 2022. Even after he left the position of head winemaker, he would come around often, said Emily Billings, tasting room manager at the winery. Wolfe is a huge part of their history and the entire staff misses him dearly, she said. The winery offers a blueberry wine to pay tribute to the property’s original use but they offer more familiar varietals as well, including marechal foch, Seyval blanc, cabernet sauvignon, and golden muscat. Most of their stock is dry wines, particularly reds, and they keep four flavors of sangria year-
Submitted photo
Grandfather Winery and Vineyard offers regular tastings and is a popular venue for live music.
Submitted photo
Blind Elk Tap Room is a popular location with selection of more than a dozen craft brews, hard-to-locate bottled beers and indoor/outdoor seating which is flexible for any season.
round. In the summertime, Banner Elk Winery serves its apple orange cinnamon sangria chilled and in the winter they serve it warm as a mulled wine.
Made with grapes from their vineyard as well as locally-sourced grapes, Banner Elk Winery has produced many awardwinning wines, from the state level to the international level. Along with wine tastings, patrons of Banner Elk Winery and Villa can enjoy a glass of wine indoors or outdoors at its covered seating area, the fire pit, or one of the gazebos around the pond that’s on the property. There’s live music every weekend, after-hours events with the wine club, and the winery also offers yoga before opening.
Banner Elk Winery and Villa is located at 60 Deer Run and is open from noon to
6 p.m. every day except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. To learn more, call (828) 260-1790 or visit http://www.bannerelkwinery.com/
GRANDFATHER
VINEYARD AND WINERY
A family-owned business, Grandfather Vineyard and Winery’s history is just as rich as the drinks it offers. Through the Tatum family’s passion for all parts of the process, from working in the vineyard to making the wine to running the business, the winery has expanded into a staple of the community.
There’s plenty to do at the winery, from the tasting room, which is open daily during regular hours, to live music at the winery Thursday through Sunday
and a food truck on site Friday through Sunday. All service is outdoors and the establishment is dog-friendly. At any given time, Grandfather Vineyard and Winery offers anywhere between 25 and 30 different wines. These include dry whites and roses, dry reds, sweet wines, bubbles, specials, and on-tap wines.
Grandfather Vineyard and Winery is located at 225 Vineyard Lane, and is open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The establishment is closed on Tuesdays from December 1 to May 15.
BLIND ELK TAP ROOM
In downtown Banner Elk, enjoy a rotating selection of beers on tap from more than a dozen craft breweries.
Blind Elk Tap Room is an indoor/ outdoor tasting room specializing in craft beer on draft, as well as wine by the glass and prosecco on tap. The two-story space with an open-air bar out front provides plenty of room for gathering around the taps and enjoying a beverage or two with friends and family. In addition to 15 rotating beers on tap, a fridge features 70-80 labels of hard-to-find beers, hard ciders, and hard seltzers. A snack menu offers a variety of pretzels, cheeses, crackers and nuts that pair well with a pint of beer. Throughout the summer, Blind Elk frequently hosts block parties on Thursday and Friday nights. Featuring food trucks and outdoor music, the events are a great way to celebrate the warm season in the High Country.
File photo
Banner Elk Winery has garnered numerous awards for its fine wines and was the first commercial winery to open in the county.
Lees-McRae College celebrating 125TH BIRTHDAY IN 2025
BY JERRY SNOW
BANNER ELK — Lees-McRae College, a private, four-year, co-ed residential institution nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, was founded in 1900 by Edgar Tufts. Nicknamed the “Campus in the Clouds,” LMC is 4,000 feet above sea level.
Tufts was an ordained minister with the Southern Presbyterian Church, and LeesMcRae is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, according to ncpedia.org.
Tufts wanted students to seek a useful occupation; they worked in the woodworking shop, built roads, laid power lines and made furniture according to NCpedia.org; in the classroom, they studied math, physics and chemistry. In the summer, the college was used as a resort, where students learned about hotel management.
It started out as an all-female high school in 1899 and was named after Suzanna Lees and Elisabeth McRae. The school became Lees-McRae Institute in 1907.
In 1927, a fire consumed the Plumtree buildings, and the unit moved to Banner Elk, according to https://www.lmc.edu/ about/history.htm. Lees-McRae Institute became Lees-McRae College in 1931,
gradually eliminating the high school department to form an accredited, coeducational junior college. In 1987, the Board of Trustees of Lees-McRae College voted to seek senior college status. In June of 1990, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools granted Lees-McRae status as a senior (four-year) college.
To complement its four-year academic programs, Lees-McRae began offering degree completion programs in the early 2000s. The 2+2 programs enable students with existing associate degrees to complete their education at the baccalaureate level. The institution serves these non-traditional learners at off-campus sites and through online learning. In 2018, the college added its first graduate program—a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education.
Today, Lees-McRae offers 31 majors and 26 minors, according to the college’s website. In addition to the main campus, LMC also offers online and distance learning. The college reports a student body of more than 800 — which come from 34 states and 23 countries.
LMC was ranked among the top colleges and universities in the Southeast for being “a top performer on social mobility for 2020” by U.S. News and
World Report.
The cost of attendance to live on campus as a first-year student at LMC is more than $56,000, according to the school’s website. However, many students cut significantly into that number with financial aid. For more information about getting financial aid at LMC, call (828) 898-8740 or email at finaid@lmc.edu.
At Lees-McRae, students can join a fraternity or sorority, or the Nerd Club or Pre-Veterinary Club. In addition to offering nearly 20 clubs/organizations, the school also has a dining hall and offers health services.
Nicknamed the Bobcats, Lees-McRae competes as a NCAA Division 2 school in Conference Carolinas and has 25 athletic teams.
More than a hundred years after its founding, Lees-McRae continues the vision of the Rev. Tufts, inspiring students of the Southern Appalachian region and beyond.
LMC’s primary campus is located at 191 Main St. W in Banner Elk and the South Campus is at 158 Grandfather Home.
Lees-McRae College offers information sessions and campus tours six or seven days a week for prospective students and their families. Visitors can tour the campus, hear from current students, and get questions answered.
In the Spring of 2022, Lees-McRae College President Lee King announced the institution received a $30 million Community Facilities Direct Loan from United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development for campus preservation and development at a special ceremony on April 1.
The college decided to use the loan to renovate buildings on campus. Renovations have been made to multiple historic buildings and include installation of fire suppression sprinklers, making the buildings Americans with Disabilities Code compliant, updating the wiring systems to bring them to current electrical code and converting Tennessee and Virginia resident halls into living-learning communities for first-year students.
Group tours for high schools and community organizations may also be scheduled. LMC does limit these to one group per day, so please let LMC know as soon as possible if you are interested. For more information on LMC, contact Director of Events and Campus Visitation McLean Bell at bellm@lmc.edu, click to www.lmc.edu, or call (828) 898-8729. Dr. Herbert Lee King, Jr. has been the school’s president since 2018.
File Photo
An overhead view of the Lees-McRae College campus.
BANNER ELK’S a destination for dining
BY JERRY SNOW
The town of Banner Elk has an impressive array of locally-owned independent restaurants, making this resort town a dining destination.
Whether you’re looking for a finedining white tablecloth experience, an upscale bistro, ethnic cuisine or a sandwich from a deli, this town’s thriving food scene covers the spectrum, according to bannerelk.com.
With every restaurant, due to the recent storm damage in the area, it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm restaurant opening and hours of operation.
Artisanal Restaurant
Address: 1200 Dobbins Rd.
Phone: (828) 898-5395
Website: Artisanal.com
The Artisanal offers fine dining from May through October. It serves contemporary American cuisine in the upscale rustic elegance of a converted barn.
Artisanal has been named a Top 100 restaurant in the United States by OpenTable.com and has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Artisanal’s dress code is business casual. Men must wear collared shirts. Jackets are preferred but not required. Artisanal serves, fish, lobster, shrimp, prime ribeye, short ribs, lamb and veal.
Banner Elk Cafe & Lodge
Address: 324 Shawneehaw Ave.
Phone: (828) 898-4044
Website: bannerelkcafe.com
The Banner Elk Cafe & Lodge serves fresh trout. In addition to two restaurants, it has an espresso bar, bakery and smoothie bar. Banner Elk Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. BE Cafe serves American, Italian, seafood and “some of the best mountain trout in the High Country.”
Williams Deli & Bakery
101 High Country Square #23
Phone: (828) 898-2300
Website: www.williamsdeliandbakery.com
Williams Deli & Bakery had to close temporarily due to damage from Hurricane Helene in the Fall of 2024. In addition to hot and cold build your own sandwiches, the menu includes rotating soups of the day. The bakery has pies, pound cakes, cookies and muffins.
Louisiana Purchase on Main
Address: 171 Main St. E
Phone: (828) 898-5656
Website: www.
louisianapurchasefoodandspirits.co
Louisiana Purchase (LP) on Main offers fine upscale dining in a casual atmosphere. Since 1984, the restaurant has been one of the most popular in the NC High Country.
The menu features both traditional selections and seasonal offerings. Among the favorites are BBQ shrimp, bison meatloaf with smoked cheddar mac n’ cheese, tartare black angus beef, crab cakes, Scottish salmon and fried oysters. The extensive wine list has received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for several years running.
Stonewall’s Restaurant
344 Shawneehaw Ave. S
Phone: (828) 898-5550
Website: www.stonewallsrestaurant.com
Since 1985, Stonewalls Restaurant has been a destination, serving up some of the best steak and shrimp in the region. The updated restaurant features a chefdriven menu that blends new entrees and long-standing favorites, like the prime rib
house specialty. The salad bar is always popular. The wine and craft cocktail list is extensive, with offerings from across the globe. The atmosphere is upscale casual.
Pedalin’ Pig BBQ
Address: 4235 NC-105
Phone: (828) 898-7500
Website: thepedalinpig.com
The Pedaling’ Pig BBQ Restaurant has pulled pork, smoked chicken wings, smoked back ribs, smoked turkey breaks, tacos, smoked beef brisket, hamburgers, chicken tenders and dessert. They also have locations in Boone and Blowing Rock. They have catering and Bluegrass Jam Night on Wednesdays.
Bayou Banner Elk
Address: 130 Main St. E
Phone: (828) 898-8952
Website: bayoubannerelk.com
Established in 2003, Bayou Banner Elk offers beef brisket, grilled chicken, shrimp, crawfish, oyster, hamburgers, chicken strips, country fried steak, salads, wings, quesadilla, smoked sausage, baby back ribs and live entertainment. Bayou Banner Elk is a laid back pub with a taste of Southern harm and a dash of Cajun spice, according to its website.
Submitted photos
Sorrento’s Italian Bistro and Chef’s Table
Address: 140 Azalea Cir. SE
Phone: (828) 898-5214
Website: bannerelkvillage.com/sorrentositalian-bistro/#primo
Sorrento’s Italian Bistro, located at 140 Azalea Cir., is upscale dining. The chefs use family recipes dating back to their roots in Sicily. Guests can choose from Sorrento’s traditional Italian menu, or opt for the Chop of the Day and other specials available at Primo.
They can sit a party of up to 150 for dinner and as many as 180 for cocktails and buffet in the patio garden. There’s contemporary artwork inside and a fire pit on the patio.
Puerto Nuevo Fresh Mexican & Seafood Restaurant
Address: 2941 Tynecastle Hwy
Phone: (828) 898-3332
Website: www.puertonuevobe.com
Puerto Nuevo’s dinner menu includes ribeye steak and grilled shrimp, as well as pork, chicken and soup, and they have lunch specials. Puerto Nuevo also has locations in Newland and Spruce Pine.
Puerto Nuevo offers authentic Mexican dishes, including a vegetarian menu
Cam Rahn Bay Vietnamese and Japanese Restaurant
Address: 110 High Country Sq.
Phone: (828) 898-4121
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ CamRanhBayBannerElk/ Cam Rahn Bay offers sushi, shrimp, pork, squid, tofu, eel, crab, soups, spring rolls, lettuce wrapped chicken rolls, and hibachi and teriyaki dishes. They also have locations in Boone and Blowing Rock.
Patrons can dine in, order take-out or have an event catered.
Uncle Lee’s Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar
Address: 488 Main St. W
Phone: (828) 783-9147
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
UncleLeesRestaurant
Uncle Lee offers Thai food. The Bistro has shrimp, tofu, soups, salads, grilled and fried chicken fish, octopus, eel, crab, and oxtail. Uncle Lee’s Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. They first opened on Sept. 23, 2024, but had to close because of
Hurricane Helene; Uncle Lee’s Restaurant reopened on Nov. 29, 2024, according to their Facebook page.
Bella’s Breakfast and Lunch
Address: 142 Main St. E
Phone: (828) 898-2594
Bella’s Breakfast and Lunch serves Belgian waffles, stuffed crepes, French toast, pancake, breakfast sandwiches, omelettes, steak, grits and scratch-made biscuits. The cafe serves Angus beef burgers, chicken strips, footlong hotdogs, turkey or corn beef Reubens and grilled sandwiches for lunch, six days a week.
Breakfast at Bella’s includes egg platters, biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos, steak and eggs, avocado toast, signature omelettes and a quiche of the day. For a comprehensive list of restaurants in Banner Elk, go to www.bannerelk.com/types/restaurants/
TRISTAN’S CHIMNEY SERVICE
Storm has slowed real estate sales but ‘there are still people looking’
BY JERRY SNOW
John Davis, who is entering his 45th year as owner of Banner Elk Realty, says the real estate market in Banner Elk is usually busy in the Fall, but the 2024 Fall was much slower than normal because of the flooding and devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene.
“The storm has definitely affected sales,” Davis said. “Things are normally slower this time of year. Helene caused us some major problems. But there are still people looking. We were hit hard in 2004 when Ivan and Francis came through but we recovered from that. It will take some time but we will bounce back from this.”
Davis said a lot of investors will try to buy properties for pennies on the dollar in a situation like this. “They are looking for property that needs working where people don’t want to deal with fixing it up. So we will have to go through those investor types. We also have to get the utilities up and running before we will start to see the market normalize.”
Davis said the real estate market “will be as strong as ever in the next couple years. People love the mountains. There’s all kinds of things to do. It’s a wonderful place to have a second home.”
Banner Elk Realty is located at 161 Silver Springs Dr. and Davis can be reached at (828) 260-1550. To learn more about Banner Elk Realty, go online to bannerelkrealty.com.
RECORD SALE IN ELK RIVER CLUB
The estate at 120 Summit Park Dr. has sold for $15,850,000, becoming the most expensive home ever sold in North Carolina, according to www.premiersothebysrealty. com; the sale was under contract in 12 days. It was marketed exclusively by Marilyn Wright of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Asheville office and Rob Garrett of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Blowing Rock office. Chad Vincent and Melissa Boone from Berkshire Hathaway
HomeServices Vincent Properties brought the buyer.
On 7.64 landscaped acres, the castle includes more $1 million in art, furnishings, and décor. The centerpiece is the great room, which has a full bar. An adjoining dining area has a fireplace. It has 5 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, a 4-car garage, a theater and 13,446 square feet behind the gates of Elk River. It has an elevator and an exercise room among the 27 rooms.
HIGH COUNTRY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
Davis said real estate sales in Avery, Ashe, Watauga and Alleghany counties were all hit hard by the storm last Fall. The High Country Association of Realtors reported the median sale price for closing in October of 2024 was $450,000, and the median price for homes sold within the
Banner Elk has a lot of upscale homes with great views of the mountains.
High Country Association of Realtors climbed to $535,000 in November of 2024.
Submitted photo
The median days on the market was 71 in October 2024 and 86 days in November of 2024.
For more information, go to www. highcountryrealtors.org
The real estate market in Banner Elk is down due to Hurricane Helene, but John Davis of Banner Elk Realty is confident there will also be a demand for homes in the mountains.
Civic organizations IMPACT LOCAL COMMUNITIES
BY BARB HOLDCROFT
Doing good and helping others is part of the lifestyle in Banner Elk and Avery County. Throughout the year several organizations host a variety of events that raise awareness and funds for a number of needs that exist in the area.
One such group is the Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk, which has been serving that area since 1968. Its focus is on serving the youth by providing funds for many projects that involve students in the area. In this pursuit, they sponsor two major fundraising events: the annual Woolly Worm Festival (held in October) and the Rubber Duck Races that have become a part of the Fourth of July festivities in Banner Elk.
The Avery County Chamber of Commerce has been the co-sponsor of the Woolly Worm Festival event for 48 years, and the proceeds are divided evenly at the conclusion of the weekend. Individual organizations complete a grant request and the committee decides the amount of disbursement for each group. The funds have benefited a variety of endeavors that involve youth, such as requests from teachers/educators, three different Scout Troops, Feeding Avery Families, the Williams YMCA of Avery County, the Avery County Sheriff’s Office DARE Program, and many more. Kiwanis President Ann Wolf states that although each request may not be granted in full, “the goal is for all the applicants to get something.”
The second major undertaking is the Rubber Duck Race as part of the Party in the Park on the Fourth of July. More than 1,000 ducks “race” in five different “heats” with the cash rewards of $100 and $50 for first and second place in each race.
Kiwanis of Banner Elk currently has 34 members who meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month for lunch. They are currently interested in recruiting younger members of the community, and will soon be hosting one evening gathering per
month at different restaurants. Contact President Ann Wolf at bannerelkkiwanis. org for more information.
Another very active civic group is the Avery County Rotary Club, which has been functioning in the area since 1992.
The focus of the organization encompasses a variety of community-oriented goals that include maternal health, care for the environment, promoting peace, fighting infectious diseases, and supporting education, to name a few. As part of a much larger international focus, the task of the local group is to address the needs of the immediate community by “thinking big, but acting locally.”
One of their most visible Rotarian fundraisers continues to be its “all-youcan-eat” breakfast events that are held in June, July, August and September at the Linville Land Harbor Golf House on select Saturday mornings. Proceeds from each breakfast are designated for a specific organization, who will then receive their financial “reward” when the funds are disbursed for all the breakfasts. Some recent recipients of the benefit have included Yellow Mountain Enterprises, OASIS Inc., Avery County Habitat for Humanity, Avery County Humane Society, Blue Ridge Partnership for Children, and others over the years.
Members of the group also take part in ongoing local endeavors, such as being a part of the Adopt-A-Highway project. Rotarians are also in charge of the parking detail at the annual Highland Games festival held on Grandfather Mountain. The organization’s other seasonal fundraiser is the sale of pecans every fall in seven locations throughout Avery County.
Weekly meetings are currently being held in the Linville Land Harbor Recreation Center every Thursday where an invited speaker addresses the members. Those interested in joining should contact President Kathy Kasprzak at averycountyrotary@gmail.com.
In the event that these organizations
AJT file photo
Avery County Rotarians are involved in many service projects in the area, such as trash pickup along local roads and highways. In this image, Rotary members Neil Ramo, Melanie Bergin, Sarah McGuire, Michelle Scott, Dwight Schnirman, Katherine Schnirman and Kathy Kasprzak, as well as Margaret Thiele (not pictured) collected trash along a segment of Highway 194 (Cranberry Street) in Newland as part of the North Carolina Department of Transportation Adopt-A-Highway program.
do not meet with expectations of how to serve the community, the following are a number of additional civic organizations dedicated in a variety of areas:
• Avery Association for Exceptional Citizens (Adults with disabilities)
• Avery County Educational Foundation (Educational Opportunities)
• Avery County Habitat for Humanity (Affordable Housing )
• Avery County Historical Museum (Historical Preservation)
• Avery Association of Exceptional Citizens
• Avery County Educational Foundation
• Avery County Habitat for Humanity (Animal adoption and care)
• Avery County Historical Museum
• Avery County Humane Society (Animal care and Adoption)
• Avery County Shriners Club (Children)
• Banner House Museum/ Greater Banner Elk Heritage Foundation (Historical Preservation)
• Banner Elk Heritage Foundation
• Beech Mountain Community Club (Community Club)
• Children’s Hope Alliance (Children)
• Disabled American Veterans Chapter 87 (Veterans organization)
• Feeding Avery Families (Hunger)
• High Country Caregivers Foundation (Care for the Elderly)
• High Country Charitable Foundation (Philanthropy)
• High Country United Way (Philanthropy)
• MAY Coalition (Economic empowerment)
• Move with Compassion Ministry (Hunger, Clothing)
• New Opportunity School for Women (Economic empowerment)
• OASIS (Abuse and sexual assault)
• Reaching Avery Ministry (hunger, clothing)
• VFW Pat Ray Post 4286 (Veterans services)
• Volunteer Avery (Community Service)
• Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge (Economic Empowerment)
• WAMY Community Action (Economic empowerment)
• Williams Academy (Children)
• Yellow Mountain Enterprise (Adults with disabilities)
Banner Elk a hotbed for art, culture, entertainment
BY JERRY SNOW
The town of Banner Elk, founded in 1848, has a variety of entertainment options, distinguished art galleries and a diverse culture.
The Banner House Museum is a great place to get a grasp of the community’s roots. The Museum was the home of Samuel Henry Banner and his wife; it has period furnishings, tools and clothing. The Museum enlightens visitors about life in Banner Elk from the 1870s and into the 1900s. The home was built in 1865, according to the Banner Elk Heritage Foundation.
For anyone interested in winter activities, Banner Elk sits between two ski resorts: Sugar Mountain to the south, and Beech Mountain to the north. To the southeast, Grandfather Mountain is home to a nature museum, trails and the Mile High Swinging Bridge.
The Carlton Gallery & Framing Store, located at 10360 NC-105, has been owned and operated by Toni Carlton for 42 years. It is “one of the most established Fine Art Galleries in the High Country of Western North Carolina,” according to carltongallery.com, and has artwork of all mediums that’s made by more than 150 local, regional and national artists.
The Art Cellar, located at 929 Shawneehaw Ave., offers three full floors of art in all styles and media, and it has merchandise that fits into any budget. The Art Cellar, which is family owned and operated by Pam and Mike McKay, was founded in 1993 and is “Banner Elk’s premiere shopping destination,” according to www.artcellargallery.com.
It’s All About the Art, located at 163 Shawneehaw Ave., is a “premier art gallery” and “we are dedicated to showcasing some of the most captivating works from emerging and established
artists around the world,” according to www.itsallabouttheart.net. To learn more about It’s All About the Art, call (828) 783-9233.
The Banner Elk Artists Gallery, located at 185 Azalea Cir. SE, has locally-made art. The BE Artists Gallery was formed by local artists and features fine arts and crafts for sale to the public. Everything is hand-made by artisans living within a 50mile radius of Banner Elk.
Displays vary throughout the year and include: fabric art, fine furniture, glass works, graphic arts, jewelry, metal works, paintings, photography, pottery and wood turnings, according to bannerelk.com. From mid-April through December, hours of operation are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling (828) 898-6767.
Area artist Kent Paulette’s abstract and other work is on display at Studio 140 at Sorrento’s in Banner Elk.
Banner Elk has different ways to broaden your horizons. Ensemble Stage is a professional theater that was founded in 2009. Ensemble Stage is “dedicated to culturally enriching the lives of the High Country,” according to ensemblestage. com. Lees-McRae College’s performing arts department has a Summer Theatre that produces a series of theatrics that are performed in the Hayes Auditorium.
Lees-McRae’s Wildcat Lake Park is operated by the College. It has a 13acre lake, a beach and a pier. Popular
activities at Wildcat Lake are swimming, sunbathing, fishing and paddling. Lifeguards are on duty during summer hours.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission stocks the lake with bluegill, largemouth bass, and three varieties of trout, according to www.bannerelk.com/ members/wildcat-lake/.
Fishing is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk, and North Carolina state fishing licenses are required for anyone that wants to fish.
The adjacent park, Tufts Memorial Park, has a playground and picnic areas.
The BE Artists Gallery was formed by a group of local artists, which features fine arts and crafts that are for sale. The art within the gallery is by artists who live in and are inspired by the High Country, showcasing the region’s beauty and unique culture through their art. Fabric art, glass works, jewelry, metal works, paintings, photography and ceramics are just a few of the many media on display at the gallery. To learn more, call (828) 898-6767 or visit
Photo courtesy LMC
Rev. Edgar Tufts’ portrayal from a stone pulpit during the LMCST production of “From the Mountaintop: The Edgar Tufts Story.”
beartistsgallery.com.
The Banner Elk Book Exchange is a community-based, volunteer-run book exchange located within the Historic Banner Elk School. There are books for all ages and the book exchange often holds different types of community events. To learn about what’s happening at the Historic Banner Elk School, visit historicbannerelkschool.com.
File photo
The Banner House Museum was the home of Samuel Henry Banner and his wife.
Summer Theatre
Banner Elk BEFORE THE BANNERS
BY MICHAEL C. HARDY Special to The AJT
Many of our local communities are named for prominent local families. Most residents and even most visitors know that the name of Banner Elk is tied to the Banner family, but there is a long history of settlement centered around the area that is today Banner Elk, a history that actually predates the Banners themselves and which has other names stamped upon it.
The story of how the Banner family came to the region is a well-known piece of local history. Martin L. Banner traveled into these parts from Forsyth County about 1848; he promptly bought property and built a cabin. He soon became bored with his surroundings and sold out to the Dugger family. Banner then moved on to Carter County, Tenn. Martin eventually returned to the area a few years later and settled in the Montezuma community.
In 1856, Lewis Banner, a brother to Martin, moved to the area and purchased 200 acres of land on Elk Creek. He brought with him his five sons and three daughters. They are the ones who gave the name “Banner” to Banner Elk. A post office called Banner’s Elk opened on June 16, 1875. Today, Banner Elk is considered one of the premier vacation sites in western North Carolina.
However, there were pioneers in the area prior to the Banners. One of the first was David Hix.
About the same time that Samuel Bright was settling down near the present-day site of the Avery County Airport, near Ingalls, David Hix was settling in the Valle Crucis area of Watauga County. His home was surrounded by a palisade wall and was generally known as Hix’s Fort. He was living there with his family, including his two sons, Samuel and David; his two sonsin-law, Thomas and Mikel Asher; two other men named Lucus and Asher, and a hired woman named Ireland, along with her daughter, Jenny.
Born in Goochland County, Va., about
1719, Hix lived in Surry County, along Peters Creek for eight or 10 years prior to coming to Valle Crucis. A writer in 1885 described Hix as a “man of great strength and power of endurance, a skillful hunter and woodsman, simple in his habits, of a kind and accommodating disposition and possessed of many good traits.”
For a brief amount of time, the group moved further down the Watauga River, living near Dugger’s Iron Works in what is present-day Carter County. It was here that Jenny was abducted, probably by the Shawnee; she lived for seven years near the Ohio River and married one of their warriors. She was later purchased by some “Indian traders” and was eventually able to return to her mother.
Hix lived at Dugger’s Iron Works for maybe a year before returning to Valle Crucis. One source puts him back on the upper section of the Watauga River about 1776 or 1777. As the American Revolution broke out on the frontier as well as in the more populated sections of the Colonies, Hix’s position became more complicated and difficult. In fact, it is not even very clear where his loyalties actually were. One source considered Hix a Tory, while another considered him to be of a more neutral position. Clearly, Col. Benjamin Cleveland, Patriot leader and legendary foe of Tories in the backcountry, believed Hix was an enemy to the Patriot cause. At one point, Cleveland traveled from Wilkesboro and laid siege to Hix’s Fort. After a few days, Hix believed that Cleveland had retreated, and when the settlers ventured forth, Cleveland ambushed them, killing Hix’s son-in-law Mikel Asher and wounding David Hix. Cleveland’s men then plundered Hix’s Fort.
Hix had additional problems not connected to the Revolution. In another instance, Hix allowed some cattle drovers to stay at his fort. Moving livestock through the backcountry to reach a market could be an arduous process. However, after the presumed drovers had
left the fort, a group came from Wilkes County looking for them. It seems the cattle were actually stolen. The posse caught up with them and killed the cattle rustler, a man named Grimes. At some point, it appears that the Hix family fled their fort in Valle Crucis. The family came to the area near presentday Banner Elk, presumably at some point during the American Revolution.
John Preston Arthur, in his history of Watauga County, tells us that Hix eventually “became uneasy and retired to the wilderness near what is now Banner Elk, where he made camp and supported himself by hunting and making maple syrup and sugar, thus avoiding service as an American or a Tory.” Hix did manage to avoid swearing allegiance to either side during the war. Arthur goes on to tell us that people 100 years ago still plowed up coal “near the Lybrook farm, near the Grandfather Orphanage” and that local people knew the area as the Hix Improvement, “that being the place here Samuel Hix ‘laid out during the Revolutionary War.’”
It is possible that David Hix died in the Banner Elk area in 1792 or 1793. His will, drawn up by a resident from Washington County (now Tennessee), was probated in Wilkes County.
John Preston Arthur tells us that there “were no clearings of any extent at Banner Elk, except those at the Hix Improvement, which was very small, and at Big Bottoms but there were two ‘deadenings,’ one called the Moses Deadening and the other the Lark Chopping.” These last two were probably locations where trees had been cut in such a way where their death was certain, thus opening up new ground for cultivation.
Arthur also tells us that David Hix soon had neighbors: Baker King and Ben Dugger. There are plenty of Duggers still in the area. Members of the Hix family are also still here in Avery County, but, over time, the name has morphed into the more familiar Hicks. Though there were others seeking to settle in the region well before the 1840s, it would be the Banner family whose name would stick to the community.
AJT file photo
An outside view of the Banner House Museum around the Independence Day holiday.
Abbreviated 2024 Woolly Worm race honors emergency personnel, predicts winter
BY JAMIE SHELL
Although the significant impact that was Hurricane Helene forced the cancellation of the 2024 Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival, a prediction for the winter season, the longstanding tradition of the champion worm of each year’s event, was secured as local first-responding emergency organizations were represented and recognized on Sunday, Oct. 20, on the field at Historic Banner Elk School.
On the site where thousands attend the two-day festival each October, this 47th annual ceremonial festival, only a few individuals, including locals representing various fire departments, rescue squads, and police departments, were on hand for the championship race.
Worms representing Elk Park Fire Department, Newland Fire Department, Crossnore Fire Department, Banner Elk Police Department, Linville Central Rescue Squad, Banner Elk Volunteer Fire and Rescue and Avery County EMS raced up the string for the bragging rights of 2024 champion and the privilege of being deciphered to foretell the coming winter weather in the High Country.
When the climbing was completed, the Newland Fire Department worm emerged victorious following a long battle of a race, earning the adulation of his peers and bragging rights for the county seat’s fire station.
Upon completion of the race, Woolly Worm prognosticator and local legend Tommy Burleson read the 13 segments of the woolly worm, said to represent each of the 13 weeks of winter and the representative weather for that week. According to the NVFD champion worm, Burleson read that the first week will bring snow (greater than three inches) and below-average temperatures due to a black-hued segment. The following three
Submitted photo
The winning Newland Fire Department worm, ready for its close-up to predict this winter’s weather in Avery County following the abbreviated woolly worm championship race at Historic Banner Elk School on Oct. 20.
Submitted photo
Each of the 13 worm segments represent a week of winter weather. Local legend Tommy Burleson announced what the winning worm’s segments signified in weather and temperature following the race.
weeks were deemed as “fleck,” which indicates light snow or frost with belowaverage temperatures.
Weeks five and six of winter, according to the woolly worm, will represent average temperatures by its brown bands (Avery’s average winter temperature is 27 degrees), while the next two weeks will bring the “fleck” characteristics of light snow or frost with below average temperatures.
Weeks nine and 10 of the coming winter are predicted to be average in temperature,
Submitted photo
Racers and worms representing the county’s first response emergency personnel were rooting on their worms at Historic Banner Elk School in the race to crown a champion on Sunday, Oct. 20, as well as foretell the Avery County winter weather.
File photo
Local emergency personnel, Woolly Worm committee members and volunteers, as well as mascots Mistyweather and Merryweather, gather for a group photo after the championship race of the abbreviated 47th Annual Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival.
while the final three weeks of winter, according to the champion worm, will bring accumulating snow and belowaverage temperatures.
According to emcee and “Mr. Woolly Worm” announcer Adam Binder during the afternoon event, the winning worm has been 87.6% accurate over the 47 years of the event, attesting the total to projects conducted at Lees-McRae College to
determine the worm’s accuracy in weather prediction.
“This is the first time ever that all of our racers are winners in our books because they truly have been doing everything in their power for the people and the businesses and the citizens of Avery County,” Binder told the audience and participants in attendance.
A journey through time IN BANNER ELK
BY JAMIE SHELL
The town of Banner Elk boasts a long and rich history dating back almost two centuries. The following is a sampling of images taking viewers back in time to what made Banner Elk past and present the quintessential American town.
AJT file photo
Thousands line Main Street in Banner Elk each year for the town’s annual Fourth of July parade.
File photo
Center Theatre opened in Banner Elk in 1949.
Photo courtesy Tate Family
William C. Tate (pictured far right, front row) and Ronda H. Hardin (third from right on front row) led the staff at Grace Hospital in the 1930s. Byron Pritchett, the hospital’s laboratory technician, is in the front row wearing a white coat and necktie. Behind and to his left is Mary Chappell, a senior nurse on the hospital staff. Pauline Lawrence, a nurse anesthetist, is to Chappell’s left.
AJT file photo
North Carolina Governor Jim Martin examines his woolly worm before entering the race while he attended the 1988 Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival.
Tate-Evans Park offers walking trail, playgrounds, outdoor amphitheater
BY JERRY SNOW
Tate-Evans Park, located in downtown Banner Elk on Highway 194, includes the TateEvans Park with a Greenway walking trail, playgrounds, picnic tables and an amphitheater for the summer live music series.
The park is a striking symbol of the dedication of the town of Banner Elk to providing its residents with the best in public services, including recreation. Rather serving any single purpose, TateEvans Town Park is designed to be used for a number of purposes and events, and the residents of Banner Elk put it to good use. Whether for daily exercise, family functions or community congregations, Tate-Evans Town Park serves as a central gathering place for the tightly knit Banner Elk community.
While Tate-Evans Park provides a setting for a variety of familiar, familyoriented outdoor activities, including a walking trail, wading pools, volleyball court, outdoor grills, picnic tables, picnic shelter, two playground areas, the park also serves as a venue for a variety of exciting scheduled events sponsored
by the town, local organizations and businesses.
Tate-Evans Town Park includes an amphitheater that plays host to Banner Elk Concerts in the Park each Thursday night beginning in June.
A variety of other festivities are also centered around the park, including the popular “Party in the Park” during the Fourth of July celebration, as well as holiday activities during Halloween and Christmas seasons.
In addition to community events, families often take advantage of the park’s many facilities, which include restrooms open from April to September. Banner Elk families regularly host birthday parties, reunions and weddings at different sites around the park’s beautiful grounds. Town leaders recognize the popularity of Tate-Evans Town Park and continues to enhance the facility with various construction projects and upgrades, including new public restrooms, seating and picnic shelter on the grounds.
The Greenway adjacent to the park has about 1.1 miles of paved trails – including a loop inside the park. In addition to a trail for walking your dog, there is a
fenced dog park. Walks can be extended through Lees-McRae College campus or down Shawneehaw Avenue (Highway 184) to the footbridge by the Mill Pond. To extend the walk more, turn right onto Hickory Nut Gap Road and then make another quick right onto Mill Pond Road by the lake. Walk past the dam and May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Keep a close eye out for birds and check out upcoming programs and tours. It’s recommended to return via the bridge across Elk River that takes you into the college campus. Across the road from the bridge, find Hemlock Trail for a half-mile hike through the woods (part of-Lees
McRae mountain bike trails).
Hurricane Helene that struck the High Country in September damaged portions of the Banner Elk area, including portions of the park, so it is advisable to contact the Town Hall to inquire about the park’s condition prior to planning a visit. While Tate-Evans Park and its walking trails meander near much of downtown Banner Elk, the most direct entrance is right next to Banner Elk Town Hall, located at 200 Park Avenue. For more information, call (828) 898-5398, or click to www.townofbannerelk.org/recreation/ town-parks.
Submitted photo
The Greenway in Banner Elk has about 1.1 miles of paved trails.
FROM PHOTOS ON PAGE 24
Submitted photo
The first Ford automobile owned by Dr. Tate in Banner Elk, circa 1922.
AJT file photo
Sugar Bear, mascot of nearby Sugar Mountain Resort, waves to the crowd from the Sugar Mountain Float during the 2015 Banner Elk Christmas Parade.
CHURCHES AND HOUSES OF WORSHIP offer myriad spiritual experiences
BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER
As part of the Bible Belt, churches are not hard to find across Avery County or in Banner Elk. The following is a list of churches and houses of worship located within Banner Elk and across Avery County.
• Aaron Baptist Church
• All Saints Mission
• Altamont United Methodist
• Arbor Dale Presbyterian
• Banner Elk Christian Fellowship
• Banner Elk Church of Christ
• Banner Elk Presbyterian
• Banner Elk Seventh-Day Adventist
• Banner Elk United Methodist
• Beech Mountain Baptist
• Belview Baptist Church
• Big Meadows Baptist
• Chapel in the Woods
• Chestnut Dale Baptist Church of Jesus Christ
• Church of the Savior
• Crab Orchard FWB
• Cranberry Baptist
• Crossnore Baptist
• Crossnore Presbyterian
• Curtis Creek FWB
• Elk Mountain FWB
• Elk Park Baptist
• Elk Park Christian
• Elk Park United Methodist
• Emmanuel Baptist
• Faith Baptist
• Fall Creek Baptist
• Fellowship Baptist
• Fellowship Presbyterian
• First Baptist Church
• Forest Home Community
• Fletcher Presbyterian
• God’s Blessing Church
• Greater Joy Fellowship
• Green Valley Baptist
• Harmony Baptist
• Heaton Ahristian
• Henson Creek Baptist
• Ivey Heights FWB
• Jehovah’s Witnesses
• Jonas Ridge Baptist
• Linville Falls Community Church
• Linville Evangelical Methodist
• Matney Liberty Christian
• Midway Holiness Church
• Minneapolis Baptist
• Minneapolis Christian
• Minneapolis Methodist
• Mt. Calvary Baptist
• Mt. Pleasant Baptist
• Mountain View FWB
• Newland Christian
• Newland Presbyterian
• Newland United Methodist
• Open Door Baptist
For almost thirty years, the Lees-McRae Institute, later to be rebranded as Lees-McRae College, was a girls’ school.
Submitted photo
Banner Elk Presbyterian.jpg - Banner Elk Presbyterian Church overlooks the campus of LeesMcRae College in Banner Elk and hosts numerous special services and congregational singings during the year.
• Pineola Baptist
• Pineola Presbyterian
• Pisgah Church
• Pleasant Hill Baptist
• Plumtree Presbyterian
• Powdermill Baptist
• The Ridge Christian
• Roaring Creek Baptist
• Roaring Creek FWB
• St. Bernadette Catholic
• Stamey Town Baptist
• Sugar Mountain Baptist
• Yellow Mountain Baptist
• Vale FWB
• Victory Baptist
• Walnut Grove Presbyterian
FROM PHOTOS ON PAGE 24
Submitted photo
Submitted photo
An image of the Samuel Banner House, circa 1870. The home is now the site of the Banner House Museum in Banner Elk, near the historic Mill Pond.
Photo courtesy NC Museum of History
North Carolina Governor Clyde Hoey spent time in Banner Elk and on Grandfather Mountain in 1937.
Photo courtesy Asheville Citizen-Times Students Kitty Roberts and Carol Bowman inspected some of the ice cut from the Mill Pond near Lees-McRae College in 1940.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS call adventurers to Banner Elk
BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER
With breathtaking views, a wide array of trails and parks along with perfect weather for outdoor activities during the summer, it’s no wonder why so many are drawn to the area known as Banner Elk. Whether it is to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, or simply to reconnect with nature, Banner Elk will not disappoint any outdoor enthusiast.
Grandfather Mountain is a short drive away from Banner Elk and is one of the prominent outdoor attractions in the High Country. Grandfather Mountain has many diverse flora and wildlife that makes each trip an adventure for the whole family to discover something new. The state park is also popular with hikers, with such trails as the Profile Trail. The popular trail has many spectacular views that will impress any first time guests.
A fan favorite among the guests that visit the park is the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, as well as numerous exhibits that feature various animals, including bears, elk, otters and birds, in addition to the recently completed Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. The Wilson Center includes an updated museum and classroom space.
For the information about the attractions that are at Grandfather,
visit grandfather.com.
For trail maps and more information about the state park, visit www.ncparks.gov/grandfathermountain-state-park.
Another outdoor adventure involves a landmark near Grandfather Mountain, as the Blue Ridge Parkway and Linn Cove Viaduct offer breathtaking views and numerous hiking paths that make a visit worthwhile. A short distance from Banner Elk, just over the North Carolina-Tennessee border is the Roan Highlands. It is a beloved place for many nature lovers. Hikers can traverse along portions of the Appalachian Trail and get an up-close, 360-degree view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The areas of Beech and Sugar Mountains both offer recreational activities such as hiking, golf, trails and more, and during the winter both resorts are popular destinations for snowboard and ski fanatics alike.
Wildcat Lake is a serene, casual outdoor experience. It’s the perfect place for a spur-of-the-moment visit with friends, as its picturesque setting
makes it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Banner Elk area. Lees-McRae College’s historic Mill Pond has trails where people can walk along the pond and observe the wildlife and natural beauty that the area provides.
Whether you’re enjoying the natural beauty of Banner Elk from behind the wheel, on top of the Mile High Swinging Bridge or hanging out by Wildcat Lake, the area allows everyone to connect with nature in whatever way they prefer.
The Blue Ridge Mountains is also home to some of the best hunting and fishing in the Southeast. These rich vegetated mountains are home to a healthy whitetail deer, black bear and wild turkey populations, making it a must-go-to destination year round. Not only is the beautiful mountains full of wild animals, but it is also full of beautiful trout, making Banner Elk a must-stop destination for fly fishing. Numerous outfitters are housed close by, offering easy access to successful fishing trips for the die-hard anglers or the first-time casters looking to wet a line.
Photo courtesy Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Grandfather Mountain State Park offers numerous trails ranging in difficulty that reward hikers with breathtaking natural landscapes.
Submitted photo
Wildcat Lake is a popular summer recreation area owned by Lees-McRae College.
•Dinner nightly from 5pm
•Restaurant of theYear
•B estRestaurant Service of theYear
•FineDiningRestaurant of theYear
•Steakhouseofthe Year
•Seafood of theYear
•Burgerofthe Year
•Salad Barofthe Year
•Private room available
•Avery County Chamber Businessofthe Year
proximity to all High g
