Summer Times 2018 by Mountain Times Publications

2018

SUMMER TIMES

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• Custom Room Planning • Creative Interior Designs

BERNHARDT FACTORY OUTLET 4916 Hickory Blvd, Granite Falls, NC 28630 828.313.0795 · outlet@bernhardt.com · Hours: Tues – Sat 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

KINCAID FACTORY OUTLET 4930 Hickory Blvd, Granite Falls, NC 28630 828.496.2262 · kfdo@la-z-boy.com · Hours: Mon – Sat 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. · Sun 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

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Table of Contents Welcome/Numbers of Note ................................................................................ 2 High Country Host .............................................................................................. 6 High Country Chamber of Commerce ............................................................... 6 Our Towns .......................................................................................................... 8 Guide to Blue Ridge Parkway .......................................................................... 20 Shop Til You Drop in the High Country ............................................................ 23 Cone Manor Host Craft Demonstrations ......................................................... 26 Mystery Hill ...................................................................................................... 29 Cone Manor ...................................................................................................... 30 Tweetsie ........................................................................................................... 31 Summer Fun In A Cave .................................................................................... 32 Blowing Rock Namesake to Host Music Festivals ......................................... 33 Grandfather Mountain ..................................................................................... 36 Hang Gliding ..................................................................................................... 42 Highland Games ............................................................................................... 43 Fly ﬁshing ........................................................................................................ 44 Trail Guide ........................................................................................................ 49 Conley Cove Trail ............................................................................................. 49 Water fun ......................................................................................................... 57 Camping ........................................................................................................... 65 Horseback Riding ............................................................................................ 70 Natural Place to Take a Hike ............................................................................73 Motorcycling .................................................................................................... 75 Mountains to the Sea Trail .............................................................................. 78 Golﬁng .............................................................................................................. 79 Mountain biking ............................................................................................... 88 Tour the High Country ...................................................................................... 89 Rock Climbing .................................................................................................. 90 Indoor Rock Climbing ...................................................................................... 96 Watauga Lake .................................................................................................. 96 Pickleball ....................................................................................................... 101 Disc Golf ......................................................................................................... 103 Wandering Off the Beaten Path ..................................................................... 104 Christmas in July ........................................................................................... 109 Music in the Valley ........................................................................................ 109 Horn in the West ............................................................................................ 111 Daniel Boone Native Gardens ........................................................................ 115 Pet Friendly in the High Country ................................................................... 118 BRAHM ........................................................................................................... 121 Art Galleries ................................................................................................... 122 Music on the Lawn ........................................................................................ 123 Art in the Park ................................................................................................ 123 Zip Lining ........................................................................................................ 124 Blowing Rock Horse Show ............................................................................ 129 Concerts at the Jones House ........................................................................ 130 High Country Arts and Crafts ........................................................................ 131 Breweries ....................................................................................................... 132 Wineries ......................................................................................................... 132 Lees McRae Summer Theater ....................................................................... 133 Restaurants .................................................................................................... 135 High Country Festivals ................................................................................... 145 Appalachian Summer Festival ...................................................................... 147

PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Flora ‘Flo’ lurks in the bushes waiting for something to ambush. See pets on page 118.

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Welcome to your High Country

elcome to the High Country, where the summer is definitely more cool than anywhere else in North Carolina and beyond. Maybe it’s the perfect mixture of sun and rain that combine to craft a climate of fun. Or maybe it’s the people — warm and welcoming and always more than a little excited to see the return of summer. Maybe it’s because there are so many and varied ways to create a perfect summer getaway. From taking a hike along the Blue Ridge Park-

way to walking the shop-lined streets of our towns. From casting a line on the New River to listening as actors cast lines during an outdoor drama. From bidding on local artwork to sharing s’mores around a campfire. Whatever it is, the High Country is your ideal summer destination, and you’ve found your way up the mountain and into a slice of the world those who live here part- or full-time are lucky enough to call home. To help you navigate while you’re here, the 2018 Summer Times delivers a comprehensive, fact-filled rundown of area attractions, activities,

galleries, music, theaters and all the High Country has to oﬀer — including extensive sections on the Blue Ridge Parkway, golfing in the High Country and High Country hiking. As a companion to Summer Times, be sure to check out our website at www.highcountrync.com/. That’s where you’ll find up-to-the-minute information about what’s what throughout the High Country. Welcome to summer in the High Country. We’re glad you’re here. Tom Mayer Editor

Numbers of Note Law Enforcement Watauga County Watauga County Sheriff’s Office (828) 264-3761 Boone Police Department (828) 268-6900 Blowing Rock Police Department (828) 295-5210 Appalachian Regional Healthcare System Police (828) 262-4168 Appalachian State University Police (828) 262-8000 Ashe County Ashe County Sheriff’s Office (336) 846-5633 Jefferson Police Department (336) 846-5529 West Jefferson Police Dept (336) 246-9410

Avery County Avery County Sheriﬀ’s Oﬃce (828) 737-0121 ext. 1208. Banner Elk Police Department (828) 898-4300 Elk Park Police Department (828) 733-9573 Newland Police Department (828) 733-2024 Seven Devils Police Department (828) 963-6760 Sugar Mountain Police Department (828) 898-4349 Beech Mountain Police Department (828) 387-2342

Health Care Watauga Medical Center (828) 262-4100

Cannon Memorial Hospital (Linville) (828) 737-7000 Ashe Memorial Hospital (Jeﬀerson) (336) 846-7101 FastMed Urgent Care (Boone) (828) 265-7146 AppUrgent Care (Boone) (828) 265-5505 Blowing Rock Hospital (828) 386-3300

Animal Control Watauga County Animal Control (828) 262-1672 Watauga Humane Society (828) 264-7865 Animal Emergency & Pet Care Clinic of the High Country (828) 268-2833

2018 Summer Times Staff Gene Fowler Jr. Publisher Charlie Price Advertising Director Tom Mayer Editor Johnny Hayes Production Chief

Rob Moore and Jason Balduf Layout Artists Emily Jones Prepress Production Meleah Bryan Creative Services Director Andy Gainey Circulation Manager Jeﬀ Eason, Anna Oakes, Jamie Shell, Steve Behr, Kayla Lasure, Lee Sanderlin, Colin Tate, Carl Blankenship, Thomas Sherrill and Derek Halsey Writers Mark Mitchell, Teresa Laws and Ron Brown Sales Kristin Obiso and Brandon Carini Creative Services

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2018

High Country Host Gateway to the High Country

BY LEE SANDERLIN lee.sanderlin@mountaintimes.com

he High Country Host should be one of every tourist’s first stop on their way into the region. Located in a shared building with Appalachian Ski Mtn. at the intersection of Edmisten Road and U.S. 321 in Blowing Rock, High Country Host oﬀers a variety of resources for travelers in the area and is conveniently situated just past Blowing Rock and on a traveler’s path into the region.. “We have coupons, brochures, bathrooms, water fountains and vacation planning services for everyone, and it’s all free,” said High Country Host Executive Marketing Director Candace Cook. The facility can provide information about hiking, trail maps, attractions, lodging and restaurants. Their visitor guide also provides coupons to various attractions such as Grandfather Mountain. The High Country Host serves Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Wilkes and Watauga counties. “Most people come up here with ideas of what they want to do, and we help them organize what they want to do and show them other things to do in the area,” Cook said. Visitors in the are may also use their website to obtain the resources provided in the welcome center. For more information visit www.highcountryhost.com or call (800) 438-7500.

PHOTO BY LEE SANDERLIN The High Country Host staff are available to assist visitors in the area. From left are Mollie Shanly, ofﬁce director, J.P. Greene, travel counselor, Diane Hill, travel counselor and Candice Cook, marketing director.

High Country Chambers of Commerce ASHE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 01 N. Jeﬀerson Ave. West Jeﬀerson, N.C. 28694 (336) 846-9550 www.ashechamber.com

BANNER ELK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 100 W. Main St. Banner Elk, N.C. 28604 (828) 898-8395 www.bannerelk.org

AVERY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BEECH MOUNTAIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

403-A Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mountain, N.C. 28604 (828) 387-9283 www.beechmountainchamber.com

BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 132 Park Ave. Blowing Rock, N.C. 28605 (828) 295-7851 www.blowingrockncchamber.com

BOONE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 870 W. King St., Suite A, Boone, N.C. 28607 (828) 264-2225 www.boonechamber.com

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LET US BE YOUR

Offering: Full Service Pharmacy • Durable Medical Equipment • CPap Supplies Oxygen • Respiratory Services • Immunization Clinic • Gift Shop Soda Fountain & Grill (located in Boone Drug King St)

Visit One of Our Locations Today! Watauga: Boone Drug and Healthcare at Deerﬁeld Boone Drug at Greenway • Boone Drug at King St Boone Drug at New Market • Village Pharmacy

Avery: Avery Pharmacy • Crossnore Drug

Check us out online at

www.boonedrug.com

Ashe: Warrensville Drug

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elcome to your High Country summer! Sure, there’s hiking and biking and camping, but it’s much more than that. A trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains is a veritable getaway, an escape to nature that area residents are lucky enough to call home. The towns and communities that make up the High Country are diverse and quaint, vibrant and picturesque, oﬀering visitors amenities aplenty, from dining, lodging and shopping to top-notch entertainment and nightlife.

Watauga County BOONE No matter what activity draws you to the High Country, it’s likely that you’ll end up in Boone at some point during your visit. Boone is the hub of Watauga County, the gathering place for people from all walks of life, whether resident or visitor, student or retiree, socialite or seeker of peace and quiet. The town is home to Appalachian State University, one of the 17 colleges and universities that make up the University of North Carolina system and draws about 18,000 students. Interest in the school boomed after the Mountaineers’ football team won three consecutive NCAA Division I national championships in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The university’s presence helps create a young and friendly vibe throughout the town. Just make sure not to cross anyone by mispronouncing the name: It’s “App-uh-latch-un.” Adjacent to the university is King Street and the surrounding area, one of the town’s best shopping destinations. One-of-a-kind stores and eclectic

PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Boone, as viewed from Howard’s Knob, was established in the 1800s and is home to Appalachian State University..

boutiques dot the landscape, interspersed with legal oﬃces and a diversity of restaurants to suit almost any taste. Departing from downtown, retail chains, big-box stores and other shopping areas ensure that residents and visitors lack nothing in the way of modern conveniences. But, Boone has an eye on its past, too. Named for legendary pioneer and explorer Daniel Boone, the town dates back to about 1800, when Jordan Councill opened a store on what is now King Street. In 1820, he opened a post oﬃce, and other homes and stores began to spring up nearby. When Watauga County was created in 1849, Boone was picked as the county seat. It remained a typical small town until the university began

to grow in the 1960s. A relic of Boone’s storied past, the historic Jones House Community Center is located right on King Street. The house was built in 1908 and was given to the town in the early 1980s. Today, the home is a go-to source for art and community functions. Boone is a town where old and new mix, and visitors are made to feel like part of the family. For more information, visit www. townofboone.net.

BLOWING ROCK Blowing Rock manages to cram a ton of beauty and fun into just three square miles. The town’s name comes from an immense cliﬀ overlooking Johns River Gorge, where the winds whip in such a

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way that light objects thrown over the rock float back to their owners. Anyone wishing to experience the phenomenon firsthand can visit The Blowing Rock attraction, which showcases the town’s namesake and the Native American legend that surrounds it. For another dose of history, visit the renovated and restored Green Park Inn, a site on the National Register of Historic Places that has been a hotel since 1882. After closing due to age and the recession in May 2009, the building was purchased a year later and immediately underwent a complete overhaul. While clinging to the small-town charm and Southern graciousness of its past, Blowing Rock also includes nearly 20 hotels and inns and more than 100 shops. Find a place to park early in the morning and spend the rest of the day on foot, exploring the shops and parks of downtown. Clothing, antiques, home furnishings, mementos and delicious treats will fill your shopping bags and stomach as you examine the town’s treasures. Make sure to visit Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway on U.S. 321 to find name-brand items at outlet prices. The benches in Memorial Park at the center of Main Street make the perfect spot to settle down with a drink or snack and watch the world go by. The less-traveled Broyhill Park down Laurel Lane paints the perfect summer scene, complete with a shady gazebo and glistening pond. The trails surrounding Moses Cone Memorial Park and Bass Lake oﬀer another scenic stroll. There’s also the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum in downtown, where you can experience art and discover history. The SEE OUR TOWNS ON PAGE 13

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Foscoe Rentals, located in the heart of the North Carolina High Country, offers a variety of lodging options. From luxury condos to picturesque log cabins, Foscoe Rentals is your home away from home. Breathtaking views, soothing hot tubs and pools, and relaxing fireplaces welcome you to the peace and tranquility of the mountains.

828-963-8142 800-723-7341 www.FoscoeRentals.com

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BLOWING ROCKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FINEST

FULL SERVICE REAL ESTATE COMPANY QUALITY SERVICE SINCE 1976 452 Sunset Drive Blowing Rock, NC

828.295.9886 www.JenkinsRealtors.com

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FILE PHOTO Valle Crucis Park entertains people in Watauga County yearly. It has recreational ﬁelds, walking paths, river fronts, picnic areas and live music in the summer.

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museum features year-round exhibits, cultural programs, art workshops, lectures and more. The picturesque town of Blowing Rock is the perfect place to have an active summer vacation — or to relax and do nothing at all. For more information, visit www.blowingrock.com.

VALLE CRUCIS Just off N.C. 105 south of Boone, Valle Crucis offers simplicity and serenity in a pastoral riverside community. The valley contains the site of the only known Native American village in the immediate area. The first European settler of Watauga County, Samuel Hicks, also built a fort in the area during the American Revolution. Today, the community offers several historic inns, restaurants, art galleries, farms and churches that provide service and comfort to all who enter. The Episcopal Church has played a role throughout the community’s history. An Episcopal bishop entered the community in 1842 and provided its name, which is Latin for the “Vale of the Cross.” The Valle Crucis Conference Center, on the National Register of Historic Places, stays busy with retreats for numerous groups, and Crab Orchard Falls is a short hike from the conference center. The original Mast General Store provides

a central gathering space in the community, as it has since 1883. Residents appreciate the store for its post oﬃce, morning news and coﬀee, while visitors can also find gifts, apparel and souvenirs. Just down the road is the Mast Store Annex, which opened about 25 years later. Behind the annex is a gravel road to the Valle Crucis Park, a recreational area with walking paths, riverfront, picnic areas, sports fields and live music during the summer. Dining highlights include Simplicity at the Mast Farm Inn, Over Yonder, Valle Crucis Bakery and Café and The Ham Shoppe, which boasts some of the best sandwiches in the High Country. For more information, visit www.vallecrucis.com.

TODD Todd is a town so nice it’s claimed by both Watauga and Ashe counties. The community’s main drag, Railroad Grade Road, is popular with bicyclists and walking tours, as it winds along with the New River, one of the few in the world that flows north. The Todd General Store was an old-fashioned mercantile that dated back to 1914 and was built in anticipation of the Norfolk and Western “Virginia Creeper” railroad. Todd was the last stop of the route and got much of its supplies from the train. The Todd Mercantile features the work of local artists and crafters, as well as mounSEE OUR TOWNS ON PAGE 14

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stone buildings nestled across campus make for a photographer’s delight. The town hosts numerous shops and restaurants and stays abuzz with activities and events. Visitors can picnic or walk in the town park, hear live music, shop, relax by the Mill Pond and stay in one of the inns after dinner in a fine restaurant. Banner Elk is in the heart of the High Country’s many attractions, and just a short drive will take you to numerous natural settings where you can relax and revel in nature’s beauty. Banner Elk also oﬀers many cultural happenings, with a celebrated summer theater program by Lees-McRae and art festivals by some of the area’s many galleries and artisans. Visitors are encouraged to return to Banner Elk each autumn for its annual Woolly Worm Festival, which attracts close to 20,000 people annually. Cutting between the peaks of Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain and Grandfather Mountain, the topography of the town provides natural definition and gentle undulation through the town’s boundaries. For more information or a calendar of events, call Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce at (828) 8988395, or visit www.bannerelk.org.

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tain honey and other local goods, while also hosting monthly square and contra dances, with traditional mountain music by local performers. The ever-crafty Elkland Art Center, known for its colorful parades and environmentally conscious puppet shows, oﬀers summer workshops and programs for those with a flair for creativity. The river itself provides plenty to do, from canoeing and kayaking to excellent fishing. Several companies, including RiverGirl Fishing Company and Wahoo’s Adventures, have outposts near Todd to provide gear and instruction for anyone interested in hitting the river. For more information, visit www. toddnc.org.

FOSCOE Nestled between Boone and Banner Elk is the unincorporated community of Foscoe. But don’t let its size fool you. The community is brimming with shopping, art, dining and outdoor fun. Shopping includes mementos and more at Bear Creek Traders, treats, snacks and other tail-wagging goodies for your furry friends at Mountain Dog & Friends and the luxurious linens of Dewoolfson Down. If you’re shopping for outdoor fun, cast a line with Foscoe Fishing Company, or pan for gold with the Greater Foscoe Mining Company. Hungry? Sample some home-cooked Southern goodness at the Foscoe Country Corner and Deli. Some of the High Country’s finest gourmet sandwiches and baked goods await at Eat Crow, while burgers, billiards and family fun are on cue at Country Retreat Family Billiards. Foscoe’s also home to one of the views that made Grandfather Mountain famous — the ridgeline’s iconic profile of an old man reclining.

SEVEN DEVILS From elevations of some 5,200 feet, the town of Seven Devils straddles both Watauga and Avery counties. From many areas in the town, one has views of Grandfather Mountain, as well as Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Rich Mountain and Mount Rogers in Virginia. Seven Devils is just a few minutes from Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and Valle Crucis and can be found oﬀ N.C. 105. One of the smaller towns in the region, Seven Devils began life in the 1960s as the Seven Devils Resort, and, in 1979, the resort

BEECH MOUNTAIN

PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Seven Devils is home to a gem of a waterfall called ‘Otter Falls.’

became incorporated as the town. How did it get its name? According to the Seven Devils website, “The founders wanted a catchy, unique name that would bring attention to the mountain. They noticed the repeated appearance of the number seven, including the seven predominant rocky peaks surrounding Valley Creek, as well as the many coincidental references to ‘devils.’ ‘Seven Devils’ seemed to suggest a frivolous, mischievous resort where people could ‘experience the temptation of Seven Devils.” In the 1960s, the town grew with a golf course, ski slope, lake, riding ground and camping area. After the resort venture experienced financial trouble, the town was incorporated. While the golf course and ski slope have been closed for a number of years, Hawksnest has become

one of the town’s centerpieces. Among the attractions at Hawksnest (www. hawksnestzipline.com) is year-round ziplining. For more information and events at Seven Devils, visit www.sevendevils.net.

Avery County BANNER ELK The mountain valley town of Banner Elk has grown from a tiny hamlet to a town oﬀering year-round amenities and memorable vacations for the entire family. Banner Elk is home to Lees-McRae College, a small, private, four-year coeducational liberal arts college aﬃliated with Presbyterian Church U.S.A., with more than 1,000 students from more than 20 states and countries. The old

At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is the highest town in Eastern North America. That means even on the hottest day of the summer, it’s cool on top of Beech Mountain. Even when it’s steamy in the “lowlands” of 3,000-plus feet, the temperature stays comfortable atop Beech. The rest of the resort seems distant when you settle down on the front porch of a rental condominium and survey the magnificent view that is one of Beech Mountain’s trademarks. As the cool summer night air sends you looking for a sweater, you’ll probably smile at the thought. Beech Mountain is a four-season resort. There are more than 5,000 beds available on top of the mountain. These range from rustic cabins to mountain chalets to luxury condominiums. When it’s time to eat, you can enjoy anything from a deli sandwich to pizza to a gourmet meal by candlelight. During the days, there are many specialty stores for shopping, horseback riding, tennis, swimming and hiking. There are nearby canoe and raft runs that are among the best oﬀered in the Eastern United States. Nightlife is alive and well on the mountain. Whatever your musical taste, you SEE OUR TOWNS ON PAGE 15

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can find a spot to enjoy an after-hours scene. There’s another good thing about Beech Mountain. The mountain is so huge that much of it remains in a natural state, with rich forests dotted by rolling farmland. And it’s only a short drive from the “downtown” to the country or resorts; take your pick. Our guess is if you spend some time in Beech Mountain, you’ll want to come back to do some real estate shopping, or at least book a slopeside condo for the ski season. For more information, visit www.beechmtn.com.

CROSSNORE Crossnore is a town steeped in educational history. The town is home to Crossnore Academy, founded by Drs. Eustace and Mary Martin Sloop. The Sloops traveled the steep dirt trails in isolated mountain valleys to bring medicine to the people and convince farmers to let their children come to school. Because of poverty and distance, the Sloop school in Crossnore eventually took in boarders and built dormitories to accommodate them. It gained a national reputation for eﬀectiveness in changing lives and in breaking the cycle of poverty, moonshine and child marriages of mountain families. Mary Martin Sloop eventually put these tales to paper in her autobiography, “Miracle in the Hills.” The Sloops built a school, hospital,

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dental clinic and, eventually, a boarding school to give children the basis for an improved life. They brought to Avery County the first electricity, telephone, paved road and boarding school. Through the Sloops’ advocacy, public schools flourished in Avery County. Today, Crossnore Academy carries on the work of the original school and has reclaimed the educational foundation beneath its commitment to give hurting children a chance for a better life. The school’s teachers enable it to meet not only the special needs of Crossnore residents, but also the needs of area students that live at home and whose educational needs are best met at Crossnore. The school is also home to Miracle Grounds Coﬀee Café & Creamery, a working vocational classroom, featuring specialty coﬀee drinks, homemade snacks, sandwiches, milkshakes, ice cream, Wi-Fi and more. Crossnore is famous for its Independence Day parade and celebration, and the town’s Meeting House is home to the Crossnore Jam, a series of gatherings and concerts by local musicians on the first and third Friday nights through the summer months. For more information, visit www. crossnorenc.com.

ELK PARK The town of Elk Park borders the state of Tennessee and oﬀers a unique visiting experience. From the old-time feel of Brinkley’s Hardware Store to the additional Lower Street antique shops and SEE OUR TOWNS ON PAGE 16

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PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Linville Falls is just outside of the small town of Linville and located at Milepost 316 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

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greens of the summer and the vibrant reds and yellows of fall. The trails of Sugar Mountain are not just for those on foot. Many cyclists choose Sugar Mountain for its variety of challenging and picturesque terrain. The village also gives tennis and golf lovers an opportunity to enjoy their favorite sports in a beautiful mountain setting. With Sugar Mountain’s golf course, six fast-dry clay courts and full-service tennis pro shop, visitors will never be faced with the problem of finding something to do. Whether you come for a day or stay in one of the many comfortable lodgings the village has to oﬀer, Sugar Mountain will soon become your destination for great outdoor fun. For more information, visit www. seesugar.com.

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classic barbershop, Elk Park takes visitors back to a simpler time. The town’s original thoroughfare, Lower Street, and many businesses originated when Elk Park hosted a train depot for the old East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad. Elk Park thrived due to the industry and remained vibrant after the trains stopped running through town. For more information, call Elk Park Town Hall at (828) 733-9573.

LINVILLE The community of Linville is located just south of the intersection of U.S. 221 and N.C. 105 in Avery County. The community was founded in 1883, designed by Samuel T. Kelsey of Kansas and named for William and John Linville, who were reportedly killed by Cherokees in 1766. East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad passed through the community from 1916 through 1940, when a major flood washed away the tracks. The old rail route later became N.C. 105 in 1956. Linville has three country clubs in the area: Eseeola, Grandfather Golf and Country Club and Linville Ridge. Eseeola Lodge is also a popular destination for golf and lodging during the summer months. A number of local tourist areas within a short drive share the Linville name, including the Linville River and majestic Linville Falls, Linville Caverns on U.S. 221 and Linville Gorge wilderness area. For visitors considering making Linville a part- or full-time home, they can visit Linville Land Harbor, where units are available for sale or rent in a cozy community featuring its own golf course and amenities. A number of residents reside at Land Harbor part time, while others stay year-round to enjoy the beauty of the area’s four seasons. During the winter months, Linville is only a short drive to nearby ski slopes such as that at Sugar Mountain and snow-tubing destinations. Perhaps the most popular tourist attraction housed in Linville is Grandfather Mountain. Among the newest of North Carolina’s state parks, Grandfather Mountain State Park oﬀers hiking trails and picturesque views during all four seasons, while the Grandfather Mountain attraction oﬀers all of the above, as well as animal habitats, a nature museum and the famous

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Ashe County CRESTON PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Travel in Ashe County past the Jeffersons and you will ﬁnd out what makes these small towns click – Christmas trees.

Mile-High Swinging Bridge.

NEWLAND With the highest county seat east of the Mississippi River at 3,589 feet, the town of Newland was incorporated in 1913 as the county seat of the newly formed Avery County. Its original name was “Old Fields of Toe” because it is located in a broad flat valley and is at the headwaters of the Toe River. Newland was a mustering place for Civil War troops. Toe is short for “Estatoe,” an Indian chief’s daughter who drowned herself in the river in despair because she could not marry a brave from another tribe. A town of more than 700 residents, Newland succeeded over three other areas for the honor of county seat. The recently renovated courthouse, originally constructed in 1913, overlooks a classic town square, bordered by shops and churches and complete with a memorial to Avery County veterans. Adjacent to the courthouse building is the original jail, which has been converted into the Avery County Historical Museum. Exhibits in the museum, which is free to visit, include the original jail cells, numerous artifacts and information about the history of Avery County. During the summer and fall months, visitors can check out the farmers’ market that meets on Saturday mornings outside of Newland Elementary School,

and visitors traveling out of town can picnic or hike at Waterfalls Park, a unique recreation spot sponsored by Newland Volunteer Fire Department. Heritage Park hosts events during the summer and is the permanent home for the county’s annual Agriculture and Heritage Fair each September. With a number of restaurants and boutiques downtown, Newland is a prime destination for dining and shopping, or just to stop in on a visit to nearby Roan Mountain or Grandfather Mountain. For more information, visit www. townofnewland.com.

SUGAR MOUNTAIN If outdoor activity is your thing, look no further than the village of Sugar Mountain. Oﬀering more than just great skiing, Sugar Mountain also provides its visitors with an array of ways to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the High Country. One attraction in particular is the summer lift rides on Sugar Mountain. On weekends, weather permitting, visitors can ride the ski lift to the 5,300-foot peak of Sugar Mountain. The 40-minute roundtrip ride features a spectacular view of the High Country and typically runs from Independence Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. There’s plenty to be seen in the village on foot. With numerous trails that wind throughout, you can see both the brilliant

Located in the northwestern corner of Ashe County, Creston lies on the border of Tennessee. The curvy winding roads can oﬀer travelers some of the most beautiful scenic byways in the area. The Riverview Community Center is located oﬀ of N.C. 88 West in Creston and is home to festivals and other events all year long. Worth’s Chapel at Creston United Methodist Church is located in Creston and was listed as a National Historic Building in 2005. The chapel was built about 1902. The interior of the chapel is finished, in part, with American chestnut wood, harvested before the blight reached the northwestern mountains of North Carolina.

FLEETWOOD Located just off of U.S. 221 between West Jefferson and Deep Gap, Fleetwood is home of great community gatherings at the Fleetwood Community Center and the local volunteer fire department. On your way to and from the busy towns of Boone and West Jefferson, stop by to look at local crafts, antiques and civic pride in Fleetwood.

GLENDALE SPRINGS Home of the breath-taking and awe-aspiring fresco painting by Ben Long at Holy Trinity Episcopalian Church, Glendale Springs has become revered for its budding arts scene. The community has become a must for anyone visiting Ashe SEE OUR TOWNS ON PAGE 17

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OUR TOWNS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

County this summer. Proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway is an added bonus as summer sets in.

GRASSY CREEK Just south of the North Carolina-Virginia border, Grassy Creek is a tightly knit community that is dotted with smiling faces and countless rows of Fraser fir Christmas trees. Check out the sights around the nationally renowned New River, where you will also find the River House Country Inn and Restaurant for delectable dinners.

JEFFERSON A rich history, dating from 1799, lies in the picturesque town of Jefferson. Jefferson was founded prior to its counterpart, West Jefferson, and stood at the base of Mount Jefferson. The town was first known as Jeffersonton, but then became Jefferson, and was one of the first towns in the nation to bear the name of U.S. founding father Thomas Jefferson. The town is the county seat of Ashe and is home to the new courthouse, as

well as the historic 1904 Courthouse. The Museum of Ashe County History is located in Jefferson and can be found in the 1904 Courthouse. The museum, through items collected and on display, offers a look at who the citizens of the county are, where they came from, how they got to the town, what they did on the way and where they will go next. Ashe County Park and Foster Tyson Park are also located in Jefferson, the former of which hosts a nationally celebrated disc golf course.

LANSING Whether you’re looking for a town reminiscent of the past or a town that offers whispers of tomorrow, the small, friendly town of Lansing beckons to travelers from near and far to visit and relax, while browsing its shops, trying some home cooking and tasting some locally made wine. The town, in the northwestern section of Ashe County, is 20 minutes from Jefferson and West Jefferson and only 45 minutes from Boone. Travelers can arrive in the town in less than an hour from Abingdon, Va., or Mountain City, Tenn. The town has one red light, and several businesses line the street.

The first post office in the town was established in 1882 and served a rural community, made up of a village and outlying farms until the railroad made its appearance, according to www.explorelansingnc.com. The economy and population begin to take off by 1914 as the Norfolk and Western Railroad, better known as the Virginia Creeper, came to town. A big commodity for area residents was iron ore mined from the mountains. The railroad served as an avenue to transport the ore to markets in Richmond, Va., and Pittsburgh, Pa. During its history, Lansing had a cheese plant, clothing store, coffin shop, doctor’s office, bank and a restaurant, according to the town’s website. The cheese plant allowed area farmers to bring their goods to sale instead of having to travel into West Jefferson. The town was chartered and incorporated in 1928. Lansing faced two devastating fires in the 1930s and ‘40s and faced Hurricane Hugo later that century. Despite these setbacks, the town continued to flourish and expand. The Works Progress Administration built the Lansing High School in 1941, using local granite stone. The school still stands today. The scenic Virginia Creeper

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biking trail is available to visitors, as is the town’s park. For more information about Lansing, visit www.explorelansingnc.com.

LAUREL SPRINGS Another border community, Laurel Springs prides itself with small town charm and beauty that entices motorists from the Blue Ridge Parkway for a quick bite to eat before continue their adventure on the scenic byway. Although it is located at the top mountain and touches Wilkes, Alleghany and Ashe counties, Laurel Springs is never more than a 30-minute drive from the listed county seats.

WEST JEFFERSON With a thriving arts district and Christmas trees galore, West Jeﬀerson makes its mark on the High Country as a destination for locals, as well as visitors. The town was built around the Virginia-Carolina Railroad depot during the early 1900s. According to the town’s history, the first ownership of the valley now known as West Jeﬀerson began in 1779 when SEE OUR TOWNS ON PAGE 18

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Classic Surroundings, Modern Amenities

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OUR TOWNS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

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N.C. Gov. Richard Caswell granted 320 acres to Col. Ben Cleveland, who battled the British at King’s Mountain. More than a century later, the West Jefferson Land Company surveyed the new town and fixed its limits as a square one-half mile north, south, east and west of the Virginia-Carolina Depot. The town was chartered in 1915. The town’s initial growth came through the railroad, but early development was also spurred by the opening of the First National Bank of West Jefferson in 1915. The bank’s branch office, built in 1962, is now home to West Jefferson Town Hall. The town continues to thrive today and has a little something for everyone. Those visiting the town can browse one of the many art galleries, gift shops and retail stores. West Jefferson is home to many varieties of artwork, from paintings and photographs to sculptures and quilted items. More information about the area’s art district can be found at the Ashe Arts Center, located at 303 School Ave., just

off of East Main Street. The center is home to the Ashe County Arts Council, which sponsors a variety of community programming and exhibits throughout the year. A popular spot in the town is Ashe County Cheese Inc., where visitors can see cheese made and then go across the street to the Ashe County Cheese store to purchase a variety of cheeses, from cheddar to pepper jack and the celebrated cheese curds, better known as “squeaky cheese.” Old-fashioned snacks and candies and locally made wines can also be purchased at the store. The cheese plant is open year-round and located at 106 E. Main St. in West Jefferson. Just outside West Jefferson, in the Beaver Creek community, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church can be found. The church is the location for a fresco of Jesus on the cross by renowned artist Ben Long. A painting of Madonna with child also hangs on the sanctuary wall. Local eateries and cafés offer all sorts of tasty treats, coffee, spirits and more, from one end of the town to the other. For more information, visit www.visitwestjefferson.org.

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2018

Your guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Road more traveled

BY DEREK HALSEY

he beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway is perhaps the most traveled scenic road in all of America. Beginning on top of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, the 469-mile long drive was meant to ride the high ridge lines of the Blue Ridge Mountains to showcase the immense natural beauty of the region. As it winds its way from Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, the road is marked by mileposts which come in the form of white blocks seen on the roadside as you travel. Built during the Great Depression, the Blue Ridge Parkway has a historic aspect to it, as well as the beautiful stone archway bridges found throughout the length of the road were built by the workers of the day. Ultimately, it is the incredible vistas and views that make this road a destination for tourists from all over the United States as well as the world. The section of the BRP that runs through the Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk regions of Western North Carolina is considered one of the more picturesque of the journey and there will be much to do along the way in 2018. Below is a guide to some of the better stops to be found along this particular stretch of the BRP going from north to south. There will be attractions noted for the normal everyday tourists and some adventures listed for the more adventurous who want to hike the trails, mountains and gorges of the area. Throughout the spring months of 2018, the Linn Cove Viaduct section of the BRP was closed for bridge repairs and road work. If all has gone as scheduled, that famous section should be open and clear as of June 1. Further road work may happen on the BRP as the summer months roll on, but for the most part, our part of the BRP should be smooth sailing. That is good news for through-bikers who choose to ride every mile of the BRP much in the same way that through-hikers walk the entire Appalachian Trail. For the road cyclists, however, that journey lasts from one week to two weeks as opposed to the six months it may take to walk the AT.

PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Views from Blue Ridge Parkway are breathtaking.

The north side of our BRP journey starts with the Deep Gap exit located at the 276 milepost of the BRP that puts you onto Hwy. 421. This is the way to go to get to the mountain college town of Boone, where there is much to do as far as food, music and more. Other exits that lead to other notable towns in the area include the Hwy. 221 exit to Blowing Rock at the 291 milepost and the 305 milepost exit onto Hwy. 221 that leads to the entrance of Grandfather Mountain and the resort town of Banner Elk. There is much to do and take in while in Blowing Rock, from the many unique shops found on Main Street to mountain views and fine restaurants. Banner Elk is surrounded by the ski resorts known as Sugar Mountain Ski and Beech Mountain Resort. In the summer months, Beech Mountain Resort

opens up its 5506’ Skybar club on top of the mountain on Saturday afternoons for brews, live music and incredible views and in 2018 will feature a series of outdoor concert featuring The Wood Brothers on June 16, Trampled By Turtles on July 14 and Yonder Mountain String Band on Aug. 1. HIKERS: For those seeking adventure of a natural kind, let’s begin at the Deep Gap section of the BRP. This begins an amazing section of the BRP that passes by the tallest mountains east of the Mississippi River and multiple gorges including the Linville Gorge, the steepest gorge in eastern America that is also called “The Grand Canyon of the East.” At milepost 294 you will find the Moses Cone Manor. The house and 1,000-plus acres of wonderful land was made into a park years ago. There you will find a gift

shop as well as a trail to the fire tower that overlooks Boone. Drive about a half a mile further south and you will find Hwy. 221 to Blowing Rock. Oﬀ the exit, you will also see a sign to Shulls Mill Road. If you stay on Shulls Mill Road for about 7/10 of a mile, beside the second road leading down into Trout Lake, you will come across a wooden fence with a metal fence beside it and a small parking lot. This is the awesome Rich Mountain Carriage Trail. About three miles in length, this easy hike/running trail takes you through a Wizard of Oz-type of forest to the left, then up top to more prairie-type of landscape and eventually to a wonderful view before you head back down to where the local cows are hanging out trailside. At milepost 296 you will find Price Lake, campground, amphitheater, picnic area and boat ramp with plenty of summertime activities for the family. At milepost 299 you will find the beginSEE BRP ON PAGE 21

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ning of the more adventurous mountain hiking trails to come with the Boone Fork Trail leading things off. Exploring the northern side of Grandfather Mountain, it is moderately hard trail that is beautiful. For those not wanting to hike, at milepost 301 on the left you will find a pull over known as the Wilson Creek Valley View. Whether you stay in your vehicle or walk along the edge, the view is magnificent especially if the sun is shining on Wilson Creek Gorge below. At milepost 300 you will come across one of the more popular mountain trails on this section of the BRP. The parking lot for the trail is usually filled with vehicles, especially on a warm, sunny day. This moderately difficult trail takes you to some stunning overlooks on Grandfather Mountain, although the path can get crowded on the weekends. When that happens, there is an even sweeter route to take for the more daring hiker. If you park in the Rough Ridge parking lot and walk along the side of the BRP about a quarter of a mile to the south, you will find the 301 milepost right before you cross a short section of viaduct. At the end of the viaduct you will see a rock wall on the right. At the end of the rock wall there will be a trail to the right that follows the cliff wall up the mountainside to the Ship Rock geological formation. You do not need ropes to make this trek. Once at the top of the trail you turn right and eventually connect with the Rough Ridge trail, which will return you to the parking lot. The views are fantastic and this route will be a lot less crowded yet more adventurous. Back on the BRP, a little further south and you will experience one of the more famous sections of the road called the Linn Cove Viaduct. The last section to be built on the BRP, it is a curvy engineering marvel as the road shoots out over Wilson Creek Gorge. Before the main part of the viaduct begins, there will be a parking lot to the left called the Yonahlossee Overlook which provides a trail that goes alongside and underneath the viaduct and also provides some great views. At milepost 305, just past the turn off onto Hwy. 221 that leads to Grandfather Mountain and the resort town of Banner Elk, you will find what many view as the “Coolest Short Trail in the East,” the Beacon Heights Cliff Trail. Only 1,400 feet to the top, once you are on the trail you will

SUMMER TIMES cross two other trails, the Mountains to the Sea Trail and the Tanawha Trail. The signs, however, will keep you on track. Once near the peak, you will find a stone bench. Go straight at the bench for a cool view, but the better view is to take a left at the bench, hiking up a short set of natural rock stairs that will lead to a flat cliff where the view is spectacular. From there you can see Grandfather Mountain to the left, Wilson Creek Gorge in the middle and the dual elbow-shaped mountains to the right which are Hawksbill and Table Rock Mountains that overlook Linville Gorge. For those with families, the turn into Grandfather Mountain State Park leads you to many sights and activities. For an entrance fee, the trip to the top of Grandfather Mountain will feature a zoo, trails to hike, a gift shop, restaurant and the famous Mile High Bridge to walk across. The views are stunning and on a rare crystal clear day you can see the skyline of Charlotte, NC, 90 miles away on the horizon. More information on opening and closing times of Grandfather Mountain State Park can be found at grandfather. com. At milepost 308, there is an easy 30-minute hike on the right known as the Flat Rock Trail. Once you leave the parking lot, the fairly flat trail leads through some thick woods and ends up at a view that looks over the valleys below. This is also known as the “Sunset Trail” as it is a superb place to watch a sunset, especially if nature is putting on a good show as the sun fades under the horizon. HIKERS: At milepost 311 on the BRP you will find a left turn onto Old Jonas Ridge road which will take you further into the Wilson Creek Gorge and onto some challenging yet rewarding trails. Once you turn left, go two miles until you see a big turn in the road with a white church on your left. Beside the church is a gravel road that goes straight at the turn. That is Forest Road 464, aka Pineola Road. Once on the gravel road you will see the trailhead for Big Lost Cove Cliffs on the left a couple of miles in, and three miles farther you will see a small parking lot on the right for the Little Lost Cove Cliffs trail. The latter is a shorter hike but both moderately difficult trails lead to outstanding cliff-top vistas. Do some research and you will find many other trails, waterfalls and more on this road that goes deep into the Wilson Creek Gorge area. Back on the BRP, you will find a series of three exits based on the Linville Falls and Linville Gorge attractions. For those SEE BRP ON PAGE 22

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wanting an easy trip, the milepost 316 exit will take you to the Linville Falls Visitors Center, campground and picnic area. Also, for an easy and amazing view of Linville Gorge, go to the RT 221 exit at the 317 milepost. Once exited, turn left onto Hwy. 221 and then take another left less than a mile ahead to the south onto Hwy. 183. About 7/10 of a mile further and you will find a gravel road on the right with signs that will lead you to Wiseman’s View and Linville Falls. This will be RT 1238 aka Old Route 105. The first parking lot you will see on the left are for two trails that show you diﬀerent views of Linville Falls. If you take SR 1238 for almost exactly four miles, however, you will see the sign for the Wiseman’s View parking lot, where you turn left. Here there is a baby stroller/ wheelchair accessible paved walkway that leads to as special a view of Linville Gorge as you could hope to experience. The vistas will simply take your breath away. Please remember that SR 1238 to Wiseman’s View is a gravel mountain road so if you have four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, you should be fine. If you are in a

PHOTO BY DEREK HALSEY Bikers are a common site on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Remember to share the road.

vehicle that is two-wheel drive, only go on the gravel road if it is dry. Watch out for the occasional ruts, otherwise the heart-stopping sights at Wiseman’s View are very much worth the effort. HIKERS: At milepost 312 you will see the exit for Hwy. 181. From there turn south onto RT. 181 and look for the second turn off for Ginger Cake Road on the right, across from a big “Ginger Cake” sign on the left. Once on Ginger Cake Road you will quickly see Table Rock Road which veers off to the left. Table Rock soon becomes a gravel road and will lead you to fantastic trails on the east side of Linville

Gorge. As you travel along, you will see a parking lot for the trail that leads to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain about four miles in, which is one of the better hikes in the region. Look for the “Hawksbill Trail” sign on the right at the beginning of the trail. Eight miles in on Table Rock Road will get you to the turn oﬀ to Table Rock Mountain Trail, where you will turn right and continue up the mountain. Once at the Table Rock parking lot, facing the gorge, the trail to the right takes you to the summit of Table Rock Mountain overlooking Linville Gorge. The trail on the

2018

left side of the parking lot leads to what many consider to be a favorite hike in the area known as the Chimneys Trail. For the next mile on the Chimneys Trail, you get to hike through exquisite rock formations that are simply sublime. Instead of looking down at Linville Gorge from the Hawksbill and Table Rock peaks, on this trail you literally become a part of the Gorge as you walk. Further down the BRP will lead you to even more great views and fun stops along the way with places to explore such as Crabtree Falls, the town of Little Switzerland, the Museum of North Carolina Minerals, the live music venue known as the Orchard at Altapass and more. A few miles south of the BRP on RT. 221 will lead you to the entrance of the popular Linville Caverns. As you continue on your way, you will eventually come across the turn oﬀ to Mount Mitchell at milepost 355. At 6,683 feet in elevation, Mount Mitchell is the highest mountain east of the Mississippi River and the good news is that you can drive virtually all of the way to the top. There is much to take in on this truly special section of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the summer of 2018. Have fun, be safe and go explore!

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Shop ‘til you drop in the High Country BY KAYLA LASURE

isiting local shops and stores native to areas is often one of the best parts of traveling or taking a vacation. The High Country offers many local stores to meet the needs of visitors as well as the community who lives in the area. Whether it’s local homemade goods, boutiques, neighborhood general stores and outdoor/sporting good stores, the High Country is a shoppers dream.

LOCAL HOMEMADE GOODS • Southern Highland Craft Gift at Cone Manor (Watauga County) The Southern Highland Craft Guild has five locations, one of which is at Moses Cone Manor located off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Store Manager Ellen Schaller said the store offers regional handmade craft with wood materials, pottery, glass, clay, paper, fiber and mixed media. She said the guild was founded in 1930. “It was originally founded to give the mountain craft person a means of sustenance to make a living by doing things they were doing in their every day life — people who were weavers, making pottery and wooden objects,” Schaller said. The guild represents the “finest in regional handmade craft of anywhere around,” Schaller said. Every member entered goes through a rigorous process where the pieces are examined and chosen carefully. “The only work that’s accepted is work that meets the standards of a very skilled group of individuals,” Schaller said. The store also offers craft demonstrations free to the public as well as free children’s workshops on Wednesdays in the summer. For more information, visit www.southernhighlandguild.org/shops-and-fairs/moses-cone-manor. • The Honey Hole of the Blue Ridge (Ashe County) The mission of this West Jefferson store is to promote the art of beekeeping as well as provide customers with quality beekeeping supplies. The Honey Hole sells a variety of bee and honey related products as well as locally made items. Visitors of The Honey Hole can expect to see homemade soaps, fresh eggs, country ham and many varieties of honey including a bourbon barrel honey. One of the staples of the store are a few of their honey butters such as the cranberry orange pecan honey butter. The store also sells supplies to support the art of beekeeping as well as bees themselves. For more information on The Honey Hole of the Blue Ridge, visit www.the-honey-hole.com.

PHOTO BY CAROLINE LAWSON Monkee’s is a Blowing Rock shop that carries women’s apparel.

BOUTIQUES • The Bee and the Boxwood The Bee and the Boxwood owner Molly Northern has been an interior designer in the area for 20 years. She said she opened her store in October 2017 in hopes of creating a “cute shop” geared toward professionals. The Bee and the Boxwood offers home furnishings, gifts, jewelry, baby items, upholstery, and antiques. Northern said her store is “southern charm in the High Country” bringing bright, fresh and happy vibes as customers enter. To the back of the store is Northern’s interior design studio where she can help customers order fabrics, look at different wallpaper or carpet ideas or design the inside of their home. Visitors are sure to walk away with a beautiful gift or unique home accessory. For more information on the Bee and the Boxwood, visit thebeeandtheboxwood.com. • Monkee’s Jess Wehrmann, co-owner of Monkee’s in Blowing Rock, said her store carries an approachable women’s fashion that is casual and cool but still trendy. Wehrmann said the best part about Monkee’s is that its pieces can to spans the generations. “There are so many visitors who come up the mountain because we try to carry brands that your grandSEE SHOP ON PAGE 24

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SHOP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

ma, your mom and your daughter can wear,” Wehrmann said. Monkee’s carries brands such as Sam Edelman, Eileen Fisher and Mollybeads by Molly Anderson. Not only does this store offer trendy clothing, but the employees also welcome customers into a warm environment. The best part about Monkee’s is our personalized customer experience,” Wehrmann said. “You come in as a stranger but you leave as family. We really strive to make it a great shopping experience.” For more information about Monkee’s, visit www.monkeesofblowingrock.com.

GENERAL STORES • Mast General Store Customers not only looking to shop, but for a unique experience, will want to stop by the original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis. Mast storyteller Sheri Moretz quoted Charles Kuralt as saying, “All general stores are satisfying to visit, but the Mast Store is a destination.” Initially opening as The Taylor General Store in 1883, Mast General Store offers a look into an older time of a rural, community store. Two-tenths down the road is the Mast Store Annex — which Moretz said used to be a competing general store that was built in 1909. The Annex — added to the Mast store in 1982 — now serves as a second building for Mast that sells items such as various types of old fashioner candy or modern outdoor clothing. With seven locations in all, the Boone location opened in 1988. Mast sells items such as cast iron skillets, Amish-made rocking chairs to old-fashion toys. Visitors can enjoy coffee for a nickel, paid for on the honor system. Moretz said Mast employees try to be an ambassador for the community, and are able to tell customers where to get items such as the best food in town or the best hike to take. “We not only want to get people through our doors, but we want to help them have the best experience they can have whether they live here or are visiting the community,” Moretz said. For more information on Mast, visit www.mastgeneralstore.com.

2018

HIGH COUNTRY SHOPPING Southern Highland Craft Guild at Moses Cone Manor Location: Milepost 294 Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through November 30 Phone: (828) 295-7938

Monday — Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sundays: Noon to 6 p.m. Boone location: Monday — Thursday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 10 to 8 Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Phone: (828) 963-6511

The Honey Hole

Fred’s General Mercantile

Location: 6 N Third Ave., West Jefferson Hours of operation: Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 pm. Phone: (336) 846-2337

Location: 501 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain Hours of operation: Store: 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily Deli: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily

Monkees Location: 1179 Main St., Blowing Rock Hours of operation: Monday-Thursay :11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friay-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m. Phone: (828) 295-0708

The Bee and the Boxwood Location: 215 Boone Heights Drive, Suite 300, Boone Hours of operation: Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone: (828) 386-6212

Footsloggers Location: 921 Main St., Blowing Rock 139 Depot St., Boone Hours of operation for Blowing Rock location: Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m. Hour of operation for Boone location: Monday-Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m. Phone: (828) 295-4453

Base Camp B.E.

Mast General Store

Location: 441 Shawneehaw Ave., Banner Elk Hours of operation:

Location: 3565 N.C. 194, Sugar Grove Hours of operation: Original store: Monday-Saturday: 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday: Noon to 6 p.m. Annex:

Monday (after Memorial Day): 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone: (706) 346-4509

• Fred’s General Mercantile (Avery County) Fred’s General Mercantile originally opened in 1979 in Beech Mountain. Fred’s is open every day of the year and is a frequent stop for locals and visitors. Fred’s offers a variety of things as it consists of a grocery store, hardware store and clothing store. Customers are able to pick up fruits and vegetables while also searching for clothing, knives and knick-knacks. It even has a deli with sandwiches, beer/wine, homemade baked goods and other snacks. This general store carries brands such as Patagonia, Woolrich, Carhartt, Jansport and Colombia. For information on Fred’s General Mercantile, visit www.fredsgeneral. com.

OUTDOOR/SPORTING GOOD STORE • Base Camp B.E. (Avery Coun-

ty) Base Camp, located in Banner Elk, opened in May 2017 and is an outdoor clothing, gear and equipment consignment shop. “We have clothing and gear for pretty much any outdoor activity you can do in the High Country — hiking, paddling, cycling, camping, fishing, backpacking and golf,” said owner Mandy Loorham. Loorham said she decided to open up Base Camp as there wasn’t any other store in Banner Elk that offered outdoor equipment. As a consignment shop, she said visitors can obtain a good deal on quality outdoor clothing and gear. The shop offers name brands such as North Face, Patagonia, Columbia, Kuhl, Marmot, Woolrich, Kavu and Keene. Base Camp also offers customers free Moon Pies. For more information on Base Camp,

PHOTO SUBMITTED Base Camp in Banner Elk is a consignment store for outdoor clothing and gear.

visit www.facebook.com/BaseCampBE. • Footsloggers (Watauga County) Footsloggers is a family-owned outdoor and travel store with a history of promoting local culture and community, according to Footsloggers’ spokesperson Thea Young. Footsloggers offers gear for camping, backpacking, kayaking and paddle sports, hiking and climbing gear in addition to clothing and footwear. For visitors looking for rock climbing gear, Footsloggers has equipment for both traditional rock climbing and sport climbing. This includes harnesses, shoes and helmets. The store also carries brands such as Chaco, GoPro, Osprey, Black Diamond, Oboz, Kuhl, Arc’teryx and Patagonia. “In addition to offering all the clothing and gear needed for outdoor adventures while visiting the area, we have a wealth of knowledge on fun activities and can offer first-hand advice on trails and rivers,” Young said. “You may even run into our staff on the trail as we all like to get outside on our days off.” Footslogger’s has two locations — 921 Main St. in Blowing Rock and at 139 South Depot St. in Boone. For more information about this store, visit www.facebook.com/footsloggers.

SUMMER TIMES

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Southern Charm in the High Country

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2018

Cone Manor

hosts craft demonstrations

BY COLIN TATE

EXPERIENCE ART UPCOMING EVENTS Concert Series: Saxophonist Robert Young – June 24th Plein Air workshops (pre-registration required) – July 10-12 Plein Air Festival – July 13-14 A Place to Call Home | A talk with James Farmer – July 20 at 11:00am (pre-registration required) Concert Series: Composer Ken Frazelle & Vocalist Jodi Burns – July 22nd 12th Annual Blowing Rock Art & Antiques Show – August 3-5 Image Credit: Bob Meier. Carved Vase, 2017. Clay. 28 x 13 inches. Courtesy of the artist. Image Credit: Image courtesy of The Blowing Rock. Blowing Rock, NC.

159 Chestnut St. Blowing Rock 28605 (828) 295-9099 | www.BlowingRockMuseum.org @brmuseum

he Southern Highland Craft Guild will once again be performing craft demonstrations throughout the summer. Taking place at the Cone Manor Estate, the demonstrations are free and open to the public. The craft demonstrations will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be a lunch break at the demonstrator’s discretion. The 2018 craft demonstration schedule includes Jen Swearington on May 11-13 (fiber, drawing, dyeing, sewing and print), Sandy Adair on May 18-20 (fiber, needle tapestry weaving), Lin Oglesby on May 26-28 (fiber, crocheting, knitting, yarn plying), Lorraine Cathey on June 1-4 (fiber, felted bears and landscapes), Joanna White on June 5-7 (fiber, silk painting), Sandy Adair on June 8-10 (fiber, needle tapestry weaving), Brandy Clements on June 11-13 (mixed media, chair caning), Jay Pfeil on June 14-16 (paper, printmaking, etching), Jen Swearington on June 17-21 (fiber, drawing, dyeing, sew, print), Lee Entrekin on June 22-25 (wood, Native American flute making), Lynn Jenkins on June 26 through July 1 (clay, raku), Pfeil on July 2-4 (paper, printmaking, etching), Cathey on July 5-6 (fiber, felted bears and landscapes), Allen Davis on July 7-11 (wood, wood-turning), Peter Werner on July 12-14 (natural materials,

PHOTO BY COLIN TATE Tom Gow’s art on display at the Parkway Craft Center. The center at Moses Cone Manor offers hundreds of hand-made items for sale.

CHILDREN’S HOUR The Parkway Craft Center also hosts a “Children’s Hour” from 10-11 a.m. every Wednesday from June 6 to Aug. 8. “Children’s Hour” is free and best suited for children ages 4-12. The hour includes simple hands-on crafts and activities. An adult or older responsible attendee must stay with the children in order for them to participate. broom-making), Entrekin on July 15-16 (wood, Native American flute-making), Adair on July 20-22 (fiber, needle tapestry weaving), Jenkins on July 26-31 (clay, raku), Pfeil on Aug. 1-4 (paper, printmaking, etching), Swearington on Aug. 5-6 (fiber, drawing, dyeing, sew, print), Cathey on Aug. 7-9 (fiber, felted bears and landscapes), Adair on Aug. 10-12 (fiber, needle tapestry weaving), Ronnie McMahan on Aug. 13-16 (wood, carving), John Turner on Aug. 17-19 (clay, raku glazing), Jenkins on Aug. 22-27 (clay, raku), Judy Brater on Aug. 28-30 (clay, hand-building), Swearington on Aug. 31 through Sept. 3 (fiber, draw, dyeing, sew, print), Cathey on Sept. 7-9 (fiber, felted bears and

landscapes), Entrekin on Sept. 14-16 (wood, Native American flute-making), Adair on Sept. 21-23 (fiber, needle tapestry weaving), Jenkins on Sept. 25-30 (clay, raku), Entrekin on Oct. 1-3 (wood, Native American flute-making), Allen Davis on Oct. 4-7 (wood, wood-turning), Jeﬀ Neil on Oct. 9-11 (wood, shaker style box construction), Werner on Oct. 12-14 (natural materials, broom-making), Oglesby on Oct. 15-20 (fiber, crocheting, knitting, yarn plying), Tom Gow on Oct. 21-24 (wood, cottonwood bark carving) and Pfeil on Oct. 28-30 (paper, printmaking, etching). For more information on demonstration events, call the Parkway Craft Center at (828) 295-7938.

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Mystery Hill

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON A guide at Mystery Hill demonstrates the gravitational oddities associated with the attraction.

A destination of wonder and amazement

BY JEFF EASON

LOWING ROCK — For nearly 60 years, visitors and High Country residents have been scratching their heads about the strange phenomena that happen at Mystery Hill. It appears that it is one of those places on the planet where the laws of gravity have been repealed. From optical illusions to a rich mountain history, Mystery Hill is a family-friendly, fun and educational destination, located on U.S. 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock. “This place is so special because people come here to have fun,” said Wayne Underwood, owner and operator of Mystery Hill. “Families need to be able to do more

together. It seems that through all of the hustle and bustle, folks seem to forget that. We have activities for families to learn and have fun together.” Mystery Hill includes optical illusions, Mystery House, Mystery Platform, Hall of Mystery, Appalachian Heritage Museum and Native American Artifacts Museum, containing one of the largest collections of artifacts in the Southeast.

History

Mystery Hill and the strange phenomena that occur date back to the early part of the 20th century when William Hundson, the original owner of the land first discovered oddities about the place. Hudson operated an old cider mill on one end of the plot of land where an old

wooden platform stood. A pair of identical twins worked at the cider mill, and Hudson noticed that despite being the same height, the twin who stood on the north end of the platform always looked taller. Visitors can still experience the Mystery Platform today. Hudson also noticed that the trees in his apple orchard grew toward the north, directly into the prevailing winds. And the apples the fell from the trees appeared to roll uphill on the old walking path! In 1957, Buford Stamey and Rondia J. Underwood where looking to building a restaurant in the High Country and considered Mystery Hill as a prime location. Throughout their tour of the property Hudson explained the strange phenomena associated with the unique location. It appeared that the gravitational pull on

the side of the mountain caused unusual things to happen. Underwood purchased the entire operation in 1958 and it has been a source of wonder and amazement to visitors ever since.

Cabins

Your trip to the High Country can be made even more special and comfortable by staying at Riverside Log Cabins at Mystery Hill. The cabins are conveniently located between Boone and Blowing Rock and are near the Middle Fork Greenway Trail and Sterling Creek Park. Grab a fishing pole and you are just a short walk to the Middle Fork of the New River. Cabins are available for nightly and weekly rentals. For more information, call (828) 264-2792.

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PHOTO BY COLIN TATE Flat Top Manor features more than 20 rooms and spans 13,000 square feet.

Century-old mansion celebrates history in the High Country

ilepost 294 is one of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s most oft-visited areas, and for good reason. The area is the home to Flat Top Manor, also called Moses Cone Manor, which is a 13,000-square-foot mansion with more than 20 rooms. The former home of Moses and Bertha Cone, Flat Top Manor was built in the early 1900’s and showcases the grand Colonial Revival style of housing from that time period. The mansion was left to the Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital in Greensboro after Bertha Cone died in 1947, and the hospital board donated the property to the National Park Service just two years later. It then became a part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. On a hill just outside of Blowing Rock, the mansion has a gorgeous south-facing view that tourists visit to gaze across Bass Lake and more. The land around the manor features 25 miles of carriage trails that flow through the forests and fields of the estate, which encompasses 3,500 acres. Hiking,

BEFORE THE MANOR: A BRIEF HISTORY OF MOSES CONE Moses Cone was born in Jonesboro, Tenn. in 1857. Cone started working in his father’s grocery business. Cone and his brother, Caesar, moved to the textile industry, producing high-quality denim fabric. After acquiring the land for the manor in the late 1890’s, oxen hauled the materials from Lenoir. Cone designed and supervised the construction of 25 miles of carriage roads on the estate. All facts according to the National Park Service. horseback riding and even horse-drawn carriages are allowed on the trails. One trail included is the Craftsman’s Trail, a loop around the manor that takes approximately 20 minutes. According to blueridgeheritage.com, the Cones are

PHOTO BY COLIN TATE Moses Cone Park offers trails and more than 3,500 acres of land for public recreation.

said to have walked the trail together each morning. During Cone’s life, he decorated the property with white pine forests, hemlock hedges and an apple orchard. Flat Top Manor is open from March

15 to Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The National Park Service has an information desk in the manor, and regular tours of the mansion are oﬀered. For more information, call (828) 2957938.

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Tweetsie offers family fun for everyone BY JEFF EASON

othing says summer in the High Country like the friendly yet forceful train whistle blasting out its notice at Tweetsie Railroad. You can hear the whistle from Boone to Blowing Rock, from Valle Crucis to Triplett, all summer long. The 2018 season at North Carolina’s first theme park will include annual events such as the July 4 Fireworks Extravaganza, Day Out With Thomas, K-9’s In Flight Frisbee® Dogs, the award-winning Ghost Train and more. Daytime operations for Tweetsie Railroad will continue through Oct. 28. For the second year, the theme park will be open every Friday and Saturday night, Nov. 23 through Dec. 29 for the spectacular Tweetsie Christmas holiday event.

Tweetsie Railroad oﬀers plenty of fun for the entire family. Whether it’s hopping aboard a train pulled by a historic steam locomotive for an exciting three-mile Wild West adventure, panning for gold, meeting cowboys and Can-Can girls, or strolling through an authentic Western town, the theme park has something for everyone. Families can explore amusement rides, gem mining and the Deer Park zoo – home to more than 90 animals including deer, emus, goats, llamas and miniature horses. Tweetsie Railroad also oﬀers plenty of live entertainment including the Country Clogging Jamboree, Diamond Lil’s CanCan Review, and Tweetsie Railroad’s own Hopper and Porter show. The 2018 season will feature a variety of events that will provide many opportunities for exciting and memorable trips to

Tweetsie Railroad: David Holt and the Lightning Bolts in Concert — Saturday, May 26 Four-time Grammy recipient David Holt comes to Tweetsie Railroad to give visitors an old-time music experience with a new twist. Come enjoy all-American music and humorous stories at the noon and 3 p.m. shows. Day Out With Thomas — June 8-17 Thomas the Tank Engine has come all the way from the Island of Sodor to Tweetsie Railroad. To make sure Thomas is right on time and available to take photos with guests, Sir Topham Hatt will be managing the station during the event. A limited number of tickets are available; buying tickets for this event in advance is required in order to ensure a train ride. Fireworks Extravaganza — July 4

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON Tweetsie Railroad’s iconic engine #12, one of the original East Tennessee/West North Carolina locomotives, celebrated its centennial last year.

It’s no secret that Tweetsie Railroad presents the biggest July 4 fireworks display in Western North Carolina, and this year’s extravaganza will be a show stopper! Join Tweetsie Railroad

in celebrating America’s birthday with an evening of park rides and entertainment. The park is open until 9 p.m., and the fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m. Guests can make the night even more

special by purchasing an optional buﬀet dinner and V.I.P. viewing area. Cool Summer Nights — July 7, 14, 21, 28 Cool oﬀ in the mountains this summer during Tweetsie Railroad’s Cool Summer Nights, when temperatures can be substantially cooler than the surrounding areas. Wild West entertainment and park rides will be open until 9:00 p.m. SpongeBob Square Pants and Patrick Star — July 13-15 Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob SquarePants . . . and now he is on land for you to see! Join SpongeBob and his best pal Patrick Star

SEE TWEETSIE ON PAGE 32

Summer Events at Fred’s • Beech Mt. Sunday Sunset Concerts Check our website for details: • Crafts on the Green – August 4th fredsgeneral.com

Come visit us at Eastern America’s Highest Town

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Summer

TWEETSIE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

for a meet and greet that is above the rest! Appearances will take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. K-9s In Flight Frisbee Dogs — July 21-29 These aren’t your average canines! You’ll be blown away by incredible performances by this team of talented dogs performing acrobatic routines. There will be three shows daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., plus a special evening show at 7 p.m. on Saturdays. Riders In The Sky — August 11-12 Riders In The Sky, America’s Favorite Cowboys, will perform their famous Western music and comedy blend at noon and 3:00 p.m. each day. The quartet has been together for more than 30 years and has received Grammy Awards for “Best Musical Album for Children” including the song “Woody’s Round Up” from the hit movie “Toy Story 2” and the companion album for “Monsters, Inc.” Railroad Heritage Weekend — August 25-26 Steam locomotives in the Blue Ridge Mountains have a history that goes back to the 1800s! Come celebrate Railroad Heritage Weekend at Tweetsie Railroad with special train rides, performances by the Cherokee dancers, crafts from the Tsa-La-Gi Touring Program and tours of the Steam Locomotive Repair Shop. This year’s Railroad Heritage Weekend will also celebrate the 75th birthday of locomotive No. 190, the “Yukon Queen.” Ghost Train — Friday and Saturday nights, September 21–October 27 Tweetsie Railroad will host a Halloween celebration the whole family can enjoy! Ghost Train includes trick-or-treating, the Freaky Forest, the Haunted House and more. Ghost Train has been named one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society. A limited number of tickets are available; buying tickets in advance is required in order to ensure admission. Tweetsie Christmas — Friday and Saturday evenings, November 23 – December 29 Celebrate all the joys of the holiday season when the park transforms into a winter wonderland for Tweetsie Christmas. Enjoy a train ride through an enchanted land of twinkling lights, visit with Santa, go to the live Christmas show and more. Your family can even pick out the perfect Christmas tree while you’re here! A limited number of tickets are available; buying tickets for this event in advance is required in order to ensure admission. Tweetsie Railroad Tweetsie Railroad opened for the 2018 season on April 6. Hours and dates vary; check Tweetsie.com before planning your visit. Daytime admission is $45 for adults, $30 for children (ages 3 to 12) and free for children 2 and under. Admission prices for Ghost Train and Tweetsie Christmas are $38 for adults and children. Tweetsie Railroad is located on U.S. Highway 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina. For more information about Tweetsie Railroad, visit Tweetsie.com or phone (800) 526-5740).

2018

fun in a cave

BY CARL BLANKENSHIP carl.blankenship@averyjournal.com

ocated at the southern end of the High Country, nestled within Humpback Mountain, is Linville Caverns, the only show cave in North Carolina that is open to the public. According to cavern oﬃcials, the Linville Caverns were unknown to man for centuries. In the early 1800s, a fishing expedition headed by Henry E. Colton was astounded to see fish swimming in what appeared to be solid rock. A small opening in the mountainous terrain allowed them to enter the subterranean recess that is still home to native trout in an underground stream. On a tour, your guide will explain how the caverns were discovered, how the formations were created, how the caverns were created and show you any life inside the caverns. Linville Caverns was opened to the public in 1937. Since then, construction of pathways and the addition of a lighting system that has enhanced the safe touring experience. Andrew Quinn, manager of Linville Caverns, says people should visit the caverns, especially during the summer heat, to escape the high temperatures and enjoy spending time with family inside the coolness of a mountain. “It is 52 degrees in here all year long, so it gets nice and cool in here when it is 90 degrees out,” Quinn said. “Most kids like the formations and the fish inside of the cave.” Quinn added that he would recommend people visiting the caverns to bring a sweater or light jacket on normal days, and a rain jacket after heavy rains, noting that the caves are active and it stays drippy. Quinn said to be sure to wear comfortable

PHOTO COURTESY LINVILLE CAVERNS A formation inside Linville Caverns.

Plan Your Trip

Linville Caverns is located in the Pisgah National Forest off US Hwy. 221 in Marion, NC. The tour of the cavern takes about 30 minutes and adult tickets are $9, $8 for seniors age 62 and older and children’s tickets age 5 to 12 are $7, all 50-cent increases over last year, with the exception of free admission for children 5 years old and younger. The caverns accepts VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card, American Express & travelers checks, however personal checks will not be accepted. In May, the caverns are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and in June through Labor Day the caverns are open until 6 p.m. shoes, but that shoes with a thick or hard sole should be avoided, however, due to the damp walkways. Strollers and child-carrying backpacks are not allowed due to low-hanging rocks and confined spaces. Linville Caverns is one of the few caverns that is partially wheelchair accessible. There are two places that a wheel-

chair cannot access; a dead-end passage into the narrowest section of the caverns, and in the back of the caverns where it is necessary to climb a few flat steps going into one room. According to the caverns’ website, there are no restrooms located within the cavern, and if the last tour has already left, the restrooms will be closed upon exiting the tour, so it is advised to use facilities prior to entering the cave. Flash photography and videography is allowed in the caverns, but management asks that visitors do not bring external light sources, such as a spotlight. The use of tripods or unipods in the caverns is not allowed due to confined space. Pets are allowed in the caverns but may only be carried, pets who can not be carried will not be allowed inside. Hours vary depending on the time of year. For more information on Linville Caverns, or to plan your next expedition, call (800) 4190540, or click to www.linvillecaverns.com.

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Shall we gather at the Rock

Blowing Rock namesake to host music festivals in 2018 BY JEFF EASON

or grandeur, breathtaking mountain views and natural history, it’s hard to beat the Blowing Rock tourist attraction, located near the Watauga County/Caldwell County line just south of Blowing Rock. For more than two centuries, visitors have been coming to The Blowing Rock to watch its miracles and mysteries as twigs, leaves and other items appear to blowing from the surface floor of the valley below to the top of the scenic rock above. Legend even has it that a Native American warrior was blown back by the winds after he attempted to end his life in despair for his estranged princess. The days the Blowing Rock is a fun, family-themed tourist attraction oﬀering miles of mountain views year round. The Blowing Rock is also host to two out-

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BLOWING ROCK Bill and Cathy Williamson enjoy the spectacular view from The Blowing Rock.

standing live music events each year:

SHAGGING AT THE ROCK The annual Shagging at the Rock Music Festival showcases what it means to love the beach music that happens to come from the Atlantic side of our country. While many may be more familiar with the sounds of the Beach Boys and harmony groups like Jan and Dean who made their mark on Pacific Coast palisades, there is just a strong a following for the doo-wop, R&B and shag dancing musical traditions

that made their way along the Atlantic Coasts of Virginia and the Carolinas during the 1960s and 1970s. Shagging clubs remain popular in the Carolinas to this day and bands bringing the classic Motown and Beach sounds are in no short to celebrate this unique culture. The Blowing Rock brings beach music to the mountains each year with its annual Shagging at the Rock concert at the Blowing Rock. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, June 2 and the lineup includes Silk Groove (1 p.m.), Wayne Euliss as Elvis Presley (2:30 p.m.), Eric and the Chill Tones (3:30 p.m.) and The Tams (5:30 p.m.). Early bird tickets are $40, May 30 through June 2 are $55 and children 12 and under are $10. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. and sponsors include the Blowing Rock Ale House and Inn, Green Park Inn, Big Mo’s Barbecue, Mountainaire Inn and Log Cabins, Chetola Resort, New Public House and Inn, the Town Tavern of Blowing Rock, Woodlands Barbecue, Village Inns of Blowing Rock WNC Magazine and the Inn at the Ragged Gardens and the Best Cellar.

For more information call (828) 2957111 or (828) 295-4812. No pets, please.

5TH ANNUAL BLOWING ROCK MUSIC FESTIVAL The Blowing Rock also hosts a regional musical called the Blowing Rock Music Festival. The 5th annual Blowing Rock Music Festival is set for Saturday, Sept. 15, with lineup details coming soon. Hosted by the Harris Brothers and the Blowing Rock Attraction, the Blowing Rock Music Festival oﬀers a full-day of music, family fun, a chance to climb the historic boulders and much more. The two live music stages will feature Americana, folk, rock, blues, jazz, soul and more live rain or shine. The show will also feature a giant fireworks display after sunset. The event features barbecue, hot dogs hamburgers and other food vendors, VIP tents available and much more. Past headliners have included Wayne Henderson, Soul Benefactor and The Shelby Rae Moore Band. For more information call (828) 2957111 or (828) 295-4812. No pets, please.

La-Z-Boy Temple of the High Country-Schaefer Jewish Community Center Home of the High Country Jewish Community Come join our Jewish Community Friday Night Shabbat Services: 7 PM Sisterhood Mahjong – Wednesdays (call for information) Check our website for additional information on: Shabbat morning services • Shabbat “Torah Brunch and Learns” (Beech Mountain Area) Shabbat “Torah Lunch and Learns” Potluck Lunches • Sisterhood Meetings High Holiday Services Schedule • Congregational Newsletters

Rabbi: Stephen Roberts, MBA, BCC Location: 1043 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607 • Mailing Address: PO Box 2895, Boone, NC 28607 www.TempleOfTheHighCountry.org • 828.266.9777 • templeofthehighcountry@gmail.com A M E R I C A’ S R U G C O M P A N Y ™

A Proud Member of: Union for Reform Judaism TOHC Mission: Our mission is to be a spiritual, educational, and social home for our Jewish community and to enhance the lives of our congregants and community at large. As we embrace our Jewish traditions, we are able to support one another through times of sadness and joy as well as further the Jewish vision of worldwide justice and peace.

Phone (336) 384-2929 Location 160 Northwest School Rd. Warrensville, NC

Hours Directions Just 5 miles from Jefferson Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 9am-3pm on Hwy. 194N/88W. Turn Right on Northwest Sch. Rd.

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Commune with nature at

Grandfather Mountain PLAN YOUR VISIT

BY JAMIE SHELL editor@averyjournal.com

“Take a course in good water and air; and in the eternal youth of Nature you may renew your own. Go quietly, alone; no harm will befall you.” (John Muir)

mong High Country landmarks, perhaps no place more typifies the sentiment of the great conservationist Muir than Linville’s Grandfather Mountain. Muir, nature connoisseur and founder of Sierra Club, upon visiting the great mountain in 1898 while ill with a cough, wrote his wife saying, “The air has healed me. I think I could walk 10 miles and not be tired.” Muir is one among many notable visitors to Grandfather Mountain, whose name was derived from pioneers who recognized the face of an old man in one of the cliffs. Many vantage points reveal different faces, so there is no one official profile of the mountain, but the most popular can be seen from the community of Foscoe, seven miles north of Linville and 10 miles south of Boone on N.C. 105. Grandfather is among the most recognizable and visited attractions in the state of North Carolina for myriad reasons. From its unique and lovable animal habitats to the opportunities for visitors to experience hands-on opportunities to get up close and personal with nature in a summer climate that beckons tourists to escape the heat of the lowlands to the cooler climes of a mile-high elevation, Grandfather Mountain combines the thrill of experiencing the fun of the great outdoors with educational experiences with no equal. “Grandfather Mountain is a special

PHOTO BY MONTY COMBS | GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION Ajax the bald eagle is one of the many animals housed in habitats and eager to greet visitors to Grandfather Mountain.

place, and it always has been, even before Hugh Morton established the park as a nature preserve and attraction in 1952,” Frank Ruggiero, director of Marketing and Communications with the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the nonprofit organization that oversees and operates the park, said. “Here, you can experience and embrace nature at your own pace, even if you’ve never so much as looked at a hiking boot. Or if you enjoy climbing ladders up mountainsides more than a mile above sea level — and all points in between. You can come face to face with a black bear in our environmental wildlife habitats, watch river otters frolic, cross the Mile High Swinging Bridge and make mountains of

memories.” Among the mountain’s newest offerings are both unique educational opportunities, as well as a few new residents. Returning following a successful 2017 series, The “Grandfather Presents” Lecture Series offers a number of lectures and workshops through the summer featuring experts discussing topics ranging from ecology to ocean conservancy. The mountain also offers educational workshops through the summer and fall with topics that include methods of teaching environmental education and workshops all about elk and black blears. “On the mountain, we like to bridge outdoor fun with education,” Ruggiero said. “With our ‘Grandfather Presents’

The entrance to Grandfather Mountain is located on U.S. 221, two miles north of Linville and one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 305. Admission to Grandfather Mountain (accessed via automobile through the entrance gate) is $20 for adults (age 13 to 59), $18 for seniors (age 60 and older), $9 for children (age four to 12), with children younger than four years of age admitted free. Beginning May 25 and through the summer, park hours are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with ticket sales from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Grandfather Mountain is open every day of the year, weather permitting, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Mountain also closes early on Christmas Eve and occasionally on other dates for staff training. Grandfather recommends visitors arrive before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m. on summer weekends to avoid our busiest times at the Entrance Gate. If you can only schedule your visit for midday, the staff is always ready to take care of your travel party. During times of inclement weather, the park may close early or delay opening until conditions improve. On occasion, weather may cause the mountain to close halfway (past the Nature Museum to the Mile High Swinging Bridge), during which half-priced admission will be charged. To determine the day’s conditions, visitors are encouraged to call the Entrance Gate at (828) 733-4337 before making the trip. For more information, click to www.grandfather.com. series, guests can enjoy presentations from some of the country’s foremost experts on conservation, including professors, naturalists, scientists, photographers, writers, historians and artists.” The mountain’s newest residents include a trio of new elk, named Doc, Merle and Watson, who arrived in December 2017, as well as a pair of young cougars SEE GRANDFATHER ON PAGE 42

MORE TO SEE AND DO AT GRANDFATHER Grandfather Mountain offers opportunities for visitors to get an inside look at wildlife habitats and the inner working of what it takes each day to care for and interact with the attraction’s wildlife. Almost everything is included with admission to the mountain except for the Behind-the-Scenes tours, where patrons can experience where the animals are fed and sleep. “Visitors get pretty much up-close to a bear, a cougar and the river otters. We also have a “Keeper for the Day” program, where guests can work in a habitat behind the scenes and what it takes to care for the animals.” Ruggiero explained. Grandfather also hosts myriad programs throughout the year, including KidFest, Girl Scout Days, Dollar Days, photography and naturalist events, as well as two major annual gatherings held on Grandfather’s MacRae Meadows: the Singing on the Mountain gospel event that occurs the last Sunday each June, and the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, held the second weekend of each July.

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2018

ART • DINING • SHOPPING • ANTIQUES 2

Gallery & Working Studio on Premises

A Boone Original Since 1988

Representing Work from 18 Local Potters BOB MEIER artist/owner 585 W. King St., Boone, NC 28607 meier@doeridgepottery.com (828) 264-1127 doeridgepottery.com 3

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Serving Breakfast and Lunch ALL DAY

Omelettes Homemade Salads Flavored Cream Cheese Sandwiches Burgers Vegetarian Menu Gluten Free Bagels

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2018

dessert counter • cookies • ice cream sandwiches • catering/events 3551 US Highway 321 South Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Tuesday-Sunday 2:00-11:00pm bluedeercookies@gmail.com featuring

Homeland Creamery Ice Cream Julian, NC

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SUMMER TIMES

2018

PAGE 41

Two Locals Open New Cookie and Ice Cream Truck in Boone

ighway 321, between Boone and Blowing Rock, can now be known as the promised land, the land flowing with milk and cookies. This May, Austin Northern with the help of his longtime sweetie and another Boone native, Callie Idol, opened Blue Deer Cookies, a vintage dessert counter on wheels on 321 near Tweetsie Railroad. The menu consists of a revolving menu of delicious homemade cookies and super creamy Homeland Creamery ice cream from Julian, N.C., highlighting seasonal flavors in addition to the standard favorites. Blue Deer Cookies’ address is 3551 US Highway 321 South, Blowing Rock, NC 28605. Right oﬀ the highway is a gravel lot with an amazing setup. The vintage camper sits underneath string lights with an adjacent seating area. The atmosphere is topped oﬀ with great music. One of the couple’s goals is to create an inviting atmosphere. “We wanted to make people feel at home, host them, and serve them dessert,” Northern said. “We wanted Blue Deer to be a great place where anyone can come with friends and family to hang out, maybe around a fire or playing corn hole. A place where they could relax, listen to some music and eat cookies!” The new dessert counter has really been popular with locals. “It’s a great place to spend time as a family, bring kids, and have an amazing ice cream sandwich. I mean the atmosphere is great, we definitely will come back,” said one Boone resident. Blue Deer Cookies began from Northern’s desire to create a fun and unique place to serve his community. “We got the idea from a local food truck up where we went to school, Liberty University. It is a popular spot for families and liberty students. We always thought that something like that would do great in Boone. So, we decided to follow that dream and bring something awesome back home.”

Callie Idol and Austin Northern, both native to Boone, opened Blue Deer Cookies in May. It is a vintage dessert counter on wheels on 321 near Tweetsie Railroad.

In December 2017, Austin purchased a 1965 zipper camper on eBay. He proceeded to tear down and rebuild the camper into what it is now. Northern said, “the camper represents my blood, sweat and tears.” “It taught we a lot about patience, prayer and problem-solving.” The mobile dessert counter is open Tuesday to Sunday 2-11 p.m. Blue Deer plans to stay open to the beginning of December then re-opening at the end of March. Blue Deer also caterers and can host events. “We have a lot of cool stuﬀ around the corner. Special days, events, and celebrations. Come on by, bring your family, and eat cookies. We’d love to serve you.” Follow @bluedeercookies on Instagram and Facebook to keep updated on hours and menu changes.

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2018

Thermal Valley provides safe hang gliding

BY STEVE BEHR sports@wataugademocrat.com

o, you’re interested in being pulled by an airplane at least 1,500-feet above ground, while being connected to a smaller set of wings that has a three-wheel landing gear. The only question: Where do you sign up? Hang gliding is available for those willing to drive a little bit oﬀ the mountain at Foothills Regional Airport, located oﬀ of N.C. Highway between Lenoir and Morganton. Waiting for those who want to take a chance on hang gliding are Craig and Laura Pearson. They own and operate Thermal

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY THERMAL VALLEY INC. Craig Pearson takes a client on a hang gliding experience.

Valley, a service that introduces people to hang gliding. “What we try to do is to give people an idea of what hang gliding is all about,” Craig Pearson

said. “After they take that flight, they can decide if they want to become a hang glider pilot. The vast majority takes that one flight.” Pearson said the first

GRANDFATHER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36

named Logan and Trinity, who moved into the attraction’s renovated cougar habitat last fall. Although the mountain makes its own statement with its inhabitants and majestic beauty, its caretakers, the staff and employees that maintain the operate the attraction, are in a class by themselves. “Another major draw is our reputation for customer service,” Ruggiero added. “Our staff always goes above and beyond to make sure our guests have an extraordinary experience. We’re not about moving mountains; just people.” Grandfather features unique hiking trails and pathways for visitors of all ages seeking a time to venture out and grow closer with nature, but may have varying degrees of difficulty when it comes to reaching one’s destination. “Oftentimes, this is people’s first connection with nature at Grandfather. Maybe someone has read about it or gone on a brief stroll on a greenway, but haven’t really ventured out into the woods and up close with nature. A lot of people have genuine concerns about that, and whether it’s safe, especially out alone, so we

PHOTO COURTESY SHARON GLATTHORN | GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION Doc the elk, one of the newest inhabitants at Grandfather Mountain, is one of three elk that make the habitat their home since their arrival to the attraction in December 2017.

like to oﬀer kind of a bridge to that world as well,” Ruggiero said. “They can drive up to a trail, they can take a short stroll, or if they’re more experienced hikers, they can venture for miles. They can go to Calloway Peak or MacRae Peak and get back into the backcountry. There are hiking possibilities for any level, whether

flight for people is done in tandem with an instructor, much like a first time skydiver. A plane takes the tandem to at least 1,500 feet up to a mile above ground, and then the instructor guides them back to earth. There are a few restrictions. All clients must weigh between 90 and 235 pounds. Anybody under 16-years-old must have parental permission before flying, including a signed waiver. Pearson said the youngest person to go up in the air was 8 years old, who was his daughter. The youngest nonrelative to the Pearson to try hang gliding was 9 years old. Age is no excuse for not going. The oldest person

he’s had to try hang gliding was 83 years old. Pearson also said those under 18 must past what is called a “maturity test,” which includes their abilities to follow instructions, especially in the air. The students fly on top of the instructors in separate harnesses below the glider. A landing gear consisting of three wheels, similar to one on a small plane, is attached to the instructor. The clients go through orientation for about 10 minutes before they are strapped into the harness. “They would be directly above me,” Pearson said. “They would not have a lot of control. It’s why for

beginner or strenuous hikers, and all points in between.” From the Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum to the vast array of environments and wildlife habitats to the museum restaurant with fresh-made fare that includes its popular and sustainably-made fudge, there’s something for everyone at the mountain. “You can spend the entire day here and find a whole new set of activities to do here the next day as well,” Ruggiero added. Grandfather Mountain is perhaps bestknown for two facets of the attraction: the Mile-High Swinging Bridge and its wildlife habitats. The Mile-High Swinging Bridge, America’s highest suspension footbridge, was built to give visitors easy access to the breathtaking view from Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak. The suspension bridge spans 228 feet and an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation, and is a highlight of any trip. Grandfather Mountain’s wildlife habitats are a must-see for any visitor, featuring a variety of animals found in a habitat most like its natural surroundings outside of captivity. Throughout the decades, Grandfather Mountain has attracted visitors from all

insurance purposes that we give them a maturity test if they’re younger than 16.” And the reaction from the clients? “My wife tells me that I live for the glider eyes,” Pearson said. “Their eyes are really big and they’ve got a big grin. Sometimes I’ve got to lead them around because they don’t know where they’re at. We’ve really never had anybody who disliked their flight.” The company is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon. All trips are by appointment only, and can be made at the company’s website www.thermalvalley.net. A schedule is on one of the links.

walks fo life. The mountain welcomes all comers through its gates to, as Muir so eloquently described, “take a course in the eternal youth of Nature.” “Grandfather Mountain has attracted visitors throughout the centuries, from French botanist Andre Michaux to country legend Johnny Cash. Like our guests today, they were drawn to the mountain’s dramatic, natural beauty,” Ruggiero explained. “The mountain is hundreds of millions of years old, yet timeless. When you stand on a cliffside looking toward the horizon, you feel as though you’re in another world, another time and place.” Whether you’re a frequent visitor to Grandfather or simply wish to experience nature at an elevated level for the first time, Grandfather Mountain offers something for everyone that few locations can boast. “There’s practically a mile-high list of things to do when you visit Grandfather Mountain. We always recommend that folks spend at least three to four hours on the mountain to enjoy much of what we have to offer, although it’s not usual for a family to spend a whole day here and then come back later the same week for a whole new experience,” Ruggiero said. “As we like to say, the wonders never cease.”

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2018

Calling all clans Grandfather Mountain Highland Games honors Scottish heritage

BY JAMIE SHELL

ne of the best-known and highly attended events in the High Country is the annual gathering of the Scottish clans on Grandfather Mountain’s MacRae Meadows for the annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. Based on Scotland’s Braemar Gathering and founded in 1956 by Agnes MacRae Morton and former reporter for The Charlotte News, Donald MacDonald, GMHG has become one of the signature Scottish gatherings and games in the entire country. Both local residents and visitors from far and wide make the pilgrimage to the mountain near Linville to reconnect with their heritage, take part in myriad athletic competitions, taste the variety of food options ranging from Scottish traditional dishes to all-American foods and snacks,

reminisce with kith and kin or simply sit back and enjoy the dulcet tones of traditional music of pipes and drums. “It seems that when you discover that you are part of a “family” most social divisions disappear,” GMHG Assistant General Manager, Oﬃce Operations Thomas Taylor said. “There seems to be a trend in our society to discover one’s roots. When someone discovers that they have Celtic lineage, a festival like our’s is geared to gather these people regardless of age, social status, gender or any other demographic. We are called the Gathering of the Clans. Even if you are not of Scottish descent, we still oﬀer a truly welcoming and family oriented environment for everyone.” GMHG is held beside and within a 440yard oval running track, as athletic running reflects the origins of Scottish games. The

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Celebrating 36Years

SEE GAMES ON PAGE 46

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2018

Fly fishing can be relaxing and fun BY STEVE BEHR

GET YOUR GEAR

ishing in the mountains may not be like it is during the opening theme of the “Andy Griffin Show” where Andy and Opie go walking down a dirt road to the fishing hole. Then again, maybe it is. There are several places to go fly-fishing in High Country, varying from pre-stocked streams, to the secret places that only the natives can find. Either way, fly-fishing can be a great way to spend a summer afternoon. Experts know all the tricks when it comes to which fish are in the streams, and what equipment should be used to catch them. John Caveny, the head ranger at Grandfather Mountain, is an avid fly fisherman and can lend a hand for those who may be trying it out for the first time. “The first thing your would need is a fishing license,” Caveny said. “You would need to go to any place that sells licenses. Walmart sells them. Several convenience stores or gas stations or general stores sell them. Many fly fishing outfitter stores sell them.” Caveny cautioned that there is an extra fee for certain types of trout fishing and a fine could be levied if the license does not have a designated trout stamp. “I would make sure that — and a lot of confusion comes from and a lot of tickets are given – if you are going to target trout species, you have to have a special trout stamp that comes with the license,” he said. “Costs about $10 to buy that. You have to have that if you’re going to fish in the mountain trout waters.” The next thing on the list is the fly rod and a fly reel. Several different brands and styles are on the market, but all may not be what’s best for the novice fisherman. The novice fisherman can use a less expensive brand until his skills improve enough to move up to a better fishing rod. “The best way I started was going to some of these local fly-fishing outfitters,” Caveny said. “They’ll help point you in the right direction as to what creeks were just stocked. They’ll tell you what flies are really effective at that time. With fly fishing, the flies you are using are imitating the bugs that are in the water or flying around the water at the time.” The fish are looking for bait that looks like food. The flies being used are specifically made to look like bugs or possible food

METROCREATIVECONNECTION.COM There are several places to go fly-fishing in the High Country, varying from prestocked streams, to the secret places that only the natives can find.

sources that are around the area. But outsmarting the fish isn’t always easy. “The fish that are in the water or in the streams are more in-tuned to the hatchery fish are,” Caveny said. “The hatchery supported fish are fed Trout Chow for most of their lives, so they’re more apt to bite at just about anything. If you are fishing for the wild fish, you have to be a little more intentional on picking out what patterns you’re fishing with.” Whether the fish or biting can depend on a number of factors, including the weather. It can get warm in the High Country, although not necessarily as hot as it can be in the Charlotte or Raleigh areas and beyond. Still, the waters will warm up during the summer months from the winter months, where some waters can turn to ice and the fish are not nearly as active. That could make a difference when it comes to catching fish, particularly trout, in the summer. Trout is not as accustomed to the warmer waters and may be more difficult to catch. But trout is similar to people when it comes to beating the heat. They also look for shaded areas in the waters to swim, and try to avoid the open areas. Caveny said there are different designations of trout water. One of them is a hatchery-supported stream, which means a

truck from a hatchery stocks the streak with trout that has a better chance of surviving in the water. “Normally, the water isn’t suitable enough to hold native trout population,” Caveny said. “The water might get too warm and if it gets too warm, then the native fish would not be able to survive, for people to have the opportunity to catch fish, so they’ll stock it in the hatchery.” The other designation is the light harvest water, which is not used for hatchery fishing until June. There are diﬀerent lure restrictions on the diﬀerent trout streams. For the light harvest water, no worms or live bait or corn are allowed. A spinning tackle, whether it has just one hook or three hooks on it, is not allowed. “Hatchery streams can use any kind of bait, live or artificial,” Caveny said. “In the light harvest water, until it goes to hatchery supported, it artificial lures only.” Then there is wild water, which has fish that is native to the state without the support of hatcheries. The water either stays cool enough or enough diversity that it can sustain a variety of fish. The fish are also better at determining what is food and what is not. They are also more likely to stay away from an area that has been disturbed. “The fish are a lot smaller,” Caveny said.

Appalachian Angler 174 Old Shull’ Mill Road Boone, N.C. 828-963-5050 www.appangler.com Due South Outfitters 1082 E. King St. Suite 6 Boone, N.C. 28607 www.dueouthoutitter.com Elk Creek Outfitter 1560 N.C. Highway 105 Boone, 28607 828-264-6497 www.ecoflufishing.com Foscoe Fishing Co. & Outfitters 8857 N.C. Highway 105 Boone, N.C. 28607 828-963-6556 www.foscoefishing.com Highland Outfitters 4210 Memorial Ave. Suite 1 Linville, N.C. 28646 828-733-2181 RiverGirl Finishing Co. 4041 Railroad Grade Road Todd, N.C. 28684 336-877-3099 www.rivergirlishing.com Watauga River Fly Fishing 5712 N.C. Highway 105 Vilas, N.C. 828-963-5463 www.wrflyshop.com Riverstone Fly Fishing 431 Old Hartley Road Banner Elk, N.C. 828-719-1543 Grandfather Trout Ponds 10767 North Carolina Highway 105 Banner Elk, N.C. 828-963-5098 Wildlife Unlimited Hunting 1864 Old Highway 421 South Boone, N.C. 828-386-4241 “They’re not nearly as big as the hatchery-supported fish, but they are beautifully colored. They are usually smaller, but they color of those fish and they’re wild fish so they act completely different that they stocked fish.” Caveny said waders aren’t a necessity to fish while standing in the river, as they are in the winter when the water gets quite cold. “Some people will wear waders yearround,” he said. “I think they can get hot, so I’d rather put a pair of gym shorts on and just get wet that way.”

2018

SUMMER TIMES

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• Compost • Custom Container Gardens

2018

Visit the High Country’s Favorite Destination Garden Shop

• English Hayracks • Fairy Gardens • Garden Benches • Hardy Conifers • Hedgehogs • Iron Gates • Italian Pottery • Japanese Maples • Landscape Design & Installation • Native Trees & Shrubs

FILE PHOTO Among the activities for kids hat take place during the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games is the children’s tug o’ war.

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Games is one of the few Scottish events in the United States to have its own track. MacRae Meadows, high on the slopes of historic Grandfather Mountain, closely resembles Kintail in Scotland’s Wester Ross. Also similar in nature is the mountain’s terrain, native wildflowers and even the weather and climate. Each year, GMHG opens with the running of The Bear, an event added in 1995 that tests the endurance of participants courageous enough to tackle the challenging course. The event begins in downtown Linville and extends five miles, climbing greater than 1,500 feet in elevation with a finish at the picturesque Mile-High Swinging Bridge atop the mountain. Numerous events dot the landscape at the Highland Games. The traditional torchlight ceremony, gathering of clans and parade of tartans signal the oﬃcial beginning of the Games, with varied entertainment. Scottish music fans are treated to daily and evening concerts in the Groves throughout the weekend, with night concerts at the Meadows on Friday and Saturday, spotlighting the best and brightest in Scottish music in genres as diverse as traditional pipe tunes and heavy metal music. Scottish country dancing, classical bagpipe music, sheepherding exhibitions and athletics keep MacRae Meadows abuzz with activity. Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

FILE PHOTO Traditional Scottish dance is one of the many activities taking place throughout the weekend on MacRae Meadows at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

Inc. is a charitable organization with proceeds from each year’s event benefiting an annual scholarship fund, which at one time awarded scholarships to graduate students wishing to study in Scotland, but now assists local students with furthering their education in this country. For more information on the Games, to purchase tickets, for entertainment information and more, visit the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games website by clicking to www.gmhg.org, or call (828) 733-1333.

SUMMER TIMES

2018

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2018

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2018

PAGE 49

2018 ST TRAIL GUIDE BY ROB MOORE

f you are an outdoorsman and love to hike, there’s several options for you in the Boone area. Some hikes are challenging, some not so much, but most oﬀer scenery and options for photographers in the spring, summer, fall or winter. The trails listed below are just a handful but please do your research before you decide to hike. Flip-flops are not what you want to wear on a hike.

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY TRAILS Trails located along the Blue Ridge Parkway oﬀer hikers just about any level of trekking their hearts might desire. Some of the trails are long and challenging, others are short loops leading to waterfalls or scenic vistas. For more information, phone (828) 295-7591 or (828) 295-3782. • Mountains to the Sea Trail: The trail is broken down into sections. The sections closest to Boone is sections 1317: Blue Ridge Parkway North Beacon Heights to Devil’s Garden Overlooks. It covers 88-miles and crosses several main roadways. It actually begins at the rugged base of Grandfather Mountain. For more information visit the website: www.ncmst. org. • Doughton Park Trails: Doughton Park, located in Ashe County near Laurel Springs, has over 30 miles of hiking trails ranging from modest strolls to day-long outings. Some examples include: Bluﬀ Mountain Trail: 7.5 miles, moderate; Cedar Ridge Trail: 4.4 miles, strenuous; Grassy Gap Fire Road: 6.5 miles, easy (horses allowed); Basin Creek Trail: 6.6 miles, moderate; Fodder Stack Trail: 2 miles, moderate. Milepost 241. Call (336) 3728568 for trail maps. • The Cascades Trail: One of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s most scenic trails—and one of its easiest—this 0.5 mile turnaround leads to the scenic Cascades waterfalls. It begins at the Cascades parking lot, about three miles north of Deep Gap, Milepost 271.9. • Moses Cone Carriage Trails: Easy to moderate. The Moses Cone Park includes 25 miles of gently sloping carriage trails of varying lengths, available to hikers, joggers, horseback riders and cross-coun-

try skiers. Most trails begin near the Moses Cone Manor, Milepost 294.0. • Green Knob Trail: Starting at Sims Pond (Milepost 295), this moderate 2.4 mile trail winds along a stream through rhododendron forest, then changes scenery to climb up along a ridgeline. • Boone Fork Trail: A moderate/ strenuous loop leading through deep woods and along a cascading river of 4.9 miles in length. The trailhead is located in the Price Park Picnic Area, Milepost 296.5. • Price Lake Trail: An easy trail leading around scenic Price Lake for 2.7 miles. If you are lucky the beavers will be working. Trailhead is at Price Lake parking area, Milepost 297.0. • Tanawha Trail: This trail, 13 miles in length, can be started at either the Price Park Campground, in Blowing Rock, or at the Linn Cove Viaduct’s parking lot, at Grandfather Mountain (Milepost 305.5). Check with Grandfather Mountain for a map of the trail. • Linn Cove Viaduct Access Trail: The world-famous Linn Cove Viaduct, an engineering masterpiece, can best be seen from this trail, which begins at the Linn Cove Visitor Center, Milepost 304.4. The trail actually travels underneath the bridge, giving hikers an unparalleled view of this unique construction project. The trail is handicapped accessible for part of the way, and is a relatively easy stroll, but does link up with the Mountains to the Sea Trail, Nuwati, Boone Fork and the Tanawha Trail. • Beacon Heights: A short hike gives you access to great views of Grandfather, the Linville Falls area, Hawksbill, and Table Rock. A nice place to hang out in the sun. Milepost 305.2. • Linville Falls Trails: Several trails begin at the Linville Falls Visitor Center, in Linville Falls. All less than a mile in length, some lead to the top of the falls while two lead to the bottom of Linville Falls. All are recommended, although the lower falls trails can be a bit strenuous but give the better images from below. Milepost 316.4. • Linville River Bridge Trail: This very short trail takes you down to the Linville River underneath one of the oldest old arched stone bridges on the Parkway. Picnic tables, restrooms, and water are all

SEE GUIDE ON PAGE 52

Conley Cove Trail

The No. 2 most-traveled trail in the Linville Gorge BY ROB MOORE

onley Cove is one of the favorites of the Linville Gorge for many hikers. At No. 2, it is a well-traveled trail that will test you — but not like some of the others in the wilderness area. It was set up to ease the pain of the 1,025 feet of elevation gain just more than a mile long. It was as if the planners of the trail took note of how cows move over the fields here in the mountains. They zig zag for good reason. The one thing that always sneaks up on hikers looking to hike the gorge is the easy stroll down to the Linville River. After a day of splashing in the water or having a day picnic, they have to work hard to get back to the truck or car. Yes, it will have you breathing real hard at times, but thanks to the switchbacks, it is easier. Most hikes begin with a hike upward for the payoﬀ. These hikes are the opposite and test the mental process of many hikers – especially the newbies and day hikers. This is really a trail to start on in the gorge before you try a trail such as Pinchin, Cabin or Devils Hole. It starts out easy enough as it meanders down to where the real elevation starts to change. It is narrow at some points, but for the most part wide enough and there is no danger of going over — so just stay on the trail. You will pass the entrance to Rock Jock trail, which travels the west rim and does not venture down. It has great views and campsites. Traveling further down it is rocky and goes by a cliﬀ area hikers love to stop at and rest or check out the formations. This is a hard switchback as it begins to head down on the other side of the ravine. A small stream trickles down to the river and provides a variety of wild

PHOTO BY ROB MOORE The cliffs shown here are a favorite resting place going down or heading up the trail.

plants and flowers as the seasons progress. You will encounter Turtle Heads in late summer as well as, a variety of other wildflowers. Be careful of Stinging Nettle (sting weed) toward the bottom. It grows along side of the trail and if brushed against it will itch like crazy– worse with sweat. In the spring/summer this trail has plenty of birds. You can occasionally hear a woodpecker sounding oﬀ on a tree. If it goes silent, just be on alert for an animal traveling through. Heck, it could just be you. Once you reach the bottom it is a camping paradise. There are plenty of excellent sites to pitch your tent for the night or nights. Head up or down the Linville Gorge Trail to find the swim holes. This is a known area to have SEE CONLEY COVE ON PAGE 68

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2018

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GUIDE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49

available. Going North on the Parkway, take a left towards the Linville picnic area and another left just before entering the picnic area. Milepost 316.5. • Chestoa View Loop Trail: A little over a half a mile long, this trail gives you a great view of Table Rock. Milepost 320.8. • Crabtree Falls Trail: A strenuous 2.6 mile loop which leads to both the bottom and top of Crabtree Falls. This trail begins and ends in the Crabtree Falls Campground’s parking area, near Little Switzerland, Milepost 339.5. • Other Trails: Several small trails of varying diﬃculty dot the Parkway south past the Linn Cove Viaduct. For a listing of mileposts and trail lengths, call the Gillespie Gap ranger oﬃce at (828) 765-6082.

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN TRAILS Grandfather Mountain, one of the tallest and most rugged in the Eastern United States, is crisscrossed with well maintained trails, most of them for experienced hikers. Some lead into Grandfather’s deep woods, but most scale cliﬀs that can sometimes be dizzying in height. Always carry water, food and a trail map and wear sturdy boots. Permits are required for trail access, and hikers are strongly advised to exercise caution in case of thunderstorms or other adverse weather conditions. For further information phone (828) 733-2013 or (828) 737-0833, send an e-mail to hiking@ grandfather.com or look online at www. grandfather.com. Park Side Trails • The Bridge Trail: Grandfather’s newest trail begins at the Black Rock Parking Area and meanders through forested areas, eventually traveling underneath the Mile High Swinging Bridge. An easy 30 minute walk. • Black Rock Nature Trail: This self-guided nature trail begins in the parking lot just below Grandfather’s Swinging Bridge and is good for beginning hikers. It’s a 1.0 mile turn-around through the forests of this majestic mountain. Oﬀers an excellent view. Crest Trails • Grandfather Trail: This is the big one! It begins at Grandfather Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge and eventually hits all of Grandfather’s three highest peaks. This 2.4 mile trail requires approximately 5 hours of hiking time to travel the entire length. It’s extremely rugged, with

only wooden ladders making some sheer cliﬀ faces accessible. It intersects with several other trails at its northern terminus. • Underwood Trail: 0.5 mile bypass around McRae Peak that lets hikers avoid most of the ladders, ropes and/or severe weather on the peak. There is one ladder. Strenuous and rocky. West Side Trails • Profile Trail: About 3.5 miles. The lower part of the trail is an easy out-andback leg stretcher, but the upper section is fairly strenuous. Links with Calloway Trail. The trailhead is located near the Shoppes of Tynecastle on Highway 105 in Banner Elk where the parking lot is well-signed and spacious. • Calloway Trail: 0.3 mile strenuous trail that links the Profile Trail (at Shanty Spring) and the Grandfather Trail (at Calloway Gap) • Bottom-to-Top Linked Trail Outing: Profile Trail (2.7 miles) to Calloway Trail (0.3 mile) to Grandfather Trail (2.4 miles) Very strenuous – an all day outing for serious hikers only. East Side Trails • Daniel Boone Scout Trail: Strenuous. Ascends 2,000 feet in just 2.6 miles (allow 4.5 hours for round trip). Recommended access is from the Boone Fork Parking Area via the Tanawha Trail. Strenuous and steep trail to Calloway Peak, the highest point in the Blue Ridge. • Nuwati Trail: 1.2 miles, easy but rocky. Located 0.4 miles on Tanawha Trail from Boone Fork Parking Area. • Cragway Trail: Rocky and strenuous trail that links Nuwati and Daniel Boone Scout Trails. Beautiful views from this trail. 1.0 mile. • Asutsi Trail: 0.4 mile. An easy connecting trail from Hwy 221 at Serenity Farm to Boone Fork Footbridge. Provides winter access to the East Side Trails.

PERMITS Permits are required for hiking all Grandfather Mountain trails and are available at the following locations: Grandfather Mountain Main Entrance, U.S. 221, Linville. Trailhead entrances at the Nuwati and Profile Trail provide a free permit into the park.

LINVILLE GORGE TRAILS Here is a list of some of the more popular and longer trails in the Gorge area. The Linville Gorge Wilderness is one of the most remote, rugged wilderness areas in the entire Eastern United States. Trails are

marked at the trailhead, but are not signed or blazed once inside the wilderness. Make sure you know how to read a topographical map and use a compass. Be prepared! Some trails include crossings of the Linville River--exercise extreme caution when crossing moving water. Hikers, campers, and rock climbers get lost within this wilderness area annually, and deaths are not uncommon. Contact the U.S. Forest Service office in Marion for maps, permits, information on other trails, and safety details. Permits are required for overnight outings. For more information, phone (828) 652-2144. • Linville Gorge Trail: 11.5 miles ranging from easy to strenuous, wellmarked to poorly maintained. Not for beginners! Take your compass and topo map and enjoy riverside hiking through virgin forest in the bottom of the gorge. • Sandy Flats Trail: A strenuous trail on the west rim of the Linville Gorge. 1.3 mile in length and rather poorly maintained – be careful! • Babel Tower Trail: Located on the west rim, this trail has an elevation change of 1,000 feet within 1.3 miles. Trail Report: Click here to view slideshow • Cabin Trail: A strenuous 1-mile descent starting at Forest Service Road 1238. Poorly marked and maintained, so take your map and compass and exercise extra caution. • Cambric Branch Trail: Accessed from Shortoff Mountain Trail, this 1.2 mile trail descends along a ridgeline into the gorge. Your strenuous exercise is rewarded with good views. • Conley Cove: This is a popular trail thanks to its more gradual descent into the gorge. It accesses Rock Jock Trail on the way to the gorge floor. A moderate 1.3 mile hike with good views along the way. • Bynum Bluff Trail: One mile long, this west rim trail starts out easy but becomes strenuous. A short spur from the main trail leads to great views of the river and gorge. • Devil’s Hole Trail: This strenuous 1.5 mile trail descends into the gorge and connects with the Linville Gorge Trail. Be careful crossing the river! • East Rim Trails: Included are Devil’s Hole Trail (1.5 miles); Jonas Ridge Trail (4.4 mile roundtrip); Table Rock Gap Trail (1.6 miles). These and many other Linville Gorge trails interconnect to make trips of varying length. • Pinch In Trail: The southernmost access trail into the wilderness area, this very steep and rocky trail is a strenuous 1.4 miles that affords good views.

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• Spence Ridge Trail: A moderate 1.7 mile descent from the east rim to the gorge floor, this is a well-used access point to the area. Cross the river to connect to the Linville Gorge Trail. • Table Rock Summit Trail: 1.4 miles, moderate. This trail ascends from the Table Rock parking area to the towering, 4,000 foot summit on the rim of the gorge. Views are worth the hike. The Mountains to the Sea Trail uses/crosses over this trail. • Shortoﬀ Mountain Trail: A moderate 5.2 mile roundtrip starts at the Table Rock parking area. The 2.6 mile trail follows the dramatic edge of the Linville Gorge to Shortoﬀ Mountain, with great views of the gorge, Lake James, and the NC Piedmont. • Hawksbill Trail: This 1.5 mile moderate roundtrip starts on Forest Service road 210. The short steep hike goes to the top of Hawksbill Mountain. The top provides beautiful views of the gorge and back to Table Rock.

WILSON CREEK PROPOSED WILDERNESS AREA The Wilson Creek Proposed Wilderness area, National Forest Service land composed of Lost Cove Ridge and the Harper’s Creek Area, borders the Blue Ridge Parkway in Avery County. Twenty-five miles of primitive wilderness trails offer excellent hiking and backpacking opportunities for travelers in this little-known, out of the way (but only about 45 minutes from Boone!) wilderness area. Call Pisgah National Forest at (828) 6822144 for details. Maps available through the Pisgah office or area outfitters. The following are a few of the trails offered in this area: • Huntfish Falls: Moderately strenuous, 1.4 mile roundtrip descends steeply to a big pool beneath a 10 ft. falls. Starts on forest service road 464. • Lost Cove Trail: This moderate 6 mile roundtrip starts at Huntfish Falls and follows Lost Cove Creek for 3 miles. • Big Lost Cove Cliffs Trail: Easy 3 mile roundtrip starts on forest service road (FSR) 464. Offers excellent view of Grandfather Mountain. • Wilson Creek Trail/Wilson Creek Access/White Rocks Trail: These three trails combine to create an 8.8 mile, moderate to strenuous outing. Offers remote outdoors with fishing, abundant wildlife and rugged terrain. • Harper Creek Trail: Strenuous 6.3 SEE GUIDE ON PAGE 68

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COURTESY OF WAHOO’S ADVENTURES Wahoo’s Adventures is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Water fun abounds in the High Country BY CARL BLANKENSHIP

hile the High Country draws tourists for the beauty of the mountains and the serene experience of traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway, others are drawn to the natural waterways that run through its valleys. From adventure outfitters who specialize in customized float trips to public recreation areas, there are plenty of places to take a dip or go on an adventure.

ADVENTURE COMPANIES

For those exploring our rivers and streams for the first time, or even rediscovering them for the thousandth, local adventure companies such as Wahoo’s and River and Earth Adventures oﬀer unique adventures for all demographics. From gentle floats down the New River to pulse-pounding whitewater rafting adventures, these businesses oﬀer a variety of unique way to explore the waterways of the High Country.

Come Prepared Do not embark on a waterway adventure without appropriate personal flotation devices (PFD), popularly known as life jackets, fitted snugly on everyone in your party. Even competent swimmers can become incapacitated by hazards, be caught in currents impossible to swim against, or struggle while attempting to save someone else. Even water that seems mildly chilly can be extremely difficult and debilitating to swim in.

WAHOO’S ADVENTURES Wahoo’s is celebrating a landmark 40th season as the first adventure company in the High Country with 40-themed specials. Founder and owner Jeﬀ Stanley started Wahoo’s 40 years ago after spending his college years enjoying the water as a hobby and went on to help start outdoor programs at Appalachian State University. The company oﬀers a variety of water

and land activities at different locations around the High Country. They also offer extreme rafting on Wilson Creek. Check out their website for a full list of information on what they offer and booking information. Wahoo’s has outposts on the New River in Ashe County, as well as the Nolichucky and Watauga rivers in Tennessee. The company offers campgrounds and accommodations on the New and Watauga rivers, as well as hot showers, changing rooms and restrooms at each of its outposts. By locating these full-service outposts in strategic locations, Stanley says customers can avoid long bus rides that sometimes come with water adventures. By locating these full-service outposts in strategic locations, Stanley shares that customers can avoid long bus rides that sometimes come with water adventures. Wahoo’s central office is located at 3385 US Hwy. 321 in Boone. For more information call 1-(800) 444-RAFT, (828) 262-5774 or click to www.wahoosadventures.com.

RIVER AND EARTH ADVENTURES With a focus on outdoor adventure and education, River and Earth Adventures has outposts in Vilas, Todd, Marshall and Elizabethton, Tenn., and a presence on the New, Watauga and French Broad rivers. Oﬀering the full gamut of water activities, River and Earth also oﬀers environmental education programs, caving, hiking, rock climbing and gem mining. For the truly bold who have the proper experience, the company will also take a group of experts down the 5 1/2-mile Watauga Gorge when water levels permit, tackling class three, four and five rapids. Speaking with River and Earth Manager and Program Director Grant Seldomridge, River and Earth provides not only guided tours but rentals, guide services and assistance for those who have their own equipment. “If people have their own equipment, SEE WATER ON PAGE 58

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there are public and private areas on the Watauga and New rivers to access,” Seldomridge said. “If they need shuttle service to help with their own boats, we can help with that. If they need rental equipment, we can provide that.” River and Earth’s main oﬃce is located at 5578 US Hwy. 421 in Vilas. For more information on the company’s adventures, call (828) 355-9797 or click to www.raftcavehike.com.

HIGH MOUNTAIN EXPEDITIONS 3149 Tynecastle Hwy., Banner Elk, NC (828) 898-9786 1380 NC Hwy. 105 South, Boone, NC (828) 266-7238 1000 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC (828) 898-9786 1237 North Main Ave., Erwin, Tenn. (828) 898-9786 1551 Broad St., Elizabethton, TN (828) 898-9786 Company Number: (828) 202-1723 www.highmountainexpeditions.com

HIKEMORE ADVENTURES 9041 NC Hwy. 181, Jonas Ridge, NC

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(828) 595-HIKE www.hikemoreadventures.com

ASHE COUNTY NEW RIVER The oldest river in the Western Hemisphere, the headwaters of the New River are formed by the convergence of two rivers near the small community of Weavers Ford in Ashe County. A number of campgrounds and river guides dot the shores of the river’s south fork, and New River State Park oﬀers camping, hiking and fishing, as well as educational programs on the river’s ecology.

NEW RIVER STATE PARK 358 New River State Park Road, Laurel Springs, NC (336) 982-2587 www.ncparks.gov/new-river-state-park

GREEN VALLEY COMMUNITY PARK 3896 Big Hill Rd., Todd, NC 828-278-8002 www.greenvalleypark.org

RIVER CAMP USA 2221 Kings Creek Rd Piney Creek, NC (336) 359-2267

FILE PHOTO Elk River Falls if a popular tourist spot and are one of several natural waterfalls to be found across the High Country.

www.rivercampusa.com

ZALOO’S CANOES KAYAKS AND TUBES 3874 NC Hwy. 16, Jeﬀerson, NC 1-800-535-4027 www.zaloos.com

NEW RIVER OUTFITTERS 10725 US Hwy. 221 North, Scottville, NC (336) 982-9192 www.canoethenew.com

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Visit Westglow Resort & Spa and Rowland’s Restaurant to indulge in one of the world’s top rated destination spa

Country. Visit www.westglow.com for more information. For dining reservations, please call 828.295.5141 or visit OpenTable.com.

Starters Corn Veloute Bonnie’s Heirloom Tomato Salad Beet Salad Rowland’s House Salad Burrata Summer Salad King Salmon Sashimi King Prawn Pan Seared Duck Foie Gras Charcuterie & Local Cheese Plate

Entrées Pan Roasted Ashley’s Farm Chicken Breast Grilled Rack of Lamb 30-Day Aged New York Strip Miso Marinated Sea Bass Whole Maine Lobster Grilled Ora King Salmon Pasta Gorgonzola

Desserts Mountain Berry Crisp Chocolate Earth Lemon Tart Sour Cream Cheesecake House-Made Ice Cream Trioo House-Made Sorbet Trio

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2018

www.ValleCrucis.com

Dutch Creek Trails 828-297-7117

St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church ca. 1858

A haven for travelers since the 1800s, Valle Crucis, a National Rural Historic District, offers shops, beautiful bed and breakfast inns, delicious cuisine, wine tasting, rustic cabins, horseback riding, adventure and more.

Little Red School House ca. 1907

Original Mast General Store Est. 1883 828-963-6511

Over Yonder Restaurant & Bar 828-963-6301

Valle Crucis Conference Center Est. 1842 828-963-4453

Taylor House Inn Bed & Breakfast ca. 1911 800-963-5581

Valle Crucis Community Web Directory Dutch Creek Trails - dutchcreektrails.com Mast Farm Inn - themastfarminn.com Mast General Store - mastgeneralstore.com Mountainside Lodge B&B - mountainsidelodgebb.com Over Yonder - overyondernc.com Rivercross Made in USA - rivercrossmadeinusa.com Taylor House Inn - taylorhouseinn.com Valle Crucis Conference Center - vcconferences.org

Mast Store Annex Outfitters & Candy Barrel ca. 1909 828-963-6511

Rivercross Made in USA 828-963-8623

Mountainside Lodge Bed & Breakfasat 877-687-4333

Mast Farm Inn Lodging & Restaurant ca. 1812 828-963-5857

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WATER

DOWN BY THE RIVER CAMPGROUND 292 River Campground Road, Newland, NC (828) 733-5057 www.downbytherivercampground.com

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RIVERSIDE CANOE 2966 Garvey Bridge Road, Crumpler, NC (336) 982-9439 www.riversidecanoeing.com

AVERY COUNTY ELK RIVER Running along a North Carolina Scenic Byway from Banner Elk to the small town of Elk Park, the Elk Riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rapid flowing waters are certainly a sight to behold. Near the town of Elk Park, the river crescendos in a beautiful display at majestic Elk River Falls, near the North Carolina-Tennessee. While this spectacular, 50foot waterfall is breathtaking, and can be safely enjoyed from the shore, visitors are cautioned against jumping from the falls into the plunge basin below, as many fatalities have occurred there over the years.

Flowing from its headwaters near Tynecastle, The Linville River turns into a cascading waterfall near the community of Linville Falls before forming the heart of the breathtaking Linville Gorge. Visitors to the area will want to make a stop at the Linville Falls Visitor Center at Blue Ridge Parkway mile marker 316 for a short hike to stunning views of the 150-foot falls.

encircled by an extremely east .8-mile walking trail, allowing scenic views and a pleasant stroll. The trail also connects to a more extensive network of carriage trails for more ambitious hikers.

NORTH TOE RIVER

PRICE LAKE

With its headwaters situated near Newland in Avery County, The North Toe River runs for miles through a gorgeous valley on a scenic stretch of U.S. Hwy. 19E in western Avery County, passing by a number of small communities and campgrounds on its way to Spruce Pine in Mitchell County.

Encircled by a 2.7-mile trail, Price Lake is located at mile marker 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. With Canoe rentals available, as well as campsites nearby, Price Lake is a beautiful spot for a day trip or an overnight excursion.

MOUNTAIN RIVER FAMILY CAMPGROUND 8555 South US Hwy. 19E, Newland, NC (828) 765-4810

BUCK HILL CAMPGROUND 6401 South US Hwy. 19E, Newland, NC (828) 766-6162 www.buckhillrvcampground.com

BLIND SQUIRREL BREWERY CAMPGROUND

LINVILLE RIVER

2018

4716 South U.S. Hwy. 19E Newland, NC (828) 765-9696

WATAUGA COUNTY BASS LAKE Part of Moses Cone Memorial Park, Bass Lake is

(828) 765-3008 www.downtownsprucepine.com www.craftyouradventure.com

More than just a furniture store! Hours:

Mon.-Sat.: 9am-5pm

279 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, NC 828-765-8261

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WATAUGA RIVER Beginning in Tynecastle and running along NC 105 to Valle Crucis, the Watauga River eventually empties into Watauga Lake in Tennessee. With hidden swimming holes and calm areas that allow for tubing and trout fishing, the river has a number of parks and campgrounds where the public can enjoy its beauty.

VALLE CRUCIS COMMUNITY PARK 2892 Broadstone Road, Banner Elk, NC (828) 963-9239

WATAUGA GORGE RIVER ACCESS 2531 Old Watauga River Road Sugar Grove, NC

GRANDFATHER CAMPGROUND 125 Profile View Road, Banner Elk, NC (828) 355-4535 www.grandfatherrv.com

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Oldest, Friendliest and most experienced rental in the area! “Once is never enough with us” Our fans come back year after year, after year. Best stretch of New River (America’s Oldest River) 5 miles, 10 miles, 16 miles or overnight! Camping is available downstream at the New River State Park. Go to www.ncparks.gov for information and reservations. Group camping is also available at Zaloo’s Outpost Big River Campground.

1-800-535-4027 RESERVATIONS NECESSARY!

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Make Reservations Online at www.zaloos.com

1976-2018

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High Country Camping BY DEREK HALSEY

great way to explore this beautiful region of Western North Carolina known as the High Country is to camp up in the cool mountains. Although firmly planted in the midd-south, because we are located in the highest mountains east of the Mississippi River, the summertime temperatures are an average of 10 to 15 degrees cooler than oﬀ the mountain. When the temperatures get unbearable elsewhere, the High Country is the destination for both amazing natural attractions, small and fun towns, live music and festivals, and unique weather. In the springtime, those with an explorer’s attitude begin to kick in their warmer weather activities. As the summer progresses, full-blown exploration, relaxation and good times hit their stride, always surrounded by the beauty of some of the oldest mountains on Earth. Grandfather Campground in Banner Elk, N.C., is a favorite for those who do not want to sleep on a trail. Within view of the famous Grandfather Mountain, it is a go-to spot for those wanting to be in the center of the action. “We have a lot of our seasonal campers get a hold of us in May, but after Memorial Day the campground begins to get packed,” said Brandi Young, of Grandfather Campground. “Then, we stay pretty full during June, July and August and then again in October. We have people that stay for the weekend or week, and others that stay for a month or six months. We are right on the Watauga River so we get a lot of fly fishermen and women. But there is so much other stuﬀ to do in the area that it keeps visitors entertained. The nearby Profile Trail also brings in a lot of hikers.” As for those hikers, campers and adventurers wanting to take advantage of the many opportunities in the High Country wilderness, Footsloggers is a go-to locally-owned store that is capable of fulfilling their gear needs. With two stores now open in Blowing Rock and Boone under the same ownership team, the outdoor equipment business is ready to roll as these summer months unfold. “The weather changes what seasonal or shoulder items that we sell,” said Thea Young, of Footsloggers. “If it is a chilly season, obviously we are going to sell more fleece. If it is a hot season, we’re going to sell more wicking shirts. If it is wet season, we’ll sell more Gor-tex footwear than breathable footwear.

GET THE GEAR YOU NEED

PHOTO BY DEREK HALSEY The High Country offers unique views for campers.

If we who run the business are doing our due diligence and looking ahead at the weather constantly, we are able to keep in stock the goods that will help our customers enjoy whatever their outdoor pursuits may be. It involves a little bit of a crystal ball. But, if we keep our eye on more long-term forecasts, then we can stay ahead of how the weather is going to impact us. This year, folks may need both sun-protective shirts and raincoats, and waterproof shoes and Chaco hiking sandals. You make a nice little daypack so that you are prepared if the weather changes, because it is always more fun when you are not miserable.” For those who like to camp and hear the sounds of nature as they relax, there are plenty of opportunities for you to do so at various remote locations. Below, you will find more civilized campgrounds listed as well as some information for those who like to rough it deep in the heart of the wilderness. Blue Bear Mountain Campground is located not far from Boone, N.C. With plenty of space and beautiful views to boot, there is much to like about this facility. The venue features primitive camping, luxury “glamping,” tepee camping and RV camping. It is located at 196 Blue Bear Mountain Road in Todd, N.C. and more information can be found at bluebearmountain.com and (828) 406-4226. The Boone KOA Campground is located at 123 Harmony Mountain Lane near Boone, N.C.. At almost 4,000 feet in elevation, it is the highest KOA campground east of the Mississippi River. Only four miles from town and nine miles from the New River, this KOA has all of the amenities you would expect including a game room, pool, mini-golf and even a small animal zoo. There are accommodations for tent, RV and cabins onsite. More information can be found at koa.com/campgrounds/boone/ or (828) 264-7250.

Located four miles from downtown Boone, Honey Bear Campground features a coffee shop, outdoor movies, various activities throughout the summer, a fishing pond and their famous “double swing.” For those wanting to relax in your RV at night in front of the TV, wi-fi is available for streaming and movies can be rented at the office. More information can be found at honeybearcampground.com or (828) 963-4586. Grandfather Campground is located at the base of the geological structure from which it got its name, Grandfather Mountain. Located off of RT. 105, there is easy access to all three towns of Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk. Providing tent sites, full hookup sites and cabins, this venue puts you in the heart of the High Country. The famous Profile Hiking Trail is just up the road as is the Blue Ridge parkway and all that goes with that scenic byway. The address for the campground is 125 Profile View Road, Banner Elk, N.C. and more information can be found at grandfatherrv.com or (800) 788-2582. Located on the edge of Boone, N.C., is the Flintlock Campground. The venue offers tent sites, full hookup sites and cabins along a mountain stream at 3,500 feet elevation. Family-owned and operated, Flintlock Campground features a newly redone bathhouse, free wi-fi, laundry facilities, camp store, cable TV and other amenities. More information can be found at flintlockcampground.com and (888) 850-9997. In the nearby town of Vilas, N.C., you will find the Vanderpool Campground. A family-oriented venue, the campground features level sites for big rigs, a camp store with ice cream and more, high speed wi-fi, outdoor games onsite, a bath house and a picnic pavilion. More information can be found at vanderpoolcampground.com or (828) 2973486.

Base Camp B.E. located at the red caboose at 441 Shawneehaw Road in Banner Elk, N,C. The Outdoor Lifestyle Consignment store is geared for those who camp and explore the natural areas of the High Country. More information can be found at (828) 898-2020. Pack Rats is a military surplus store that has plenty of gear for campers. It is located at 150 Linville St. in Newland, NC, and more information can be found at (828) 733-3600. Regear Outdoors is a consignment shop for all things camping and hiking. It is located in the heart of Boone, N.C., at 967 Rivers St. near Appalachian State University. More information can be found at (828) 386-3100. Mo’s Boots and Outdoor Gear is the place to find new and high quality hiking boots, clothing and more. The store is located at 1586 Old HWY 421 in Boone, NC. More information can be found at (828) 265-2668. Mast General Store has been around since the late 1800s and always features lines of products for the outdoorsman and women. There are three Mast Stores to choose from, one at 630 W. King Street in downtown Boone, the more rustic and varied selections found at their original store located at 3565 NC-194 in Sugar Grove, NC, and the nearby Mast Annex Store for good deals which is located at 2918 Broadstone Road, Banner Elk, N.C. More information can be found at www.mastgeneralstore.com, 828-262-0000 and (828) 963-6511. The Walmart Supercenter in Boone, N.C, features a section for camping and the outdoors. It is located in the Watauga Village Shopping Center at 200 Village Drive. More information can be found at (828) 262-0254. Footsloggers, located in the heart of downtown Blowing Rock, N.C, at 921 Main Street, is the store of choice for a wide array of new running shoes, hiking boots, outdoor clothing and much more to fill your outdoor gear needs. The store provides a nice selection of goods while conveniently located in the High Country close to thousands of miles of running trails, hiking trails and mountains to climb. Footsloggers has also re-opened a store at their old location in Boone, N.C. at 139 Depot Street. The good news is that the same people that own the franchise in Blowing Rock now also run the store in Boone. More information can be found at footsloggers.com. The Boone store can be reached at (828) 262-5111 and the Blowing Rock store can be reached at (828) 295-4453. You can also find the Rock Dimensions Climbing Tower beside their Boone site.

The Julian Price Park Campground is located right on the Blue Ridge Parkway next to Price Lake. The venue has 129 tent sites and 68 electric hookup sites, some located lakeside. The address for the campground is milepost 296 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and it features canoe rentals, ranger presentations in the amphitheater, fishing and other fun. More information can be found at www. recreation.gov or (828) 963-5911 and (877) 444-6777. For those seeking to hike in the mountains and wilderness areas, there are plenty of remote yet beautiful places to choose from in the High Country. Elk Knob State Park and Grandfather Mountain State Park allows camping with permits in certain trail areas. More information on camping in the wild and wonderful 500,000 acre Pisgah National Forest can be found at tinyurl.com/PisgahForestCamping.

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Turchin Center for the Visual Arts Eight galleries Changing exhibitions Contemporary artists FREE

Open to the public Open Tuesday-Saturday

423 W. King Street Boone

Humberto Saenz

tcva.org 828.262.3017

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mile trail, connects to 9 other area trails, leading to gorgeous waterfalls, aspiring views, and excellent backpacking opportunities.

MOUNT JEFFERSON PARK Mount Jefferson State Park covers 541 acres and hikers can view North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The abundance of plants and shrubs led to the area’s protection in 1975. For more info, phone (336) 246-9653. • Rhododendron Trail: A moderate 1.1 mile trail that starts near the end of the summit trail. Self-guided booklets are available at the trailhead, providing information about points of interest at various stations along the trail. The trail is at its most beautiful in early June when the purple-flowered Catawba rhododendron is in bloom. Magnificent view of summit ridge and valley below. • Summit Trail: Beginning at the parking lot on Mount Jefferson, the summit trail passes through the picnic ground and ascends 0.3 miles to the highest point on Mount Jefferson. Moderate.

ROAN MOUNTAIN TRAILS

BEECH MOUNTAIN TRAILS

Roan Mountain and the Roan Mountain Highlands straddle the North Carolina/ Tennessee border about a 45-minute drive from Boone. Several designated hiking trails, ranging up to four miles in length and varying in difficulty, meander through the park’s forests and stretches of Grassy Balds. For the experienced hiker, the famed Appalachian Trail crosses Roan Mountain at one of its most scenic junctures. The top of the mountain is open from April to October. For more information, phone (423) 772-3314. • Cloudland Trail: A 3-mile intermediate trail, the Cloudland Trail follows the crest of Roan Mountain, with a trailhead at the top of the Roan. • Gardens Trail: This trail, 1 mile in length, is paved and travels throughout Roan Mountain’s famed rhododendron gardens which usually bloom in June. This trail is handicapped accessible. • Appalachian Trail: The Appalachian Trail crosses Roan Mountain, literally going “right over the top.” It’s difficult trekking in spots, but well worth the effort. The view is beautiful and if you are lucky the horses might be grazing in the field. Check the AT trail maps for shelters and springs if you plan on a trail trek.

A series of nature trails crisscross Beech Mountain, all passing through gently sloping woodlands and passing over several of Beech’s main roadways. For more information, phone (828) 387-9283 or visit www. hikingbeechmtn.com. • Lake Coﬀey Course: This scenic 1/4 mile course wraps around the lake and is perfect for both walking and jogging. • Pond Creek Trail: This easy to moderate 2 mile trail begins at Tamarack Road, following the creek past Lake Coﬀey to Locust Ridge Road. The lower end of the trail has a few small waterfalls. Park at Perry Park area. • Grassy Creek Trail: This easy 1.2 mile trail follows the creek from Hawthorn Road and ends at Grassy Gap Creek Road. • Cherry Gap Trail: An easy to moderate 1.6 mile walk up undeveloped Wild Iris Road. Start at Cherry Gap Road. • Buckeye Gap Loop Trail: Moderate 8.4 miles. • West Bowl Buckeye Creek Trail: Moderate 3.4 miles. • Grassy Gap Creek Trail: Easy to moderate 2 miles. • Smoketree Trail: Easy to moderate 2 mile loop.

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visitors so follow the rules and you will not be rudely awakened by raccoons, bears or Bigfoot. Well, maybe not Bigfoot (for some) but keep it clean, watch your fire (get a permit at the cabin), hoist your food up and out of your tent and pack out what you pack in to the site. If you see workers on the trail thank them, they work hard to keep you safe in the gorge. Some are long time Gorge Rats and others volunteers. Either way, they are a lifeline. As you pack up to head out make sure the fire is out. Out cold with no embers. To many have left the pit still smoldering and we all know what can happen if the wind picks up. The river is just right there so use it. Hydrate and take your time as you head back up and out. Remember that cow? You will be glad someone watched how they take a heavy load back up a hill or mountain and you only have 1.25 miles to go with an elevation gain of 1,025. Sorry to remind you. Trek on!

Zaloo’s offers the complete family adventure New River - Ashe County Zaloo’s Canoes is located on the South Fork of the New River, a National Scenic and Wild River and an American Heritage River. Zaloo’s Canoes Kayaks and Tubes is the oldest and friendliest outﬁtter in the Blue Ridge Mountains, celebrating its 41st anniversary this year! Our ideal riverside location is 4 miles from Jefferson, NC in Historic Ashe County. We are on the very best stretch of the New River in North Carolina. 31 miles of river below us is designated as a National Scenic and Wild River, with 3 canoe accesses to the New River State Park. The park offers campgrounds that make for great 2 to 5 day canoe and kayak camping trips. We are open 7 days a week for canoeing, kayaking and tubing from April through mid October. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends.

120 Campground Rd. Vilas, NC 28692 828-297-3486 • vanderpoolcampground.com • 321-271-8068

The New River is also recognized as prime for sport ﬁshing. The New River is a favorite

of small mouth bass fishermen. Trout fishing is excellent in the smaller, faster tributaries, most of which are designated general trout waters and are stocked regularly with rainbow and brown trout. Anglers need a state fishing license in order to fish the designated trout streams. A license can be obtained online at www.ncwildlife.org. Call 800-535-4027 for reservations and info, or make reservations online at www.zaloos.com. 3874 NC HWY 16 South Jefferson, NC 28640

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Leatherwood Mountains, others, offer top

Horseback Riding Experiences BY LEE SANDERLIN

orseback riding in the High Country is a unique experience thanks to breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains and quality trails. A number of equestrian outfits in the region specialize in caring for their horses and their customers.

Leatherwood Mountains

Located in Ferguson, just 18 miles from Boone, Leatherwood Mountains offers a variety of activities and vacation opportunities and is just a short drive away from anywhere in the High Country. An equine-inclusive resort location, featuring a 60 stall barn, trail rides, riding lessons and campgrounds, Leatherwood is one of the premier vacation destinations in the region. Featuring luxury rental homes catered to an equestrian lifestyle experience, Leatherwood has all of a visitor’s vacation needs. Resort grounds include a swimming pool, various swimming holes, tubing, hiking, tennis, softball, volleyball, basketball and fly fishing, all on thousands of acres of forest land. Guided trail rides range from a one- and two-hour option to guests age seven years and older. Cost for the one hour ride is $50 and the two hour ride goes for $90. For the more timid or the beginner, Leatherwood offers a lead-line ride. There is a strictly enforced weight limit of 225 lbs and reservations are required. Riders will ride one of Leatherwood’s sure footed horses on some of the community’s pristine, beautiful trails. The resort’s equine center also offers full service boarding for $20 a night, an outdoor show-sized riding ring, a generous covered and lighted arena for riding in less-than-ideal conditions, a training program and events year round. Leatherwood Mountains Resort is located at 512 Meadow Road in Ferguson. For more information,to make reservations or to plan your next adventure visit www. leatherwoodmountains.com or call (800) 462-6867.

Other equestrian attractions

Located in Vilas, Dutch Creek Trails has a down home, farm feel, oﬀering trail rides through the woods and old farm fields, showcasing the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. “It’s a pretty trail ride, we can see Grandfather Mountain and Hanging Rock from the trails,” owner Keith Ward said. “It’s about half in half in the woods and out of it.” Rides at Dutch Creek last “a little over an hour,” cost $50, and are weather permitting. Open six days a week, and closed on Sundays, rides start at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made by

PHOTO BY CAROLYN EDY Lucy Edy, a Watauga County native and member of the Stanford University Equestrian Dressage team, rides her horse through a shallow part of the New River.

calling (828) 297-7117. Payment must be made by using cash or personal check. Other trails and stables in the area include Appalachians by Horseback, Banner Elk Stables, Burnthill Stables, Grandfather Stables, Valle Crucis Farms and VX3 Trail Rides. VX3 Trail Rides oﬀers custom 2.5-hour guided rides in Moses Cone Park. At Moses Cone there are 25 miles of trails sprawled across fields and forests on the 3,500-acre former Cone family estate ready to be ridden on horseback. VX3 provides trustworthy horses on easy trails in all seasons — summer, fall, winter and spring — seven days a week. Rides depart at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. only. Rides are approximately two-and-a-half hours long and are $100 per rider. To make reservations or for more information, call (828) 963-0260. For the individuals with their own horse, Moses Cone trails are open to the public. Appalachians by Horseback is a guided trail service that takes customers on adventures on horseback in the Appalachian Mountains in the Boone and Blowing Rock area. To book a reservation or to inquire about pricing, call (828) 297-1289 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Banner Elk Stables takes customers on a family-friendly

LEATHERWOOD MOUNTAINS RATES AND CONTACT INFORMATION Camping rates per night: $20 – Stalls $20 – Camping with horse $30 – Camping with no horse $12 – Tent site Lead Line Rides: 15 minutes $20 30 minutes $40 45 minutes $60 60 minutes $80 Trail Riding Rates: 4+ mile mountain trail ride – approximately 2 hours long $90 2 + mile mountain trail ride – approximately 1 hour long $50 For more information, contact Leatherwood Mountains at (800) 4NC-MTNS (462-6867). horseback adventure on Beech Mountain. To book a reservation or to inquire about pricing, call (828) 898-5424. Burnthill Stables oﬀers trail rides for either one or two hours for up to 10 people at a rate of $25 per hour per horse. To book a reservation, call (336) 982-2008 or email at burnthillstables@gmail.com.

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Rising Star Equestrian Center FORMERLY YONAHLOSSEE BARN

Rising Star Equestrian Center Boone

YEAR ROUND BARN INDOOR AND OUTDOOR RIDING RINGS NOW BOARDING LESSONS TRAINING TRAIL RIDES 5 MINUTES FROM ASU

Rising Star girls with Hershey

View of grandfather from Rising Star riding trails

Indoor riding ring from viewing room

Locally Owned English and Western Disciplines Trainer: Joey Burnett Barn Manager: Karen Mendler Contact Karen at (828) 265-6271 223 Pine Hill Rd, Boone NC â&#x20AC;¢ Barn number (828) 963-4223 www.risingstarequestriancenterboone.com

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High Country a natural place to take a hike BY STEVE BEHR

hen it comes to hiking, the activity can be done individually or in a group. Dave Johnson prefers to hike in a group. In fact, he is the president of the Blue Ridge Hiking Club, a group of about 200 members who have been hiking local trails for 35 years. Johnson leads hikes along several trails in the High Country, sometimes up to four per week. Sometimes several members of the club that shows upand sometimes only a handful. All take great pride in their interest of “taking a hike” in the area. “When I joined about 15 years ago, there were lots of members from Spruce Pine and other areas,” Johnson said. “As we get older, we’re going less far to hike, but we have more scheduled hikes.” Johnson prefers hiking in a group for many reasons. For starters, there is the companionship of having others on the hike. Even people who start hikes as strangers often will get to know each

other as the hike continues. “The number of places to hike, just along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Greenway,” Johnson said. “I joined the club just to learn where I could go hiking. Our members are people who are from everywhere who have been everywhere. When you go out with 10 people, you get a chance to talk to all 10 of them.” There are safety issues that reap the benefit of a group hike. In case there is an injury, the person who gets hurt has a better chance of getting back to the starting point safely. Joining the Blue Ridge Hiking Club does not require residence of Watauga County. In fact, as of May 2018, it’s a rarity. “One of the more peculiar things is that at this time, we don’t have a single member who grew up in Watauga County,” Johnson said. “Isn’t that something? I think part of that is the local people here, when it comes to getting exercise, they’re thinking about playing golf or tennis and that’s about it — maybe going to the gym. It doesn’t occur to them that a lot

Say “I Do” on the New Our elegant and timeless post-and-beam-style barn will amaze you with its soaring ceilings, stately chandeliers, and modern amenities. This 100-acre private venue is known as one of the most beautiful farms in the High Country, and is surrounded by the beloved Blue Ridge Mountains and bordered by the South Fork New River.

3364 Lower Nettle Knob Rd. • West Jefferon, NC (704) 798-3512 • TheBarnOnNewRiver.com

PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Going on a hike in the High Country offers views such as this one of Elk Knob near Boone.

of them grew up walking all the time, or they certainly did a few generations ago.” The BRHC has two members who have walked the entire Appalachian Trail

from Georgia to Maine, but that’s not a requirement to become a member. All it SEE HIKE ON PAGE 78

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Ready for adventure? We are!

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Two-wheel Cruising the High Country BY DEREK HALSEY

uring the summer months, motorcycling is a wonderful way to explore the High Country area of Western North Carolina. The famous Blue Ridge Parkway is a destination in and of itself, although there are many side attractions to explore as well. Coming in from the Shenandoah Mountains in the north, the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway is sought out by many motorcyclists wanting to ride the entire BRP, while others come straight to the North Carolina section of the roadway where you will find cooler temperatures in the summer and the highest mountains in the eastern half of America. The High Country section of the BRP is one of the more beautiful parts of this scenic and historic roadway featuring quick access to the mountain towns of Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk as well as many wineries, old country stores, hiking trails and more. All of it leads to a drive up to the top of Mt. Mitchell, the highest mountain found east of the Mississippi River. While you are in this fabulous part of the world, there are many motorcycle-specific activities to check out in the months to come in the High Country. On Jun 1 -2, the Boone Spring Bike Rally takes place near Boone, N.C., at the High Country Fairgrounds located at 748 Roby Greene Road. The rally will feature live music by the groups Throwdown Jones, Bending Fate, Bad Romeo, Problem Child, Bongo Bach Soul Ensemble and Southern Thunder. There will also be $1,000 bike games contest and a $1,000 bike show. The event is BYOB in coolers but no colors, no glass and no attitudes. More Information can be found at www. boonebikerally.com and (868) 733-8060. The Boone Bike Rally was created by Kenny Johnson, whom many will know as a member of the Johnson Brothers Band. “I started this event in the fall of 2011,” said Johnson. “I’ve always noticed all of the motorcycles that make their way to this area in the warmer months and I had a lease on the fairgrounds, so we decided to create this rally. Now, we get people riding in from Michigan, Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and a lot from Virginia. We use

METROCREATIVECONNECTION.COM During the summer months, motorcycling is a wonderful way to explore the High Country area of Western North Carolina. The famous Blue Ridge Parkway is a destination in and of itself, although there are many side attractions to explore as well.

the Blue Ridge Parkway as a draw as well. We also do a bike rally in the fall, but the spring event is the bigger one. The motorcyclists usually start rolling into this area by May, so we try to schedule the spring bike rally on the weekend after Memorial Day. We provide prize money for bike contests and we also have a bike show on Saturday afternoon where people display their best motorcycles, trying to win some prize money. The attendees of the rally get to choose who wins the bike contest in five diﬀerent categories. Some of the folks roll in on Friday night, but most riders make a day of it and come in on Saturday morning from Charlotte and the whole region.” Crossroads Harley Davidson, located at 1921 HWY 421 in Wilkesboro, N.C., hosts a wide variety of motorcycle challenges, charity runs and benefits throughout the summer months. More information can be found at http://crossroads-hd.com/ events and (336) 667-1003. During Aug.9-12, the Carolina BMW Motorcycle Owners Association will host the 41th annual Dan’l Boone Bike Rally. The center for events of the rally will be the Boone KOA Campground located at 1258 Ray Brown road in Boone, N.C. Pre-registration begins on July 31. There will be door prizes, classic and vintage

people’s choice bike awards, annual rally pin for first 200 riders and a catered BBQ dinner on Saturday night. Camping will be available. More importantly, the central location will provide access to wonderful roads to travel on bike including the Blue Ridge Parkway as well as wonderful drives in both nearby southwestern Virginia, to places like Whitetop Mountain and Mount Rogers, and to northeastern Tennessee where you will find destinations that include beautiful Roan Mountain, the Channels of Virginia rock formations, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol and many other attractions. More information can be found at www.carolinasbmwmoa. org/annual-boone-rally-3/. Another cool stop in the summer time for motorcyclists is the Beech Mountain Resort. With a quick trip through the resort town of Banner Elk, you will end up on Beech Mountain, the highest elevated incorporated town in eastern America. At the Beech Mountain Resort, you can park your motorcycle and then rent a mountain bike as the resort turns its now-green ski slopes into some challenging mountain bike trails. The mountain bike-ready ski lifts will also take you up to the unique 5506’ Skybar located at the top of Beech Mountain. With a summer concert series

featuring the Wood Brothers, Trampled By Turtles and the Yonder Mountain String Band on diﬀerent dates, fresh brews and amazing views, it makes for a wonderful afternoon adventure. More information can be found at beechmountainresort.com. An exceptional mountaintop destination along the Blue Ridge Parkway is a trip to the top of Grandfather Mountain. For an entrance fee, you can ride to the summit and walk upon the Mile High Bridge, which features some of the best 360-degree views in all of the High Country. There is also a zoo on the mountain, a gift shop and more. On an especially clear day, although it can be a rare occurrence, you can see the awesome skyline of the city of Charlotte about 90 miles away, looking like the Land of Oz on the horizon when conditions are right. Grandfather Mountain is located oﬀ of the Rt. 221 exit at the 305 mile marker on the Blue Ridge Parkway. More information on opening and closing times of Grandfather Mountain State Park can be found at grandfather.com. At the 316 milepost of the Blue Ridge Parkway, follow the signs to the Linville Falls and Linville Gorge recreational area. Linville Gorge is considered the “Grand Canyon of the East” as it is the steepest gorge in the eastern United States. Wiseman’s View is located four miles down the gravel road known as RT. 1238 or Old NC Rt. 105. While the overall Linville Gorge is filled with challenging and dangerous trails suited for more experienced hikers, Wiseman’s View provides an easy walk on a short paved trail that leads to spectacular views of the gorge. The highest mountain east of the Mississippi River is Mount Mitchell. This peak is also accessible mostly by road which leads to a free parking lot just 300 yards from the summit. Mount Mitchell State Park is located at the RT 128 exit at the 355 milepost on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The views are simply spectacular. The park also contains tent camping areas, a museum, restaurant, picnic areas and more. For those riders that want to experience all or most of the wonderful attractions found on the High Country gem known as the Blue Ridge Parkway, an interactive map can be found at http://www. blueridgeparkway.org/map.php.

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White circles to the sea

Mountains-to-sea trail offers hikers a challenge

MST HIGHLIGHTS

BY THOMAS SHERRILL

arked by its signature white circle, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail weaves its way across North Carolina and offers some of the most picturesqe views in the High Country. Spanning approximately 1,180 miles from Clingman’s Dome to Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head in the Outer Banks, the MST has become the premier challenge for hiking enthusiast in the state. “The Mountains to Sea Trail offers a diverse abundance of hiking and backpacking opportunities in the High Country region,” said Thea Young of Footsloggers of Boone and Blowing Rock. “You can find great scenic day hikes of a variety of lengths as the Trail meanders near and along the Blue Ridge Parkway while stretches of the MST closer to Wilson Creek and Linville Gorge allow for multiple day backpacking trips in a more remote setting.” Constructed during years by state park system and countless volunteers, the official trail of the State of North Carolina is a continual work in progress, with more sections being updated and constructed every year by countless volunteers and state park workers. There are now 680 miles of trails and 500 miles of connecting roads, with miles

HIKE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 73

takes is $10 per calendar year. Whether it’s hiking as a group or alone, the health benefits are obvious. Hiking can lower blood pressure, help people lose weight and just make people feel more better and more alert. And there’s no beating the mountain views that are available along the many hiking paths. Johnson said minimal equipment is needed to hike most trails around the area. Some of the easier trails include the Greenway Trail in Boone, the Cone Man-

PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERILL White circles painted on trees facing each trail direction such as these in Jeffress Park mark the way for those looking to hike the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

The Linn Cove Viaduct, a 1,243-foot concrete engineering marvel that carries the BRP around the base of Grandfather Mountain Views of Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock, Hawksbill, and Pisgah National Forest that can encompass over 50 miles on a clear day Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, where the MST uses the park’s former carriage trails and passes by Flat Top Manor, which now serves as the parkway’s craft center E.B. Jeffress Park with the restored cabin of farmer Jesse Brown and Cool Springs Baptist Church as well as “The Cascades” waterfall, which slides over rocks for 250 feet Mount Jefferson Overlook, where you have a panoramic view of Grandfather, Sugar, and Beech Mountains to the south and Mount Jefferson looming over the town of Jefferson in front of you Doughton Park, whose 7,000 acres offer picnic areas, camping facilities, and hiking along ridges and through meadows with long-range views of the surrounding area Brinegar Cabin, built about 1885, which often offers hand-loom weaving and other mountain craft demonstrations during the summer

of new trails being added every year. Hiking the MST has become a badge of honor for avid hikers during the last 20 years, with less than 100 confirmed cases of completion as of 2016, some of which were by the same hiker in different years. In 2017, 14 hikers completed the trail, the largest single-year number yet. The sections of the trail that go through the High Country hugs close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, utilizing several existing trails. “A trail like the MST that offers such a wide variety of access points allowing the user to match their adventure to time constraints and desired difficulty is an incredible asset to have so close to (Boone),” Young explained. “We have certainly seen an increase in trail-based tourism as the

MST has been developed.” The Friends of the Mountains to Sea trail have divided the trail into sections, with the section encompassing some of Avery, Watauga and Ashe counties known as Section Five. Out of the 90.3 miles of Section Five, 82 miles are on trails. Hikers experience some of the great wonders of the region, including the Linn Cove Viaduct, views of Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock, Hawksbill, and Pisgah National Forest, the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, E.B. Jeﬀress Park, Mount Jeﬀerson Overlook and Doughton Park and views of every major mountain. The Friends of the MST advise that completing section five can be done in 14-day hikes. Young says there’s a little something

for everyone on the MST. “Only have time for short hike after work? Pick a section along the parkway,” Young explained. “Traveling to vacation in the High Country? Spend a day hiking a larger section or drop oﬀ the avid backpacker in your family for an overnight trip while you enjoy art, music, food, and shopping in town.” One of the new highlights of the High Country section of the trail is a new bridge over Boone Fork in Julian Price National Park, which was opened in October 2016. Prospective hikers should go to www. mountainstoseatrail.org/segment/5/”www.mountainstoseatrail.org/segment/5/ for everything they need to know about the High County section of the Mountains to Sea Trail.

or Carriage Trails and the Flat Top Tower Trail that goes 2.5 miles just oﬀ the Blue Ridge Parkway close to Blowing Rock. Another easy hike is the Boone Fork Loop Trail, which is a five-mile hike that allows people to bring their dogs with them. The trail goes by Hebron Rock Falls and connects with the Mountains to the Sea Trail. “There is a trail behind the Methodist church that goes up to Howard’s Knob,” Johnson said. “There are trails at Elk Knob (located oﬀ Highway194 and Meat Camp Road) and at Valle Crucis. There are lots of trails on Grandfather Mountain. On Roan Mountain, there are hundreds of trails. I don’t think there is anywhere else where you have such a va-

riety of trails within such as close drive.” The most important equipment are comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather. Most of the easier climbs are on flat surfaces and don’t necessarily require hiking boots, but bringing flip-flops is not recommended. Brand new boots are discouraged and should be broken in by the wearer before wearing them on a hike. A good pair of comfortable boots are recommended for the tougher hikes that have more rocks and tougher terrain. Bringing a hat to guard against the sun, extra socks, an extra shirt an and first-aid kit are a good idea for the tougher hikes. Bringing a bottle of water or a sports drink is not required for an easy hike, but

it’s not a bad idea either. Johnson recommends paying attention to weather forecasts before going on a hike. Safety isn’t necessarily the issue, but getting cause in a rainstorm can ruin a hike. If the weather gets rough to the point of it turning into a lightning storm, Johnson said it’s better to get to a vehicle as quickly as possible. If one isn’t available, either lying down in a ditch and avoiding shallow caves or shelter under trees are the safest options. A good idea is to bring a cell phone just in the case of an emergency. Letting somebody know where you are, even if the hiker is with a group, is also a good idea in case of an emergency.

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High Country

BY HARRIS PREVOST

holes among golf’s best

orth Carolina’s tourism slogan for many years was “Variety Vacationland.” The state boasts a great coastal region, a rolling hills piedmont and the majestic mountains. You could be at the beach in the morning, play nine holes in the Piedmont and ski that night in the High Country. “Variety” is the perfect description of the 315 holes (on 17 courses) awaiting High Country golfers in Ashe, Watauga and Avery counties. The slopes, creeks, forests and scenery in our area make ideal sites for interesting golf courses. Even better, that variety exists within each course. Each one has unique, memorable and fun holes to play. We’ll take a fun trip around the High Country and find out where some of these great holes are. We have lots of categories to make our choices — long holes, short holes, drivable par 4s, intimidating holes, uphill and downhill holes and, of course, scenic holes. There are many ways to categorize the holes, so, because of space limitation, we will limit those categories in order to spend more time talking about the special holes on each course. I have played all the courses, so I’ll pass on my thoughts about interesting holes on each. For reference purposes, my handicap is five, and my drives are medium length. Of course, your favorite downhill par three or most intimidating tee shot might not be the same as mine, but the idea is to get a conversation started among your friends. More importantly, I hope the conversation gets you to play the memorable and exciting holes awaiting you in your own backyard this season. Courses will first be divided into the courses open to the public and then a few of the nine private clubs. Courses are open to the public.

‘Variety’ is the perfect description of the 315 holes (on 17 courses) awaiting High Country golfers in Ashe, Watauga and Avery counties.

Jefferson Landing

Jeﬀerson Landing is a semi-private club located in the pastoral rolling hills of Ashe County, bordering cow pastures, Christmas tree farms and tributaries to the New River. The course was routed by noted Banner Elk architect and land planner, Dennis Lehmann, and designed by PGA Hall of Famer Larry Nelson. At 7,110 yards, it is the longest course in the High Country, exceeding Grandfather Golf & Country Club by nine yards. From the regular tees, it plays 6,450 yards. Very little land was moved to build the course, which opened in 1990. Originally, the first hole was a long par four from an elevated tee, and the 10th was a dogleg left par five, also from an elevated tee. Now, the sides are switched, with the par five being the opening hole. The most intimidating tee shot for me is on the 376-yard second hole. A river

crosses the fairway at a sharp angle from right to left, with the right much farther away. I have to decide whether to gamble and carry the creek on the left side into a narrow landing area with a driver, or lay up in the narrow right corner of the fairway. A 230-yard drive down the left side gives me a short iron in. A hooked drive or pushed drive leaves me in the river. This a classic risk/reward tee shot. The risk could be a probable triple bogey, the reward an easy par or birdie. The hole is 450 yards from the tips and 376 from the regular tees. There is a reason this is the two-handicap hole. The 227-yard (181 from regular tees) 17th is a beautiful hole from an elevated tee. The view ahead at the clubhouse and up at Mt. Jeﬀerson is spectacular. A creek running in front of the green adds to the beauty … and the challenge. Pray

for a par here. This is Jeﬀerson Landing’s signature hole in my book. To experience hitting a very challenging tee shot to the 17th hole, one of the state’s finest par threes, call Jeﬀerson Landing’s pro shop at (336) 982-7767 to set up your tee times.

Mountain Aire Golf Club

There is a Mountain Air in Burnsville, but our Mountain Aire is in Ashe County. It is the third oldest course in the High Country behind only Linville and Blowing Rock. The course began as West Jeﬀerson Golf Club in 1949, thanks to the eﬀort of a local farmer who wanted a golf course for the community. It was a true “cow pasture golf course,” with greens being small circles of grass mowed a little lower than the fairways. The Adams brothers — SEE GOLF ON PAGE 80

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Austin, Sam and Tom — learned to play golf here. Austin became a great amateur player, Sam a PGA Tour winner and Tom head pro at Hound Ears and now Boone Golf Club. I wish I had learned to play at Mountain Aire. When the farmer died, Carl Hagel, a casual golfer who built wooden frames for windows, purchased it in 1971, and it has been in the family since then. In 1985, Carl’s son, Mark, expanded the course to 18 holes, using Dennis Lehmann as his designer. In 1998, some holes were replaced, and the course has improved each year. It is now under the supervision of Mark’s son-in-law, Philip Shepherd. At that time, the first hole was a par 3, and the third hole returned to the clubhouse. Now, the previous fourth hole was changed to be No. 1 with old ninth becoming No. 6. Holes 1, 2 and 3 are now 7, 8 and 9. One of the new holes, No. 6 (now No. 3), is Mountain Aire’s signature hole. It is the most dramatic hole in the High Country, if not Eastern America. The tee shot on the 468-yard par 4 drops 150 feet

in elevation, and, if you hit it a little left, 200 feet. The landing area is very narrow. If the wind is blowing, this is the most intimidating tee shot in the area. It is also one of the most beautiful. You feel like you are on top of the world looking out at surrounding mountain ranges. Shepherd says the hole is “either your favorite or least favorite.” For the longer hitters, Mountain Aire has two drivable par fours. The ninth is 305 yards long from the very elevated regular tees. A great drive will be a birdie, one a little right or short is in a pond, and a little left in the driving range. The 13th is a 275-yard par 4 with a creek 15 yards in front of the green. To experience driving oﬀ the third tee and watching your ball stay in the air forever, call Mountain Aire’s pro shop at (336) 877-4716 to set up your tee times.

Boone Golf Club

The dream for a golf course in Boone began with one of Boone’s greatest citizens, Wade Brown, in 1940. After several false starts, which turned out to be blessings in disguise, Brown’s dream was realized in the summer of 1959. Brown’s quest to provide a golf course

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for Boone was inspired by the success of the Blowing Rock Country Club and the Linville Golf Club. Potential “false start” locations for the course included Tater Hill, land from Rivers Street up to the former Broyhill Inn & Conference Center (derailed by World War II), the Councill property behind the Lutheran church and Earth Fare (property would have been leased) and the Bolick property on U.S. 421 South where the landfill is. One property always in the back of Brown’s mind was the Neal Blair farm. Despite being told the property was not for sale, Brown persisted, and, five years later, he got the Blair farm and the surrounding property he needed. Next, was the critical factor of financing the purchase of the property and building the course, and Brown’s close friend, banker Alfred Adams, also one of Boone’s greatest citizens, made it happen. Ellis Maples, who learned his trade from Donald Ross beginning when he was 14 and ending when he completed Ross’s final course, was chosen to design the course. Boone’s greens show a strong resemblance to Ross’s famed Pinehurst #2. Boone is 6,686 yards from the tips and 6,018 from the regular tees, and it plays to a par 71. It’s not a long course, but its greens defend the course well from low scores. Boone’s collection of par threes — they average 199 yards — are as strong as any in the High Country. Its par 5s aren’t too shabby, either. They average 556 yards. Drivable risk/reward par 4s are a delight to galleries watching PGA Tour events and are fun to play for the rest of us. Boone has three. It’s uphill ninth is reachable for the big boys. It is 333 yards from the back and 299 from the regular tee. The risk is a creek fronting most of the green, deep to the left and out-ofbounds to the right. The 12th is a downhill dogleg left that is reachable with a high tee shot over some white pines. Not high enough or long enough and you may be playing for a bogey. The 15th is a 300-yard carry from both tees. Either carry the wide creek in front of the green, or hit one just short and bounce over (if the ground is hard). My most intimidating shots are not with a driver, but with irons. The tee shot on the 192-yard 16th must be right or you could be in your pocket. Actually, you won’t be in your pocket; your ball will be history. A marsh is in front of the green and deep, really deep rough and briers

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are immediately to the right. The swamp is also to the left. My other intimidating shot is the second to the 18th green. It usually is hit from a downhill, sidehill (sloping away from you) lie to an elevated, narrow green with a pond on the left catching balls that are the slightest bit oﬄine. This is one of the great finishing holes in the High Country. To experience one of the finest sets of par three holes in North Carolina, call the pro shop at (828) 264-8760. Make tee time in advance, because this is the most popular course in the High Country.

Willow Creek

Dr. Jim Lyons, a Miami surgeon who lived in Blowing Rock in the summers, wanted to build a development in the area and include a golf course. He purchased the Willow Valley property oﬀ N.C. 105, and it had room for a nine-hole par three course. By coincidence, Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame architect Tom Jackson was doing some renovation work at nearby Hound Ears. Lyons told Jackson he wanted holes that vary in length, that have water features come into play, some bunkers and a hole or two over 200 yards. Jackson delivered. In 1973, Willow Creek opened for play, and it has turned out to be an undiscovered gem. The course is very challenging. Three holes are over 200 yards, and taken as a whole, they average 182 yards from the tips. Five have water hazards. Willow Creek is well designed with imaginative, scenic holes and it is well maintained. Simply put, it is a good, fun course to play. And, it is convenient; no tee times, just show up and play. Carts are available, but the course is not hard to walk. If you want to play 18 holes, just use a diﬀerent set of tees second time around to add variety. Its greens are relatively small, so accuracy is the key to a good round. Since 75 percent of the shots in a round of golf are from 160 yards in, there is a lot of golf to be played at Willow Creek. There is also a lot to learn as you develop and refine a winning short game. Willow Creek’s 218-yard 18th hole will hold its own on any course in America, and it gets my vote for both most intimidating tee shot and signature hole. The green is guarded with a small pound in its front left that winds around to the left side. A shot that lands six yards left of the SEE GOLF ON PAGE 82

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green ends up in the pond, and out-ofbounds is 15 yards from the green to the right. The green is only 31 feet wide. A par on this hole will make your day. If time is a factor in whether you play, or if price is a factor, and if long, hard holes beat you up, you can enjoy a relaxing round at Willow Creek. Just show up, or call ahead to the pro shop at (828) 963-6865 and get ready to have a great day.

Sugar Mountain Golf Club

The Sugar Mountain course is a municipal course, owned by the village of Sugar Mountain. How it came to be is a story involving several twists and turns. The land was originally part of the 16,000 acres sold to Hugh MacRae that included Linville Resorts and Grandfather Mountain. In 1952, MacRae died and left the Sugar Mountain/Flat Top Mountain property to his grandson, George MacRae. In 1969, George and his wife, Chessie, began developing Sugar as a four-seasons destination with ski slopes, tennis and golf. They included three partners in their group.

SUMMER TIMES They only had 60 acres at the base of Sugar for a golf course, so it had to be an executive course, but they wanted to also have a championship course. They selected Francis Duane to be their architect. Duane was senior project manager for Robert Trent Jones Sr., and later a partner in course design with Arnold Palmer. The MacRaes promised Duane that if he designed the executive course, he could design their championship course, which was to be called Grouse Moor and located on top of Flat Top Mountain. A perfect storm of bad luck hit the MacRaes in 1974, the year their executive course opened: bad economy, high inflation and interest rates, gas rationing, warm winter and little skiing, and no one buying real estate. As a result, the MacRaes had to declare bankruptcy, and the bank foreclosed. One of the MacRaes’ partners leased the course until he died. The village of Sugar Mountain wanted to buy it, but it was too young a town to take on debt, so the Sugar Mountain Ski Resort purchased it until the town could buy it back. Today, the course is well run, in great condition and very popular. Sugar, like Willow Creek, is a perfect niche golf course for the player who doesn’t have time for a five-hour round or doesn’t enjoy playing 500-yard par

4s. While Willow Creek is a par three course, Sugar is an executive course with nine par 3s, eight par 4s and one par 5. It measures 4,443 yards from the tips and 4,071 from the regular tees, and is par 64. Surprisingly, despite Sugar’s short yardage, it has only one drivable par 4, its ninth hole. The hole is slightly uphill and is 259 yards from the back tee, 239 from the regular tee. There is no trouble on the hole, so it is no risk/all reward. Fire away. There is one hole, though, that is worth a shot just for fun. The sharply downhill 321-yard (back), 288-yard (regular) tee shot on the fifth hole has to be perfect. There is water in front and dense woods bordering both sides of a fairly narrow fairway. There are risk/reward shots, and then there are risk/reward shots, if you go for the green on no. 5. But, hey, if you are having a fun round with your buddies, hit your score ball and drop another and have at it just for fun. Sugar holds the distinction of probably having the shortest par five around, only 394 yards. Don’t let the hole fool you: It is an uphill dogleg right that plays much longer than its yardage. The second shot is a bear with a narrow opening to the green and creeks left and right.

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Head professional Tom McAuliffe, who is also one of North Carolina’s top golf writers, says the 212-yard 13th hole has the course’s most intimidating tee shot and also ranks as its signature hole. “There is no margin for error, left or right,” McAuliffe said. “There are bunkers front and left, and anything right ends up in the ‘Valley of Death,’ where there is no escape. The green has a lot of movement and is not easy to putt. It’s the toughest birdie on the course. I’ll take a par every time and not look back.” The culture at Sugar is one of a “downhome feeling.” Guests are treated like old friends and are in for treat once they tee off the first hole. The greens are as good as any in the High Country, and that’s saying a lot. To set up an enjoyable day of golf with friends, call McAuliffe at (828) 898-6464.

Mountain Glen Golf Club

The idea to build Mountain Glen arose from a devastating fire in January 1961 that destroyed one-third of the town of Newland. Local leaders felt something needed to be done to spur economic growth in Avery County. They knew large manufacturing was SEE GOLF ON PAGE 83

Village of If you thought the golf and tennis club at Sugar Mountain was for members only you’re forgiven. The popular public golf course offers the same fabulous putting surfaces and mountain climate shared by our illustrious private neighbors. Our tennis courts feature the same Har-Tru court surfaces found at only the finest racquet clubs. But at Sugar Mountain there’s no guardhouse or initiation fees—just a hearty mountain welcome for everyone. Our café offers great food and alluring outdoor seating with spectacular panoramic views. At Sugar Mountain, you’ll only think you’re at a private club. Make this season our season at Sugar Mountain. Learn all about us at www.seesugar.com

S e e S u g a r. c o m | G o l f : 8 2 8 . 8 9 8 . 6 4 6 4 | Te n n i s 8 9 8 . 6 7 4 6

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not an option because of Avery’s rough winters and isolated location. They looked four miles down the road at Linville and saw their answer: Build a golf course and develop the property around it for second homeowners. They formed the Avery Development Corporation and sold shares of stock to raise money for the project. Thanks to great leadership and a generous landowner, Todd Lecka, Mountain Glen would become a reality. George Cobb, who first designed Quail Hollow in Charlotte, the Augusta National Par Three Course and, locally, Hound Ears, was the architect. Cobb later designed Linville Ridge. The back nine was built first, and it opened in July 1964. The front nine opened a year later. Mountain Glen has been one of the most popular courses in the area. It plays 6,523 yards from the back tees and 5,968 yards from the regular tees. The signature hole is the beautiful, downhill, 186-yard 12th hole. The view from the tee shows Hump Mountain in the background. Mountain Glen’s hardest hole is the 411yard dogleg left 11th hole. The hole isn’t particularly long, except that from 200

yards in, it is steeply uphill. Also, the tee shot must be very accurate. A little left and you are blocked by trees; a little right and you are in the trees. It is not a good idea to be above the pin on its sloped green. Mountain Glen’s greens get really fast later in the summer. I rate no. 11 as one of the top five hardest holes in the High Country. Now to drivable par 4s: We need to divide this into two categories. First, the mortals have two opportunities. The 291-yard sixth (265 yards from the regular tees) is a tempting drive. Fade your drive and you are in a pond. Hook it and you might have a shot, you might be blocked by a pine tree or you might be out-of-bounds. Going for it is worth the gamble, though. The 16th is slightly downhill and 313 yards from the regular tees and 339 from the back. Aim right and hit a draw on the downside of a hill, and you’ll be sitting pretty. Get double-crossed and hit a fade, and you’ll be in your pocket. Out-ofbounds is right oﬀ the fairway. And then there’s David Forbes. Forbes takes it back as far as John Daly and is twice as strong. Forbes has driven every par four at Mountain Glen except the 11th. On the “short” par 4s such as the 339 yard 16th, he drives it with a 3 iron. Forbes is

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more than a long hitter. He holds the amateur course record with a 63 from the tips. My most intimidating tee shot? It’s a tossup between the 11th and the 17th. No. 17 is a dogleg right with two huge oak trees down the right side of the fairway and a row of white pines bordering the left side. The fairway slopes left into the pines. The best shot is a high fade over the first oak or a low fade under its branches. A tee shot left of the first oak has to be perfect or you are in the pines where the sun never shines. Call Mountain Glen at (828) 733-5804 to set up a tee time and to appreciate what it took for David Forbes to drive all but one of their 10 par 4s. If Sam Foster answers the phone, you are talking to someone special. He has been head pro for 42 years and holds the course record with a 62. Before coming to Mountain Glen, Foster was assistant pro at Grandfather Golf & Country Club in season and an assistant at Augusta National in the oﬀseason.

Linville Land Harbor

Linville Land Harbor is a 48-year-old, 1,000-acre residential resort that is, by far, the largest in Avery County with 1,400 homes. It is designed around a 48-acre lake visible from U.S. 221 three

miles south of Linville. Land Harbor was created by the Robbins brothers —Grover, Harry and Spencer — who also brought to the High Country Tweetsie Railroad, Hound Ears, Beech Mountain, Land of Oz and the Elk River Club. The original idea was to build a recreation resort for short-term or extended-stay vacationers who used their campers or RVs to live in. Back in the 1960s and early ‘70s, campers were the rage. The RV lots made up 1,510 of the 1,933 lots, with homesites making up most of the rest. Later on, people wanted to spend more time at Land Harbor, so many of the RV lots were combined to provide an additional 500 building lots. The Land Harbor property belonged to a lumber company in the early 1900s. In 1923, 5,000 acres of that property was purchased by Howard Marmon, an engineering genius whose parents took him to the Eseeola Lodge when he was a boy. Apparently, Marmon had health problems when he was young, and being in the mountains healed him. He came back to build a second home. In 1909, Marmon built the car that SEE GOLF ON PAGE 84

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won the first Indianapolis 500. The following year, 61 of the nation’s oﬃcial speed records were owned by Marmon cars. Amelia Earhart rode in a Marmon in her New York City ticker-tape parade, and supposedly, Bonnie and Clyde used the speedy car to outrun the police after their bank robberies. Marmon was good friends with Harvey Firestone, Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. They came for visits and fished in the lake Marmon built, which is now the Land Harbor lake. Mr. and Mrs. Marmon left their estate to their nephew, and when he died, he put it in a trust to benefit the hospital, library and airfield in Avery County. Warren Buffett now owns the Marmon Company. Part of the Marmon property was developed into a nursery, and that is the property that is Land Harbor. Land Harbor was a subsidiary of Carolina Caribbean, developer of Beech Mountain and owned for the most part by the Robbins brothers. Carolina Caribbean, like Sugar Mountain, was a victim of the turbulent ‘70s and had to declare bankruptcy in 1975. A bank took over the property and decided it was in the best interest of the resort’s property owners to sell them the property. The first nine holes of the Land Harbor Golf Club was designed by architect Tom Jackson in collaboration with local golf hero Ernie Hayes. It measures 2,950 yards and plays to a par 36. It is a delightful nine with smallish greens and well-placed hazards. The course is in excellent shape. The 463-yard first hole is a great start. It is downhill with a sharp dogleg left and creek running down the left side of the fairway. The creek crosses the fairway at a sharp angle about 120 yards out and forms a pond to the front left of the green. The small, undulating green has a very narrow opening with trouble all around the green. If you go for the green in two, you best have your “A” game right out of the chute. The 273-yard par 4 sixth is drivable, but dangerous. The fairway narrows considerably the closer you get to the green. Houses and out-of-bounds are on the right, and left is not a nice place to be. Go for it for fun, lay up for score. The 141-yard slightly downhill seventh is one of the prettiest on the course. It has a beautiful view of Grandfather Mountain in the background. Land Harbor was originally going to be an 18-hole golf course, but some of the best

property for the second nine was sold to try to avoid bankruptcy. All that was left was 23 acres of rugged, unusable property. The Land Harbor POA didn’t think it was possible to design nine holes on the property, but asked Ernie Hayes if he could give it a try. After numerous failed attempts, he came up with a routing. It is different than any nine holes I have ever seen. The back nine is 1,927 yards long and is a par 33. The longest par 4 is 335 yards and the shortest 196 yards. The course plays up hills and down into valleys and around the mountainsides. Most par 4s are doglegs. Several are drivable, but Land Harbor rules forbid going for the green because of safety concerns. The 196-yard par four 18th can be two wedges, but you need to respect this hole. A tee shot a little right will be off the world. I double bogeyed the hole. If you think outside the box, forget the standard driver-of-the-tee par 4s and understand the limitations of a 23-acre nine-hole layout, the back nine actually is a lot of fun. Its holes are like no other. The signature hole on the back nine has to be no. 17. It is a 112-yard par three that is straight up — like, 45 feet straight up. You can’t see the pin. If you are short, back down it comes. If you are a little right, off the world it goes. A par is a nice score. A plaque on the tee names the hole “Ernie’s Revenge” in appreciation for his creating nine holes that no one thought could be built. Land Harbor has been private until recently, but now it is open to the public. My advice: Play the course. The front side is pretty neat, but the back side is simply something you have to experience for two reasons — because you’ll never see holes like this anywhere else, and secondly, to appreciate the genius of Ernie Hayes. Call the pro shop at (828) 733-8325. Private clubs Typically, private clubs are for members and their guests. The High Country has an incredible collection of private clubs, the envy of the rest of the state. Guess what? You can play most of them. The private clubs are very community-oriented, and most make their courses available to various charities for fundraising golf tournaments. Play in one of those tournaments, and you will be helping a worthy cause and, at the same time, enjoy an experience you will fondly remember for a long time. That’s called a win-win.

Hound Ears Club

The Robbins brothers — Grover, Harry and Spencer — have had an incredibly

positive impact on the High Country. In addition to Tweetsie Railroad, Ski Beech and the Land of Oz, they have given us one-fourth of all the golf courses in the High Country: Linville Land Harbor, Beech Mountain, Elk River Club and Hound Ears. Hound Ears was their first. In the early 1960s, they saw the popularity of the new Boone course and the Blowing Rock Country Club, and they felt the area could use a new course. They chose a site in Shulls Mill, south of Boone along N.C. 105. In the early 1900s, Shulls Mill was one of the county’s primary commercial centers. Its sawmill and lumberyard, along with a Tweetsie Railroad junction, employed enough people to support a hotel, small hospital, stores and a movie theater. By the time Hound Ears was built, only remnants of the community remained. Spencer Robbins was working at Pine Needles golf resort in Southern Pines, one of the top golfing destinations in the country, and Grover and Harry were frequent visitors. They liked Pine Needles and decided to follow their example in their golf course. They did Pine Needles one better by adding one of the South’s first ski slopes. They decided to have a Bavarian theme to their clubhouse and lodge to complement the ski slope. Their golf course was designed by George Cobb, then known for his redesign work at Augusta National. Both the ski slope and golf course opened in 1964. They chose the name Hound Ears because the rocks on top of the ridge behind the course stood up like dog ears. Hounds Ear or Hound Ears? Spencer Robbins answers the question by saying, “One dog, two ears.” Hall of Fame golf instructor Bob Toski, still going strong at about 90 years old, was the club’s first professional. After Toski resigned to be the Johnny Miller of NBC’s golf telecasts, the club hired Ohio State University golf coach Bob Kepler, who worked with Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf and Ed Sneed. Following Kepler was Tom Adams, now at Boone, and then Adams’s assistant, Peter Rucker, who started out at Hound Ears as a cart boy in 1981. Most of the golf course is located in the flat bottom land of Shulls Mill. The Robbins brothers also acquired some rugged mountain land with the property purchase, but they saw no use for it. The course became so popular that people who played it wanted to have a home there. Thus, the mountain land became homesites. “We didn’t have a plan for a development,” Spencer Robbins said. “It just happened.” The first six years, the third, eighth and

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18th holes doubled as an airport runway for the resort. The hanger that housed the planes still exists behind the third green. In 1974, Hound Ears redesigned several backside holes on adjacent property it purchased. Tom Jackson designed the 12th and 14th holes. The 15th is Hound Ears’ signature hole, and it is one of the great par 3s in the state. Only 110 yards, the tee is perched on a mountain ridge, and the green lies 70 feet below. In front of the green is a creek and bunker. The green has a nice back to front slope, so golfers hitting their tee shots over the green face a very challenging chip shot. Despite its lack of length, par is a good score on this hole. The 18th hole is a great finishing hole. It is a last-minute dogleg right, 414-yard hole with a creek down the right side until it crosses the fairway near the front of the green. Because the dogleg is so close to the green, tee shots need to land on the left side of the fairway. A large tree at the beginning of the dogleg protects the green from players whose drives are from the center to the right side of the fairway. The hole plays longer than its yardage. The neat thing about no. 18 is its tee box. It is perched on top of a large boulder. Hound Ears’ most scenic shot is teeing oﬀ the par five sixth hole. It is a highly elevated tee with an incredible view of Grandfather Mountain. Peter Rucker’s favorite hole is the uphill 490-yard par five fourth (also No. 1 handicap hole.). Rucker said, “The fairway narrows significantly beginning 100 yards before the green. It is bordered by woods on the right and woods and a creek on the left.” Rucker’s favorite hole should be the 491-yard par 5 12th. He has double-eagled it twice. There really aren’t drivable par 4s at Hound Ears, even though the course is 6,307 yards from the tips/6,145 from regular tees. I was playing with the golf pro son of famed teaching pro Jack Lumpkin, and he drove the 360-yard 10th. Then on the 491-yard 12th, which winds around a lake, he drove across the lake and landed in the bunker in front of the green. I saw them both, but I don’t believe what I saw, so those shots don’t count.

Beech Mountain Club

Beech Mountain’s golf course is another of the Robbins brothers’ contributions to the High Country, but in this case, oldest brother Grover was the visionary and primary contributor to its creation. Grover envisioned the Hound Ears concept (resort, golf, skiing, property and airport) being SEE GOLF ON PAGE 85

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taken to a much higher level at Beech Mountain. He even used the Bavarian architectural theme that he used at Hound Ears. Grover quietly purchased 10,000 acres, 7,300 acres on Beech Mountain and 2,700 acres in the valley where the Elk River Club now stands. His slogan was “9,000 families on 10,000 acres.” Grover built the ski slope and airport in 1967. The airport now is a part of the Elk River Club, which the Robbins brothers also developed. A development of this magnitude required more investment capital, so Grover set up the Appalachian Development Corp. that attracted 40 initial investors. Later, when he added a development in the Virgin Islands, he changed the name of the company to Carolina Caribbean. Robbins chose Atlanta architect Willard Byrd to design two golf courses at Beech Mountain, one for recreational play and one for championship play. Byrd had designed a number of great courses in the Piedmont part of North Carolina and in the Myrtle Beach area, but Beech Mountain would be his first mountain course. Willard’s land planner, Dennis Lehmann, helped plan the resort, as well as all of Linville Land Harbor, also a Robbins brothers development. Lehmann would end up playing a major role in the design of several High Country courses. Byrd’s recreational course would be built first. The front nine opened in 1969 and the back nine two years later. Tragedy struck Beech Mountain about this time. Grover Robbins died of cancer in 1970. Without his vision and leadership, Carolina Caribbean began to unravel. The organization began taking on more projects than it could handle. At their peak, they had 11 planes they used to fly in prospective property buyers. They had to sell a lot of property to keep all their projects going. Unfortunately, the economy tanked, inflation was rampant, interest rates were 18 percent, there was gas rationing and several of their property owners in the Virgin Islands were robbed and killed while playing golf. The bank foreclosed in early 1975. All the company’s properties were sold to pay oﬀ its debts. The second course, which was under construction, was never completed. It was included in the property purchased by the Eagles Nest development. Tweetsie Railroad bought the Elk River Club property, including the airport. The Land of Oz and ski slopes were sold

to a mortgage company, and Land Harbor was sold to its POA. The Beech Mountain golf course and a 13-acre recreation park were purchased by its POA, but not without some trying times. First, they had to convince the bankruptcy trustee they were the best option as owners. Then, they had to finance its purchase and operation. They had to get the North Carolina General Assembly to make Beech Mountain a town, so it could legally enforce the payment of property taxes and utilities. Today, the Beech Mountain Club has close to 1,300 members and is a healthy operation. The golf course is on the backside of Beech Mountain, around 4,500 feet in elevation, and its panoramic views stretch into Tennessee and Virginia. The course plays to 6,225 yards from the back tees and 5,743 from the regular tees. Because of the up-and-down terrain, it plays longer than its yardage. Needless to say, there are a number of spectacular holes on the course. Two in particular are the 394-yard eighth hole with beautiful views of mountain ridges located in three states. The 10th tee is located to the right of the clubhouse, which is perched on a ridge, and that means the tee shot has a dramatic drop in elevation. The tee shot is exciting, to say the least. Beech Mountain is a private club open to its members, and their guests, and those staying in lodging on the mountain that oﬀers golf privileges for its guests.

course — on top of the mountain or at its base? They said a course was buildable at either location, so Lutgert chose the top because of its views. The engineering firm also recommended that George Cobb design the course because of his familiarity with the area. Cobb designed Hound Ears and Mountain Glen, as well as a half-dozen other mountain courses. He also was the original designer of Quail Hollow in Charlotte. Linville Ridge would be Cobb’s last course. In 2007, Scott Lutgert, Ray’s son, who is now president of the company, commissioned Bobby Weed, a disciple of Pete Dye, to renovate the course to make it more challenging for low handicap players and easier and more fun for those with higher handicaps. Weed designed the highly acclaimed Old Farm course in Southwest Virginia and had done major work at Grandfather Golf & Country Club and Linville. His renovations have been enthusiastically received. Part of the makeover was to flip the nines, so the former ninth hole is now No. 18. Half the course is on the relatively level summit of Flat Top Mountain. The remaining holes drop down from the summit and work their way back up. There are numerous views from the course of Grandfather Mountain, but the following will

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be etched in your mind forever: from the second green, the ninth fairway, the 12th green, along the 15th fairway to the green and approaching the 18th green. Every hole at Linville Ridge is interesting and memorable, but these are a cut above. The course’s signature hole is the 225yard (183 yards from regular tees) 16th hole. This hole is the cover photo for this issue of the Summer Times. The elevation drop is so dramatic that you can hit the same iron to the green that Bubba Watson hits to 225 yards with no elevation change. Tell that to your buddies. Linville Ridge probably has the neatest drivable par four in the High Country. The seventh is a 252-yard drive from the regular tee. The shot is uphill and a creek runs in front of the green, but even I can drive it. My most intimidating tee shot is the par three 16th, but my most intimidating drive is the 12th hole. It measures 405 yards, but the elevation gain adds 50 yards to the hole. The pressure is on you to hit a really good drive in order to get home. If you don’t, your third shot is from a steep uphill lie. Miss your drive to the right, and you are oﬀ the world. Linville Ridge plays to 6,813 yards from the back tees and 6,210 from the regular tees.

Linville Ridge

The prized scenic view in the High Country is looking at Grandfather Mountain. Its ruggedness and abrupt rise in elevation makes for a spectacular site. Several area courses have views of Grandfather, but none are eyeball-to-eyeball like Linville Ridge. Its par 5 13th, at 4,984 feet, is the highest elevation hole in Eastern America. The course has an elevation change from its lowest point to its highest of 760 feet. At this elevation, because of the thinner air, your shots go further than oﬀ the mountain. Linville Ridge sits atop Flat Top Mountain, which is part of the original 16,000acre land purchase by Hugh MacRae in 1885 that included Grandfather Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Grandmother Mountain and Linville. The property was owned by MacRae’s grandson, George MacRae, who also inherited Sugar Mountain. He lost the property to bankruptcy when the economy failed. Raymond Lutgert from Naples, Fla., purchased 1,800 acres on Flat Top in the early 1980s. Lutgert brought in an engineering firm to help him decide where to locate his golf

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Echotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Onsite Real Estate Team

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2018

Mountain biking becoming a summer staple in High Country

BY THOMAS SHERRILL

s the last of the snow melted and the green sprouted up across the High Country, many locals and visitors took time to dust off, knock the rust off and complete a practice run on their mountain bikes. The dust and rust will soon be replaced by mud and sometimes blood as adventure junkies take their machines to test its structural integrity, along with their endurance on one of the High Country’s mountain biking trails. Unlike regular trail riding where a stray root or branch is the biggest obstacle, mountain biking can encompass great inclines, sharp-banked turns, mud bogs, sudden declines and trees whizzing by. For those who seek adventure, the High Country is becoming home to more and more of these mazes meant for two wheels. Upon entering the Boone area on U.S. 421 from the east, visitors might barely notice Rocky Knob. An overhanging sign above a driveway doesn’t look too conspicuous. But behind the sign and in the hills are 185 acres of twists, turns and obstacles. Sugar Mountain’s gravity and cross-country mountain biking trails, ranging from easy to expert, is under expansion. The summer express lift service for foot passengers and mountain bikers begins June 30. “Enlarging, widening, and upgrading the current mountain bike park, building out expert terrain to offer beginner and intermediate line option choices from the summit to the base, adding features like rollers, small dips, and table tops are just a few of the compliments slated for the summer season,” Sugar Mountain said of their trail system. “As a result, please observe all signs and beware of construction.” For a higher elevation challenge, Beech Mountain Bike Park and Emerald Outback offer a natural high. At

FILE PHOTO There are several mountain biking trails in the area.

PHOTO BY KRISTIAN JACKSON Silas Jackson and Jude Jackson take on mountain biking trails at Rocky Knob Park.

MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS IN THE HIGH COUNTRY Boone Greenway in Boone Rocky Knob Park in Boone Sugar Mountain Resort in Sugar Mountain (opens June 30) Emerald Outback in Beech Mountain Beech Mountain Bike Park in Beech Mountain (opens June 2) The Kerr Scott Trail System in Wilkesboro 5,500 feet above sea level in the town of Beech Mountain, there are two mountain biking options for visitors. Emerald Outback, managed by the town of Beech Mountain, features cross-country rides over six and a half miles of trails. Trails range from easy to difficult including the “Oz Forest Run” going by the Land of Oz, the scenic “Southern Ridge” and much more. The Beech Mountain Bike Park at Beech Mountain Resort, is now open through Sept. 3, and allows visitors to

bike on what are normally ski slopes. Ranging from the easy “Whole Lotta Love” to the double black diamond “Black Dog,” the BMBP offers a serious challenge to mountain biking enthusiasts. With the chairlifts at Beech Mountain Resort undergoing renovations, shuttle rides are available to mountain cyclists at $10 for one ride or $35 for an all-day pass. Emerald Outback is free for cyclists with more information including lodg-

TIPS FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING IN THE HIGH COUNTRY Have a full-extension bike for maximum use. Trails are rated in difficulty from a white circle (easy) to a double black diamond (hardest). Always start with the easiest trails first, even if you’re an experienced rider. If you don’t own a bike, local bike rentals are available at Boone Bike and Touring, Magic Bike, Rhoddies Bicyling Outfitters and other bike retailers. ing options available at www.emeraldoutback.com. BMBP has various trail pricing and also includes bike rentals and lessons. Trail maps for local trails and other information can be found at boonebike. com. Biking gear and help can be found at footsloggers.us.

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Tour de High Country

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Road cyclists have multitude of options

BY THOMAS SHERRILL

SAFETY TIPS WHEN ENCOUNTERING ROAD CYCLISTS

he summer weather means its time for drivers on the road to exercise caution as cyclists will multiply across the area, some for leisure, some preparing for competition and some just to test themselves. Despite the skill level, one thing that remains true is that High Country has become a hub for road cyclists. While cycling with a helmet is legal on all High Country roads, if you’re a novice, you might want to avoid highways. The Boone Greenway is a great place for leisure bikers and the not-so-serious riders without having to look out for vehicles. The walkways are for pedestrians, so it’s up to the bikers and runners to avoid the walkers. SEE CYCLISTS ON PAGE 95

PHOTO BY KAYLA LASURE Trent Blackburn and Nina Mastandrea enjoy an evening bike ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Summer in the High Country will see hundreds of cyclists on area roads at any given time. To avoid accidents, motorists should follow these tips. Be respectful of these riders. Treat them like you would treat another vehicle. When passing a cyclist on a two-lane road, make sure the oncoming lane is completely clear and give the cyclist the entire lane. Do not pass a cyclist on a two-lane road when going around a blind curve. Only pass on straight sections of road. If approaching an intersection near a cyclist, keep an eye for their movement and actions. Many cyclists will signal if they plan on turning. Most of all, play it safe. It’s better to take that extra time out of your day than to risk a lifetime of pain and regret if there’s an accident.

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2018

Rock Climbing a big part of mountain experience BY STEVE BEHR

henever there are mountains, there are rocks. Wherever there are rocks, there are people wanting

to climb them. There are two basic outdoor rock climbing. The first type is simply called rock climbing, which is scaling up the side of a mountain using equipment for safety and for advancement up the mountain, diﬀers from bouldering, which involves climbing up a much smaller rock, closer to 20-30 feet, and have a landing pad and usually a spotter to provide safety. Boone resident Ryan Beasley has done his share of both. He and Jenny Allen own Rock Dimensions, a Boone-based company that specializes in teaching people the ins and outs of rock climbing.

Beasley said Boone is a great place to go rock climbing. He also said there is good rock climbing at Linville Gorge, Table Rock, which Beasley said is a multi-climbing area that has rock faces as tall as 600 feet. Ship Rock oﬀ the Blue Ridge Parkway has rocks as high as 200 feet. Beasley said there are other places such as a site called Holloway Mountain Road and another site near Blowing Rock called The Dump. “It’s a terrible name,” Beasley said. “Where we park used to be a trash pile where the locals would throw their trash down a hill. Since then it was cleaned up by the DOT.” Then there is bouldering. The climber does not use a safety rope, but has people spotting him. The boulders are usually SEE CLIMBING ON PAGE 91

PHOTO BY CAMERON CASSAN/ROCK DIMENSIONS Georgia Parker learns how to climb rocks while in the High Country.

Climbing, Rappelling & Caving

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2018

Rock Dimensions has climbing tower

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t’s as part of Boone as Howard’s Knob, Appalachian State or winter snow. It’s the climbing tower located in downtown Boone in the courtyard between Rock Dimensions and Footsloggers Outfitters. The tower, which is about 40-feet tall, is a symbol of one of the most popular activities to do in the High Country — rock climbing. Rock Dimensions allows all challengers to take on the wall, which starts on the ground and has several routes to the top. “There’s about 15 diﬀerent routs to choose from,” Rock Dimensions proprietor Ryan Beasley said. “In the summer, we have it staﬀed and it is open seven days a week and we definitely have facilitators to work with out.” Rock climbing is Beasley’s passion that SEE TOWER ON PAGE 93

CLIMBING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 90

20 feet from the ground and there is a crash pad on the ground should the climber fall. Most rock climbers love the challenge that it presents. Whether it’s rock climbing or bouldering, the activity presents mental and physical challenges that it brings are appealing to climbers. There are also good places along Hwy. 221 near Blowing Rock that are good for bouldering. It’s Beasley’s job to make sure that each climber, be they an expert of a beginner, to learn the proper way to climb the rocks and to have fun doing it. Many boy scout troops, which is how Beasley got involved in rock climbing in the first place, use his services. So have youth groups, girl scouts, YMCA’s parks and recreation departments “Rock Dimensions was started taking boy scouts rock climbing to get their

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climbing merit badges,” Beasley said. “We have a history of starting with groups. A big part of our summer business are tourists and families who come up on vacation in the summer. A lot of our scout groups tend to be scout groups who are off the mountain down in Charlotte and Raleigh who come up to the mountains to climb.” There are different ways to go rock climbing. One is to go up the mountain with friends waiting at the top to ensure the harness is connected properly. The other is to hike to the top of the mountain and then rappel down to the bottom. Going rock climbing or bouldering is a learned skill. It’s always better to learn rock climbing with somebody who knows what they are doing. That could be a friend who has rock climbing experience, or a business who has staff members who specialize in rock climbing. SEE CLIMBING ON PAGE 93

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2018

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2018

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CLIMBING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 91

With rock climbing comes having proper equipment. It starts with special rock climbing shoes, which are made specially to have the proper grip on the rocks, but are lightweight. Rock climbing shoes typically start around $100 and go to about $180 for top-of-the-line shoes. However, it is not recommended to hike in rock climbing shoes and instead, use sneakers or boots to get to the top of the rock being climbed. Comfortable clothes are also recommended. Beasley said climbing shoes are better for rock climbing since they oﬀer more traction that boots or sneakers. “Every company has its own kind of shoe with a very special sticky kind of rubber,” Beasley said. “As you get into climbing, you find out what shoes you like the best. They’re all going to perform better than boots or tennis shoes.” As far as safety equipment needed for a successful rock climb, there is the harness and the belay device needed to keep climbers safe, which generally go for $55-125. A chalk bag full of powdered chalk to rub on your hands is also recommended. Chalk bags generally sell for $20-25. Rock Dimensions is located at 131B Depot Street in Boone. The phone number is 828-265-3544 and the website is www.rockdimensions. com.

TOWER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 91

started when he was a member of the boy scouts. In 1984, he went to Philmont Scout Ranch and was hooked. He and his high school friends, who were in the scouts, stuck with it and taught themselves to climb. “There were a couple of my friends in high school and we were in scouts together,” Beasley, who will be 49 this summer, said. “We all learned kind of how to climb on our own during high school. It was a group of us who went climbing and camping together. Then I moved up here in the late 1980s and

PHOTO BY CAMERON CASSEN/ ROCK DIMENSIONS Above, Lucy Rapfoger gets a chance at rock climbing.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY ROCK DIMENSIONS Chris Leath scales a rock in the High Country.

early 1990s and have been climbing ever since because of scouting.” Beasley created Rock Dimensions in 1998 with the idea of turning his passion for rock climbing into a business. He remembered roots in scouting as a reason for opening the business. “A big part of our business is working with boy scout groups so they can earn their climbing merit badge,” Beasley said. Rock Dimensions caters to more than just boy scouts. They cater to families, camps, youth groups, colleges and individuals on all skill levels. It’s also used for instructional courses for recreational climbers. “We do a lot of half-day trips, so the

middle of summer vacation, families with kids will hire us to take them on a real rock,” Beasley said. “We get beginners all of the time. We’ve taken kids as young as 5 or 6 and we pick climbs that they can be successful on.” They train climbers on what equipment they need, how to set up a harness and anchors for the climbing, and lead hikes to the rocks that they will scale or rappel down for the day. Rappelling is when after the climbers hike to the top of a ridge or a rock, they attach their harness ropes to a rappelling device. Then they scale the rock downwards. “Usually on half-day trips, you’re learning some basic rock climbing knots,”

Beasley said. “You’re learning how to belay. You get to climb three or four climbs and you get to do some rappelling.” They also have all types of rock climbing shows, harnesses, helmets, chalk bags and belay devices so novice climbers can be prepared to participate. “We are a climbing and retail store, so we sell rock climbing equipment, so we could easily get a beginner outfitted with the basics to go out and climb,” Beasley said. “You could find a friend and go out climbing with a friend, but hopefully that friend is competent in climbing, too.” Rock Dimensions is located at 131B Depot Street in Boone. The phone number is 828-265-3544 and the website is www.rockdimensions.com.

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CYCLISTS

PAGE 95

CYCLING EVENTS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 89

Art in the Park Ride

One of the most popular road cycling spots in not just the High Country, but in the country, is the loop that goes from Blowing Rock, down U.S. 221 to Linville, then back along the Blue Ridge Parkway over the Linn Cove Viaduct. The parkway itself is one of the most popular cyclist options in the region, with its elevation changes and view, it offers a true challenge for the serious cyclist. Along with the Parkway, there’s countless roads to enjoy in the High Country. Some of the hidden gems of the High Country are in western Watauga County, where rolling hills filled with farmlands offers picturesque views and limited vehicle traffic. For those who want to test their cycling skills, there are several summer events across the region. The biggest will be the 20th Annual Blood, Sweat and Gears. Other events will challenge the endurance of cyclists, such as the Beech Mountain Metric, where cyclists will climb up Beech Mountain Parkway from Banner Elk.

June 16, July 14, August 11, September 8 and October 6 (all Saturdays) at 10 a.m. Organized by Rhoddies Bicycle Outﬁtters during the Blowing Rock Art in the Park Saturday events, this ride will take cyclists around the “Viadcut Loop” on U.S. 221 and the Blue Ridge Parkway in excess of 30 miles. Not a race, but a friendly ride with multiple regrouping points. Contact Rhoddies at (828) 414-9800 for more details.

20th annual Blood, Sweat and Gears June 23 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Starting and ending at Valle Crucis Elementary School in Sugar Grove. The 20th annual BSG is a challenging to strenuous 100-mile and 50-mile loop ride starting and ending at the Valle Crucis Elementary School, approximately 5 miles south of Boone. The cumulative climbing elevation is 6629 feet with the climb up to the gap at Snake Mountain, milepoint 50, reaching an 18-20 percent grade near the top. www.bloodsweatandgears.org

Boone Grand Fondo August 4 and 5 Starting and ending on King Street in Boone. The Gran Fondo National Championship Series is one of the hardest road racing series in the nation, but also one of the most fun. ‘Come Challenge Yourself’ in this race, which beneﬁts the Western Youth Network. There are three distances to choose from: Gran Route (100 miles), Medio Route (55 miles) and Piccolo Route (20 miles). New in 2018 is the 2.1-mile Howard Knob time trial. www.bikereg.com/boone-gfns

Blue Ridge Brutal August 11, from 8 a..m. to 3 p.m. Starting and ending at the Ashe Civic Center in West Jefferson. “There are 3 BRB ride options – 102, 72 and 56 miles. All the rides are challenging and spend at least 20 miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway and go up Mount Jefferson, a category two climb. While challenging, each of the rides travels through some of the most beautiful scenery in North Carolina” www.blueridgebrutal.org

CowBelle Classic August 25, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Starting and ending at the Old Cove Creek School in Sugar Grove “The CowBelle Classic is a women’s only cycling event hosted by the Boone Area Cyclists Club. Women of all ages and abilities are invited to ride in a non-competitive, social environment. Routes of 15, 20, 35 and 65 miles are available for the needs to all cyclists. By providing mentoring for new riders, we are expanding the community of women cyclists in our region.”

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2018

Indoor rock climbing remains an option BY STEVE BEHR sports@wataugademocrat.com

here are days in the High Country when the weather is perfect, and the chances to enjoy outdoor sports are plentiful. And then the weather can be rough, filled with high winds, ran and, in the winter months, show and ice storms. That’s when places such as Center 45 Fitness and Climbing are convenient to have around. Center 45, located on Bamboo Road on the eastside of Boone, has it own indoor climbing wall available to those who want to go rock climbing, but don’t want to face any poor or dangerous weather while doing it. “It ebbs and flows,” Center 45 co-owner Aaron Parlier. “You never really know when it’s going to be super busy.” Center 45 is home to several climbing walls that are angled several diﬀerent

ways. They have walls that are at a 45-degree slant which are right-side up, or upside-down. They also have walls that go straight up. All have diﬀerent shaped and sized “rocks,” objects that are there to hang onto and use to scale the wall. The walls are simulated to allow people to go bouldering, an activity that allows rock climbers to scale boulders, but not necessarily go hiking. Bouldering is done about 20-30 feet above ground and often has a spotter. A safety foam pad is often used is case the individual who is doing the bouldering falls. At the indoor facility, the bouldering requires climbers to work diﬀerent paths along the rocks, which are called problems. Center 45 reworks one-third of its paths per week to give its customers a variety of problems. Center 45 has a variety of customers from beginners to experts. It can also provide beginners and experts a chance to stay in shape since it can provide an

outstanding workout. It takes several things to make a good indoor rock climber, such as strength, stamina and a passion for the sport. Center 45 has the facility to help with that. Indoor climbing does not need much of the equipment that outdoor climbing requires. The two biggest similarities are climbing shoes and ground-up chalk. The shoes, which has a stickier-rubber sole instead of boots or sneakers, helps climbers stick to the rocks better. The chalk helps dry the climber’s hands to prevent sweat building up and hindering the climber’s grip. “If they have their own shoes, then of course that’s great, but we have rental shoes in case they need them in the rental shop,” Parlier said. Center 45 is located at 200 Den Mac Drive in Boone. The telephone number is 828-386-1550 and the website is www.center45.com.

FILE PHOTO BY STEVE BEHR Myah Pletcher takes on one of the climbing walls in Center 45 Fitness and Climbing in Boone.

Endless activities abound at

Watauga Lake BY CARL BLANKENSHIP

atauga Lake is a beautiful and seemingly endless concourse of blue water snaking around winding, densely forested banks. It is one of the premier places in the High Country to hike, swim, camp and boat, the lake is a beloved destination for aquatic fun. Despite the natural beauty of the lake and its immense size, it isn’t natural.

HISTORY The lake is actually a reservoir created by the Tennessee Valley Authority in 1948 as part of the Watauga dam, which was built to control flooding in the Tennessee River Watershed. In the path of this project was Butler, known as “The Town that Wouldn’t Drown.” As the project moved forward,

the town’s population of 600 people, and even many of the town’s homes and businesses, were relocated to higher ground in what today forms the town of “New” Butler. All told, the relocation project required 55 miles of new road construction and relocated more than 1,000 graves. Today, the relocated Butler is an unincorporated community in Tennessee’s Johnson county. Today, visitors can explore the area’s history at The Butler Museum, located at 123 Selma Curtis Rd in Butler, Tenn. The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30 to 4 p.m. during the summer, and tours can be made by appointment. For more information, click to www.thebutlermuseum.com.

ON SHORE Visitors to Watauga Lake will be SEE LAKE ON PAGE 97

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LAKE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 96

pleased to discover a variety of options for dipping their toes in the lake’s cool, clear waters. With five U.S. Forest Service maintained recreation areas in the vicinity, there are many options for a relaxing day of family fun. Sites requiring reservations and fees can be reserved by clicking to www.recreation.gov. For more information about USFS maintained areas in the area, click to www. fs.usda.gov/main/cherokee/home or call the Watauga Ranger District oﬃce at (423) 735-1500. Shook Branch Beach Located on the southwestern corner of Watauga Lake, adjacent to U.S. Hwy. 321, this 20-acre site is a great location for individuals or families seeking a day trip on the lake. With a large, enclosed swimming area, a beautiful sandy beach, 24 picnic tables on site, and a large grassy field for romping, Shook Branch Beach oﬀers opportunities for swimming, grilling, sunbathing and all the activities a family can hope to enjoy. The area is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Oct. 27 and is a short drive

PHOTO SUBMITTED A shore on Watauga lake on a sunny day.

away from the nearby town of Hampton, Tenn. Activities and amenities — Beach area, swimming, picnic areas, grills, restrooms Fees — Fee for vehicle access is $2 per vehicle per day or $30 per year with a Cherokee National Forest Pass. Watauga Point Picnic Area Oﬀering scenic views of the lake, this recreation area is shaded by large trees, but also contains a beautiful grassy area with plenty of room for picnicking and sunbathing. There is also a gravel trail that loops through the nearby forest. A large pavilion and picnic tables are available for rent for family gatherings

and other events, and a number of smaller picnic tables are available free of charge. As there is no designated swimming area on site, swimming is at the visitor’s own risk. No overnight camping is allowed at the site, which is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m through. Activities and amenities — Picnic areas, scenic views, swimming (at patron’s own risk), drinking water, restrooms. Fees — $30 rental fee per day for pavilion or large picnic tables. Cardens Bluff Campground High on a bluff overlooking Watauga Lake, Carden Bluff offers more than 40 tent campsites. Situated a short distance from Shook Branch Beach and the Rat Branch Boat Launch, this site offers easy access to the lake’s day use recreation areas. Gates open at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. Campsites are for one group of up to five individuals and two vehicles. The site is open through Sept. 18. Activities and amenities — Camping, bathrooms, warm showers, potable water. Fees — Campsites are $12 per night. Dennis Cove Campground Situated five miles south of the rec-

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reation areas on the western end of the lake, Dennis Cove Recreation Area is a secluded campground and picnic area adjacent to the Laurel Fork Creek, which oﬀers trout fishing opportunities for the intrepid angler. Of all the sites in the area, Dennis Cove has the most to oﬀer for the serious hiker. With a network of five trails spanning the distance between the lake and the campground, and three more connecting to the Appalachian Trail to south of the site, truly adventurous campers who enjoy moderate to strenuous hikes in and around the rugged and pristine terrain of the Pond Mountain Wilderness Area. A short drive from the lakeshore recreation areas, along the lake’s shore makes this campground a great place to retreat to after a full day of fun in the sun. Activities and amenities — Camping, hiking, picnic area, fishing, potable water, restrooms Fees — Campsites are $10 for a single site and $20 for double sites. The campground can accommodate 80 individuals and groups of less than 75 people may reserve the entire campground. SEE LAKE ON PAGE 101

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SUMMER TIMES

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2018

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• Suites • Event Room • Free WiFi • Full Bar • Indoor Pool • Inside Bistro • Fitness Center • Starbucks • On Site Catering 1050 Highway 105 Boone, NC 28607 828.265.7676 • Marriott.com/hkybn

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BY CARL BLANKENSHIP

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Pickle What? Pickleball

Newland, NC (828) 733-5161 www.linvillelandharbor.com

game for everyone, pickleball is a sport that has seen a growing fan base during the past couple of decades. It combines elements of racquet sports including tennis, badminton and ping-pong. Players use paddles made of wood to hit a perforated polymer ball back and forth over a net, which is shorter than those used for tennis. The game is like a scaled-down version of tennis and can be played on indoor or outdoor courts. With a slower moving ball and a smaller court, the game is easy to get into and great for all ages. Two to four players can play at once, and the game is usually played in doubles. The game was invented in the mid-1960s as a children’s backyard pastime and has grown in popularity with children and adults. According to the USA Pickleball Association website, the sport was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, which is a short ferry ride from Seattle. There, three dads, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum were credited for creating the game while finding a summer activity for their children. The sport has grown and evolved since then throughout the United States and Canada and courts have also been popping up in Asia and Europe.

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Pond Mountain Shooting Range Firearm enthusiasts can enjoy a day of shooting on this USFS maintained shooting range, located on Hwy. 321 between Watauga Point and Shook Branch Beach. With targets set up at 25, 50 and 100 yards, the range is open from daylight to dusk. Fees — Fee is $2 per vehicle per day or $30 per year with a Cherokee National Forest Pass.

ON THE WATER With 6,430 acres of lake to explore, individuals wishing to explore Watauga Lake in full are going to need a boat to experience all the area has to oﬀer. Fortunately, three marinas on the lakeshore provide rentals, as well as slips for folks

Watauga County Parks and Recreation 231 Complex Drive Boone, NC (828) 264-9511 www.wataugacounty.org

The Williams YMCA of Avery County

FILE PHOTO Pickleball is a popular High Country sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis.

More Than a Pickle Not merely tennis with training wheels, pickleball has its own association complete with rules and regulations surround proper equipment (balls, paddles, etc.) and its own national championships, regionals and so on. The USAPA’s website is replete with resources to further your interest and involvement in the sport.

Ashe County Parks and Recreation 626 Ashe Central School Road Jeﬀerson, NC (336) 982-6185 www.asheparks.com

Avery County Parks and Recreation 185 Shady St. Newland, NC (828) 733-8266 www.averycountync.gov

The High Country has several places to play pickleball:

Linville Land Harbor

who want to keep their boats on the Watauga year-round. Boaters who bring their own vessels for a day trip on the lake can also put in at three convenient USFS launch ramps.

campsites and a store on site. For more information about Fish Springs, click to www.fishspringsmarina.com or call (423) 768-2336.

Cove Ridge Marina and Yacht Club This private marina oﬀers covered slips and long-term RV camping, as well as many activities and amenities such as walking trails, horseshoes, volleyball, basketball, a children’s playground, a private beach and swimming lagoon. For more information, click to www. coveridgemarina.com or call (423) 7683741. Fish Springs Marina With pontoon boat rentals, jet ski tours and rentals of stand up paddle boards, and canoes and kayaks, Fish Springs Marina has a number of options for cruising the lake. The marina also oﬀers slip rentals, boat sales, RV

436 Hospital Drive Linville, NC (828) 735-5500 www.ymcaavery.org

Buckeye Recreation Center 1330 Pine Ridge Road Beech Mountain, NC (828) 387-3003 beechrecreation.org You can learn more about pickleball and where to play at the USA Pickleball Association website by clicking to www. usapa.org. You can also find a list of places to play the game both in the High Country and across the nation at www.usapa.org/places-to-play-pickleball.

20 Land Harbor Pkwy

Lakeshore Marina From rental pontoon and ski boats to slips and boats for sale, Lakeshore Marina offers a wide variety of services for visitors to the area. A shop on site sells snacks, tackle and beverages, and guests can dine at the Captain’s Table restaurant after a long day on the water. Lakeshore also has rental cabins on site, offering gorgeous views of the lake. For more information about rentals and offerings at the marina, click to www. lakeshore-resort.com, or call (423) 7252201. Mallard Cove Marina A sizable carp population at this marina makes for a unique attraction, in addition to pontoon boat rentals, a

boat launch and a snack bar. For more information, click to www.mallardcovemarina.com or call (423) 768-3440. Rat Branch Launch This paid USFS boat launch is conveniently located between Shook Branch Beach and Carden Bluff off of Highway 321. In addition to the launch, the site also features a fishing pier and restrooms. Located on the eastern end of the lake, this launch is also outfitted with restrooms. Parking is $2 per vehicle per day or $30 per year with a Cherokee National Forest Pass. Open sunrise to sunset, year round. Located off U.S. 321 and Moody Road. Sink Mountain Launch Located on the Northeastern shore of the lake, east of Butler, there is no charge to this secluded launch at the end of paved forest road 298 off Tenn. Hwy. 167.

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The Colors of

2018

Hope

Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery represents regional painters, sculptors, and fine crafts persons who want to take part in benefitting the children of Crossnore School & Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home. Join us for one of our Summer Gallery Shows and come see the colors of hope. Along the Blue Ridge Artist - Bryan Koontz Thursday, June 14, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Wanderings

and Roads Artist - Kim Abernethy Thursday, July 12, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Poetry Fields of the Blue Ridge

These Many Distant Artist - Rebecca King Thursday, September 6, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Artist - Julia Ralston Thursday, August 9, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Rivers

Horizons

CROSSNORE fine arts gallery

Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery | 205 Johnson Lane | Crossnore, NC 28616 (828) 733-3144 | www.crossnoregallery.org

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ART ON THE GREENE Handmade arts and crafts from select regional and national artisans.

Memorial Day Weekend

May 26-27

Fourth of July Weekend

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Labor Day Weekend

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Wandering BY KAYLA LASURE

off the beaten path

HIGH COUNTRY ATTRACTIONS

ometimes the road less traveled produces the best adventures. The High Country has plenty of activities for people to enjoy such as theater performances, aerial adventures courses, cheese production and apple orchards.

Ensemble Stage Location: 185 Azalea Circle S.E., Banner Elk Phone: (828) 414-1844 Show dates/times vary

High Gravity Adventures Location: 215 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock Phone: (828) 266-0176 Summer hours of operation (June, July, half of August): 10 a.m. to 8 p.m daily

ENSEMBLE STAGE (BANNER ELK) This 99-seat professional theater, located in the Historic Banner Elk School, is producing four shows during the summer season. Ensemble Stage is led by Artistic Director Gary Smith, who said his team hired actors — coming in from places such as New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee — from more than 1,500 auditions. Smith explained that the smaller size of the theater allows the audience to pick up on more subtle details from the actors. “It really lets the actors ... explore all sort of subtleties in their character that you can’t explore in big venues that seat 750 people and the back row can’t see a subtle expression, gesture or movement that an actor makes,” Smith said. “Whereas here, everybody is right there and you can see all of the little subtleties and nuances that you don’t normally get the opportunity to see.” Guests can see the suspense thriller “Deadly Murder” during select dates in June, the comedy “Red, White and Tuna” in June/July, a drama called “Slow Dance on the Killing Ground” in July/ August and another comedy show in mid-August called “Weekend Comedy.” These performances are $24 for adults, $22 for seniors/ students/military and $12 for kids (ages 16 and younger). Season subscriptions can also be purchased for $85 for adults and $77 for. To purchase season tickets, visitors are asked to pick their preferred show dates, their seats and then call (828) 414-1844. For more information about Ensemble Stage, visit www.ensemblestage.com.

Ashe County Cheese Location: 106 E. Main St., West Jefferson Phone: (336) 246-2501 Hours of operation: Monday — Saturday: 8:30 a.m.to 5 p.m.

The Orchard at Altapass Location: 1025 Orchard Road, Spruce Pine Phone: (828) 765-9531 Hours of operation: Wednesday — Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PHOTO SUBMITTED Ensemble Stage actors perform ‘Tuna Does Vegas’ in past shows.

for those oler than 7 and more than 75 pounds. Children who meet the age requirement but not the weight requirement must be accompanied by an adult. Package deals range from $29 to $89; individual activities range from $9 to $69. For more information, visit www. highgravityadventures.com.

HIGH GRAVITY ADVENTURES (BOONE) With two different aerial adventure courses, High Gravity Adventures will take visitors experiences to new heights. Its two courses — the Foothills and the Blue Ridge — allows guests to take challenges at their own pace. The organization offers difficulty levels of beginner, intermediate and advanced. Colored yellow, the Foothills course is generally geared toward children ages 4 and up or for adult beginners who feel nervous when it comes to taller heights. This course is 15 feet off of the ground and stays at one level. The Blue Ridge course encompasses three levels of difficulty with 75 elements, rappelling and climbing stations. High Gravity Adventures states that this course is color coded — similarly to that of ski resorts — to that the beginner level is color coded green, intermediate level is blue and the highest level is colored black. The higher a participant travels,

PHOTO BY CAROLINE LAWSON High Gravity Adventures will get your vacation off the ground.

the more difficult the course becomes. High Gravity Adventures also offers a three-person giant swing that brings participants 45 feet above ground and flying through the air with the pull of a rip-cord. Swing participants must be 7 years old and 48 inches tall. A Ninja Ground Course is additionally offered with 45 degree walls, over-under logs, monkey rings and a climbing net. The site also offers a zip line course,

ASHE COUNTY CHEESE (WEST JEFFERSON) Ashe County Cheese is the oldest and largest cheese manufacturer in North Carolina, as its been operating since 1930. Co-owner and store manager Josh Williams said Ashe County Cheese is a staple in the community. He mentioned that the operation makes 40,000 pounds of cheese a week on average with its store selling 100 diﬀerent varieties of cheese — both made locally and imported. Samples of products are available to SEE PATH ON PAGE 107

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NC MINERAL AND GEM FESTIVAL August 2-5, 2018 • Spruce Pine, NC

Aisles and aisles of beautiful jewelry, gemstones, sterling silver, diamonds, crystals, fossils and more! Celebrating earth’s treasures for over 50 years!

Spruce Pine Commons, 12121 Hwy 226 S, Spruce Pine, NC Thursday-Saturday 10am-6pm • Sunday 12:30-5 pm • $3 admission Thursday Senior Citizens Day $1 • www.ncgemfest.com • 828-765-9033

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Come Discover All North Wilkesboro

Has To Offer

A wide variety of

Shops Galleries â&#x20AC;¢ Antiques Downtown Restaurants

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2018

PATH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 104

try. Along with cheese products and North Carolina wines, the business also makes fudge and oďŹ&#x20AC;ers hand-dipped ice cream and candy. Visitors can watch the cheese making process from a viewing room. Cheese making viewing times are listed on the Ashe County Cheese website at www. ashecountycheese.com.

ORCHARD AT ALTAPASS (SPRUCE PINE) This nonprofit orchard in Spruce Pine grows 40 diďŹ&#x20AC;erent types of apples that will start to ripen at the earliest in June and continue through September or October. Hiking trails, hay rides, educational programs, book clubs and live bands on weekends are also provided for visitors. Hayrides are $5 a person and take place on the weekends at 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Riders learn a history of the area

SUMMER TIMES during the hayride which include topics such as the Battle of Kings Mountain and the Overmountain Victory Trail that runs through the orchard. This is in addition to a grill that serves farm-to-table food and a shop that sells locally made jams/jellies, canned goods, soaps, pottery and regionally written books. Once a month on Wednesdays a free book club meets, highlighting novels from the Appalachian region. The last Thursday of each month features Heritage Thursdays, where the program will feature presentations by local historians, musicians and storytellers. Heritage Thursdays will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. during the months of May through August. The Orchard at Altapass is open Wednesday through Sunday with live bands each day through October. Open mic and jam sessions are encouraged at the orchard at 1:45 p.m. every Wednesday. For more information and event dates, visit www.altapassorchard.org.

PHOTO BY LEE SANDERLIN Ashe County Cheese offers visitors a variety of cheeses to try.

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Christmas in July showcases community charm BY COLIN TATE

or more than 30 years, Christmas in July has been a summer event bringing the community together for a fun-filled family-friendly event for all ages. The festival offers handmade arts and crafts from vendors, a variety festival food, activities for children and quality entertainment with local musicians, singers and performers, according to Christmas in July Treasurer and Marketing Coordinator Wesley Barker. “Christmas in July is a great gathering place for the Ashe County community while we also (welcome) visitors looking to experience our county and all it has to offer, in addition to attending the festival,” Barker said. Christmas in July is also a large economic driver for Ashe County each year. Because the festival is held around July 4, people are often on vacation from work and choose to leave the hustle and bustle of the city. “Those visitors come to Ashe County for vacation and/or (to) attend the festival and other county offerings,” Barker said. “As a result, often all hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, rental properties and campgrounds are usually full during this weekend.”

CHRISTMAS IN JULY MAIN STAGE MUSIC SCHEDULE This is the schedule as of May 9. The schedule is subject to change. Friday, July 6 3-4:30 p.m. — Restless 4:30-5:45 p.m. — 421 WEST 6:30-8 p.m. — George’s Country 8-10 p.m. — Blue Country Saturday, July 7th 9-10 a.m. — Backporch Bluegrass 10-11 a.m. — Crooked Road Ramblers 11 a.m.-12 p.m. — Presley Barker 12-1 p.m. — Wayne Henderson & Friends 1-2 p.m. — ClayBank 2-3 p.m. — Amantha Mill 3-4 p.m. — Lonesome Willow 4-5 p.m. — Cane Mill Road Bluegrass Band 5-7 p.m. — Lucky Strikes Band Besides the money that is spent at the festival on food and craft items, visitors often shop within the county, such as buying groceries, dining at restaurants, shopping at small businesses, renting canoes and kayaks and more. This is all money spent locally, which in turn benefits the county economy. Barker said that Christmas in July has been one of his favorite events to attend since he was young.

FILE PHOTO Thousands of people will ﬁll BackStreet in downtown West Jefferson to experience the tradition of Christmas in July.

“I stay involved, because it is my way of giving back to the community,” Barker said in an email. “I find great pride in being part of a committee that gets to plan and implement a quality, fun event for our community and region while also promoting our county as a great place to visit.” Christmas in July provides benefits to those that attend, as well as the county in

the future. “The festival has the potential to draw people to the county who may have never visited before,” Barker said. “Once they attend the festival, and also realize our small mountain community charm, they may become repeat visitors (and) tell their friends and family who also may visit, thus furthering our economic prosperity.”

Music in the Valle: Wonderful tunes, beautiful setting

BY JEFF EASON

t’s hard to imagine a more idyllic setting for a summer music series than Valle Crucis Community Park. With its walking trails, picnic areas and access to the Watauga River, it truly is one of the most beautiful sites in the Appalachian Mountains. Music in the Valle is an outdoor music series that takes place from May 25 through September. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. May 26-August 11, and at 6:30 p.m. August 18-Sept. 8. Admission to the concerts is free, but a $5 donation per person or $10 donation per family to the community park is recommended. Visit vallecrucispark.org for more information. Valle Crucis Community Park is a non-profit organization, funded by donations. It is located behind the Mast General Store in Valle Crucis. For more information, call (828) 963-9239.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON Musiclovers enjoy hearing talented WNC performers in a relaxed mountain setting during the annual Music in the Valle series at Valle Crucis Community Park.

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History and theatre — outdoors

A summer trip to Boone isn’t complete without a night at ‘Horn in the West’ BY ANNA OAKES

estled into a gentle slope and surrounded by trees in a centrally located town park, history, theatre and live entertainment lovers have a treat waiting for them in Boone: “Horn in the West,” one of North Carolina’s few historic outdoor dramas. “Horn in the West” opens for a 67th consecutive season on Friday, June 22, at Daniel Boone Park on Horn in the West Drive in Boone. The season has been extended for 2018, continuing daily except Mondays through Saturday, Aug. 11. The outdoor amphitheater performance begins at 8 p.m., and general admission tickets are $25 for adults, $17 for students 13 and older and $13 for children ages 3 to 12. General admission seating is first come, first served, while VIP options are

PHOTO SUBMITTED The beloved ﬁre dance scene returns to the ‘Horn in the West’ production in 2018.

available for reserved seating. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. On Wednesday evenings, a special discount price of $12 is available for residents of Watauga and surrounding counties — just bring a driver’s license to show proof of

residence. At “Horn in the West,” attendees will take a step back into the 1770s with a live outdoor theatre experience featuring characters from the Revolutionary War. The Southern Appalachian Historic Association produces “Horn In The West,” which features stories from 1776-1780. “The ‘Horn in the West’ is the oldest Revolutionary War outdoor drama in the United States,” said Carson Sailor, executive director of the Southern Appalachian Historical Association. The outdoor drama originally started in 1952, when community leaders came together to celebrate Watauga County’s 100th anniversary. “Echoes of the Blue Ridge” was the first outdoor drama production held for two years. From there, county leaders hired playwright Kermit Hunter to write a story of the area. That story is still told 67 years later as “Horn in the West.” “It talks about North Carolina’s place in the American Revolution and how people sought freedom in the mountains. Daniel Boone is a key player,” said Sailor. “It’s a local production, it’s professional theatre,

but it has its roots right here in Watauga County.” Sailor noted that in 2018, the script returns to one of Hunter’s original edits and includes many scenes that fans love, including the fire dance. “This year’s production is back to the basics of ‘Horn in the West’ and what people like,” Sailor said. “One of the big things that brings people to Horn is nostalgia; they love the fire dance (and) the banter between larger-than-life characters.” Every year, actors from all around the United States come take part in “Horn in the West.” The actors, production crew and museum staff total more than 100 people. Jenny Cole will be reprising her role as Widow Howard, and Scott Loveless from Mountain City, Tenn., will be back to reprise his role as the preacher. Darrell King of King’s Mountain will perform the role of Daniel Boone. The Southern Appalachian Historical Association offers many ticket deals throughout the season. Purchase your ticket online at horninthewest.com or at the ticket office located on site.

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Daniel Boone Native Gardens celebrates 55 years T his year marks the 55th anniversary of the Daniel Boone Native Gardens. Containing a mixture of native shrubs, wildflowers and trees, the gardens give people a chance to see the plants that were planted around the settlers age. It all started in March of 1957 at a flower show in Hickory, according to danielboonenativegardens.org. H. Stuart Ortloff, a landscape architect, discussed the difficulty of studying native plant material in North Carolina because of inaccessibility. Through an organized effort by the garden clubs in Boone and the Garden Club of North Carolina, a plant sanctuary was planned and created in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The site would contain a wide collection of North Carolina native plant material and serve the dual purposes of conservation and education. On June 29, 1963, the garden was

PHOTO BY ERIKA GIOVANETTI The Daniel Boone Native Gardens is located at Horn in the West Drive in Boone, adjacent to the home of the Watauga County Farmers’ Market.

dedicated as a part of North Carolina’s Tercentenary celebration of the charter of Carolina colony. Today, this original plan remains the basic design for the Daniel Boone Native Gardens, according to danielboonena-

tivegardens.org. The wrought-iron gates on the property were even forged by Daniel Boone VI of Burnsville. A cabin was situated in the Gardens to honor the father of Daniel Boone, Squire Boone. It serves as an educational representation of frontier living in the years following the Revolutionary War. Daniel Boone Native Gardens remains a peaceful spot in the center of a busy community. Visitors are invited to the gardens to feast on a family picnic, take one-of-a-kind photo of a blooming flower, have a memorable day in the wedding garden or simply sit and absorb nature. The Daniel Boone Native Gardens are located at 651 Horn in the West Drive in Boone. Admission is free, and donations are accepted. For more information or to schedule a garden tour, visit danielboonenativegardens.org or email dbgardens@ danielboonenativegardens.org.

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A TIMELINE OF THE DANIEL BOONE NATIVE GARDENS Below are a few of the important events in the 55-year history of the Daniel Boone Native Gardens. 1963 — A gatehouse was added to the gardens constructed from local stones of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 1964 — Junior gardeners throughout the state of North Carolina collected nickels and dimes to donate a birdbath for the gardens. 1973 — A two-acre plot, originally owned by a private citizen, was leased to the Garden Club of North Carolina. The section was designed as a fernery. Today, benches and a small observation gazebo allow visitors to enjoy the quiet restfulness of this special garden. 1992 — The reﬂecting pool and surrounding area was re-planted as a bog garden. Today, there is a small bridge across the bog garden that leads to the Squire Boone Cabin. 1996 — A “Pickin’ Porch” was constructed in the northern area of the gardens. Its presence recalls the custom of mountain families gathering on the front porch with neighbors in the evening and “pick a few.” The “Pickin’ Porch” reﬂects the hospitality of the mountain community of Boone, and the inviting presence of the Native Gardens.

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Disc golfing through the High Country BY LEE SANDERLIN

“D

isc golf is one of the fastest growing sports in the world,” according to Ashe County Parks and Recreation Director Scott Turnmyre. An inexpensive sport to start playing, Disc Golf lets people play a game of golf with the toss of a frisbee. According to the Disc Golf Association, the game started as an offshoot of the many games spawned through Frisbee. The game holds several similarities to regular golf. Disc Golf players use golf discs and aim for a disc pole hole which extends up from the ground with a basket where the disc lands. Like golf, the goal of the game is to complete each hole in the fewest number of throws. The Disc Golf Association was established in 1976 by Ed Headrick, forming a new international sport and promoting the installation and use of disc golf courses around the world. Today, there are more than 2,500 Disc Golf Courses in the United States and between 7 million to 10 million people playing the game. Turnmyre believes the sport has become popular due to the low expense of entering the sport. It can only cost about $50 for a few discs to start throwing and the ease to get started. Just as regular golf uses different clubs during a game, disc golf uses many kinds of discs with different classifications, including drivers, mid-range throws and putters. Differences in disc design are based on thickness and diameter.

HIGH COUNTRY DISC GOLF COURSE One of the largest courses in the region is the High Country Disc Golf Course located at the Ashe County Park in Jefferson. Designed by Harold Duval of Innova Disc Golf, the course offers 18 class, holes in the “upper echelon” of disc golf courses in the entire nation. Ashe County Park is 73 acres, with Turnmyre estimating that the High Country Disc Golf Course touching 60 of those acres. The course allows players to visit a majority of the park during a one-round hike. Courses are designed with both amateur and advanced level starting pads and tees for both new and experienced players. Holes have varying levels of diffi-

LOOKING FOR A TOURNAMENT? For the serious disc golfers looking to test their mettle against area competitors, look no further than the Chings & Strings tournament held August 24 and 25 at Heritage Farm Disc Golf Course in Boone. The tournament, a two day affair, will feature bluegrass music from Songs From the Road Band. Camping is permitted at the tournament. For more information on the event or to sign up, visit www. facebook.com/groups/169776316994422/. culty, often provided by the terrain of the park, from adjusting to a 146 foot elevation change down to the basket to throwing the disc through a corridor of trees. The course also features natural obstacles, such as a water hazard. “We love our disc golf course and we’re always excited when we have visitors come,” Turnmyre said. “We’re glad we can provide it for the community.” The course is free for the public and is open during the park’s hours from 8 a.m. to dark. For more information on the course, visit www.thehighcountrydiscgolfclub.com or call (336) 982-6185.

WAHOO’S ADVENTURES You can also practice your game at Wahoo’s Adventures. The disc golf course opened up in May 2015 at the New River Outpost at 3380 Big Hill Road, Todd. The course oﬀers nine holes plus a warm up green with two tees per hole. Holes are spread throughout the woods, making for a diﬃcult challenge. The course is free for everyone who goes down a Wahoo Adventure and $5 for everyone else, with costs going toward the maintenance required to keep the course open. For more information, call Wahoo’s Adventures at (828) 262-5774 or visit www. wahoosadentures.com.

BEECH MOUNTAIN RESORT COURSE Another notable disc golf course is located at Beech Mountain Resort. The 18-hole course is more than 8,000 feet long with a one-of-a-kind design. Players can enjoy a beautiful scenic view while hiking from hole to hole and can take a chairlift ride to get an even better view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Evan Smith takes a shot at disc golf in Ashe County.

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Pet friendly High Country BY DEREK HALSEY

ith our abundance of mountains, trails, walkways and summer events, pets have a lot to do during the summer months in the High Country. There are a lot of reasons why the High Country is a very pet friendly region of western North Carolina. Boone is a college town and many people own dogs, cats and other more unique companions. But residents and visitors of all ages and walks of life also own various pets of diﬀerent species that are there to brighten their life on a daily basis. There are many dog-friendly hotels, restaurants and bars in the High Country region. Not all establishments are pet friendly, however, so always check ahead of time before bringing your favorite companion. Trails, of course, are pet friendly for the canines that can handle a walk in the woods SEE PETS ON PAGE 120

PHOTO BY RANDY JOHNSON There are unique stores found in the High Country dedicated to all of your pet needs, such as the Mountain Dog store in Banner Elk.

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PETS

parking, a safety zone entry gate, dog watering stations, fully equipped waste stations, a picnic shelter and other features. More information can be found at townofbeechmountain.com/beechmountain-bark-park/. There are also unique stores found in the High Country dedicated to all of your pet needs. The Mountain Dog and Friends store is located in the shadow of Grandfather Mountain at 126 Taylor Road off of RT. 105 in Banner Elk. Known for its fenced-in rest and play area in front and the wide array of pet supplies found within, the store is housed in a beautiful and historic stone house built many decades ago. Proprietor Cathy Johnson runs a shop that prides itself in offering the best products for your pet that does not contain fillers or other unsustainable byproducts that are not good for your animal. The Pet Place store located at 240 Shadowline Drive in Boone. The establishment features high quality foods and products for dogs and cats, but it also prides itself in offering products for the more unusual pets that people have in town. “We have a very strong, loyal community-based group of customers that visit us year round,” said Sandy Yarchin of The Pet Place. “We are a full-service pet store, which means we cover all pets. We carry products for birds, reptiles, fish, small animals, cats, dogs and even for chickens. We don’t sell the animals themselves, but we do carry live chickens in the spring and chicken feed the rest of the year. We specialize in holistic foods that are made in the U.S.A. Our food products don’t have the corn, wheat and soy byproducts in them, and probably 80% of our foods are not found in the big box stores. If you use low quality food with fillers, you’re giving your dog four to five cups a day and he has to go outside all of the time. If you buy high quality food, you only have to feed them two cups a day and they may have to go outside once or twice a day.” A trip to The Pet Place can be a unique experience because they sell supplies for so many unusual and exotic pets. “We have people who come in here with ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, snakes and lizards,” said Yarchin. “We see it all, even pot belly pigs, which are actually very smart. This town is a very pet friendly place.”

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METROCREATIVECONNECTION.COM In these beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, there are many trails to choose for dog owners including Elk Knob State Park, Grandfather Mountain State Park, the Moses Cone Manor Trails, the Rich Mountain Carriage Trail, the Price Lake Loop Trail, the many trails in the Pisgah National Forest, the Wilson Creek Gorge and Linville Gorge Trail system all provide numerous opportunities for dog lovers to get out into the wild.

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or on a mountainside. But, make sure your pet buddy can handle the terrain and always think ahead to keep them hydrated and happy. In these beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, there are many trails to choose for dog owners including Elk Knob State Park, Grandfather Mountain State Park, the Moses Cone Manor Trails, the Rich Mountain Carriage Trail, the Price Lake Loop Trail, the many trails in the Pisgah National Forest, the Wilson Creek Gorge and Linville Gorge Trail system all provide numerous opportunities for dog lovers to get out into the wild. Winding for many miles amidst the more urban areas, the Greenway Trail twists and turns its way through both of the towns of Boone, Banner Elk and more. The fully-accessible trail is mostly flat and paved with gravel and makes for a wonderful path to bring your walk mate. You can find a map of the Greenway Trail as well as trail guidelines by going to the “Town Parks and Greenways” section of townofboone.net. More information on the Greenway Trail in Banner Elk can be found at townofbannerelk.org/recreation/greenway-trail. There are also official dog parks to be utilized in the High Country, fenced in areas where you can let you dog off of its leash to have big fun, as long as they can get along with his or her fellow canine friends. In The Boone Area, the Watauga Humane Society offers a dog park and more information on times and fees can be found at wataugahumane.org/ other-stuff. In Banner Elk, Tate-Evans Park is a go-to area for those wanting to walk amongst the greenery and that includes the park’s summer concert series on Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. that lasts from the first week in June, including the weekly Thursday evening concerts hosted for free in the park at 6:30 p.m. More information on the Thursday evening concerts in the park can be found at bannerelk.org/index.php/concerts. Up on top of the spectacular vista known as Beech Mountain, the highest incorporated town in eastern America, you will find the Beech Mountain Bark Park. This fenced-in, off-leash park is big, roomy and fun for your puppies with two play areas, plenty of close-by

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Something for everyone at BRAHM BY THOMAS SHERRILL

hether it’s art and history or drawing or even concerts, the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum will have a little something for everyone this summer. The exhibits this summer will put the focus locally, where individuals can learn about the way of life in the High Country. “It’s a new season at BRAHM and I feel the exhibits we have really highlight North Carolina and our local community,” said Ashley Warren of BRAHM. Etchings and Lithographs of American Life, 1905-1943 (through June 15) Throughout the early to mid 20th century, many artists worked to capture the everyday lives of citizens in response to several art and cultural movements, including American Regionalism and Post Modernism, as well as the Great Depression. Printmaking through etchings and lithographs allowed artists the freedom to create multiples of these images, comparing and contrasting rural and urban life in America and revealing issues surrounding poverty, wealth, agriculture, rapid industrial development, and surveillance. Etchings & Lithographs of American Life features a private collection of prints that explore these themes by prominent American artists Thomas Hart Benton, John French Sloan, Grant Wood, and Carl E. Pickardt, Jr. Special thanks to Charlie and Susan Murray for making this exhibition possible. Ten Years of Appalachian State Ceramics (through July 15) More than 30 graduates from the ceramics program in the Department of Art at Appalachian State University are reuniting through their work in the community alumni exhibition, “Ten Years of Appalachian State Ceramics.” This juried exhibition features work that was created within the past three years, and exists as a survey of the caliber of work being created by artists who graduated with degrees in BFA or BA Studio Art, as well as BFA Art Education, within the past ten years. Exhibiting artists include Teresa Cerda Armas, Rachel Ballard, Sophia Bartell, Rebecca Bremer, Samuel Brown, Zachary Cone, Amber Dillingham, Kristin Foley, Jacob Ford, Mildred Gentry, Amanda Gullatt, Luke Hartford, Blake Kennedy, Rachel Kirk, Laurie Kirkpatrick, Ireri Krueger,

IMAGE SUBMITTED The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum will be abuzz with activity this summer with numerous new exhibits.

Claire Lenahan, Elizabeth Lauer, Melina LaVecchia, Adam Mackay, Molly Mackay, Haley McElroy, Sarah Paap, Mary Grayson Parker, Meredith Patton, Cassie Pena, Karli Pendergraft, Erin Popov, Eliana Rodriguez, Molly Rowland, Megan Shawkey, Riley Speidel, and Chastan Swain. Handcrafted: North Carolina Clay (through July 22) Handcrafted: North Carolina Clay is guest curated by founder emeritus of BRAHM and North Carolina potter, Herb Cohen. North Carolina has long been recognized for its skilled potters and iron-rich red clay. Potters throughout the state would pull their material directly from the earth and use this clay to form jugs, jars, bowls, platters, and vases, all by hand. Then and now, these utilitarian vessels exist with a sense of humanity, history, and purpose unique to the craft-enriched past of the south. These traditions have both persisted and expanded in potteries and clay studios across the state. Handcrafted presents ceramic vessels and sculpture made by more than 40 contemporary North Carolina potters and artists. The works are functional and decorative with a broad range of scales, techniques, concepts, and forms. Together, this exhibition takes a look at the diversity of contemporary ceramics in our state, as well as the stories and relationships these artists have with their work and one another. Exhibiting artists in Handcrafted: North Carolina Clay include Steve Abee, Michel Bayne, Glenn Bolick, Lula Owens Bolick, Cynthia Bringle, Lisa Clague, Herb Cohen, Josh Copus, Cristina Córdova, Donna Craven, Adrienne Dellinger, Susan Filley, Carol Gentithes, Terry Gess, Mark Hewitt, Lynn

Jenkins, Nick Joerling, Daniel Johnston, Fred Johnston, Kate Johnston, Matt Jones, Eric Knoche, Stacy Lambert, Leah Leitson, Jeannine Marchand, Bob Meier, Ben Owen III, Bayle Owens, Pamela Owens, Travis Owens, Vernon Owens, Jane Peiser, Akira Satake, Pat Scull, Ken Sedberry, Jenny Lou Sherburne, Eric Serritella, Liz Summerfield, Charlie Teﬀt, Kathy Triplett, and Julie Wiggins. The Way Watauga Works (through July 24) Responding to BRAHM’s latest exhibition from the Smithsonian, The Way We Worked, a follow up exhibition exploring the history and essence of work of individuals in our local area of Watauga County, The Way Watauga Works, features portraits and oral histories collected from 31 entrepreneurs, artisans, public servants, and others working within our community. The youngest participant is 24 years old, and the oldest is 78 years old. Oral histories have been transcribed in both English and Spanish, making this BRAHM’s first bilingual exhibition. Each oral history, which can be listened to in the gallery, is accompanied by a full-color portrait of the subject captured by local Boone photographer Ashley Warren of Natural Craft Photography. The Way Watauga Works also features four documentaries made by the 8th grade class of Bethel School as part of the Smithsonian’s Stories YES! program. This project is made possible thanks to The Way We Worked, an exhibition created by the National Archives that is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and the North Carolina Humanities Council. Support for

Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress. The Village of Blowing Rock: Exploring our History Responding to popular demand, the Museum and the Blowing Rock Historical Society are proud to present this collaborative, permanent exhibition exploring the history of the town of Blowing Rock and its place in the High Country. The town, also referred to by many members of the community as “The Village,” has recorded history tracing back to the late 1800s and has defined the cultural landscape for generations. Since the town has many stories, a section of this exhibition will be revisited regularly to focus on different areas of Blowing Rock’s history. This permanent display resides in the Museum’s upstairs gallery, named in honor of Virginia (“Ginny”) and David Stevens of the Blowing Rock Historical Society. Special thanks to Dr. Andrea Burns and Trent Margrif for guest curating the exhibition. Gift Shop This past December, BRAHM cut the ribbon on its new gift shop. Next to the main entrance, the gift shop offers items range in price from five dollars to over $100 and include 3D puzzles, picture books of different exhibitions that have been at the museum, stuffed animals and much more. Blowing Rock Art & History Museum The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum seeks to provide cultural enrichment to the High Country communities by promoting the arts and Southern Appalachian heritage and history through educational programs, exhibitions, activities and permanent collections. General admission to the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum is $7 for adults and $6 for students, seniors, and children ages 5 and up. Free for active military, EBT cardholders, and children under 4 years of age. Donations of any amount are accepted instead of full admission to the museum on Thursdays. Located at 159 Chestnut Street on the corner of Chestnut and Main in Blowing Rock, NC. From May through October, the museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m to 7 p.m., Thursday; noon to 4 p.m., Sunday. For more information, please call (828) 295-9099 or visit www.BlowingRockMuseum.org.

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Brushes with greatness

to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For large showcases, visit Appalachian State University’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts. Here, one can find a number BY SAVANNA TANNER of summer showcases, beginning with the Summer Exhibition Celebration at he art scene in the High Country 6 p.m. on Friday, July 6. Visitors can is as beautiful and serene as the enjoy seven galleries, meet the artists landscape that surrounds it. With and enjoy some food and a cocktail. The a multitude of galleries that feature work Turchin Center will also host a Lunch from local artists, one does not have & Learn series throughout the month to look far to find inspiring of July which will feature craftsmanship and works of educational opportunities with art. the curator and some of the The High Country is filled featured artists. with intimate galleries, feaThe Blowing Rock Art and turing all kinds of local work, History Museum is another including paintings, quilting, great place to enjoy inspiring handmade jewelry, potartwork in both temporary and tery-making and other types of permanent exhibits, and parcraftsmanship. ticipate in workshops for both One of the oldest galleries in children and adults. BRAHM the area is the Carlton Gallery, offers weekly workshops for A sculpture by located in Banner Elk. Toni children adults, including Mary-Ann Prack Carlton gallery opened as a weekly art clubs for children can be found on small fiber studio in 1982. The display at the and education discussion for studio is now in its 36th year adults. The museum will also Carlton Gallery. of business and presents an host a summer concert series array or original and inspiring works, as that will take place Sunday afternoons, well as wonderful gifts for visitors and beginning in June. collectors. Visitors can enjoy an array of GALLERY CRAWLS artwork including paintings, drawings, A cool evening after a hot summer clay, pottery, sculpture, handmade jewday is the perfect time to get outside, go elry, blown glass and fiber art, as well as downtown and enjoy a relaxing stroll. witness Carlton’s own studio and works. And why not add local art, food and live “It gives a good representation of fine music to the mix by attending monthart as well as craft that continues tradily Art Crawls in both Boone and West tions of artwork in all media in the local Jefferson. area,” Carlton said. The Downtown Boone Art Crawl takes During the summer, visitors can enjoy place at galleries and other local busia couple of unique exhibitions at the Carlton Gallery. The first, titled “Contem- nesses throughout King Street in downtown Boone on the first Friday evening porary Cubist Charisma in Paintings and of each month. The first summer event Sculpture,” is dedicated to the art career takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on of Warren Dennis. The exhibition will June 1. For updates and more informarun from May 26 through July 15 and tion, visit www.downtownboonenc.com. will showcase Dennis’ own work, as well Downtown West Jefferson has its as the work of sculptor and painter MaryGallery Crawl on the second Friday of Ann Prack. The mid-summer exhibition, each month, in which visitors are invited titled “Spectrum-Beyond Color and to stroll the streets, check out local art Abstraction,” will run from July 28 to and more. The first summer event takes Sept. 15 and will feature work by Andrew place from 5 to 8 p.m. on June 8. The Braitman and Lisa Boardwine. participating galleries for the 2018 seaThe gallery will also host weekly workson are Ashe Arts Center Gallery, Acorn shops by 12 different artists, including Gallery, Ashe Custom Framing and the feature artists as well as Egidio Gallery, Backstreet Beads, Birchwood Antonaccio, who has been in the area for over 30 years. The gallery is open 10 a.m. Lofts Gallery, Bohemia, Catchlight Gal-

Galleries showcase local art, culture and more

lery, Florence Thomas Art School, Great Southern Gothic, Originals Only Gallery, Quilt Square Girls, R.T. Morgan Gallery, Stephen Shoemaker Studio and Gallery and The Vintage Locket. For updates and more information, visit www.ashecountyarts.org. BANNER ELK The Art Cellar Gallery 920 Shawneehaw Ave. (828) 898-5175 www.artcellaronline.com Carlton Gallery 10360 N.C. 105 South (828) 963-4288 www.carltongallery.com Clark Gallery 393 Shawneehaw Ave. (828) 898-2095 www.clarkgallerync.com Maggie Black Pottery 1225 N.C. 105 (828) 773-2459 www.maggieblackpottery.com Sally Nooney Gallery 7413 N.C. 194 South (828) 963- 7347 www.sallynooney.com Studio 140 140 Azalea Circle (828) 352-8853 www.facebook.com/studio140

BLOWING ROCK Blowing Rock Art & History Museum 159 Chestnut St. (828) 295-9099 blowingrockmuseum.org Blowing Rock Gallery of Home & Land 159 Sunset Drive (828) 414-9400 www.brghomesandland.com Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery 7935 Valley Blvd. (828) 295-0041 www.blowingrockgalleries.com Bolick Pottery & Traditions Pottery The Martin House 116 Main St. (828) 295-6128 www.traditionspottery.com Morning Star Gallery 1151 Main St. (828) 295-6991 www.morningstargalleryusa.com

BOONE Artwalk 611 W. King St. (828) 264-9998 www.artwalkboone.com Blue Ridge Artspace 337 Shadowline Drive (828) 264-1789 www.watauga-arts.org Doe Ridge Pottery 585-D W. King St. (828) 264-1789 www.watauga-arts.org Hands Gallery 543 W. King St. (828) 262-1970 www.handsgallery.org Jones House Community Center 604 W. King St. (828) 262-4576 Kevin Beck Studio 1590 Shull’s Mill Rd. (828) 963-1181 www.kevinbeck.com Nth Degree Gallery 683 W. King St. (828) 719-9493 www.nthdegreegallery.com Turchin Center for the Visual Arts

423 W. King St. (828) 262-3017 www.tcva.org

CROSSNORE Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery The Crossnore School 205 Johnson Lane (828) 733-3144 www.crossnoregallery.org

LINVILLE 87 Rufﬁn Street Gallery 87 Rufﬁn St. (828) 737-0420 Linville River Pottery 2180 Goose Hollow Rd. (828) 387-1944 www.linvilleriverpottery.com

NEWLAND Anvil Arts Studio 9600 Linville Highway (828) 765-6226 www.studiosculpture.com Pan Brewer Studio 41 Redbird Lane (828) 733-5755 www.pambrewer.com

SPRUCE PINE Toe River Arts Council Gallery 260 Oak Ave. (828) 765-0520 www.toeriverarts.org

VALLE CRUCIS Alta Vista Gallery 2839 Broadstone Rd. (828) 963-5247 www.alavistagallery.com

WEST JEFFERSON Acorn Gallery 103 long St. (336) 264-3388 www.acorngallery.com Ashe Arts Center Gallery 303 School Ave. (336) 846-2787 www.ashecountyarts.com Ashe Custom Framing & Gallery 105 S. Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-1498 www.ashecustomframing.com Backstreet Beads and Handcrafted Jewelry 111-A North Jefferson Ave. (336) 877-1498 www.backstreetbeads.com Bohemia 5 N. Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-1498 www.bohemianc.com Catchlight Gallery 108 North Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-1551 www.catchlightgallery.net Florence Thomas Art School 10 S. Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-3827 www.ﬂorenceartschool.org Foxﬁre Holler Fiber Arts 08 E. First Main St. (336) 620-2829 Originals Only Gallery 3B North Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-1636 www.originalsonly.com Quilt Square Girls 5 East Second St. (336) 385-0197 www.ilovebarnquilts.com R.T. Morgan Art Gallery & Glass by Camille 120 N. Jefferson Ave. (336) 246-3328 www.rtmorganartgallery.com Shoemaker Studio and Gallery 111 South Jefferson Ave. (336) 846-3401 www.stephenshoemaker.com

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Before Friday’s gone,

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get yourself some music on the lawn Blowing Rock’s free live music events attract hundreds each weekend BY JEFF EASON

o kill two birds with one stone, or to perhaps kill two birds with one rock, be sure to head out to Blowing Rock on Friday afternoons this summer. You first stop, of course, will be the weekly Friday afternoon concerts at the Best Cellar on Sunset Drive. Each week you can catch a free concert by some of the best in regional musical acts while relaxing with your fellow music lovers on the front lawn of the historic Inn at the Ragged Garden. The shows run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Audiences are urged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the fun. Appetizers, beer, wine and mixed drinks are available for sale. No pets,

coolers or outside food, please. This year’s musical lineup includes The Harris Brothers (May 25), Out of the Blue (June 1), The Shelby Rae Moore Band (June 8), Soul Benefactor (June 15), The Lucky Strikes Band (June 22), Continental Divide (July 6), The Harris Brothers (July 13), Soul Benefactor (July 20), The Shelby Rae Moore Band (July 27), TBA (Aug. 3), Drive South (Aug. 10), The Harris Brothers (Aug. 24), The Shelby Rae Moore Band (Aug. 31), Klee Liles’ James Taylor Tribute (Sept. 7), The King Bees (Sept. 14), Soul Benefactor (Sept. 21), The Harris Brothers (Sept. 28), The Worthless Son-in-Laws (Oct. 5) and TBA (Oct. 12). For more information, call the Best Cellar and the Inn at the Ragged Gardens at (828) 295-3466.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON Music lovers enjoy a Friday in front of the Inn at the Ragged Gardens with the popular High Country band Soul Benefactor.

Art in the Park returns to Blowing Rock for 56th year BY THOMAS SHERRILL

or more than a half century, some of the finest craftspeople and artisans in the Southeast have made regular trips to Blowing Rock to participate in Art in the Park. Held six times a year during the warmer months every year since 1962, Art in the Park features 90 fine arts and crafts booths selling paintings, jewelry, furniture, ceramics, fiber items and much more. It is presented by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and held on Park Avenue next to Blowing Rock Memorial Park. “Art in the Park’s high standards and professional jury attract artisans from all over the Southeast to exhibit in a series of six shows, May through October, Art in the Park’s website states. “The quality of work exhibited draws thousands to the area each month.”

Items available can vary from just a few dollars to thousands of dollars and oﬀers hand-crafted items for a wide variety of people. Art in the Park’s location is convenient to public parking decks, Memorial Park and all of its kid-friendly amenities, and downtown Blowing Rock shops and restaurants. Free parking is available downtown on the street and in the parking decks on Wallingford St. and at BRAHM. Art in the Park also has a free trolley to and from parking areas at Tanger Outlets and Food Lion, looping every 20 minutes. Art in the Park’s hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is presented by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Modern Automotive. For more information, including the featured artists in 2018, call the Chamber at (828) 295-7851 or visit blowingrock.com/artinthepark.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON Six times a year Park Avenue is lined with ﬁne arts and crafts booths for Art in the Park.

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Ziiiip See the world from above with zip lining in the High Country

o you ever wonder how a bird sees the High Country? If so, you should consider zip lining, an activity guaranteed to give you an adrenaline rush. Race at high speeds down a cable over the forest canopy floor and through valleys all while getting a look at the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains from above. “Getting everybody outside and experiencing the Blue Ridge Mountains and enjoying the outdoors and going around the course, that’s the fun of it,” Stephanie Shapiro, oﬃce manager for Sky Valley Zip Tours said. Zip lining oﬀers a fun way for friends and families to get out to enjoy nature while exploring the beauty of the mountains in a thrilling adventure. For others, zip lining might be the cure they need to

overcome a lifelong fear of heights. Worried about falling? All area zip lining outfits are well versed in safety and require participants to wear harnesses, head protection and other gear while going on zip tours. Guides are specially trained for several hours and days to give you a wild, yet safe ride, above the canopies of the Blue Ridge.

Hawksnest

Located in the mountains up in Seven Devils, Hawksnest offers two different courses, the Hawk and Eagle Routes. The courses feature 20 zips between the two, including four mega zips that are more than 1,500 feet long with speeds up to 50 miles per hour and heights of 200 feet in some spots. The routes offer great views of the mountains and valleys below and both courses offer different experienc-

es. The Hawk Tour is a 1.5-mile-long 11 cable tour. This tour travels through the trees, over lakes and creeks with speeds up to 35 mph. The Eagle Tour is almost three miles of zip line riding with two cables over 2,000 feet long and three more over 1,200 feet long. With heights over 200 feet, this tour travels over trees, through the trees and over creeks at speeds up to 50 mph. It is recommended that you have some zip lining experience before trying the Eagle Tour. Prices for the tours are $80 per person for the Hawk Tour and $90 per person for the Eagle Tour. In addition, you can pay $140 to complete both tours in one full trip. Reservations are required and tickets are available online. Tours begin at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Each course takes about two hours to complete and about four hours for the full trip. Safety is a major priority as well for Hawksnest. Equipment and the courses are inspected everyday and checked for falling trees and other debris that may be in the path’s way. Hawksnest also has a third party that

ZIP LINING IN THE HIGH COUNTRY Hawknest Cost: $90 per person for Eagle Tour $80 per person for Hawk Tour Riders can not weigh more than 250 lbs or have a waist larger than 40 inches. 2058 Skyland Dr. Seven Devils Call via Hangouts (828) 963-6561 www.hawknestzipline.com Sky Valley Zip Tours Cost: $85 for persons 18 and older for Canopy Tour, $75 for ages 10-17 $40 for Whistle Pig tour 634 Sky Ranch Road Blowing Rock (855) 475-9947 www.skyvalleyziptours.com comes out every year to inspect the course. For more information on Hawksnest, visit www.hawksnestzipline.com or call (828) 963-6561.

SEE ZIP LINING ON PAGE 129

PHOTO PROVIED BY SKY VALLEY Shawne Llewellyn takes a thrilling ride on the Sky Valley Zip Line near Blowing Rock.

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• Beautiful Bea tif l views ie s of NC mo mountains ntains • Marvel at the joy of free flight • Learn flight controls with a certified Tandem Instructor • A rare experience best shared and remembered with friends Schedule your discovery tandem flight online today!

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828-292-7473 By appointment only

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Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Lunch Lunch •• Dinner Dinner •• Sunday Sunday Brunch Brunch

5506' Skybar • Live Music • Yoga • Mountain Biking • Disc Golf

www.beechmountainresort.com

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2018

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This trailer takes micro lite camping to new levels, and does not require a specialty tow vehicle. It’s small in size, big in features, and has all of the amenities you need to make you feel right at home. There is even an optional Add-A-Room Tent that more than doubles your space.

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Blowing Rock Horse Show returns for 95th straight year BY JEFF EASON

he oldest continually running annual charity horse show in the eastern half of the United States gets set for a triumphant return this summer. The 95th annual Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show will take place at the Broyhill Family Equestrian Preserve in Blowing Rock this summer for three weeks of fun, sun and friendly horse riding competition. The season kicks off with the Saddlebred Competition June 7-10; followed by Hunters/Jumpers I on July 24-29 and Hunters/Jumpers II on Aug. 1-5. The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show is popular not just because of its lengthy history and exciting competition, but also because of its proximity to extensive horse trails nearby at Moses Cone Park and at Bass Lake. A sanctioned U.S. Equestrian Fed-

ZIP LINING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 124

Sky Valley Zip Tours

Located near Blowing Rock, Sky Valley Zip Tours offers thrill seekers young and old two courses; the Canopy Tour and the Whistle Peg Adventure Park. The main attraction of the valley, the Canopy Tour has been operating for six years and offers 10 zips, including a 45 foot cliff jump, a 45 foot cascading waterfall and a 120 foot high cable bridge over the creek. The entire course is nestled in the valley spanning about 40 acres through the woodlands. Its design uses the terrain to its advantage, providing plenty of natural barriers and scenes through the zips and providing a rustic Appalachian experience for friends and families as they ride zips that soar high above the valley and race through the trees. This also marks the second year that Sky Valley has been operating the Whistle Pig Adventure Park, which is designed for chil-

eration Heritage Competition event, the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show provides funding for a number of worthy causes, including Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue, Rotary International, Appalachian State University Equestrian Team, Horse Helpers of the High Country, the Watauga Humane Society, Danny and Ron’s Rescue and other charities.

Tickets Tickets for spectators at the Blowing Rock Horse Show are $10 per day per spectator with ticket holders allowed to come and go during the day. Children ages 12 and under are free. Boxes featuring six seats are available for $300 during the Saddlebred Competition and for $500 for both weeks of the Hunter/Jumper events. For more information, call the BRCHS at (828) 295-4700.

PHOTO SUBMITTED The Pleasure Driving competition is one of the favorites during the annual Saddlebred competition at the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show.

dren 4 and up. The Adventure Park offers seven zips, a bridge and a 20 foot slide out of the trees, offering a thrilling adventure for the younger members of the family. The park is located underneath the Canopy Tour giving family members with younger kids a chance to see their friends and relatives flying high above their heads. “Zip lining offers people a new perspective of the land when they are off the ground, soaring in the higher elevations and viewing the topography in the mountains,” said General Manager Jack Sharp. “Whether they are coming from side to side, peak to peak or tree to tree, they get to see more of the landscape. When you ride on Big Mama, the first zip of the Canopy Tour, you are soaring 300 feet in the air exposed to the heights with huge 360 degree views all around you as you cut across the valley. It’s that feeling of exposure flying high above the valley that puts butterflies in your stomach.” For more information on Sky Valley, visit www.skyvalleyziptours.com or call (855) 475-9947.

PHOTO BY TROY BROOKS Zip lining offers high-thrilling trips for friends and families every year.

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2018

Fridays are for free Summer Concerts at the Jones House P BY ANNA OAKES

erfect summer weekends in Boone begin on Friday evenings, with your toes in the grass and music being made on the Jones House porch. The town of Boone’s free Summer Concerts at the Jones House series showcases local and regional artists every Friday evening from June through August. Concerts begin at 5 p.m. and typically last until about 7 p.m., with the exception of the Doc Watson Day Celebration on June 15, which begins at 4 p.m. Most concerts will feature two diﬀerent acts, while special themed concerts such as the Doc Watson Day, Bluegrass Showcase and Jazzfest will feature several groups. “We present good, quality shows,” said Mark Freed, cultural resources coordinator for the town of Boone. “People come here to truly listen and to celebrate live music. The community really cares about the music scene, and it makes for a great experience for both the listeners and performers.” This year’s lineup reflects the varied musical traditions and preferences of the High Country region, kicking oﬀ with the Junaluska Gospel Choir and Soul Benefactor on June 1. Andrew Finn Magill is a newcomer to the Summer Concerts schedule. The accomplished fiddler and violinist grew up in the Irish music tradition but also spent time in Brazil in 2014, absorbing choro, forró, samba and bossa nova styles, which led to his album “Canta, Violino!” released earlier this year. Joining them on the June 22 date will be the roots music duo, The Page Turners. Deadheads and Southern roots-rock fans will want to be on hand for the July 6 shows featuring Dave Brewer’s Foscoe Four and Dead of Summer., followed up by Never Too Late and Danny Whittington on July 13 and the Everydays and Lazybirds on July 20. Traditional old-time and bluegrass are in the mix, with The Sheets Family Band

SUMMER CONCERTS AT THE JONES HOUSE SCHEDULE

PHOTO BY ANNA OAKES Mark Schimick and Josh Daniel perform in the Jones House Summer Concerts series in 2017.

and Strictly Strings on June 8 and John Cockman Family Band and Amantha Mill on Aug. 3. More acoustic music is in store on Aug. 10 with Clay Lunsford and Matthew Weaver and the Dashboard Hula Boys. And outstanding songwriters are also featured, with June 29’s concert showcasing Shay Martin Lovette and Fwuit, which features members of Holy Ghost Tent Revival and Big Sound Harbor. Other respected song crafters include David Childers and Lauren and Earleine on July 27 and Alexa Rose on Aug. 24. Also playing on Aug. 24 are The Appalucians, a band made up of Jay Brown, Aditi Sethi, Angie Heimann and Cas Sochacki. The annual Doc Watson Day Celebration started in 2011 and featured the Watauga County native and world-famous musician a year before his death in 2012. This year’s concert on June 15 will be the eighth annual celebration of Watson’s life and legacy, featuring many of his former musical companions and family friends. This year’s lineup in-

cludes the Jeﬀ Little Trio, Charles Welch, Jack Lawrence and Patrick Crouch, Jay Brown, Brooks Forsyth and Presley Barker — a young guitar prodigy who recently performed on stage with premier pickers Bryan Sutton and Tommy Emmanuel at MerleFest. “It’s a nice way to celebrate (Watson) in his home community,” said Freed. Come early, as this one always draws a crowd. The Bluegrass Showcase on Aug. 17 features up-and-coming young band Cane Mill Road, local veterans in the Dollar Brothers and the hot pickers of Surefire. Jazzfest, on Aug. 31, includes the Swing Guitars, Shane Chalke’s BE Jazz and Todd Wright. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets to sit on the Jones House lawn. The concerts take place rain or shine, so attendees are encouraged to come prepared. In cases of severe weather, the show could be moved indoors. Many bring a picnic, but concertgoers

Summer concerts are held on the Jones House lawn every Friday, June through August, at 5 p.m. (except for the Doc Watson Day Celebration, which starts at 4 p.m.). Concerts are free and open to the public. Just bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Parking is free in downtown Boone after 5 p.m. June 1 — Junaluska Gospel Choir & Soul Benefactor June 8 – The Sheets Family Band & Strictly Strings June 15 — Doc Watson Day Celebration featuring featuring: Jeff Little Trio, Jack Lawrence and Patrick Crouch, Charles Welch, Jay Brown, Presley Barker, and Brooks Forsyth. Click here for more information. June 22 – Andrew Finn Magill & The Page Turners June 29 – Shay Martin Lovette & Fwuit July 6 – Dave Brewer’s Foscoe Four & Dead of Summer July 13 – Never Too Late & Danny Whittington July 20 – Everydays & Lazybirds July 27 – David Childers & Lauren and Earleine Aug. 3 – John Cockman Family Band & Amantha Mill Aug. 10 – Clay Lunsford and Matthew Weaver & Dashboard Hula Boys Aug. 17 – Bluegrass Showcase: Cane Mill Road, Dollar Brothers and Sureﬁre Aug. 24 – Alexa Rose & Appalucians Aug. 31 – Jazzfest: Swing Guitars, Shane Chalke’s BE Jazz and Todd Wright

are also encouraged to take advantage of the many restaurant options in downtown Boone. Alcoholic beverages are permitted on a BYOB basis but must remain on the Jones House grounds. Sponsors for the 2018 series include the Downtown Boone Development Association, Mast General Store, M-Prints, Burton Moomaw Acupuncture, Stick Boy Bread Company, Melanie’s and Rosemary Horowitz and Jerry Hyman. For more information on the series and about the individual performers, visit joneshouse.org or call (828) 268-6280.

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Delving into High Country arts and crafts BY KAYLA LASURE

AREA ARTS COUNCILS

he Hugh Country is home to many talented local artisans and craftsman. Various events and opportunities throughout the year are oﬀered to showcase this local talent and celebrate the Appalachian arts culture.

ART IN THE PARK In its 56th year, Art in the Park — hosted by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce — allows around 90 artisans each year to showcase their talents in crafts. Local and regional artists/craftspeople enter a jurying process for the chance to display works of art such as handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photograph and painting. Art in the park will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Park Avenue in Downtown Blowing Rock on the following dates: May 26, June 16, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8 and Oct. 6. Art in the Park is a free event that takes place rain or shine and oﬀers a trolley ride for visitors. Applications for the 2019 Art in the Park will be available in October of this year. For more information, call (828) 295-7851 or visit blowingrock.com/artinthepark.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AVERY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Artistic pieces are featured at the Fine Arts and Master Craft Festival.

— located at 377 Shadowline Drive, Boone — with a suggested $2 donation.

CRAFTS ON THE GREEN The Annual Crafts on the Green features roughly 65 artisans from around the High Country and the surrounding mountains. Vendors will present activities such as woodturning, jewelry, pottery and fused glass paintings. The 2018 Crafts on the Green is scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 4 at Fred’s General Mercantile. For more information, visit www. beechmtn.com/things-to-do/nearby-attractions/festivals or call (828)3874838.

ASHE COUNTY STUDIO TOUR The Ashe County Studio Tour is a free two-day event where Ashe County artists open their studios to the public. This self-guided tour allows guests to visit artists in approximately eight diﬀerent communities throughout the county. The event will take place Aug. 4-5. Work by participating artists is scheduled to be on display during a two-week exhibit from July 31 to Aug. 5. For more information, visit ashecountyarts.org/studio-tour or call (336) 846-2787.

BARN QUILTS With 150 barn quilts located in Ashe County and a good amount also located in Watauga County, the High Country offers a unique barn quilt tour experience. In Ashe County, visitors can take six “loop” trails to discover these gems. Written instructions — with mileage, landmarks and road names for assistance — guide participants around the area to

For more information about additional crafts and arts opportunities in the High Country, contact the arts councils in the area. Watauga County Arts Council Location: 377 Shadowline Drive, Boone Phone: (828) 264-1789 Website: watauga-arts.org/wordpress Ashe County Arts Council Location: 303 School Ave., West Jefferson Phone: (336) 846-2787 Website: ashecountyarts.org Toe River Arts Council Location(s): 102 West Main Street, Burnsville; 269 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine Phone: (828) 682-7215 Website: www.toeriverarts.org/ arts-in-education/arts-in-schools

FINE ARTS AND MASTER CRAFT FESTIVAL PHOTO COURTESY BEECH MOUNTAIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Billy Hicks works on creating a bear statue out of a block of wood during a 2017 Craft on the Green event.

find as many barn quilts as possible. “The quilt is a symbol of comfort and family,” stated the Ashe County Arts Council. “Barns are symbol of our heritage and community. What would be better than combining the two and creating a visual image of who we are and where we come from?” For more information on Ashe County barn quilts and for the written trail instructions, visit ashecountyarts.org/ barn-quilts.

Barn quilts found in Watauga County are by families, school age children, volunteers and community and can be found on barns, homes, schools and even some businesses. The Watauga County Arts Council has divided the county into four quadrants to help visitors map to the quilt locations. These quadrants can be found by visiting watauga-arts.org/wordpress/barnquilts-2. Brochures with directions can also be picked up at Blue Ridge ArtSpace

Photography, paintings, jewelry, sculptures, pottery and other crafts can be seen approximately 90 vendors at the July and August Fine Art and Master Crafts Festivals. The event — put on by the Avery County Chamber of Commerce at the Historic Banner Elk Elementary School — will take place July 20-22 and Aug. 10-12. Show hours are scheduled for 1 to 5 p.m. on the Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m on the Sundays. For more information, call (828) 898-5605 or visit averycounty.com/ chamber-events/fine-art-master-craftsfestivals/.

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Warm weather, HIGH COUNTRY MICROBREWERIES Appalachian Mountain Brewery 163 Boone Creek Drive, Boone (828) 263-1111 amb.beer Blind Squirrel Brewery 4716 South U.S. Highway 19 E., Plumtree (828) 765-2739 www.blindsquirrelbrewery.com Blowing Rock Brewing Company 152 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock (828) 414-9600 blowingrockbrewing.com Boondocks Brewing Tap Room & Restaurant 108 S. Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson (336) 246-5222 www.boondocksbeer.com Booneshine Brewing Company Old location: 246 Wilson Drive, Boone Location move planned for June 2018 to 465 Industrial Park Drive, Boone (828) 386-4066 booneshine.beer Flat Top Mountain Brewery 567 Main St. E., Banner Elk (828) 898-8677 www.ﬂattopbrew.com Lost Province Brewing Company 130 N. Depot St., Boone (828) 265-3506 lostprovince.com

Cold Brews

BY KAYLA LASURE

he High Country oﬀers various breweries for folks to enjoy a nice, cold brew on a warm summer day. Mark Ralston, Flat Top Mountain Brewery co-owner, said he and his co-owner and wife are outdoors-oriented and try to bring that atmosphere into their brewery. “People can go on a bike ride, stop in and relax and have a beer to cool down, or bring their friends, family and pets and play corn hole outside,” Ralston said. Located in Banner Elk and at 3,715 feet above sea level, Flat Top prides itself on using Banner Elk mountain spring water for all of its brewing. “The area and just beautiful and the water is fantastic here,” Ralston said. “There’s probably only a few places in the world that have water this good.” Ralston and his wife, Yumiko, took over what was then Flat Top Brewing Company and rebranded the business into Flat Top Mountain Brewery in April 2017. As someone who has traveled the world and tasted beer in various locations such as Germany and

2018

PHOTO BY KAYLA LASURE Flat Top Mountain Brewery has several different types of beer on tap.

Japan, Ralston said Flat Top likes to stick with more traditional style beers. For its summer seasonal release, Ralston said Flat Top will release a an easy drinking English Ale. This seasonal drink will sit alongside other Flat Top pours such as its Top Coast IPA — a

hybrid between a New England and West Coast style drink and its oatmeal stout called the Velvet Panda. Ralston said Flat Top is hoping to produce a Belgian-triple soon as well as producing a recipe for a dark Mexican lager. All of these are on tap in Flat Top’s taproom located on site. Ralston said the taproom is pet and family friendly. It oﬀers an arcade/game area where families can take advantage of a pool table or shuffle board table. Cans of Flat Top brews are also available for purchase for guests to take the taste of Flat Top back home. Guests are also able to peer into the brewing room from the taproom through a large glass window and may possibly see Ralston and other employees brewing up the next batch of beer. A smaller operation, Flat Top employees are 100 percent hands-on — from creating recipes, brewing, branding, canning the beer and creating label designs. Ralston said Flat Top employees take great pride in the products they serve. He said its the businesses’ passion and welcoming environment that sets it apart from other breweries around. For more information on Flat Top, visit flattopbrew.com.

Sippin’ wine in the summertime BY KAYLA LASURE

ummer is a nice time to take a stroll through vineyards and enjoy wineries the High Country has to offer. Grandfather Vineyard and Winery is located in Banner Elk and offers a scenery to visitors that sets it apart from other wineries around, according to Nicole Tatum, the tasting room manager at Grandfather. Visitors can enjoy sipping on wine offered by Grandfather but a river the strolls through the vineyard. Tatum said the summer months offer a wider selection of wines than any other season. Tatum said the winery harvests its grapes in the fall. During August

through November, Grandfather employees crushing the grapes then pressing and fermenting them. White wines are bottled in late winter and early spring. Red wines are stored in barrels for a year and a half to two years. Visiting Grandfather in the summer months is a nice way to enjoy the wineries new releases, Tatum said. This summer the winery will stagger new releases of 10 to 20 new wines — including pinot noir rosé, an Appalachia double — which is going to be a dry sparkling white, a sweet sparkling rosé, a vermentino, an oak chardonnay as well as several red wine blends. Tatum said Grandfather Vineyard plans to have orange and cranberry juice to make mimosas with the sparkling wines.

“We really have something for everyone — from dry whites, dry red, dry rosé, semi-sweet, really sweet, dessert sweet, sparkling, stilled and fortified,” Tatum said. Any any given time Grandfather Vineyard has close to 30 wines available. Grandfather’s most popular wines are the dry reds with about 15 to 20 percent of the wineries clientele coming for the sweet wines. Prices for their wines are typically between $19.95 and $26.95. New this year, Grandfather Vineyard is oﬀering wine flights — such as someone would see at a brewery — Tatum said. The wineries tasting room allows guests to choose from four tasting experiences — eight dry wines for $10, four dry reds for $6, four dry whites for $6 or four sweet wines for $6. Reser-

vations are not needed for the tasting room, and the area is pet friendly. Grandfather Vineyard — family owned and operated by about 10 employees —opened in May 2011 and currently produces about 5,000 cases a year. The vineyard sits on five and a half acres where pinot grigio, chardonnay and hybrid grapes grow nicely, Tatum said. Some of these grapes are bred to withstand the harsh winters experienced in the High Country and are more disease resistant. Visitors coming throughout the summer can experience live music in genres such as bluegrass, southern rock, jazz and country on Saturdays and Sundays. A food truck will also be on-site on select weekends listed on the vineyards website at grandfathervineyard.com.

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LMC Summer Theatre returns for 33rd season BY CARL BLANKENSHIP

he highly successful Lees-McRae College Summer Theatre returns for its 33rd season of musical theater this summer. This year, theatergoers will be treated to a diverse trio of high-quality musicals that explore diﬀerent cultures.

Making a Musical

While audiences will undoubtedly be dazzled by the glitz and glamour of each of these shows, few realize how much effort goes into their production. Speaking with Summer Theatre Director Janet Speer, it takes a great effort on the part of many people to take these shows from script to stage. This year’s company is 128 strong and made up of everyone involved in making the shows happen. “This includes actors, children, directors, managers, designers, orchestra, technicians and the like, front of house, PR, playbill and the like,” Speer said. Drawing talent locally and from around the country, it takes an entire year to put the program together, as Speer and her colleagues begin brainstorming what shows will play well with their audiences. This year’s theme for the productions is diversity. “It kind of just came into place that way,” Speer said. “We have to take into account what we can produce (talent, sets, costumes) and what our audiences want. The directors also have a say. I must feel a connection to the musicals I direct. I must believe that I can offer something new to it. I want our audiences, even though they may have seen renditions of our plays elsewhere (frequently on Broadway), to say, ‘That was such a refreshing approach.’” Casting for the productions typically begins in January, as Speer reviews roles and technical needs. While she is often able to recruit Summer Theatre alumni, roles and technical positions are also advertised in trade magazines and on the program’s website. When casting time comes each winter, Speer reviews hundreds of headshots, resumes and video reels from professional actors and actresses seeking a place in the program. Speer said she used to travel all over for casting and technician calls, but almost everything is done online. “We have built an amazing family of designers, actors, technicians and managers. With Lees-McRae Performing Arts and Summer Theatre alums, we have a huge network. Our top priority is that persons we use are team players and come with good references,” Speer explained. “Talent is next, but that ability to keep the environment healthy with dedicated and kind workers is crucial to us. Professionals want to work with us, and I think this is due to the quality of our product and the beautiful environment of the High Country.”

The productions

‘The Wiz’ “The Wiz” is a retelling of “The Wizard of Oz,” with

a “soulful” twist. Every song is uplifting, and every journey is a parable telling us how to see a better world. Magical places with outlandish characters helped this show earn seven Tony Awards including Best Musical. Our production celebrates diversity as audiences will see actors from many cultures as they sing and dance the story. All ages will enjoy this great musical. ‘My Way’ Ol’ Blue Eyes will never be forgotten because Frank Sinatra knew how to eﬀortlessly present a song with intention and style. My Way has been presented throughout the United State and abroad to sold out audiences. You will hear your favorites: “All of Me,” “Chicago,” “I Love Paris,” and of course, “My Way” and many more. Beautiful musical arrangements performed by outstanding singers take us on a journey into an era we never want to forget. Suitable for all ages; enjoyed best by adults. ‘In the Heights’ Written by “Hamilton” composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda, “In the Heights” spans three generations of music representing the inhabitants of Washington Heights, N.Y. Following a dream, the people share memories of home, fall in love, worry about the changes in the neighborhood, and dance to Latin music from their countries, mixed with the rhythms of the streets. Winner of the 2008 Tonys for Best Musical, Best Orchestration and Best Score, this show not only tells an engaging story, but also informs us about a group of vibrant people who are part of our great country. This show is PG-13. ‘Passport Please!’ “Passport Please!,” is an exciting adventure that teaches children about the diversity and beautiful cultures that make up the world. This new interactive musical, written by Janet Barton Speer and John Thomas Oaks, the creators of “The Denim King” and “Screen Test,” is full of exciting original music and colorful characters from every corner of the globe, and is perfect for young audiences. Fascinating facts about the countries are revealed as the children tap their toes and clap to the magic of musical theatre!

A tradition of excellence

As to what has made the LMC Summer Theatre program so successful over the years, Speer attributes the program’s longevity to three factors: talent, honest messages onstage and a genuine love for the art of theater. “We try to do very good quality work,” Speer said. “We try not to cut corners, we have the heart and we have the talent.” Speer said the key to success is to surround yourself with outstanding talent, and over the years the program has built a family who are thrilled to be in the High Country. “I think people are frequently pleasantly surprised that we can produce such quality in our little environment, but much of that is due to the heart,” Speer said. “We genuinely love our audiences and our art.”

IT’S SHOW TIME! The following are showtimes for the seasonal performances for this summer’s edition of Lees-McRae College Summer Theatre. ‘The Wiz’ Sunday, June 24 at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 26 at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 27 at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 28 at 7 p.m. Friday, June 29 at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 30 at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 1 at 2 p.m. ‘My Way’ Friday, July 13 at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 14 at 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, July 15 at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 17 at 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 18 at 2 p.m. ‘In the Heights’ Tuesday, July 31 at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1 at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3 at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4 at 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5 at 2 p.m. For additional pricing and ticket information, click to http:// www.lmc.edu/community/summer-theatre/index.htm

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PHOTO BY LANEY RUCKSTUHL Festivalgoers ready for a day of music and weekend of camping at a past Sirens on the Mountain festival in Todd.

High Country Festivals BY DEREK HALSEY

ummertime in the Western North Carolina High Country is a period filled with festival of many kinds when the tourists and summer residents begin to arrive. . The beautiful mountains of the seven-county region known as the High Country is a wonderfully cool destination during the hot summer months and the historic Blue Ridge Parkway that winds its way through the region becomes a gateway to a wide variety of activities. The Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk areas of Western North Carolina provide a series of various local festivals that bring people together throughout

the summer. One local festival that brings in visitors from all over the world is the North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival held every August in Spruce Pine. The mountains, cliﬀs, valleys and streams of the High Country are known for its variety of plentiful gems, crystals and rock formations of many kinds. As a result, the area’s rich heritage mineral mining led to the creation of the North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival nearly 60 years ago. This year’s North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival takes place on August 2 – 5, 2018, in the town of Spruce Pine, N.C. Near the festival site is a mine that digs up what is known as the most pure quartz crystals found in the world, which

is used for the making of cell phones and computers and more. What is unique about the North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival is that it becomes ground zero for the collectable rock and gem world for four days as vendors arrive to sell and display their collections from all over the U.S. and the world. From raw crystals to polished stones to hand-crafted jewelry, there is a lot to choose from and be fascinated by at this unique event that is run by the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce. There are many other summer festivals happening in the High Country this season. Here is a list of some of the other festivals that happen in this unique part of the world as the mountains surround

the region with greenery and amazing views. • Throughout the summer months, Appalachian State University hosts the App Summer Festival. In diﬀerent venues located on campus, the festival brings in a series of internationally-acclaimed music acts, Broadway performers, plays and musicals and movie events to Boone, NC. More information on the performers, show times and tickets can be found at appsummer.org/schedule/. Some of this year’s acts will include Kool and the Gang, I’m With Her trio featuring Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan and Sara Watkins, the American Songbook stylings SEE FESTIVALS ON PAGE 146

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FESTIVALS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 145

of Michael Feinstein & Storm Large, the swinging jazz of The Hot Sardines, the great singer and multi-instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens and Broadway legend Kristin Chenoweth. • The Avery County Beer and Wine Festival will take place from noon to 5 p.m. on June 30 at the Sorrento’s Dining Complex in Banner Elk, NC. The event will feature craft brews from many local breweries and wineries so it will be a great way to taste the local libations created in the area. More information can be found at averycounty.com/chamber-events/avery-county-wine-beer-festival/. • The Avery County Chamber of Commerce will hold its Fine Arts and Master Craft Festivals on the lawn of the Cultural Arts Center at the Historic Banner Elk School on July 20 to 22, and again on Aug. 10 to 12. Taking place in the middle of this beautiful resort town of Banner Elk located near Boone in western NC High Country Mountains, the shows hours will be from 1 to 5 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. For more information go to averycounty.com/ chamber-events/fine-art-master-craftsfestivals/. • The nearby mountain town of Blowing Rock will host the Art in the Park Festival on various dates throughout the summer of 2017. Featuring the work of a wide variety of artists, the Art in the Park events will take place on May 26, June 16, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8 and Oct. 6. Located on Park Avenue in downtown Blowing Rock, the arts festival features free admission and a free trolley and adds to all of the other attractions that Blowing Rock has to offer that includes fine restaurants, outdoor concerts, magnificent mountain views and more. • The Christmas In July Festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 7, 2018, in beautiful West Jefferson, N.C., located in next door Ashe County. This year’s event will offer many activities and fun. There will be much to do in Ashe County as the festival gets under way. On Friday evening, July 6, there will be live music from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the outdoor Main stage. On Saturday, festival day, the live music begins bright and early at 9 a.m. with some of this musically-fertile region’s best bluegrass artists including the legendary guitarist Wayne Henderson, 14 year old guitar phenom

FILE PHOTO Thousands of people will ﬁll BackStreet in downtown West Jefferson to experience the tradition of Christmas in July.

Presley barker, nationally-acclaimed band ClayBank, new generation band Cane Mill Road, Amantha Mill, Backporch Bluegrass Band, the Crooked Road Ramblers and more. Throughout the day and into the evening there will be food vendors, Civil War reenactments, kid’s activities, a farmer’s market, street performers and more. The local Christmas tree growers will also be on hand with an oﬃcial Christmas Tree contest where all visitors can vote for the winners. More information can be found at christmasinjuly.info and 336-846-9196. • The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games is a very special event that will take place high up on Grandfather Mountain on July 12-15, 2018. It is the largest Scottish festival in the U.S., featuring more than 100 clans represented, an amazing array of live Celtic music all day and night and various displays of Celtic culture showcased. As always, the center of the event is the ever-popular Highland games which feature events such as the turning of the caber, the Scottish hammer throw, Highland wrestling, the tossing of the sheaf and more. There is also bagpipe, fiddle and pipe and drum contests along with the Celtic dance competitions and concerts at night by world-renown musicians. Whether you have Scottish ancestry or not a bit of Celtic DNA in your blood, you will still find this unique event to be a week of big fun with the beautiful Grandfather Mountain peak present at all times.

More information on ticket prices, directions and event schedules for the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games can be found at www.gmhg.org or (828) 733-1333. Camping is also available. The High Country is located in a region known for its live roots music, and there are festivals that highlight that wonderful aspect of our region. • The 49th annual Ashe County Bluegrass and Old-time Fiddles Convention takes place on July 27-28. Located at Ashe County Park at 527 Ashe Park Road in Jeﬀerson, N.C., the festival will feature a Friday Night Appalachian Barn Dance with live music by the Whitetop Mountain Band, live music and jamming by festival attendees, camping and a full slate of kid and adult band, dance and individual instrument contests all day on Saturday. More information can be found at ashefiddlersconvention.org and (336) 846-ARTS. • Local High Country Blues greats The King Bees host the annual Labor Day Weekend New River Blues Festival. This year, the festival takes place on Sept. 2, 2018, at the River House Inn in Grassy Creek, N.C., in Ashe County. With the beautiful and historic New River running behind the stage, the festival consists of The King Bees backing up at least five great legacy blues artists who come in from various parts of the U.S. More information and the announcement of this year’s lineup can be by regularly checking

newriverbluesfestival.info. • In the cool month of September, the annual Blue Bear Mountain Music Festival takes place on the outskirts of Boone at the beautiful Blue Bear Mountain Campground. The event always hosts a diverse array of local and regional acts from this music-rich part of America and plenty of camping is available. More information and the coming announcement of this year’s lineup can be found at musicfestatbluebearmountain.com and (828) 406-4226. • On June 23, the fifth annual Sirens on the Mountain music festival takes place at the New River Barn in Todd, N.C., along the New River. This family event celebrates the women musicians who rock, although everyone of all genders is invited for some summertime fun. The 2018 festival lineup will include the great Melissa Reaves, the band Stevie, Tea Cup Gin from Durham, NC, Asheville’s Alexa Rose, Shenette Swann from Raleigh and the High Country’s own Mexican Hot Chocolate. More information can be found at sirensonthemountain.com. • Every October, the small town of Todd, N.C., hosts the annual Todd New River Festival. But throughout the summer, the mountain hamlet hosts a series of live concerts in the park, all-level dances, nature walks and community potluck dinners open to all. More information can be found at toddnc.org.

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PHOTO SUBMITTED Kool and the Gang will perform at the Holmes Convocation Center on July 7.

Great Lineup awaits as Appalachian State’s BY DEREK HALSEY

SUMMER FESTIVAL UNFOLDS

lthough the majority of the students who attend Appalachian State University are oﬀ for the summer, the school continues to provide a big part of the entertainment for the North Carolina High Country area during the warmer months. The Appalachian Summer Festival is presented by the Appalachian State University’s Oﬃce of Arts and Cultural Programs. This is the event’s 33nd year and it continues to provide a wonderful array of arts and culture that includes theatre productions, dance performances, film and visual arts displays as well as some great SEE ASU ON PAGE 148

BY SHERVIN LAINEZ The Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts will present a night of music on July 12 with the all-star group, I’m With Her.

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BY JOHN PEETS Making return engagement to the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts on July 26 is Rhiannon Giddens.

ASU CONTINUED FROM PAGE 147

concerts that range from classical music to funk, progressive roots music, hot jazz and the American Songbook. Starting oﬀ the music portion of the 2018 App Summer Festival will be the classic soul and funk grooves of Kool and the Gang. Performing at the Holmes Convocation Center on July 7, this classic krew is known for Number 1 hits like “Ladies’ Night,” “Get Down On It,” “Celebration” and “Hollywood Swinging.” Original members Robert ‘Kool” Bell, brother Ronald Bell, George Brown and Dennis Thomas are still at the helm of this 14-piece band and providing the hits for the dance party that is sure to come. The Schaefer Center will also present an amazing night of music on July 12 with the all-star group I’m With Her. Featuring the incredibly talented trio of Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan and Sara Watkins, all three have amazing solo careers yet they have come together to form this wonderful group. Each performer is a wonderful singer and multi-instrumentalist and combined, they are sure to entertain. Many will

remember Watkins for her 20-plus years with Nickel Creek. O’Donovan came onto the music scene with the band Crooked Still before venturing out on her own, and Jarosz has recorded numerous acclaimed albums from an early age. The Great American Songbook will come alive in Boone like never before with the show Shaken and Stirred with Michael Feinstein & Storm Large at the Schaefer Center on July 14. Feinstein is a New York City music legend who has almost singlehandedly kept the Great American Songbook experience alive with his piano playing, singing and time spent with the great composer Ira Gershwin before he died years ago. Along for the ride to masterfully bring these classic songs to life is singer, songwriter and actor Storm Large. July 21 will be a night of smokin’ jazz and cool sounds when the Hot Sardines bring their grooves to the Schaefer Center. Born out if the still-fervent New York City jazz scene, this jazz outfit tours the country doing more than 100 dates a year bringing their swinging rhythms to the masses. Making as return engagement to the Schaefer Center on July 26 is Rhiannon

Giddens. Boone and Appalachian State University have a soft spot in Giddens’ heart as it was here that she met the members of her first internationally-known band the Carolina Chocolate Drops while attending the 2005 Black Banjo Gathering. In recent years, Giddens’ career has blossomed and last October, she was awarded the prestigious $650,000 MacArthur Genius Grant. Every year, the App Summer Festival tries to bring in a talent connected to Broadway and the theatre in New York City. This summer, they will bring in a true legend in Kristin Chenoweth, who will perform at the Schaefer Center on August 4. Chenoweth has appeared in numerous Broadway shows and musicals and on TV and in movies as well. She has won a Tony Award and numerous Drama Desk Awards as well. Classical music will once again be well-represented this summer during the App Summer Festival. The lineup includes The Broyhill Chamber Ensemble on July 1, 5, 22, and 25 at the Rosen Concert Hall, the Eastern Festival Orchestra featuring guest artist Misha Dichter performing on July 15 at the Schaefer Center, the Hayes School of Music Faculty Recital on July 18 in

the Rosen Concert Hall and the Rosen-Schaﬀel Competition for Young and Emerging Artists will take place on July 29 in the Rosen Concert Hall. For lovers of dance, the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet will appear on July 11 at the Schaefer Center and the Complexions Contemporary Ballet Company will perform the very unique program “From Bach to Bowie” on July 28 at Schaefer Center. The beautiful Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts will be ground zero for many of the Appalachian Summer Festival events. Kicking oﬀ the presentations will be the Young People’s Global Film Series beginning on July 2, 2018, and the Weicholz Global Film Series starting the next day on July 3, 2018. More information can be found at appsummer. org/schedule/film. The fabulous Turchin Arts Center in downtown Boone, NC, will also feature exhibits, workshops and art walks throughout the festival. More information can be found at appsummer.org/ schedule/visual-arts. More information on the lineup, show times and tickets for the App Summer Festival can be found at www.appsummer.org or (800) 841-2787.

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Advertisers Index 4 SEASONS VACATION RENTALS ............................... 48 ABBEY CARPET ..............................................................73 ANIMAL EMERGENCY CLINIC OF THE HIGH COUNTRY ............................................ 118 ANTIQUES ON HOWARD ............................................. 39 APPALACHIAN ANTIQUES MALL ............................... 38 APPALACHIAN FURNITURE ....................................... 22 APPALACHIAN SUMMER FESTIVAL .......................... 89 ASHE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ............................... 31 ASHE COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL .......................17, 23, 48 ASHE COUNTY CHEESE ................................................97 ASHE COUNTY LITTLE THEATER ............................... 31 ASU-TURCHIN CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS ......67 AVERY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE .............................47 BANNER ELK CAFE ..................................................... 135 BANNER ELK CONSIGNMENT COTTAGE ...................53 BASE CAMP BE ...............................................................53 BEECH MOUNTAIN ..................................................... 127 BLACKBERRY CREEK MATTRESS COMPANY ....69, 134 BLOWING ROCK ART/HISTORY MUSEUM ............... 26 BLOWING ROCK ATTRACTION ................................... 98 BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE .......... 100 BLOWING ROCK ESTATE JEWELRY .......................... 50 BLOWING ROCK FRAMEWORKS................................... 9 BLOWING ROCK FURNITURE GALLERY ....................10 BLOWING ROCK MARKET .......................................... 135 BLOWING ROCK TDA .................................................. 119 BLUE DEER COOKIES .............................................40, 41 BO’S BODACIOUS FAMILTY ENTERTAINMENT ....... 43 BOONE BAGELRY ....................................................15, 38 BOONE DRUGS INC .........................................................7 BOONE PAINT & INTERIOR ...................................76, 92 BRASS EXCHANGE, THE ............................................. 110 BREWS & BITES .................................................... 50, 140 BRUSHY MOUNTAIN MOTOR SPORTS, INC ..............74 BUDGET BLINDS ........................................................... 48 BULLS WESTERN STORE ..............................................21 BUMGARNER CAMPING CENTER .............................128 CAFE PORTOFINO .......................................................136 CARDINAL, THE ...................................................... 39, 89 CARLTON GALLERY ..................................................... 43 CASA RUSTICA OF BOONE INC ..................................140 CHA DA THAI ................................................................ 39 CHETOLA RESORT AT BLOWING ROCK ................... 114 CHICK-FIL-A .................................................................142 CHRISTMAS IN JULY ....................................................91 COBO .............................................................................. 39 CORRIHER TRACTOR INC DBA BOB CAT OF LENOIR ...................................................144 COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT ....................................... 99 CROSSNORE SCHOOL INC .........................................102 CUMBERLAND MARKETING ..................................... 108 DANIEL BOONE INN ................................................... 137 DEREKAS SUGAR MOUNTAIN REALTY/ACCOMODATIONS .......................................107 DEWOOLFSON DOWN ........................................... 34, 69 DIANNE DAVANT ................................................... 69, 151 DOE RIDGE POTTERY .................................................. 38

DUTCH CREEK TRAILS ................................................ 60 ECHOTA ......................................................69, 86, 87, 152 ENSEMBLE STAGE ........................................................67 ERICKS CHEESE & WINE ............................................105 ESEEOLA LODGE ......................................................... 141 FAMILY BILLIARDS ...............................................69, 142 FARMERS RENTALS & POWER .................................. 143 FOOTSLOGGERS ................................................... 112, 113 FOSCOE REALTY RENTALS .......................................... 11 FREDS GENERAL MERCANTILE ................................. 31 GAI JIN ..........................................................................138 GRANDFATHER MTN CAMPGROUND ......................103 GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN .....................................105 GRANDFATHER VINEYARD ...................................27, 69 GREEN PARK INN ..........................................................18 GREGORY ALAN’S ......................................................... 50 HANDS OF LIGHT & FIRE REIKI ................................ 48 HAWKSNEST ................................................................ 125 HIGHLAND OUTFITTERS .............................................45 HOLIDAY INN ................................................................ 48 INCREDIBLE TOY COMPANY ...................................... 50 JENKINS REALTORS .....................................................12 JIM’S CORNER FURNITURE ................................. 33, 48 JUICE BOONE ............................................................... 137 KAYES KITCHEN ..........................................................139 KINCAID/BERNHARDT FURNITURE OUTLETS ..........3 LAKESHORE MARINA CAPTAINS TABLE ..................117 LEATHERWOOD MOUNTAINS .................................... 71 LEES MCRAE COLLEGE, SEASONAL ........................ 108 LEES MCRAE PERFORMING ARTS ..............................35 LINVILLE LAND HARBOR P.O.A. .................................81 LOGS AMERICA, LLC. ................................................... 96 LOST PROVINCE ........................................................... 38 LUCKY PENNY ............................................................... 38 MARMALADE ................................................................. 51 MAST FARM INN ........................................................... 60 MAST GENERAL STORE ........................................... 2, 60 MITCHELL COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ....105 MOLLY NORTHERN INTERIORS .................................25 MONKEES ....................................................................... 19 MOUNTAIN AIRE GOLF COURSE ............................... 80 MOUNTAIN DOG AND FRIENDS ...............................120 MOUNTAIN HOME AND HEARTH INC .......................37 MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS .............................................21 MOUNTAINSIDE LODGE BED AND BREAKFAST ..... 60 MY BEST FRIENDS BARKERY ......................................53 MYSTERY HILL ............................................................. 28 NEW LIFESTYLES CARPET ONE ............................... 108 NEW RIVER BUILDING SUPPLIES ............................. 66 NORTH WILKESBORO TOURISM ..............................106 OVER YONDER .............................................................. 60 PARAMOUNT MOTORS ...............................................150 PARKER TIE ................................................................... 48 PARKWAY CRAFT CENTER ......................................... 119 PAST & PRESENT ANTIQUES/CLASSIC DESIGNERS INC. ........................................................... 48 PEABODYS ......................................................................18 PEDALIN PIG ................................................................136

PEOPLE’S FURNITURE ................................................ 62 PERRY’S GOLD MINE ....................................................91 PREMIER SOTHEBYS INTERNATIONAL REALTY .....61 PROPER .........................................................................139 R.T. MORGAN .................................................................95 RAM’S RACK .................................................................. 38 RECESS ............................................................................ 13 RED ONION CAFE ........................................................138 REMAX ............................................................................37 RISING STAR EQUESTRIAN CENTER .........................72 RIVERCROSS ........................................................... 60, 64 RIVER AND EARTH ADVENTURES INC ..................... 58 ROCK DIMENSIONS ............................................... 38, 90 SHOPPES AT FARMERS HARDWARE ........................ 38 SHOPPES AT TYNECASTLE ..........................................77 SIX PENCE PUB ............................................................ 137 SKYLINE TELEPHONE CORP ....................................... 17 SOUTHWEST TRADING ............................................... 62 SPICE AND TEA EXCHANGE ...................................... 141 STELLA BLUES PAWTIQUE .......................................... 51 STONEWALL’S ........................................................ 53, 141 STORIE STREET GRILLE ............................................140 SUGAR MOUNTAIN GOLF ........................................... 82 SUGARTOP RESORT ..................................................... 94 TAPP ROOM ..................................................................138 TASTE GRILL ................................................................139 TATUM GALLERIES .................................................27, 69 TAYLOR HOUSE INN .................................................... 60 TEMPLE OF THE HIGH COUNTRY ............................. 33 THE ART CELLAR ......................................................... 63 THE BARN ON THE NEW RIVER .................................73 THE BEST CELLAR .......................................................139 THE CABIN STORE ...................................................... 116 THE GAMEKEEPER RESTAURANT ...................... 67, 141 THE JONES HOUSE ..................................................... 127 THE LOCAL .............................................................39, 136 THE MUSTARD SEED MARKET .................................. 46 THE PET PLACE ........................................................... 119 THE WOODLANDS BBQ ..............................................140 THERMAL VALLEY ...................................................... 126 TOM’S CUSTOM GOLF .................................................. 83 TOWN OF BANNER ELK ...............................................117 TOWN OF SEVEN DEVILS ........................................... 115 TOWN OF WEST JEFFERSON TDA ............................. 99 TOWN TAVERN ............................................................ 136 TWEETSIE RAILROAD .................................................111 VALLE CRUCIS CONFERENCE CENTER .................... 60 VANDERPOOL CAMPGROUND ................................... 68 VICTORIAN INN ............................................................ 50 VILLAGE JEWELERS ............................................... 39, 51 WAHOO’S .......................................................... 15, 56, 124 WATAUGA RIVER FLY SHOP ....................................... 46 WATERFRONT GROUP ...........................................54, 55 WESTGLOW SPA ............................................................59 WILLOW VALLEY RESORT .......................................... 85 ZALOO’S CANOES ................................................... 64, 68

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