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Table Of Contents Numbers of Note......................................6 Chambers of Commerce..........................8 High Country Host.................................12 Our Towns...............................................16 Blue Ridge Parkway................................26 Mystery Hill.............................................30 Grandfather Mountain...........................32 High Country attractions.......................36 Things to do in the High Country.........40 Keeping the culture in Boone................44 Summer festivals....................................46 Christmas in July....................................52 Zip lines...................................................54 Rock Climbing........................................58 Hang Gliding...........................................60 Pickleball.................................................62 Hiking......................................................84 Cycling.....................................................88 Mountain Biking.....................................90 Motorcycling...........................................92 Equine Experiences................................96 Blowing Rock Horse Show.....................99 Fishing...................................................100 Watauga Lake........................................104 Golf........................................................110 Disc Golf................................................120 Camping................................................122 General Stores.......................................126 A place for artists to explore................130 Arts in the High Country......................138 Ensemble Stage.....................................140 Lees-McRae Summer Theatre.............141 Ashe County Arts Council....................142 Appalachian Theatre............................144 Blowing Rock Art and History Museum...146 Farmers Market.............................................148 Advertiser Index.............................................161
Welcome to summer
T
FROM THE EDITOR
he High Country is open for business in 2022 and life looks more normal after two years of COVID-19. That includes the summer mountain fun that the region is known for. From hiking to shopping, you’re likely to experience a more typical visit in 2022 than what the past year’s pandemic has brought. Even with things back to mostly normal after COVID-19, we still
suggest that you check before you visit a venue, location or event listed in Summer Times. As of presstime, our information in the summer guide was correct, but like the weather on top of Grandfather Mountain, things can change quickly. What you also can be ensured of is that the summer in the North Carolina mountains is unlike any other place in the nation. From voluminous outdoor activities to myriad
inside attractions, the High Country offers something for everyone. We’re glad you’re here, and we wish you a welcome and enjoyable stay. To stay even more informed during you time in this great place we call home, make sure to check www.averyjournal. com while in Avery County, www.ashepostandtimes.com while in Ashe County and www. wataugademocrat.com while in Watauga County.
2022 Summer Times Staff Gene Fowler Jr. PUBLISHER
Moss Brennan Jamie Shell EDITORS
Johnny Hayes Meleah Bryan PRODUCTION
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Numbers of Note WATAUGA COUNTY
Watauga County Sheriff’s Office (828) 264-3761 Boone Police Department (828) 268-6900 Blowing Rock Police Department (828) 295-5210 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 Department (336) 246-9410
AVERY COUNTY
Avery County Sheriff’s Office (828) 733-2071 ext. 1208 Banner Elk Police Department (828) 898-4300 Elk Park Police Department (828) 733-9573 Newland Police Department (828) 733-2023 Seven Devils Police Department (828) 963-6760 Sugar Mountain Police
Department (828) 898-4349 Beech Mountain Police Department (828) 387-2342
HEALTH CARE
Blowing Rock Medical Park (828) 295-3116
ANIMAL CONTROL
Watauga Medical Center (Boone) (828) 262-4100 Cannon Memorial Hospital (Linville) (828) 737-7000 Ashe Memorial Hospital (Jefferson) (336) 846-7101 FastMed Urgent Care (Boone) (828) 265-7146
Watauga County Animal Control (828) 262-1672 Watauga Humane Society (828) 264-7865 Animal Emergency & Pet Care Clinic of the High Country (828) 268-2833 Ashe County Animal Control (336) 982-4060 Avery County Humane Society (828) 733-9265
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Chambers of the High Country ASHE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Ashe County, home to the Jeffersons (West Jefferson and Jefferson, that is), is just about as far as you can go in the High Country before entering Southwestern Virginia. The county is considered, in many respects, a step back in time to the way the Appalachian Mountains used to be. The chamber can direct travelers through the scenic and sparsely populated area of Christmas tree farms and rugged mountain landscapes, while offering a wide selection of brochures and maps. 01 N. Jefferson Ave., Suite C West Jefferson, N.C. 28694 (336) 846-9550 www.ashechamber.com
AVERY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Avery County Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is conveniently located in the Shoppes at Tynecastle at the intersection of N.C. 105 and N.C. 184. The center offers information on lodging, dining, attractions, shopping and other businesses in Avery County. 4501 Tynecastle Highway, Unit No. 2 Banner Elk, N.C. 28604 (828) 898-5605 www.averycounty.com
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BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
FILE PHOTO Avery County Chamber of Commerce hosts multiple festivals throughout the summer, including the Fine Arts & Master Crafts Festival at Sugar Mountain.
BANNER ELK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Located in the heart of town, the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce promotes the area as a unique place to live in, work and visit. Information on area lodging, dining, shopping and more is available Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and all the time by visiting www.bannerelk.org. 100 W. Main St. Banner Elk, N.C. 28604 (828) 898-8395 www.bannerelk.org
BEECH MOUNTAIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Whether you’re looking for a North Carolina mountain vacation full of adventure, or just a few days to relax and breathe the fresh mountain air, Beech Mountain, at an elevation of 5,506 feet, will give your soul something to smile about. The area offers plenty of activities and attractions for the whole family to enjoy, but also plenty of peace and quiet for a relaxing and rejuvenating time. 403-A Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mountain, N.C. 28604 (828) 387-9283 www.beechmountainchamber.com
Blowing Rock is considered one of the crown jewels of the Blue Ridge. Its chamber of commerce knows this tightknit community as no one else, and its representatives are always willing to share this knowledge with visitors. Aside from general information, lists of camping and fishing sites, and brochures, the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce also has a generous stock of menus from the town’s many eateries. 132 Park Ave. Blowing Rock, N.C. 28605 (828) 295-7851 www.blowingrockncchamber.com
BOONE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is one of the High Country’s most active, with both a dedicated membership and an overall commitment to the betterment of the area as both a vacation destination and business hub. Located in downtown Boone on King Street, the chamber is an ideal place to stop for information on area activities, brochures and maps of the community. Office of Peak Group Insurance 149 Jefferson Rd, Boone, NC 28607 (828) 264-2225 www.boonechamber.com SUMMER TIMES 2022
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High Country Host: Plan your trip to the High Country BY MATTARAE STASKEL
W
ith so many things to do in the area, planning a trip to the High Country can feel overwhelming. Luckily, for visitors there is a great resource for organizing your visit to the mountains. High Country Host – a nonprofit regional welcome center – is the answer to any questions you might have about lodging, food and events going on in the area. During the COVID-19 pandemic, High Country Host has seen a major increase in tourism throughout the High Country. “We are the idyllic location to go to for vacation during a pandemic, because you can spend time outdoors away from lots of other people,” said Candice Cook, marketing director of High Country Host. While there has been a slight decline since the height of the pandemic, many people are still traveling to the mountains for the fresh air and nature. For visitors of the High Country, High Country Host can assist them in many ways when planning their trip – from lodging to dining to events. “A lot of people are really overwhelmed when they start looking online for lodging,” Cook said. “They don’t know where the different towns are, or how close they are to the attractions they want to visit.” 12
PHOTO SUBMITTED North Carolina High Country Host operates the Official Regional Welcome Center located on Highway 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock, within view of N.C. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost Exit 291.
On weekends with big events going on, such as the Highland Games at Grandfather Mountain, finding somewhere to stay can be quite difficult. High Country Host maintains a list of cancellations at various hotels and cabins in the area, so they can help find somewhere to stay in
last-minute situations. High Country Host also makes a list each week of all of the events that are happening in the area. Cook said that even locals stop by their office to pick up a copy of the list. If you stop by the High Country Host office, you can find a large variety of brochures and maps.
“We have regional maps, free State maps, which people are shocked still exist,” Cook said. “And we also have a very good selection of hiking maps.” With so many hiking trails all over the High Country, these maps certainly come in handy. According to Cook, time management when it comes to planning a trip is something that High Country Host can help tourists with. She said that many people don’t realize
how close or far away different attractions are from one another, and how much time they need to spend there to get the full experience. “It’s really beneficial that people come in here at the beginning of their vacation and not the end,” Cook said. Naturally, the number one attraction in the High Country is the Blue Ridge Parkway, according to Cook. “The Blue Ridge Parkway is what created the High Country region,” she said. “A lot of people don’t know that because it connects all of these towns together.” In Cook’s opinion, the most underrated place in the High Country is Beech Mountain. “They have more hiking trails up there than anywhere else in the High Country,” Cook said. “They also have the great little lake up there where you can rent a canoe and they have free fishing poles.” During this summer, there are going to be several Blue Ridge Parkway closures visitors should look out for. High Country Host is open seven days a week, and you can call them to find out more information on the closures and details on the detours. With so much to do in the area, High Country Host can help everyone with their mountain getaway. “We learn something new every day here,” Cook said. For more information, call (828) 264-1299 or visit highcountryhost.com. SUMMER TIMES 2022
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WATAUGA COUNTY • AVERY COUNTY • ASHE COUNTY
OUR TOWNS N
o matter who you are, when you’re in the High Country, summer has something in store for you. Whether it’s the college town atmosphere that Boone provides, the shops in Blowing Rock, the sights of Beech Mountain and West Jefferson or any of the other unique experiences provided by Watauga, Avery and Ashe counties, the High Country can be your getaway for a month or an afternoon. Here’s a brief guide to enjoying the entirety of the diverse mountain community that locals are fortunate enough to call home.
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-uhlatch-un.” Adjacent to the university is King Street and the surrounding area, one of the town’s best shopping destinations. Oneof-a-kind stores and eclectic boutiques dot the landscape, interspersed with legal offices and a diversity of restaurants to suit almost any taste. For more information, visit www.townofboone.net.
BOONE
Blowing Rock manages to cram a ton of beauty and fun into just three square miles. The town’s name comes from an immense cliff overlooking Johns River Gorge, where the winds whip in such a way that light objects thrown over the rock float back to their owners. Anyone wishing to experience the phenomenon firsthand can visit The Blowing Rock attraction, which showcases the town’s namesake and the Native American legend that surrounds it. The trails surrounding Moses Cone Memorial Park and Bass Lake offer a scenic stroll. There’s also the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum in downtown, where you can experience art and
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 more than 20,000 students. Interest in the school boomed after the Mountaineers’ football team won three consecutive NCAA Division I national
16
BLOWING ROCK
discover history. The 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 “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 Over Yonder, which boasts some of the best cuisine 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 mountain honey and other local goods, while also hosting monthly square and contra dances, with traditional SEE TOWNS ON PAGE 17
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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. 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 is 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 SUMMER TIMES 2022
the Seven Devils Resort, and, in 1979, the resort became incorporated as the town. How did it get its name? According to the Seven Devils website, “The 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.
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 900 students from more than 20 states and countries. The old stone buildings nestled across campus make for a photographer’s delight. The town hosts numerous shops and restaurants and stays abuzz with activities and events. Visitors can picnic or walk in the town park, hear live music, enjoy exquisite shopping or simply relax by the mill pond and stay in one of the inns after dinner in a fine restaurant. Banner Elk is in the heart of the High Country’s many attractions, and just a short drive will take you to numerous natural settings where you can relax and SEE TOWNS ON PAGE 19
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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 in the fall each year for its Woolly Worm Festival, which attracts close to 20,000 people annually. Cutting between the peaks of Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain and Grandfather Mountain, the topography of the town provides natural definition and gentle undulation through the town’s boundaries. For more information or a calendar of events, call Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce at (828) 898-8395, or visit www. bannerelk.org.
BEECH MOUNTAIN
At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is the
highest town in Eastern North America. That means two things: When winter comes, it’s a great place to ski, and, even on the hottest day of the summer, it’s cool on top of Beech Mountain. Even when it’s steamy in the “lowlands” of 3,000-plus feet, the temperature stays comfortable. The rest of the world seems distant when you settle down on the front porch of a rental condominium and survey the magnificent view that is one of Beech Mountain’s trademarks. Beech Mountain is a four-season resort. There are more than 5,000 beds available on top of the mountain. These range from rustic cabins to mountain chalets to luxury condominiums. When it’s time to eat, you can enjoy anything from a deli sandwich to pizza to a gourmet meal by candlelight. During the days, there are many specialty stores for shopping, a golf course, horseback riding, tennis, swimming and hiking. There are nearby canoe and raft runs that are among the best offered in the Eastern United States.
Nightlife is alive and well on the mountain. Whatever your musical taste, you can find a spot to enjoy an after-hours scene. There’s another good thing about Beech Mountain. The mountain is so large 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 doctors Eustace and Mary Martin Sloop. The Sloops traveled the steep dirt trails SEE TOWNS ON PAGE 20
PHOTO BY HENRY VOLK An elk statue greets visitors passing through the town of Elk Park on Highway 19E. Elk Park is one of two Avery County towns, along with Banner Elk, that commemorates the presence of elk in the area during the founding years of the towns in the 19th century.
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in isolated mountain valleys to bring medicine to the people and convince farmers to let their children come to school. Because of poverty and distance, the Sloop school in Crossnore eventually took in boarders and built dormitories to accommodate them. It gained a national reputation for effectiveness in changing lives and in breaking the cycle of poverty, moonshine and child marriages of mountain families. Mary Martin Sloop eventually put these tales to paper in her autobiography “Miracle in the Hills,” which has since been used as the basis for a drama of the same name that takes place each summer in present-day Crossnore. The Sloops built a school, hospital, dental clinic and, eventually, a boarding school to give children the basis for an improved life. They brought to Avery County the first electricity, telephones, paved road and boarding school. Through
the Sloops’ advocacy, public schools flourished in Avery County. Today, Crossnore Academy carries on the work of the original school and has reclaimed the educational foundation beneath its commitment to give hurting children a chance for a better life. The school’s teachers enable it to meet not only the special needs of Crossnore residents, but also the needs of area students who live at home and whose educational needs are best met at Crossnore. The school is also home to Miracle Grounds Coffee Cafe & Creamery, a working vocational classroom, featuring specialty coffee drinks, homemade snacks, sandwiches, milkshakes, ice cream, Wi-Fi and more. Crossnore is famous for its Independence Day parade and celebration, and the town’s Meeting House is home to the Crossnore Jam, a series of gatherings and concerts by local musicians on the first Friday night through the summer and fall months. For more information, visit www. crossnorenc.com.
ELK PARK
The town of Elk Park borders the state of Tennessee and offers a unique visiting experience. From the old-time feel of Brinkley’s Hardware Store to the additional Lower Street antique shops and classic barbershop, Elk Park takes visitors back to a simpler time. The town’s original thoroughfare, Lower Street, and many businesses originated when Elk Park hosted a train depot for the old East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad, better known as Tweetsie. Elk Park thrived due to the industry and remained vibrant after the trains 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.
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East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad passed through the community from 1916 through 1940, when a major flood washed away the tracks. The old rail route later became N.C. 105 in 1956. Linville has three country clubs in the area: Eseeola, Grandfather Golf and Country Club and Linville Ridge, all open late spring to early fall. A number of local tourist areas within a short drive share the Linville name, including the Linville River and majestic Linville Falls, Linville Caverns on U.S. 221 and the Linville Gorge wilderness area. For visitors considering making Linville a part- or full-time home, they can visit Linville Land Harbor, where units are available for sale or rent in a cozy community featuring its own golf course and amenities. A number of residents reside at Land Harbor part time, while others stay yearround to enjoy the beauty of the area’s four seasons. SEE TOWNS ON PAGE 21
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PHOTO BY NEAL FALVEY The gazebo in the Newland Square sits in the foreground of the Avery County Courthouse, one of many panoramic views in Newland.
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During the winter months, Linville is only a short drive to nearby ski slopes at Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain, popular skiing and snow-tubing destinations. Perhaps the most popular tourist attraction housed in Linville is Grandfather Mountain. The Grandfather Mountain attraction offers picturesque views during all four seasons, animal habitats and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Grandfather Mountain State Park offers hiking trails and backcountry camping opportunities.
NEWLAND
The highest county seat east of the Mississippi River at 3,589 feet, the town of Newland was incorporated in 1913 as the county seat of the newly formed Avery County. Its original name was “Old Fields of Toe,” because it is located in a broad flat valley and is at the headwaters of the Toe River. SUMMER TIMES 2022
Newland was a mustering place for Civil War troops. Toe is short for “Estatoe,” an Indian chief’s daughter who drowned herself in the river in despair because she could not marry a brave from another tribe. A town of about 700 residents, Newland succeeded over three other areas for the honor of county seat. The recently renovated courthouse, originally constructed in 1913, overlooks a classic town square, bordered by shops and churches and complete with a memorial to Avery County veterans. Adjacent to the courthouse building is the original jail, which has been converted into the Avery County Historical Museum. Exhibits in the museum, which is free to visit, include the original jail cells, numerous artifacts and information about the history of Avery County. During the autumn 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 SEE TOWNS ON PAGE 22
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Volunteer Fire Department. Heritage Park hosts rodeo events on weekends during the summer and is the permanent home for the county’s annual Agriculture and Heritage Fair each September. Newland hosts an annual Christmas parade through downtown, with decorations adorning the town reflecting the area’s rich Christmas tree industry. With a number of restaurants and boutiques downtown, Newland is a prime destination for dining and shopping, or just to stop in on a visit to nearby Roan Mountain, Tenn., or Grandfather Mountain. For more information, visit www. townofnewland.com.
SUGAR MOUNTAIN
If outdoor activity is your thing, look no further than the village of Sugar Mountain. Offering more than just great skiing,
Sugar Mountain also provides its visitors with an array of ways to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the High Country. The Village of Sugar Mountain provides plenty of outdoor adventure and relaxation for family summer trips, whether it’s a day or a week. Located at 5,300 feet elevation, enjoy cool breezes and spectacular views from a variety of vacation rentals, ranging from mountaintop condos to log cabins. Their public golf and tennis club, owned and operated by the village, is a local’s favorite. Voted the No. 2 short course in the USA, the 18-hole golf course has immaculate greens and plenty of mountain views. Green fees start at just $15. The friendly pro shop and Caddyshack Café rounds out the perfect golf day. Next door, play on six tennis courts, meticulously maintained of fast-dry, Hartru clay. Men’s, women’s, and mixed play “friendlys’’ can be found every day of the week. Tennis lessons are available. Another local’s favorite is the annual summer music series, Grillin’ & Chillin’.
Enjoy live bands every Wednesday evening while watching the sunset over the Blue Ridge. The free concerts take place on the big outdoor deck at the village’s golf and tennis club with food available from the Caddyshack Cafe. At Sugar Mountain Resort, the ski slopes become home to a network of downhill mountain bike trails and scenic lift rides. On most summer weekends (Friday-Sunday, Memorial Day Weekend and July through Labor Day Weekend), ride the lift up to the summit and race down 1,200 feet in elevation to the lodge. For a more relaxing option, take a leisurely roundtrip scenic chairlift ride to the top for panoramic views. On the 4th of July, ride the lift for a birds-eye view of the fireworks. Earlier in the day, join the fun with the challenging Summit Crawl. Another popular event is the Fine Art & Master Crafts Festival on weekends in mid-July and mid-August. Located adjacent to Grandfather Mountain and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest, the village of Sugar Mountain
provides plenty of other adventures including the alpine coaster, gem mining, whitewater rafting and hiking. Unwind at 25 restaurants and two within 5 miles, along with plenty of galleries and boutiques to browse. Whether you come for a day or stay in one of the many comfortable lodgings the village has to offer, Sugar Mountain will soon become your destination for great outdoor fun. For more information, visit www. seesugar.com.
CRESTON
Located in the northwestern corner of Ashe County, Creston lies on the border of Tennessee. The curvy winding roads can offer travelers some of the most beautiful, scenic byways in the area. The Riverview Community Center is located off of N.C. 88 West in Creston and is home to festivals and other events all year long. Worth’s Chapel at Creston United Methodist Church is located in SEE TOWNS ON PAGE 24
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Creston and was listed as a National Historic Building in 2005. The chapel was built about 1902. The interior of the chapel is finished, in part, with American chestnut wood, harvested before the blight reached the northwestern mountains of North Carolina.
FLEETWOOD
Located just off of U.S. 221 between West Jefferson and Deep Gap, Fleetwood is home to great community gatherings at the Fleetwood Community Center and the local volunteer fire department. On your way to and from the busy towns of Boone and West Jefferson, stop by to look at local crafts, antiques and civic pride in Fleetwood.
GLENDALE SPRINGS
Home of the breathtaking and aweaspiring fresco painting by Ben Long at Holy Trinity Episcopalian Church, Glendale Springs has become revered for its budding arts scene. The community has become a must for anyone visiting Ashe County. Proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway is an added bonus as summer sets in and fall colors begin to explode.
GRASSY CREEK
Just south of the North CarolinaVirginia border, Grassy Creek is a tightly knit community that is dotted with smiling faces and countless rows of Fraser fir Christmas trees. Check out the sights around the nationally renowned New River, where you will also find the River House Country Inn and Restaurant for delectable dinners.
JEFFERSON
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
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the first towns in the nation to bear the name of U.S. founding father Thomas Jefferson. The town is the county seat of Ashe and is home to the new courthouse, as well as the historic 1904 Courthouse. The Museum of Ashe County History is located in Jefferson and can be found in the 1904 Courthouse. The museum, through items collected and on display, offers a look at who the citizens of the county are, where they came from, how they got to the town, what did they do on the way and where do they go next? Ashe County Park and Foster Tyson Park are also located in Jefferson, the former of which hosts a nationally celebrated disc golf course.
LANSING
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 stoplight, and several businesses line the street. Homecooked meals can be found at Country House Restaurant, while pizza, sandwiches and salads, along with specialty teas and fresh roasted coffee, are available at Pie on the Mountain. The first post office in the town was established in 1882 and served a rural community, made up of a village and outlying farms until the railroad made its appearance, according to www. lansingnc.com. The economy and population began to take off by 1914 as the Norfolk and Western Railroad, better known as the Virginia Creeper, came to town. A big commodity for area residents was iron ore mined from the mountains. The railroad served as an avenue to
transport the ore to markets in Richmond, Va., and Pittsburgh, Pa. During its history, Lansing had a cheese plant, clothing store, coffin shop, doctor’s office, bank and a restaurant, according to the town’s website. The cheese plant allowed area farmers to bring their goods to sell instead of having to travel into West Jefferson. The town was chartered and incorporated in 1928. Lansing faced two devastating fires in the 1930s and 1940s 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 old school building is being repurposed as an arts community today. The scenic Virginia Creeper biking trail is available to visitors, as is the town’s park. For more information about Lansing, visit www.explorelansingnc.com.
LAUREL SPRINGS
Another border community, Laurel Springs prides itself with small town charm and beauty that entices motorists from the Blue Ridge Parkway for a quick bite to eat before continuing their adventure on the scenic byway. Although it touches Wilkes, Alleghany and Ashe counties, Laurel Springs is never more than a 30-minute drive from the listed county seats. Also, be sure to stop by the Thistle Meadow Winery for individualized tours of a family-owned wine business.
WEST JEFFERSON
With a thriving arts district and Christmas trees galore, West Jefferson makes its mark on the High Country as a destination for locals, as well as visitors. The town was built around the Virginia-Carolina Railroad depot during the early 1900s. According to the town’s history, the first ownership of the valley now known as West Jefferson began in 1779 when N.C. Gov. Richard Caswell granted 320 acres to Col. Ben Cleveland, who battled
the British at Kings 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 the Ashe County Cheese plant where visitors can see cheese made and 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. 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 cafes offer all sorts of tasty treats, coffee, spirits and more, from one end of the town to the other. For more information, visit www. visitwestjefferson.org. SUMMER TIMES 2022
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The Blue Ridge Parkway BY MATTARAE STASKEL
D
uring the last two and a half years, the COVID-19 pandemic has made for a very unusual time. Through the duration of the pandemic and particularly in the last year, however, many sought refuge on our section of the beautiful and historic Blue Ridge Parkway. Blue Ridge Parkway managers announced on Feb. 17 that there were an estimated 15.9 million recreation visits to the park in 2021 alone. The visitations during 2021 represent an approximate 13% increase from 2020. The 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 and sanctioned by President Roosevelt, 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 WPA workers of the day. Visitors should note that a full Parkway closure from milepost 276.4 at US 421 to milepost 280.9 at Old US 421 (near Deep Gap) will take place until September 2022 for slope repair. There will also be detours around milepost 323 (south of Linville Falls) due to a single lane closure managed with a temporary traffic light until September 2022 Ultimately, however, it is the incredible vistas and views that make this road a destination for tourists from all over the United States as well as the world. 26
PHOTO COURTESY OF BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY FOUNDATION
Following along the ridgelines of the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers spectacular vistas. While the Rocky Mountains are taller and majestic in their own way, much of what you see above a certain height is all rock. The Appalachian Mountains found here, however, are millions of years older. For information on road and facility closures, visit the National Parks Service website. 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. As the attractions found on various sections of the BRP are highlighted below, we will travel from north to south. The northern end of our journey starts in Ashe County as the BRP winds its way south. It is a mellow and pristine stretch of the roadway, which leads to the Northwest Trading Post found at milepost 259. A few miles further and you will find a wonderful overlook at milepost 264.
There you will find interesting signage that tells the story of Tom Dooley, who was the subject of a world-famous true murder ballad that folk musicians have sang for many a decade. Also, behind the sign is a small grassy knoll and when you briefly hike to the top of it, the view of Yadkin Valley is breathtaking. As you continue to travel south, you will come upon the Deep Gap exit that will put you onto Hwy. 421. This is the exit to get to the lovely mountain college town of Boone, where there is much to do as far as food, shopping and more. At milepost 294 on the BRP you will find the Moses Cone Manor. The old house and 1,000-plus acres of wonderful land was turned into a park many years ago. There you will find a gift shop filled with works made by artists specifically located in the Appalachian Mountains. For those wanting to get off the parkway for a while and explore a unique mountain town, look for the exit onto Hwy. 221 just past Moses Cone manor heading south. That exit will take you to the famous tourist town known as Blowing Rock. There you will find tourist attractions, a museum, lots of shopping opportunities along a walkable downtown area and fine dining restaurants. Back on the parkway, at milepost 296 you will find Price Lake and its campground, amphitheater, picnic area and boat ramp. A good place for family camping, there is a lot to do at Price Lake and in the surrounding areas. Check beforehand for availability. At milepost 299 of the BRP, you will find the beginning of a run of more adventurous hiking trails including the Boone Fork Trail found on the right. Exploring the northern side of Grandfather Mountain, it is a moderate, mostly level trail that is a beautiful five-mile round trip. For those not in the mood to hike, on the left at milepost 301 is a pull-over SEE PARKWAY ON PAGE 28
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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 sunrise or right before sunset. At milepost 300 you will come across one of the more popular mountain trails on this section of the BRP called the Rough Ridge Trail. The moderately difficult trail takes you to some of the more stunning overlooks found on Grandfather Mountain. The path can get crowded on the weekends, so social distancing may be required, but the views are wonderful. When you get back on the BRP and travel a little further south, you will experience one of the more famous sections of the road; the Linn Cove Viaduct. The last section of the BRP to be built, it is a curvy engineering marvel that shoots out over Wilson Creek Gorge. Before the main part of the viaduct begins, there will be a park-
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ing lot to the left called the Yonahlossee Overlook that provides a trail that runs alongside and underneath the viaduct. For an even higher adventure, continue just a mile or so past the Linn Cove Viaduct and take the Hwy. 221 exit to Grandfather Mountain State Park. There you will find many sights and activities for the whole family. If you continue on Hwy. 221 past the entrance to Grandfather Mountain, that will lead to the resort town of Banner Elk. Within a short distance of this mountain village, you will find Sugar Mountain Ski Resort. In the summer months, this resort provides opportunities for high altitude mountain biking and hiking. Just a short drive away, Beech Mountain Resort also features high altitude mountain biking and hiking along with mountain disc golfing, live music, an onsite craft brewery and the famous mountain top 5506’ Skybar accessed by ski lift. Grandfather Vineyard and Winery, Banner Elk Winery and Linville Falls Winery are also found in and around Banner Elk, with both featuring award-
winning wines and live music in the afternoon on weekends. As you travel further south and make the needed, quick detour mentioned above, you will end up at the beginning of the aforementioned Old 105 road also known as Kinstler Highway. This gravel road quickly leads to a parking lot where a trail begins leading to spectacular views of Linville Falls. If you have a vehicle with 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive capability, this sometimes challenging gravel road will take you to many Linville Gorge trails. Linville Gorge is a true wilderness area and can be dangerous for novice hikers. Research the gorge and the trails found within before you venture forth. For those with an able vehicle, however, almost exactly four miles down the gravel Old 105 road will be the turn off on the left to Wiseman’s View. This is an easy, short and paved wheelchair accessible trail that leads to some of the most magnificent views of Linville Gorge. If you only have a 2-wheel drive vehicle and it is raining or the conditions are wet,
however, this gravel road can be hazardous and worth avoiding. After those hikes, return to Hwy. 183 and turn left until you reach a dead end at Hwy. 221. At that three-way intersection, if you turn left onto Hwy. 221, you will soon find the entrance to the popular Linville Caverns just a short drive away. For information on hours and guided tours, visit linvillecaverns.com. When you return to the Blue Ridge Parkway and continue southward, this exceptional roadway will lead you to even more great summer 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 until you arrive at the city of Asheville or the Great Smoky Mountains further west. And, 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 Rockies and the good news is that you can drive virtually all of the way to the top.
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Variety is the spice of ... Mystery Hill BY DAVID ROGERS
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IF YOU GO: MYSTERY HILL
ore than 70,000 visitors each year come to Mystery Hill to experience the historical landmark’s “gravity vortex.” Despite your best efforts to stand upright, these gravitational anomalies will force your body into a 45-degree angle, water will flow uphill, and balls will roll upward right before your eyes. But there’s more to Mystery Hill than the feature attraction. Try tomahawk throwing. Or, don’t think you are photogenic? Think again at Professor Finnegan’s Old Time Photo Parlour. Have you ever seen an arrowhead? Well, how about thousands of arrowheads at Moon Mullin’s Native American Artifacts Museum! It is one of the world’s largest private collections of Native American artifacts in the world, featuring items from 20 states, with more than 250,000
different pieces. Try the Hall of Mystery. It features a variety of hands-on science activities, including optical illusions, a shadow wall, a flying mirror, and more. The 1903 Dougherty House Museum was the home of Appalachian State University’s founder. It was the first home in the region to have electricity. Explore what life in Boone and the High Country was like in the early 1900s. Experience Bubblerama, a place where you can play with giant bubbles or even blow a giant bubble around your friend.
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Grandfather Mountain A mountain of an attraction
BY NEAL FALVEY
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hen discussing all of the significant and attractive locations in the High Country Grandfather Mountain sets itself apart from other landmarks. Not only is it one of the most recognizable locations in the region but it also maintains the beautiful setting and tranquility of natural spaces. Boasting animal habitats and incredible views, Grandfather Mountain has been drawing in visitors to Western North Carolina since the beginning. Grandfather Mountain has quantified its icon status in the area by reeling in
visitors, preserving habitats, offering some of the best hiking, acting as the backdrop for countless photos and working closely with the surrounding community. With a bevy of things to do and see on the mountain including; the swinging bridge, wildlife habitats, Wilson Center, daily programs and special events the notable attraction keeps its visitors entertained and
PHOTO BY LUKE BARBER | GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION
Fanny May, a five-yearold black bear with a big personality, is the newest resident of Grandfather Mountain’s Animal Habitats. 32
excited to return. Opening in the middle of 2022 the new Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, with interactive exhibits, amphitheater, classrooms and botanical garden the new center will nearly double the original size of the center. Interactive exhibits and information on natural history, flora, fauna, geology and weather of the mountain will be readily available for visitors. Centering on discovery and education, the center offers yet another resource and attraction to eager visitors. Among High Country landmarks, perhaps no place more typifies the sentiment of the great conservationist Muir than Linville’s Grandfather Mountain. John 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. Among the mountain’s newest offerings are both unique educational opportunities, as well as a few new residents. The popular “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. Always popular among visitors to the attraction are the wide range of animal exhibits, where everything from playful otters swim to majestic elk roam. Additional animals, including deer, eagles, bears and more are available for viewing in their natural surroundings. 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. 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. 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. 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. First built in the early 1950s and later receiving an updated renovation, the suspension bridge spans 228 feet and an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in SEE GRANDFATHER ON PAGE 34
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Black bears, otters, cougars, elk, even eagles. Experience them all in natural settings at Grandfather Mountain. Book your tickets online today. w w w. g r a n d f a t h e r. c o m
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The Mile-High Swinging Bridge is a popular regional attraction at Grandfather.
GRANDFATHER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32
elevation, and is a highlight of any trip. Grandfather Mountain’s wildlife habitats are a mustsee 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 walks of life. The mountain welcomes all comers through its gates as Muir so eloquently described, “take a course in the eternal youth of Nature.” 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. To book a visit, learn more about the mountain’s offerings and history, and updated protocols and information, click to www.grandfather.com. 34
A breathtaking view from Grandfather Mountain. SUMMER TIMES 2022
Open Mon. - Sat. 10:00-5:00 | 828.295.9600 7531 Valley Blvd, BLOWING ROCK | Located in the Food Lion Shopping Center Visit BRASS EXCHANGE HOME located in Charlotte at the Arboretum Shopping Center SUMMER TIMES 2022
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High Country Attractions will set you off on your newest adventures BY CHANDA RICHARDSON
T
he High Country has continued to offer some of the most thrilling, exciting and beautiful attractions that lie in the mountains of North Carolina. When visiting Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties, it’s hard to choose which road you’ll take for your next adventure, so take a look at the list below to see what attracts your heart and mind the most.
AVERY COUNTY
Grandfather Mountain Formed more than 750 million years ago, Grandfather Mountain has easily become one of the most popular destinations in Avery County and the High Country alone. This mountain attraction, standing at nearly 6,000 feet tall, offers a variety of activities, including the Mile High Swinging Bridge, numerous animal exhibits, hiking trails, beautiful sights and more. It’s not hard to see why so many tourists and locals frequent the site. Mountain Bike Parks Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain resorts are some of the most exciting summer destinations when you find yourself wanting to hit the trails on your mountain bike. The parks that are offered will entice thrill into those adventure seekers wanting to take on the rolling slopes of the two resorts. Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster In the summer of 2020, Avery County opened up their very own mountain coaster. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster takes riders up a 770-foot slope before the twists and turns begin down 3,160 feet of track. The coaster was built by the top construction company in Germany and speeds up to 27 miles per hour are reached during the exciting wind 36
PHOTO BY ANDREW COLE A 3-mile ride on Tweetsie Railroad’s historic steam locomotive is one of the many highlights visitors can experience at Wild West-themed amusement park outside Blowing Rock.
through the mountains. Summer Theater The Ensemble Stage within the Historic Banner Elk School offers visitors a chance to beat the heat by viewing a performance put on by the nonprofit’s professional theater. The theater is set to begin its summer programming on July 3. Additional theater performances are also available at the nearby college through Lees-McRae College Summer Theater.
Hawksnest If you’re a fan of ziplining, then Hawksnest is for you. This adventure park attraction offers the chance to experience the High Country scenery through cables of three miles. Guests can choose from two tours that reach speeds between 35 and 50 miles an hour.
ASHE COUNTY
Ashe County Cheese North Carolina’s largest cheese manu-
facturer is nestled in downtown West Jefferson, Ashe County. This free activity allows visitors a first hand look at how cheese is made. Products can also be found just across the street at the Ashe County Cheese store, including various cheeses, treats, candy, ice cream wine, bread and more. Mount Jefferson Another attraction in the heart of West Jefferson is Mount Jefferson. This state SEE ATTRACTIONS ON PAGE 38
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678 HIGHWAY 105 EXTENSION • BOONE, NC • 828.264-6044 • FARMERSRENTALS.COM MONDAY-FRIDAY 7:30-5:00 • SATURDAY 7:30-1:00 • CLOSED SUNDAYS
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ATTRACTIONS
ATTRACTION CONTACT INFO
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36
park rises more than 1,600 feet and captures some of the most breathtaking views. The mountain holds five hiking trails, a number of overlooks, picnic tables, shelters and more. If you’re looking for your next hiking adventure, this is the spot for you. Downtown West Jefferson West Jefferson is known for its downtown area. With shops lined up and down the street, you’re sure to find the perfect souvenirs and gifts. Along with shopping, the downtown area offers a number of delicious, affordable restaurants, including Boondocks, New River Brewing, Sweet and Savory and more. If you’re looking for a night out on the town, be sure to visit the Parkway Theatre to check out the summer’s greatest blockbusters. Frescoes The prolific work of American painter Benjamin Long can be seen at two locations within the county. The first is St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, which features the work entitled Mystery of Faith and the second is Holy Trinity Church, which features the work The Last Supper. Both works are painted in a classical style know as frescoes. Long trained under Pietro Annigoni in Florence, Italy to learn this immaculate way of painting. Museum of Ashe County History Housed in the site of the former Ashe County Courthouse, which was built in 1904, the museum takes visitors back in time to experience the way of life of those who lived in and settled this corner of the Appalachian mountains. This summer, the museum is offering live music, activities and more. With hopes of renovating the upstairs courtroom, the museum is sure to be one of the largest attractions over the summer months.
WATAUGA COUNTY
The Blowing Rock The attraction from which the town of Blowing Rock receives its name has been fascinating guests since 1933. The site is North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction, however, its history goes back much fur-
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Grandfather Mountain (828) 733-4337 grandfather.com 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646
Sugar Mountain Resort (828) 898-4521 skisugar.com 1009 Sugar Mountain Dr, Sugar Mountain, NC 28604
Beech Mountain Resort (800) 438-2093 beechmountainresort.com 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster (828) 898-7866 wildernessrunalpinecoaster.com 3265 Tynecastle Hwy, Banner Elk, NC 28604
Ensemble Stage (828) 414-1844 ensemblestage.com 166-185 Azalea Cir SE, Banner Elk, NC 28604
Lees-McRae College FILE PHOTO Each run on the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster includes three circular loops, a series of waves and lots of twists. Riders use hand brakes to control speeds, which can reach 27 miles per hour.
ther. As legend has it, The Blowing Rock is the site of a native American love story, in which a strong gust of wind reunited a maiden with a Chicksaw chieftain who had leapt from the rock after being stricken with grief. High Gravity Adventure Park High Gravity Adventures Zipline and Aerial Park offers visitors the thrill of defying gravity and swooping ziplines. Attractions include a Zipline tour that takes guests soaring through the treetops, a simulated free-fall zone, the Ninja Ground Course, a giant three-person swing, as well as climbing and repelling stations. Tweetsie Railroad Tweetsie Railroad is a wild-west themed amusement park that offers something for everyone. The park features a 3-mile long train ride aboard a historic steam engine, live entertainment, amusement rides, gold panning and a deer zoo. Shops are located around the park where you can find that perfect cowboy hat, toys and more. Horn in the West The nation’s longest running outdoor Revolutionary War drama, Horn in the West has been delighting audiences for
the past 69 years. The play brings to life the story of the hardy pioneers who, with the help of famed frontiersman Daniel Boone and Cherokee allies, settled in the Blue Ridge wilderness as they sought freedom from British tyranny. Downtown Boone After a day of adventure, King Street in Boone offers a mix of experiences for visitors to choose from. Restaurants, brewers, bars, shops and live music venues bring downtown Boone to life. Situated next to Appalachian State University, the area is frequented by college students, along with locals and those visiting the region. Views from atop nearby Howards Knob also provide a unique perspective on the bustling mountain town. Daniel Boone Gardens The Daniel Boone Native Gardens are a 3-acre plot of land dedicated to conservation and the appreciation of the natural world. Opening in 1966, the gardens have been a place to relax, learn and host events in a place like no other. For more information about the Daniel Boone Native Gardens, visit www.danielboonenativegardens.org or stop by at 651 Horn in the West Drive.
(828) 898-5241 lmc.edu 191 Main St W, Banner Elk, NC 28604
Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline (828) 963-6561 hawksnestzipline.com 2058 Skyland Dr, Seven Devils, NC 28604
Ashe County Cheese (336) 246-2501 ashecountycheese.com 106 E Main St, West Jefferson, NC 28694
Mountain Jefferson State Natural Area (336) 246-9653 ncparks.gov State, Park Road, 8448, 1481 Mt Jefferson Rd, West Jefferson, NC 28694
Church of the Frescoes (336) 982-3076 ashefrescoes.org 400 Beaver Creek School Rd West Jefferson, NC 28694
Museum of Ashe County History (336) 846-1904 ashehistory.org 301 E Main St, Jefferson, NC 28640
The Blowing Rock (828) 295-7111 theblowingrock.com 432 The Rock Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 High Gravity Adventures Zip Line and Aerial Park (828) 266-0176 highgravityadventures.com 215 Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Tweetsie Railroad (800) 526-5740 tweetsie.com 300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Horn In The West (828) 264-2120 horninthewest.com Horn in the W Dr Boone, NC 28607
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C R I T T E R F R I E N D LY
View NC from 4K feet above sea level
432 The Rock Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28645 828.295.7111. TheBlowingRock.com
“Enjoy the Legend” NORTH CAROLINA’S OLDEST TRAVEL ATTRACTION, SINCE 1933
432 The Rock Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28645 828.295.7111. TheBlowingRock.com SUMMER TIMES 2022
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Things to do in the High Country
S
ummer in the High Country offers plenty to see and do for visitors and residents alike. Whether it’s an outdoor adventure somewhere, enjoying some arts and crafts time or playing a round of golf, there is a little bit of something for everybody.
WATAUGA COUNTY
Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock opened for its 2022 season in early April and has plenty of special events to offer this summer, including appearances by Thomas the Train (June 10-13 and June 16-19), the July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza, K9s in Flight Frisbee Dogs (July 23-25 and July 28-31), Riders in the Sky (August 13-14) and Railroad Heritage Weekend (August 27-28). For a complete schedule of events and ticket prices, call 800-526-5740. The Blowing Rock has been open each year since 1933 and remains open year-round, weather permitting. For rates or more information, call 828-295-7111. High Gravity Adventures in Blowing Rock offers zip line tours and an aerial adventure park that will be sure to offer plenty of fun for the entire family. To book your tour, call 828-266-0176. Sky Valley Zip Tours in Blowing Rock features 10 zip lines, a swinging bridge and cliff jumping to achieve the ultimate rush. To make your reservation, call 828-264-0002. Mystery Hill in Blowing Rock truly defies gravity and no one can explain why. Enjoy a wide variety of attractions including the Hall of Mystery, Bubblerama and Tomahawk Hill. For more information, call 828-264-2792. Horn in the West outdoor drama takes place from July 1 – August 13 and this year marks their 70th season putting on a show. Each year since 1952, Horn in the West’s outdoor drama about Daniel Boone has been a major attraction in Boone. For tickets or more information, call 828-264-2120. Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine in Blowing 40
FILE PHOTO Tweetsie Railroad is open from April through December.
Rock gives you an opportunity to mine for some previous gems from local gemstone mines throughout North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia. Doc’s Rocks is located at Shoppes on the Parkway. For more information, call 828-414-9889. Foggy Mountain Gem Mine now operates two locations in Boone, the original spot on Highway 105 and a second location on Highway 321 South. For bucket prices and hours of operation, call 828-963-4367. Mysterium Escape Adventure in Boone offers is engaging, interactive experience that challenges all of your senses. The interactive escape rooms are theme with fully interactive and immersive elements that are lots of fun. Sunrise Mountain Mini Golf on Highway 105 in Boone offers 18 holes of mini golf fun during the summer. For more information call 828-265-4653.
The Daniel Boone Native Gardens located at 651 Horn in the West Drive in Boone showcases more than 200 plant species that can be found naturally in the High Country. For more information, call 828-264-1299. Fun ‘N’ Wheels go-kart track on Highway 105 in Boone is open each summer with racing action all day long on weekdays and weekends, weather permitting. For more information, call 828-262-3780. High Country Lanes in Boone offers bowling fun for the entire family. Bowling is open on Thursdays from noon until 11 p.m., Fridays from 4 p.m. until midnight, Saturdays from noon until midnight and Sundays from noon until 11 p.m. For more information call 828264-3166. High Mountain Expeditions in Boone has been in operation since 1986
offering tubing, canoeing, whitewater rafting, hiking and and caving adventures. For more information, call 828202-1981. Boone Golf Club is one of the most popular public golf courses in the region. The course plays at over 6,600 yards and is open on average about 250 days a year. For tee time reservations, call 828-2648760. Willow Creek Golf Course is a nine-hole public course. All holes are Par-3 holes and some holes challenge even the best golfer with some tricky water hazards. There are no reservations required for tee times. Golfers tee off on a first come, first served basis. For course information, call 828-963-6865. Wahoo’s Adventures in Blowing Rock offers numerous trips for paddling, SEE ACTIVITIES ON PAGE 42
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63 NC Mineral & Gem Festival rd
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August 4-7, 2022 Spruce Pine, NC
Jewelry, Gems Beads, Crystals, Fossils, Mine Tours and More! www.ncgemfest.com SUMMER TIMES 2022
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ACTIVITIES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40
rafting and tubing on the New River, Watauga River and Nolichucky River. For information on each tour, call 1-800-4447238.
ASHE COUNTY
Come and watch cheese get made at Ashe County Cheese, the oldest cheese plant in North Carolina. Located in West Jefferson, Ashe County Cheese offers a wide variety of cheeses and other locallymade products. For the weekly cheesemaking schedule, call 336-246-2501. Mountain Aire Golf Club in West Jefferson is an 18-hole public course with amazing mountain views dotting the local landscape. The course plays at 6,415 yards from the blue tees, 5,858 yards from the white tees, 4,852 yards from the gold tees and 4,140 yards from the red tees. For tee time reservations, call 336-877-4716. Unseen Pass in West Jefferson offers street legal side-by-side 4x4 on-road and
COURTESY PHOTO Mountain Aire Golf Club in West Jefferson is an 18-hole public course that plays at 6,415 yards at its longest.
off-road adventures. For more information, call 865-325-1353 New River State Park offers two access points, one off of U.S. Highway 221 and another off of Wagoner access, for all of your floating, kayaking or canoeing adventures. . The visitor’s center, located at the Highway 221 access point, can be reached at 336-982-2587. Mount Jefferson State Natural Area offers five hiking trails and nu-
merous spots to see some breathtaking scenery overlooking West Jefferson and Jefferson. The park office can be reached at 336-246-9653. Ashe County Park has playground equipment, a trout pond, baseball fields, basketball courts and one of the most popular disc golf courses in the southeast. For more information on the park, call 336-982-6185. Zaloo’s Canoes located in Jefferson right alongside the New River offers canoe, kayak and tubing tours. Zaloo’s has been open for nearly 50 years. For more information, call 336-246-3066.
AVERY COUNTY
Grandfather Mountain State Park covers 2,456 acres and has 12 miles of trails to hike. For more information, call 828-963-9522. Linville Gorge Wilderness Area features steep and rugged terrain with the Linville River running beneath it and dropping about 2,000 feet in elevation. The wilderness area is part of the Pisgah National Forest. For more information
call 828-652-2144. Mountain Glen Golf Club in Newland is a public, 18-hole golf course was completed in 1965 and offers four tee locations. For course information or to reserve a tee time, call 828-733-5804. Edge of the World in Banner Elk offers whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing and rappelling. For more information, call 828-789-3343. Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster in Banner Elk is open seven days a week. For information on registering for a ride time, call 828-898-7866. Sugar Mountain Golf Club is an 18-hole public course that was voted as the #2 short course in the country. The Par-64 course is played at an elevation over 4,000 feet and has some of the best mountain views you’ll find on any golf course around. To reserve a tee time, call 828-898-6464. Land Harbor Golf Club in Linville is an 18-hole public course that plays at 4,877 yards at its longest. For tee times or additional course information, call 828733-8325.
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Boone Paint & Interiors 1852 Highway 105 Boone NC 28607 828-264-9220 boonepaint.com
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Keeping the culture in Boone BY MATTARAE STASKEL
B
oone and the rest of the High Country have always had a unique culture that breeds art, expression and resilience, with many people taking the time to make sure that the culture is not lost to time. This preservation has been done through the cultivation of historical items and programs that celebrate the history itself, and they can be found all around the High Country. In Boone, the town set up the Cultural Resources Department, which works with individual organizations and programs to encourage the promotion of the area’s culture and continue the organizations’ efforts. According to Mark Freed, the cultural SEE CULTURE ON PAGE 45
PHOTO SUBMITTED The concerts at Jones House this summer will feature the musical genres of bluegrass, jazz, folk, rock and roll, soul and more.
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CULTURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44
resources director for the town of Boone, the Cultural Resources Department oversees four different areas. “One being some of the properties that the town owns and a number of historic properties,” he said. “We help oversee them, including the Jones house, which is where our offices are located.” The cultural resources department works with the Southern Appalachian Historical Association to oversee several properties, including the Horn in the West Amphitheater and Hickory Ridge Homestead. The cultural resource department runs a lot of programs in the Boone community, houses historical items and does general advising on cultural topics for town council and other committees.
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FILE PHOTO Pete Gallant, playing a frontiersman, sits in his log cabin at the Hickory Ridge Living Museum.
“We do things like passing on musical traditions, through our jam sessions, music lessons, and showcasing our original music for our concert series,” Freed said. “This year, we’re helping spearhead Boone 150, our sesquicentennial celebration, in our
department.” According to Freed, there are many ways that the community can be involved in cultural celebrations in Boone. “They can come and participate in our jam sessions or music lessons, or it could be an artist
who gets involved with art galleries,” he said. “It could be the people who want to come out and be participants at concerts and attendees, or at our festivals or events.” For those who are looking to learn more about the history of Boone, the Jones House is a great jumping off point, according to Freed. The cultural resources department even offers a historical walking tour of Boone, both in print and digital. For a more hands-on experience, community members can even become involved with the cultural resources advisory board, where they meet quarterly and help give advice to the town council on different cultural affairs that come up. “There are all kinds of ways that people can get involved, whether it’s to learn more, whether it’s to participate and be a part of something, or even virtually for
that matter,” Freed said. Even through the COVID-19 pandemic the Boone Cultural Resources Department has found ways to make these events accessible to everyone. “We have a nice YouTube collection of concert performances that have been done,” Freed said. They also have recorded workshops, instructional videos and speeches that were given at various town functions. Ultimately, Freed said that conserving the rich culture of Appalachia and passing it on to the next generations are the most important things. “Boone is in a really special place,” Freed said. “We have that interesting balance of the traditions of the mountain.” For more information, visit townofboone.net and joneshouse.org, call (828) 268-6280 or visit www.facebook.com/ TheJonesHouseBoone.
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THE FUN RETURNS SUMMER FESTIVALS A WELCOME ADDITION TO HIGH COUNTRY SUMMER EXPERIENCE BY JAMIE SHELL
T
he High Country bounced back in a limited capacity with summer festivals in 2021 following a crippling season due to COVID-19 in 2020. In 2022, however, area festivals return in earnest to allow locals and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and take part in specialized and themed events, as well as a number of classic events that promise to be worth the time ane experience. Traditionally, festivals throughout the High Country are filled with revelers and activities that range from bluegrass and Celtic music to fine arts and symphonies, from hand-created artwork to varieties of performing arts through drama, dance and more. The following is a listing and brief descriptions of events that are scheduled as of press time to occur during the summer season. As with any public events taking place in the current climate, events can be subject to change, so it’s recommended to consult event websites and area chambers of commerce to the most up-to-date details, including confirmation that the events are taking place, any pandemic-related restrictions in place related to the event, and any additional information to guide your visit. Blowing Rock Art in the Park (May 21, June 11, July 16, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, and Oct. 1) Art in the Park was created in 1962 by a handful of area artists and craftspeople to showcase local talent. Today, Art in the Park is host to dozens of fine art and craft vendors at each show. Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting and more. 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. The quality of work exhibited draws thousands to the area each month. 46
FILE PHOTO Art on the Greene organizer Kimberly Tufts is pictured with one of her special creations from Kimberly Allynne Designs.
Art in the Park is planned and administered by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, who noted that there will be a reduced number of vendors to allow for social distancing and that the parking shuttle will be available during each show this year. Enjoy arts and crafts from award-winning and acclaimed artisans. Artists are jury-selected and each show features a different set of artists, curated to present a wide variety of mediums. Find gifts and works for personal collections, functional beauties like furniture and cutlery, and wearable art like handcrafted jewelry and textiles. Artists’ tents line Park Avenue right in downtown Blowing Rock so attendees can enjoy proximity to other shopping, as well as dining options and local parks. Artist tents extend along Park Avenue, from Main
Street to Wallingford Street in downtown Blowing Rock. Free shuttle for parking is available by taking the Art in the Park Shuttle to save the time and effort looking for a downtown parking space. The free shuttle runs from plentiful free parking at Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway right to the Art in the Park entrance. The shuttle has the same hours as the show: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s only a few minutes ride and the shuttle runs continuously. Look for the red trolley! Free parking is also available in the Maple Street lot and in the parking decks on Wallingford St. and at Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. Some lots, like Rumple Church and Blowing Rock School, charge a small charity fee for parking. For updated schedule of artists and more information, click to blowingrock.com/artinthepark or call (828) 295-7851. Art on the Greene — Banner Elk (May 28-29, July 2-3, Aug. 6-7 & Sept. 3-4) Visitors are invited to shop the many fine regional and national artists, enjoy good food and experience the welcoming town of Banner Elk. During holiday weekends in the summer from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, the courtyard outside the Cultural Arts Center at Historic Banner Elk School in downtown Banner Elk comes alive with dozens of vendors plying myriad media of crafts and art at the Art on the Greene event. “Art on the Greene is geared toward artists who are involved in any medium in the Appalachian tradition of hand crafters,” says show director Kimberly Tufts. “We have metal artists, glass artists, potters, and high-quality jewelry from all types of makers. We have wood workers of all varieties from furniture to home decor wood items, as well as painters in a variety of mediums – watercolor, acrylic and oil.” Master craftsmen from all over the eastern U.S. will be demonstrating and selling their work, as a wide SEE FESTIVALS ON PAGE 48
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Summer Adventures are
Calling
At Chetola Resort
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PHOTO COURTESY ALYSSE GAFKJEN Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives headlines the 2022 “An Appalachian Summer Festival” with a concert at 7:30 p.m. on July 3.
FESTIVALS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46
variety of mediums will be represented, including jewelry, pottery, fiber, clothing, dogs carriers and clothing, fused glass, carving, furniture, watercolor, photography, woodworking, handmade soap and fresh goat cheese. Art on the Greene is located on Azalea Circle in downtown Banner Elk. For more information, click to www. townofbannerelk.org/beshows or call (828) 898-8395. Boone Bike Rally (June 3 and 4) Gear heads are encouraged to get their motors running to attend the Boone Bike Rally on the weekend of Friday and Saturday, June 3 and 4, at High Country Fairgrounds, located at 748 Roby Greene Rd. in Boone. The rally includes bike contests, live music from several classic rock-and-roll bands, swap meet, burnout pit and more. For more information, click to www. boonebikerally.com. High Country Jazz Festival (June 9-12) The Inaugural High Country Jazz Festival in Boone and Blowing Rock is hosted by the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country The festival is a collaborative project to host exceptional 48
and engaging jazz experiences in Boone and Blowing Rock that will attract regional audiences while raising funds to support the arts and education programs of the Appalachian Theatre, App State Jazz Studies Program and Boone Sunrise Rotary that sustain and enrich our High Country home. Anchor events will take place in the newly reopened Appalachian Theatre and under the tent at the Chetola Resort and will include a host of affiliated jazz experiences featuring outdoor concerts, late night jams, jazz lunches and film produced by great community partners in Boone and Blowing Rock. For more information, click to www. apptheatre.org/highcountryjazzfest. Roan Mountain (Tenn.) Rhododendron Festival (June 18 and 19) Just across the state line near the high-altitude apex of Roan Mountain comes the annual Roan Mountain Rhododendron Festival. Coinciding with the beautiful blooms of the rhododendrons dotting the landscape of the mountain, the festival began in June 1947, conceived and carried out by the Roan Mountain Citizens Club as a two-day celebration to memorialize and perpetuate the most gorgeous display of natural beauty on the North American continent. Originally the festival was held at
the top of Roan Mountain, and in recent years the festival is held in Roan Mountain State Park, located at the foot of Roan Mountain on Hwy. 143 and features handmade crafts, food, and a variety of traditional music, plus an array of old-time folkway demonstrations. Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2022, a number of special events and activities are planned to commemorate the occasion. For more information, click to www.roanmountain.com or email rhododendronfestival@yahoo. com. An Appalachian Summer Festival — Boone (month of July) Appalachian State University’s annual summer arts attraction, An Appalachian Summer Festival proudly celebrates its 38th season. This month-long whirlwind of music, dance, theatre, visual arts and film programming has emerged as one of the nation’s leading regional arts festivals. The festival will feature a full schedule of in-person outdoor and indoor performances. AASF will feature nearly 30 days performances, starting July 1. Performers slated to appear in 2022 include Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Renée Elise Goldsberry, esperanza spalding, Postmodern Juke-
box and Boz Scaggs. For more information, click to www. appsummer.org or call the box office at (828) 262-4046. Grandfather Mountain Highland Games — Linville (July 7-10) The annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games will be held from July 7 to 10 on Grandfather Mountain near Linville. The Highland Games is the largest Scottish festival in the nation and features more than 100 represented clans, live Celtic and various displays of Celtic culture. The Games features events such as the turning of the caber, the Scottish hammer throw, and the tossing of the sheaf. People can also enjoy bagpipe, fiddle and pipe and drum contests, sheep herding, workshops and tracing their Scottish ancestry. General ticket prices to attend GMHG this year (purchased after June 1) are as follows: • Four-day advanced pass with shuttle: $75 (age 13 and older); $30 (5 to 12 years old) • Four-day advanced pass without shuttle: $65 (age 13 and older); $20 (5 to 12 years old) SEE FESTIVALS ON PAGE 50
FILE PHOTO The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games is a festival celebrating all things Scottish each July. SUMMER TIMES 2022
August 5th & 6th 9am—5pm
Town Square, Burnsville, NC
One�Of�A�Kind Arts & Crafts, Food, Free Admission, Shuttle, and Entertainment yanceychamber.com/crafts-fair Sponsored By:
Explore Burnsville, Glen Raven, Young & McQueen Grading Company, High Country Ceramic Arts, One Of A Kind Art Gallery, The Laurel of Asheville, Something Special, Monkey Business SUMMER TIMES 2022
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FESTIVALS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 48
• Thursday evening session (4 to 11 p.m.): $15 (age 13 and older); $5 (5 to 12 years old) — no shuttle service on Thursday • Friday all-day session (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.): $25 (age 13 and older); $5 (5 to 12 years old) • Friday evening session only (7 to 11 p.m.): $15 (age 13 and older); $5 (5 to 12 years old) • Saturday all day session (8 a.m. to 11 p.m.): $35 (age 13 and older); $5 (5 to 12 years old) • Saturday evening session only (6:30 to 11 p.m.): $15 (age 13 and older); $5 (5 to 12 years old) • Sunday session (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.): $20 (age 13 and older); $5 (5 to 12 years old) • Sunday Family Pass (up to two adults and two kids): $75 To purchase tickets, an events guide or for more information, click to www.gmhg.org or call (828) 733-1333. Fine Arts and Master Crafts Festivals — Sugar Mountain (July 15-17 and Aug. 12-14) Sugar Mountain Resort plays host to a pair of Fine Arts and Master Crafts Festivals in the months of July and August. The juried festivals feature an eclectic gathering of unique handcrafted wares from fine artists and master crafters. Fine art examples are photography, paintings, jewelry , sculpture, pottery, weaving, glass art, wood crafts, wood furniture, specialty candles, body care & soaps and many more. The Avery Fine Art & Master Crafts Festival benefits the Avery County Chamber of Commerce. Hours of the festival are 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, and admission is free. For more information, click to averycounty.com/ chamber-events/fine-art-master-crafts-festivals. Chetola Symphony by the Lake — Blowing Rock (July 22) Experience a moving performance by the Symphony of the Mountains, surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge. Take your seat on the grass by Chetola Lake, under the evening sky. Bring a picnic to enjoy with friends and family, or purchase meals from caterers at the event. The performance ends with a spectacular fireworks show. Officials encourage attendees to park at one of the parking decks/areas in Blowing Rock and also at Tweetsie Railroad and ride the shuttle to the event. In an effort to alleviate traffic at the symphony, all the shuttles will unload and load at the back entrance to Chetola at Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway beside the 50
PHOTO SUBMITTED A boy enjoys kite flying at the Mile High Kite Festival in Beech Mountain, which takes place each year over Labor Day weekend.
Polo Outlet. Please save the Food Lion parking area for the handicapped and mobility challenged. Those handicapped or mobility challenged can catch the shuttle at the Food Lion Parking Lot, and is the only shuttle that will unload and load on the symphony lawn at Chetola. General Admission tickets for the symphony are $65 for adults (all tickets are Will Call only). A small section located just in front of the symphony tent (the Audiophile section) will be fenced off with reserved seats and shared side tables, a charcuterie box (meats, cheeses, fruit and olives) with two beverage tickets and water. This Audiophile section is limited to 100 seats, with tickets available for $125. Parking passes are also available for a cost of $10 each. Tickets are available online or in person at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, and may be purchased from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with no refunds on tickets. For more information, click to symphonybythelake. com or call (828) 295-7851. NC Mineral and Gem Festival — Spruce Pine (Aug. 4 to 7)
The North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival is celebrating its 63rd year as one of the oldest and most popular mineral and gem shows in the country from August 4 to 7. The festival takes place in the area of Spruce Pine, and features gem, jewelry and mineral dealers from across the country showcasing various merchandise. The event also offers mine tours. The festival takes place Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and from 12:30 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Festival admission tickets are sold at the door on the day of the event, with a discounted cost of only $1 on Sunday for Mitchell County residents. For more information, click to www.ncgemfest.com or call (828) 765-9033. Ashe County Studio Tour (Aug. 6 and 7) The Ashe County Arts Council will sponsor the Ashe County Studio Tour, a two-day, self-guided, free event in which Ashe County artists open their studios to the public on Aug. 6 and 7. Tour participants will discover art studios located all over the county – in and around West Jefferson, Jefferson, Crumpler, Laurel Springs, Todd, Creston, Warrensville and Lansing. Most of the studios are not usually open to the public, so this is a rare opportunity for people to see where these artists work and at select locations, to watch them as they create their art. For more information, click to ashecountyarts.org/ studio-tour or call (336) 846-2787. Mile-High Kite Festival — Beech Mountain (Labor Day weekend) On Labor Day weekend, children of all ages are invited to cover Beech Mountain’s blue skies with kites of all shapes and colors. Located at more than 5,000 feet in elevation, the meadow behind Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria makes it easy to sail kites more than a mile above sea level. This free, family friendly event features craft and food vendors, music and contests with prizes awarded for the biggest kite, smallest kite and best decorated. Other activities include races with kids pulling parachute kites, face painting and kite-flying demonstrations given by the professional kite flying clubs. For more information, click to beechmountainresort.com or call (828) 387-9283. Ashe County Bluegrass and Old-Time Fiddlers Convention (July 22-23) Friday night concert with Nobody’s Business and High Country Ramblers Saturday — Youth competition, individual adult competition, dance and band competition, jamming workshops and more! Food by Todd Ruritan Club, Crafts Village, Luthiers’ Tent, merchandise and more! $10 Friday and $10 Saturday. Camping available. The convention will be held at the Ashe Park on July 22-23. SUMMER TIMES 2022
The High Country’s Premier Steak & Seafood Restaurant • Dinner nightly from 5pm • Martini & Meatloaf Mondays with $7 house martinis and comfort food specials • Tuesday – Specialty burger night • Wednesday – 25% off bottles of wine • Private room available • “Avery County Chamber Business of the Year”
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Rock Bottom Bluegrass Band is one of the performers at Christmas in July.
West Jefferson to host annual
Christmas in July
R Visit downtownnorthwilkesboro.com for more events 52
ock Bottom Bluegrass Band will kick off the music at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 1, for the annual Christmas in July in West Jefferson. The Tray Wellington Band will follow them at 7 p.m. and Lucky Strikes will wrap up the first night of entertainment playing from 8:30-10 p.m. Saturday’s entertainment begins with Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road
from 9-10:15 a.m. Eric Hardin, Josh Scott and Steve Lewis will be up next from 10:30-11:15 a.m. Legendary artist Wayne Henderson will take the stage from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The final three acts will include performances from the Jeff Little Trio from 12:45-2 p.m., Taylon Hope from 2:15-3:30 p.m. and The Special Occasion Band will wrap up Christmas in July with music from 3:45-5 p.m. SUMMER TIMES 2022
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Up on the mountain tops
FILE PHOTO
Jenny Hunter of Mount Holly zip lines at Sky Valley Zip Tours.
See the High Country through thrilling zip lines BY CHANDA RICHARDSON
W
ith the recent happenings of the world, it’s easy to find yourself wanting to get away from your normal life. After the COVID-19 pandemic ensued, officials found that many were seeking more outdoor adventures for that perfect breath of fresh air. In the High Country, many outdoor attractions are offered, but one of the most exciting adventures is soaring down a zip line to take in the incredible mountain scenery. There are a number of zip line tours nestled in the mountains of the High Country and each promises visitors a safe and 54
fun experience. These include Hawksnest Zipline in Seven Devils, Sky Valley Zip Tours of Blowing Rock and Boone’s High Gravity Adventures.
HAWKSNEST
Established in 1964, Hawksnest has been serving the High Country with numerous adventures. Originally opening as a ski resort, Hawksnest has moved from skiing, to snowboarding, snow-tubing and in 2009, they began construction on their zip line. Hawksnest offers three zip line tours: the Hawk Tour, the Eagle Tour and the Do it All Tour. The Hawk Tour is the most popular tour
the resort offers. It takes about two hours to complete and there are eleven cables total. Over this 1.5 mile zip line adventure, visitors will get to take in the magnificent scenery of the High Country. Participants must be at lease five years of age. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Riders cannot be more than 250 pounds or have a waist larger than a 40 inches. There is no minimum weight for the Hawk Tour. The Eagle Tour is the second that is offered at Hawksnest. Lasting about two hours and using nine cables, this tour is great for thrill-seekers. It is recommended that riders
WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING Among the items that staff recommend to take part in zip line tours include: • Shoes that strap to your feet • Shorts or pants (depending on the weather) • Rain gear (in wet weather) • Long hair tied back • No dangly jewelry. •Please secure any body piercings with athletic tape or remove, if possible, prior to arriving for your tour.
SEE ZIP ON PAGE 56
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LO ONE OF THE
OV E R 4 M I L E
S OF ZIPLINE
N
N THE I S E N I L P I Z GEST
S & 20 CABLE
US
RU N S
• HEIGHTS OVER 200 FT • OPEN YEAR ‘ROUND • RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
Off Hwy 105 Between Boone & Banner Elk
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COME VISIT OUR 30 LANE SNOW TUBING PARK THIS WINTER!
828.963.6561 | HawksnestZipline.com SUMMER TIMES 2022
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ZIP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 54
have previous experience in zip lining. Participants must be at least eight years old and be a minimum of 80 pounds. Riders cannot be more than 220 pounds or have larger than a 40 inch waist. Finally, the Do it All Tour offers a four hour ride through the mountains and includes 20 cables total. This combination of the two previous tours allows guests to ride all cables and save $30 a person when choosing a tour. Participants must be at least eight years old and be a minimum of 80 pounds. Riders cannot be more than 220 pounds or have larger than a 40 inch waist.
SKY VALLEY ZIP TOURS
Located in Blowing Rock, Sky Valley Zip Tours offers 10 zip lines total. One of the most interesting things this establishment offers is the Night Flight. Riders can experience the thrill of zip lining in the dark on the High Country’s only night tour. They also offer cliff jumping, ATV rides, ground school and a swinging bridge. The Canopy Tour includes a thrilling ATV ride that leads to 10 zip lines. Riders will experience a 45 degree vertical descent off of a rock face and a 120 foot cable bridge over a cascading waterfall. Participants must be at least 10 years of age and be between 70 and 250 pounds. Sky Valley also offers the Kid Zip. This includes seven zips, a small bridge and a 20-foot slide out of the trees. Children must be at least four years old and reach a height of 48 inches.
HIGH GRAVITY ADVENTURES
Nestled in Boone, High Gravity Adventures offers a variety of activities, including an adventure park and a zip line tour. This tour offers a two-hour soaring experience through the trees. With multiple zip lines, a sky bridge and more, this 1,700-foot zip is sure to give riders the thrill of their lives. The tour culminates at the Dropzone, 70 feet atop the park. This leap of faith includes a smooth decent and a controlled landing. For those who don’t want to take 56
PHOTO BY DARRELL CASSELL The Hawk Tour and Eagle Tour are two of the zipline adventures offered by Hawksnest, with the Eagle Tour being a more adventurous and extreme.
ZIP LINE ATTRACTIONS IN THE HIGH COUNTRY Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline 2058 Skyland Drive, Seven Devils, NC 28604 Phone: (828) 963-6561 To reserve online: hawksnestzipline.com Sky Valley Zip Tours 634 Sky Ranch Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Phone: (828) 264-0002 online: www.skyvalleyziptours.com High Gravity Adventures 215 Tweetsie Railroad Road Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Phone: (828) 266-0176 online: www.highgravityadventures.com the leap, there is a slow-moving rappel option. Those wishing to experience the our must be between 75 and 265 pounds. Ages seven to 10 must zip with an adult.
PHOTO BY ALICIA GREEN High Gravity Adventure’s Zip Line Tour will take riders through its Blue Ridge Course to experience high-flying fun. SUMMER TIMES 2022
537 Main Street
Open Monday - Saturday from 10am - 5pm MUSEUM GRADE MINERAL SPECIMENS & FOSSIL SPECIMENS RARE GEMSTONES - FINE JEWELRY - LAPIDARY SERVICES
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TO THE TOP
Rise above the High Country through rock climbing
BY CHANDA RICHARDSON
W
hen visiting the High Country, it’s not hard to miss the incredible scenery around you. With mountains reaching high peaks, many find curiosity as they hope to see an up top view of the area. Since August 1998,, Boone’s Rock Dimensions adventures have been widely popular to both tourists and locals. This thrilling establishment allows visitors to follow guides on rock climbing and reach the top of some of the most beautiful natural areas. The PCIA-certified climbing guides are dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable climbing program for all of their clients. If you’re just starting out, you can
visit Downtown Boone to stock up on gear, learn more about the experience and practice on their climbing tower. With this, you can train, take classes, work with partners and even bring the kids along for a chance at the wall. For experienced climbers, the Belay course will allow you to pay only $25, with gear and shoes included, for a day-time climbing experience in the heart of downtown. After visiting the tower or if you’re ready to hit the ropes, the following locations are offered by Rock Dimensions. Crowders Mountain State Park Crowders Mountain is located 25
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCK DIMENSIONS Hanging off the edge of a cliffside can provide unSEE CLIMBING ON PAGE 59 matched views.
Climbing, Rappelling & Caving
and Climbing Gear Shop
BOONE • BLOWING ROCK, NC
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CLIMBING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 58
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groups throughout the year. The best seasons for climbing at Rocky Face are Fall, Winter, and Spring. For Scouts and other groups wishing to camp, there is an easy backcountry site established with reservations required. The Chimneys of Linville Gorge Linville Gorge was formed by the Linville River, which now meanders some 2,000 feet below the rim of the gorge. This wilderness area is part of Pisgah National Forest, located in the Mountains of N.C. The gorge offers breathtaking views, and a variety of climbing options, exciting rappels, and for a unique recreational experience, an exhilarating Tyrolean Traverse! Primitive camping, suitable for groups, is available about a quarter mile from the parking lot and picnic area. In the summer, Linville Gorge is a nice break from the heat and humidity of the Piedmont. Fall brings an array of colors to the forest, in addition to perfect camping weather. In spring, the rhododendrons and mountain laurel are in beautiful bloom. Wilson Creek Area Wilson Creek begins its journey at Grandfather Mountain and flows into Johns River 23.3 miles downstream. Surrounded by Pisgah National Forest, the creek makes its way through some of the oldest rocks in the Southern ApCounty Acres palachians. The climbing is scenic and Wilkes 404 exposed, with views of Grandfather and Grandmother Mountains. Primitive Wilkes 341 camping is available along the forest Cleveland service roads near the329 climbing access. & Rutherford For your next rocky adventure, visit Watauga 203 rockdimensions.com. Wilkes 184
miles west of Charlotte, near Gastonia, NC. At an elevation of 1,625 feet, the 800-foot pinnacles of Crowders are actually a part of the Appalachian chain that formed millions of years ago. On a clear day, Charlotte can be seen from the tops of these peaks. The sheer cliffs abound with footholds and handholds for beginner and intermediate climbers. Crowders Mountain is a good option for winter trips on its easy south facing rock sites. Spring and fall are also great seasons. Pilot Mountain State Park Pilot Mountain rises 1,400 feet above the surrounding Piedmont near Winston-Salem, N.C., with an elevation of 2421 feet. Pilot Mountain’s Big Pinnacle is a highly visible knob, seen standing solid as a mountain of rock that has withstood the elements that eroded the foothills around it. The mountain, dedicated as a National Natural Landmark in 1976, is a part of the ancient Sauratown Mountain Range. Climbing sites are located on the Little Pinnacle. There are fairly primitive group campsites available for $1/person and a family campground with more modern facilities for $12/site. Both campsites contain a table and grill/fire pit. Call the park for reservations and information. Rocky Face Park Rocky Face Recreational Area is an Alexander County park located in Hiddenite, NC. Formerly a rock quarry (early 1900s), the mountain offers a south-facing Caldwell 159 rock face with climbing Ashe 155 opportunities for various levels of ability. Since May 113 Wilkes 2012 the recreational area 96 Ashe opened to the public as a county park and climbing became a major activity. Rock Dimensions facilitates rock climbing programs at the park during the annual Spring RockyFest, at the Fall PHOTO COURTESY ROCK DIMENSIONS Rock Climbing Festival, and Rock climbing isn’t just for the adults. Many kids with Scout troops and other also learn the ins and outs of the sport.
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C O M PA N Y
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$351,000 Wilkes 341 PriceCleveland Acres County 329 & Rutherford $861,000 88 $1,341,221 Wilkes Watauga SOLD! 203 64 $351,000 Watauga $431,000 Wilkes 184 49 $861,000 Wilkes $395,000 Caldwell 159 45 SOLD! Wilkes $691,000 Ashe 155 43 $431,000 Wilkes $1,500,000 113 Wilkes 41 $395,000 Wilkes UNDER CONTRACT! 96 Ashe 25 $691,000 Wilkes $1,500,000
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Mountain Land Company 4524 W U.S. Hwy 421 Wilkesboro, NC 28697
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Hang gliding
an experience like no other S BY MOSS BRENNAN
oaring thousands of feet in the sky with cars and humans that look no bigger than an ant is an amazing feeling. Add that feeling, but with no motor, a strap holding you in place and the wind blowing all around and in comes hang gliding — an activity where people can fly in the sky with birds on a triangular shaped glider with 360 degree views. “The biggest thing I get when I tell people that I hang glide is ‘We’re afraid of heights,’” said Craig Pearson, owner and operator of Thermal Valley Hang Gliding at the Foothills Regional Airport in Lenoir.
Pearson has owned and operated Thermal Valley for 10 years and has flown more than 3,700 people. He hasn’t just flown middle-aged adventure seekers; Pearson said he has flown 8-year-olds to those 89 years old. Thermal Valley is family owned as Pearson’s wife helps with reservations and assists the ground crew. Person’s son, Liam, works as the ground crew and has flown all of the aircraft operated by Thermal Valley. Thermal Valley offers a variety of services for those interested in flying with the birds. One of the main attractions is a 1,500-foot hang gliding tandem aerotow. Tandem flights consists of flying with Pearson, who is an experienced and certified tandem aero-tow
hang gliding instructor. Pearson has been a hang glider pilot for 31 years. Before the flight commences, someone from the ground crew will help the patron get into a heavy duty harness, which is strapped tightly to the body. In the tandem flights, Pearson is strapped below and has full control of the hang glider. Pearson said that pound-for-pound, the tandem hang glider he flies is stronger than Cessna 172 aircraft — four-seat, single-engine, high wing, fixed-wing aircraft. “When you go there and look at it, you’re gonna see a bunch of fabric and wires and tubes and you’re gonna SEE GLIDING ON PAGE 61
Book your next adventure at TRIflight.com 60
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GLIDING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 60
think that’s not really true,” Pearson said. “What makes the hang glider so strong is the triangle shapes. So one part gives a little bit the other part is gonna make up for it. And that’s really what makes it strong.” There’s also a large parachute strapped to Pearson that he will utilize if anything went wrong. In his 10 years of flying at Thermal Valley, he said he has never had a disaster. Once Pearson and the flier are strapped into the glider, a Dragonfly — which is a special light sport aircraft — will tow the glider into the air. Pearson said Thermal Valley has one of five SLSAs being operated in the United States. One of the two pilots at Thermal Valley who flies the Dragonfly is Larry Falls, a former Navy pilot who flew planes such as the T28, T2 Buckeye, A4 Skyhawk and an F4 Phantom. Falls said it is the treat of his life to fly with Thermal Valley. Before towing the glider to altitude, Falls will make sure the aircraft is ready for flight. He’ll then make a radio call to commence the flight operations. It takes about five seconds for the glider to rise off of the ground during takeoff. Once in the air, Falls rises to
the altitude of the flight. “I will signal when we get to that altitude, but Craig is so experienced, he knows,” Falls said. “He can read the clouds, he can read the air, what kind of weather we’re having, turbulence and lift. I’ll signal the altitude, and then he will release.” After the glider is released, Falls spirals downward in the Dragonfly in what looks like an uncontrollable spin, but in reality is a carefully controlled landing. Meanwhile, the hang glider is slowly gliding down, which takes about eight to 12 minutes. From the air, participants can see the Catawba River, Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock, Mt. Mitchell and Hibriten Mountain. In the air, Pearson can control the glider the entire time or will let the flier fly with some instruction. He will also demonstrate advanced moves if the flier wants a wilder ride. One of the reasons the gliders stay in the air is because of thermals. Pearson explained thermals with the analogy of boiling water. As the water starts to heat up, little bubbles rise from the bottom and bubble up on the surface. “That’s exactly what atmosphere does,” Pearson said. “So if you ever stood in a field, it’s all nice and calm, and all of the sudden the wind starts rushing in feels like it’s from all directions, you’re on the bottom
PHOTO BY MOSS BRENNAN Craig Pearson takes off with Lindy Morris for a 1,500-foot tandem flight.
of the thermal.” Landing is just like that of an airplane, but smoother: the altitude gets lower and lower until the wheels touch the ground and the glider comes to a stop. Despite having flown hang gliders for 31 years, being up in the air is still quite the experience for Pearson. “It’s almost surreal,” Pearson said. “You’re up there and it’s like a video game. It’s just amazing.” To book a hang gliding flight with Thermal Valley, visit www.thermalvalley.net. More photos and information can also be found at www.facebook.com/ thermalvalley/reviews/?ref=page_internal.
Jim’s Corner
The High Country's Oldest Furniture Store MADE IN THE USA
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Pickleball
P
icture a game that’s a hybrid of two sports, easy for people of all ages to play, and provides hours of entertainment and competition when played either indoors or outdoors. Such a game exists, and it’s known by an unusual name: Pickleball. Pickleball’s popularity has been exploding for the past several years to decade. A mixture of racquet sports, with parts of tennis, badminton and ping-pong amalgamated into the rules and playing of the game, pickleball’s appeal is vast.Players use paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball, complete with perforations back and forth over a net that is lower than that used on tennis courts. The game can be played indoors or outdoors, with a slower-moving ball and a smaller court area, the game is more accessible for younger and older people
than tennis. Also like tennis, the game can be played in singles or doubles, though it is usually played in doubles. Pickleball’s relatively recent origins date back a little more than five decades when, returning from a game of golf on Bainbridge Island, Wash., the children of then-Congressman Joel Pritchard and businessman Bill Bell were sitting around bored at the rainy beach island. The dads determined to help cure the kids’ boredom, so they opted to break out a badminton set for a family game. The fathers realized, however, that they didn’t have a complete racket set, so the family rummaged for and located equipment originally designed for other sports, such as a plastic baseball and paddles used to play ping pong, which they decided to use on the old badminton court. The pioneers of the new sport set out to
A popular sport in the High Country
write rules for play and finalizing equipment that would be used in contests. The height of the net was lowered from the traditional 60 inches to Pritchard’s waist height of 36 inches. Pritchard also redesigned custom paddles, as he found that traditional ping pong paddles proved too flimsy to withstand the rigors of the game. The origins of the game’s name are often attributed to the name of the Pritchard’s family dog known as Pickle. Although a racket sports, pickleball does differentiate from its other sports cousins. Among the differences are that the game requires an underhand serve, meaning that a serving racket must contact the ball below the navel area to be legal. Additionally a non-volley area near the net is off limits virtually guarantees that aggressive play styles are negated, which helps to literally level
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the playing field. In 2018, USAPA allied with Professional Pickleball Registry to grow the sport. USAPA Executive Director Justin Maloof noted the partnership as part of USAPA’s goal creating strategic partnerships position the sport on the global stage after the announcement. Pickleball possesses its own national championships, regionals and so forth, and has many location options across all three counties of the High Country, enabling aficionados the opportunity to play at a court near where they reside. The USAPA’s website is stocked with resources to further the interest and involvement of prospective players of the sport, even including a directory for places to play the game near you. For an enhanced look into the finer details of pickleball, click to https://www.usapa.org. For service, text our HIPAA compliant phone lines today! Roan Mountain: (423) 226-5214 Bakersville: (828) 537-1470
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Explore. Experience. Enjoy.
Nestled in the mountains of Jefferson, NC, rests an upscale resort community ideal for weekend getaways, special events and everyday living. Jefferson Landing is a gorgeous, gated development featuring luxurious accomodations, fine dining and affordable membership options to our golf and social clubs. Book your adventure today to explor, experience and enjoy all that Jefferson Landing has to offer.
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Memories Last a Lifetime in Ashe County The Museum of Ashe County History Open Monday - Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Ashe County Arts Council
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Gallery & Working Studio on Premises
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A Boone A Boone Original Original Since 1988 Since 1988
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Come see why Watauga County voted us Best Bike Shop
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140 S Depot St. No. 2 • Boone, NC • 828.265.2211
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516 W. King St.
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828-265-3544
131-B S. Depot St. · Boone, NC 28607
140 S Depot St, No.2 • Boone, NC • 828.265.2211
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YOUR TRUSTED, hometown Because we care.
jewelers.
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VINTAGE COLLECTIBLES USED FURNITURE CLOTHES • BOOKS GREAT SELECTION FRIENDLY FACES!
Ram’s Rack THRIFT SHOP Monday-Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm 877 West King St. • 828-262-5029
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Downtown Boone across from the Post Office | www.VillageJewelersLtd.com | 828-264-6559 7
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Specializing ininin Specializing Specializing
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Camping • Dining Gem Mining • Shopping www.downtownspruce pine • www.craftyouradventure.com Lakeview Merchantile and Gardens 19E
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176 Shawneehaw Ave. Mon - Sat | 10 - 6 Sun - Closed
Apparel, Accesories, Collars & Leashes Frozen Raw & Freeze-Dried Foods
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344 Shawneehaw Ave S. • Banner Elk, NC 28604
Tuesday 12-4pm Wed-Sat 10am-5pm 155 Banner Rd., Banner Elk 828-898-4441 | www.beoliveoil.com
THE VILLAGE of Banner Elk
The Best of Dining, Entertainment & Lodging in the heart of Banner Elk, North Carolina!
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140 Azalea Circle,Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-5214
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The High Country’s Only Taco and Tiki Bar
Coming Summer 2022! Located next to Sorrento's in the Banner Elk Village.
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Stay a day. Stay a night.
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Yellow Mountain Enterprises
a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization 255 Estatoa St. Newland NC 28657
G O LGlen F C LU B Mountain Golf Course 828.733.5804 828.733.5804
www.MountainGlenGolfClub.com
1 Clubhouse Drive 1 Clubhouse Drive PO Box 326 PO Box 326 Newland, Newland, NC NC 28657 28657
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Providing vocational, educational, residential, support services, and social opportunities to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in Avery County. Avery County Group Home Yellow Mountain Day Program Yellow Mountain Treasure Box Trophies & Tee’s
Programs accept donations of time and talents. Remember that clothing, furniture, monetary gifts, etc. are tax deductible.
The Dive In
220 South Shady St. • Newland, NC Christmas Decorations Homemade Sweets
Open: 10-5 Opening Memorial Day Weekend - Closing Labor Day Adults $4 Children $3
Fresh Cut and Choose & Cut Fraser Fir Christmas Trees
Party Room Available During Afternoon $50 One Hour | $75 Two Hours
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County and out-of-county residents welcome!
Fresh Greenery in Season
828-737-0126
Come and Drive Thru! 350 Pineola St, Newland, NC 28657
(828) 742-1541
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Shopping Restaurants Scenic Mountain Beauty Military Surplus Knives • Tools Camping & Sporting Goods Tupperware (Vintage to New) Collectibles
Your Military & Outdoor Store
Voted Best Camping and Military Store!
150 Linville St. Newland, NC 28657 828-733-3600
Patricia Lambert Combs REALTOR/Broker Linville, NC
828-260-6932 Voted Best Realtor in Avery County!
trishpmre@gmail.com
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Burnsville,
the Treasure of Western North Carolina. Shopping • Fine and Casual Dining • Entertainment Scenic Views, Hiking, and more!
GLOBALLY SOURCED NEW & VINTAGE DÉCOR, HAND-KNOTTED RUGS, JEWELRY & GIFTS STORE HOURS Monday - Saturday 10am-5pm & Closed on Sundays
5 Town Square Burnsville, North Carolina
828-536-5556 Hello@TheColorfulGypsy.com
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Burnsville,
the Treasure of Western North Carolina.
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Highlander’s Grill & Tavern Great Food, Cold Beer and Awesome Spirits. Join us Fridays for Karaoke and Saturdays for live music. 4527 Tynecastle Hwy 828.898.9513
The Dande Lion We are a unique fashion boutique catering to women of various shapes and styles. Celebrating 23 years of business in the High Country! 4501 Tynecastle Hwy, Suite 12 828.898.3566
Amy Brown, CPA P.C. Certified Public Accountant Amy Brown, CPA Certified Public Accountant PO Box 21239 4501 Tynecastle Hwy, Suite 16 browncpa@skybest.com 828.898.7601
For Leasing Information Call 828.898.6246
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Peak Real Estate 25 Years of Experience in High Country Real Estate “We understand the importance of your investment.” 401 Tynecastle Hwy, Suite 6 www.peak-realestate.com 828.898.1880
Avery County Chamber of Commerce www.averycounty.com info@averycounty.com 828.898.5605
Salon Suites at Tynecastle Salon M 828.898.3719
Encore Travel A comfortable luxury travel agency where you taste international wines that inspire travel to your next destination. Wine tastings, pairings & events focused on experiential travel. Located next to the Avery Chamber of Commerce.
4501 Tynecastle Hwy, Suite 4 828.898.9636
Bank of America ATM Location
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Valle de Bravo Mexican Grill valledebravomexicangrill.net 828.898.4949
828-719-6955 wendy@encoretravelltc.com
C r e at i ve? I n t e ri o r s
Creative Interiors Interior Desing Service · Furnishings, Lighting, and Art Gifts, Accessories, and More
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Sky Mountain Nail Bar 828-783-9393 Monday-Saturday 9:30am - 6:30pm Gift Certificates Available!
Cothren Construction
(828) 898-9219 Branch / ATM Hours: Lobby: 9am-5pm ATM: 24 hrs Drive Thru: 9am-5pm www.truist.com/branch/nc/banner-elk/28604/4501tynecastle-hwy-unit-15
Walgreens Pharmacy and Photo Services 4059 NC Hwy 105 South 828.898.8971
Cothren Construction 828-964-3103 / Fax 828-733-1838 cothren.construction@gmail.com State Employees’ Credit Union ATMLocation
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Hiking in the High Country T BY MARISA MECKE
he mountainous region located in and around Boone is called the High Country. Made up of seven counties, this beautiful region of the Blue Ridge Mountains contains the highest peaks east of the Rockies. Among this section of the greater Appalachian Mountains, the second oldest mountain chain on the surface of the earth, are trails that explore the summits, valleys, rivers and multiple gorges that are found here. Hiking is one of the most sought out activities in and around the towns of Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk, and on the Blue Ridge Parkway that runs through and around those hamlets. Most of the trails mentioned below can be easily found on GPS, Google Maps and similar apps. For the more secluded trails that need more directions, they will be provided. As always, when you hike in and on these mountains, know your physical limits, be prepared for many scenarios on the trail because mountain weather can change on a dime, and learn the simple rules when dealing with wildlife. Plus, do not litter in the woods, always pack out more than you brought in and do not leave burning fires unattended. One good place to start for the beginner hiker in the High Country is the various sections of Greenway Trail. Built for hikers, walkers and bikers, there are parts of the Greenway Trail that run through Blowing Rock, Boone and Banner Elk. Mostly flat and in an urban setting, the exciting news is that a new segment of the Greenway Trail is being constructed that will connect Blowing Rock and Boone. Called the Middle Fork Greenway and built by the Blue Ridge Conservancy, the six-mile long, ten-foot wide trail will be an exciting addition to the region once it is completed. For those who seek more adventurous 84
PHOTO BY CHIP HENDERSON | CHIP HENDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY Grandfather Mountain offers access to 11 trails varying in difficulty from a gentle walk in the woods to a rigorous trek across rugged peaks — including the use of ladders and cables.
hiking, the Elk Knob State Park Trail is a two-hour romp up to the summit of Elk Knob Mountain just a short drive from Boone. The trail leads to fabulous views that extend into nearby states with many other peaks visible on the horizon. For access to many of the best trails found in the High Country, the Blue Ridge Parkway will be your connection. Traveling from the Deep Gap exit onto the BRP located north of Boone and heading south, the world-famous roadway is lined by white post mile markers that are used for reference and navigation. At milepost 294 on the BRP, you will find the Moses Cone Manor. The preserved farm house and 1,000-plus acres of surrounding land was turned into a park many years ago. There you will find a 2.5-mile trail to a climbable fire tower that overlooks Boone. If you continue driving about a half of a mile further south on the BRP, you will
find the Rte. 221 exit to Blowing Rock. Once you turn onto the exit, you will also see a sign for Shulls Mill Road. If you stay on Shulls Mill Road for about .7 tenths of a mile, you will come across a metal fence with a wooden gate beside it by a small parking lot just past the oneway exit road for Trout Lake. This is the awesome Rich Mountain Carriage Trail. About three miles in length, the Rich Mountain Carriage Trail is a moderate hiking and running trail that takes you through a Wizard of Oz-type of forest where the trail veers to the left. As you hike the natural circle, the trail then winds its way to the top of the mountain where you will find a more prairie-type of landscape and eventually a wonderful view of the surrounding mountainsides. Continuing, the path then leads you back down the hill to the pasture where the local cows are hanging out trailside. Now back at where you started, you can either walk back to your vehicle or turn
left onto a lower section of the trail that leads to Trout Lake. Once at the Trout Lake parking lot, it is an easy walk back up to your vehicle. Back on the BRP heading south, look for the parking lot to the Rough Ridge Trail on your right near milepost 302. This is a very busy trail in the summer months and can be crowded, yet the views are exceptional the higher you go. But, there is another way to utilize the Rough Ridge Trail for more experienced hikers. If you park in the Rough Ridge parking lot and then walk along the side of the BRP for a quarter-of-a-mile to the south, you will see the 301 milepost right before you cross a short section of viaduct. At the end of the viaduct you will see a rock wall on the right. Along the side of the rock wall, there will be a trail that follows the cliff wall up the mountain to the Ship Rock geological formation. You do not need ropes to make this trek, but you might need to use both legs and both feet to successfully hike the rocky landscape. Once you are at the very top of the trail, turn right and that summit trail will eventually head downhill and connect with the Rough Ridge trail, which will return you to the parking lot. The views are fantastic and this route will be a lot less crowded for those willing to get off the easier Rough Ridge trail. At milepost 305, you will find the turnoff to another section of Rt. 221 that leads to Grandfather Mountain and Banner Elk. Grandfather Mountain State Park requires an entrance fee to explore the top of the mountain and to walk on the famous Mile High Bridge and see the mountaintop zoo. But for experienced hikers, there is another demanding yet adventurous uphill trail to that leads to Grandfather Mountain State Park that is free, and that is the famous Profile Trail. A couple of years ago, a brand new
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parking area and building were built for the Profile Trail and it is located near the intersection of Rt. 105 and Rt. 184 in Banner Elk. The Profile Trail is a marked as strenuous as it will take most of the day to complete, so be sure to research the trail online so you know what to expect when it comes to the quick changes in the weather that are possible and the water and provisions you will need. For the experienced hikers, however, it is a great trail to conquer. For a magnificent hiking side trip, set your GPS for the Carver’s Gap parking lot that is the staging area for the Roan Mountain Grassy Balds Trail. It is located about 20 miles from Grandfather Mountain on the North Carolina-Tennessee border. A part of the Appalachian Trail, the Roan Mountain trails are unique and spectacular, representing the largest stretch of grassy balds to be found in the whole Appalachian Mountain chain.
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Climbing to over 6,000 feet, the views, rare plants and flowers and different terrains found on the path are worth the trip. If you return to the BRP at the Grandfather Mountain exit, the first parking lot on your left as you head south will be for the Beacon Heights Trail. Considered one of the “Coolest Short Trails in the East,” the Beacon Heights Cliff Trail takes only a quarter of a mile of walking to reach the top. You will see signs for two other trails once you are on your way, so just pay attention to the signs and stay on the Beacon Heights Trail. Once near the peak, you will find a stone bench. Go straight at the bench for a cool and easy view, but the better vistas happen when you take a left at the bench. After turning left, you will hike up a short set of natural rock stairs that will lead to a flat cliff where the views are wide and picturesque. From there you can see Grandfather Mountain to the left, Wilson Creek Gorge in the middle and the dual elbow-shaped mountains to the right known as Hawksbill Mountain and Table
Rock Mountains that overlook Linville Gorge. Back on the BRP heading south, at milepost 308 you will find an easy 30-minute hike on the right known as the Flat Rock Trail. Once you leave the parking lot, the fairly flat trail leads through some wonderfully thick woods and ends up at a view that looks over the valley below. This is 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. At milepost 311, you will take a left turn onto Old Jonas Ridge road, which will take you further into the Wilson Creek Gorge where you will encounter some challenging yet rewarding trails. Once you turn left onto Old Jonas Ridge road, go two miles until you see a white church on your left at a big curve in the road. Beside the church is a gravel road that goes straight at the turn. That is Forest Road 464, aka Pineola Road. Once on Forest Road 464, you will see the trailhead for Big Lost Cove Cliffs on the left a couple of
miles in, and three miles farther you will see a small parking lot on the right for the Little Lost Cove Cliffs trail. The latter is a shorter hike, but both of these moderately difficult trails lead to outstanding cliff-top vistas. Do some research online and you will find many other trails, waterfalls and more on this same Forest Road 464 road as it goes deeper into the Wilson Creek Gorge area. Back on the Parkway, within a few short miles you will enter the Linville Gorge and Linville Falls section of the High Country. It is on this section of the BRP where you will find the only detour you will have to make at the 316 milepost. There, the wonderful double arch bridge on the BRP that goes over the Linville River that was built over 80 years ago is being repaired. Access to the Linville Falls campground and trail system near the bridge is open. One easy detour is to take the short connector road at milepost 314 that goes from SEE HIKING ON PAGE 86
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the BRP to Rte. 183. After turning right onto Rte. 183, the road quickly meanders into the village of Linville Falls and leads to the Old 105 western rim road on the left that veers off into Linville Gorge. There you will see a sign by the entrance of Old 105 that will lead you to Wiseman’s View and Linville Falls. The first parking lot you will see on the left on Old 105 leads to two trails that show you different views of Linville Falls. From there, if you take Old 105 for about four miles further, you will see the sign for the Wiseman’s View parking lot on the left. Turn left there and you will find a short, wheelchair accessible paved walkway that leads to a very special a view of Linville Gorge. The vistas seen there will simply take your breath away. But, a quick warning — please remember that Old 105 to Wiseman’s View is a gravel mountain road. If you have a 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle,
you should be fine. If you are in a vehicle that is only two-wheel drive, only go on the gravel road if it is completely dry. Watch out for the occasional ruts as you venture forth, otherwise the heart-stopping sights at Wiseman’s View are very much worth the effort. Here is a more adventurous way to experience the eastern rim and the summits of Linville Gorge. Back at milepost 312 on the Parkway, you will see the exit for Rte. 181. Once there, turn south onto Rte. 181 and look for the second right turn onto Ginger Cake Road, which will be across from a big wooden “Ginger Cake Acres” sign on the left. Once on Ginger Cake Road, you will quickly turn left onto Table Rock Road, which eventually becomes a wide gravel road that will lead you to fantastic trails on the east side of Linville Gorge. As you travel along, you will see a parking lot about four miles in for the trail that leads to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain, which is one of the better hikes in the region. Look for the “Hawksbill Trail” sign
on the right at the trailhead. It is only a mile-long hike to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain and your first inclination once at the top will be to veer to the left to get to great views of Linville Gorge. But, also remember to take the summit trail to the right on the Hawksbill summit where you will find rock formations and even more sweet access to the gorge. If you travel four more miles on Table Rock Road past the Hawksbill trailhead, you will find the right turn for Table Rock Mountain Trail, which continues up the mountain. Once you are at the Table Rock parking lot on top, the trail to the right of the parking lot takes you to the summit of Table Rock Mountain overlooking Linville Gorge. The trail on the left side of the parking lot leads to what many consider to be a favorite hike in the area known as the Chimneys Trail. A much easier rim trail than the summit hikes, the first mile of the Chimneys Trail finds you hiking through exquisite rock formations on the edge of Linville Gorge that are simply sublime. Instead of looking down at Linville Gorge from
the Hawksbill Mountain or Table Rock Mountain peaks, on this trail you literally become a part of the Gorge as you walk along the rim. About a mile into the Chimneys Trail, when the rock formations stop and the path turns into woods; simply retrace your steps back to the parking lot. Please remember that Linville Gorge is a true wilderness area and many of the rough trails found there can be dangerous for novice hikers. Learn how to deal with bears and timber rattlesnakes and more so that you can avoid having a truly bad day. Know your physical limits, know how much water to bring, and research the gorge and the trails found within before you venture forth so you do not get lost. The hiking notes above will keep you occupied for many hours if not days on the trail. Plan your adventures right and you will soon experience why this is one of the best areas for hiking in America. Be smart, stay safe, don’t leave campfires unattended and take more trash out than you bring in. Most of all have fun and enjoy your stay in the N.C. High Country.
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Visit The High Country's Destination Garden Center Since 1992 Now With Two Unique Locations
Garden Center & Market
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Cycling in The High Country BY NEAL FALVEY
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ycling, a popular outdoor enthusiast sport has risen to prominence in the High Country of Western North Carolina. With well-maintained trails and impressive scenery the region has kept up with the growing popularity of the sport. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the smooth, paced scale of casual cycling and the competitive nature of racing. From mountain trails to wooded terrain to neighborhoods, cycling can be experienced in a multitude of environments. Individuals can utilize many areas in the High Country for various methods of cycling. Avery County offers the experienced summer mountain biking trails of Beech and Sugar Mountain, while Watauga County operates mountainous and flat road trails. The town of Boone specifically has many programs and shops for both novice SEE CYCLING ON PAGE 89
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FILE PHOTO Cycling on the Blue Ridge Parkway. SUMMER TIMES 2022
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FILE PHOTO With Grandfather Mountain in the background, cyclists from Cycle N.C. cruise down Valley Boulevard in Blowing Rock.
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and experienced riders. The easy access of the Blue Ridge Parkway also gives cyclers the ability to traverse on different difficulties of terrain, from traditional roads to woodsy trails all the way to the top of a mountain. Beech and Sugar Mountain operate mountain bike trails during the summer season and offer rentals, equipment, lessons and lift tickets. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both resorts have beginner, intermediate and difficult trails. Sugar Mountain runs the Gravity Mountain Bike Camp July 15-17 and Aug. 5-7 for kids ages 11 to 16. Boone Bike & Touring is a bike shop located at 774 East King Street and it offers road, mountain, cyclocross, commuter and urban, children’s, BMX and electric artist bikes. They also provide full service repair,
wheels, parts, accessories, shoes and clothing. Brands include Trek and Specialized and repairs take a day or less. Boone Bike partners with local cycling groups to provide information on rides and events, such as the Boone Area Cyclists Club and Appalachian State Cycling Group Rides. Many of these events begin when time changes and end when time falls back. Boone Area Cyclists Club was founded in 2009 and it offers rides for cyclists of all ages, abilities, and styles of riding — commuters, mountain bikers, road cyclists, leisure riders, and anyone else who just likes to ride bikes. The Watauga Leisure Biking club is also available to those who plan to ride “for the fun of it,” however, like many others, they have placed a hold on their rides until they deem it safe in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic. Trails in the Boone and High Country area include Greenway Trail, which offers mostly flat dirt and
paved rides, ranging from around one to three miles each, The Watauga River Road Ride in Valle Crucis with a length of 8 miles along the river and a mostly paved 150-foot gain and a 10-mile ride on Railroad Grade Road in Todd with no elevation gain. Lansing offers the Creeper Trail Park with nearly a one mile loop if you’re looking for an easy and smooth ride. Blowing Rock features the Lower China Creek Loop, a 3.9-mile moderate loop with a single 250-foot gain dirt trail. For the cyclists who wish to explore strenuous trails, they can ride the Yancey Ridge Loop located in the Pisgah National Forest with 8.2 miles of dirt road and a 1,100-foot gain. They can also go on the Table Rock Loop in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, spanning 26.2 miles of dirt and paved roads with a 2,450-foot gain. For more information on cycling in the High Country and trail recommendations, call Boone Bike at (828) 262-5750.
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Mountain bikers hitting the trails BY NATHAN HAM
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ountain biking has always been a popular outdoor sport and hobby for a lot of biking enthusiasts that live in or visiting the High Country. The number of mountain biking trails have continued to grow over the last few years, particularly with the creation of Rocky Knob Park and the most recent expansion of the Mortimer Trails Project in the Wilson Creek area along the Avery County and Caldwell County lines. Rocky Knob features five different trails that equal to about eight miles of total riding distance. The park was built through a partnership between the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority and Boone Area Cyclists, a local nonprofit that advocates for expanding cycling access and rider safety. The trails at Rocky Knob Park range
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from beginner and intermediate level trails to advanced and very advanced difficulty levels for the most experienced of riders. The park entrance is located just off of U.S. 421 South on the right if you are traveling toward Deep Gap. If you’re looking for another location to take your bike out on the trails, Emerald Outback Beech Mountain is a fun place to explore. After opening in 2011, Emerald Outback features almost seven miles of trails for mountain biking and hiking during the summer months and snowshoeing during the winter months. With elevations between 4,700 feet and 5,400 feet, Emerald Outback is one of the highest trail parks east of the Mississippi River. Emerald Outback’s popularity grew very quickly as the park has already SEE MOUNTAIN ON PAGE 91
PHOTO BY MOSS BRENNAN Brittany Reiter (left) and Sonia Bogdanov turn a corner on one of the mountain biking trails on Sugar Mountain during a clinic on Aug. 21.
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MOUNTAIN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 90
hosted the USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Biking National Championship in 2013 and again in 2014. The Mortimer Trail Project, through a partnership between the Northwest North Carolina Mountain Bike Alliance and the U.S. Forest Service, added an additional 10 miles of trails in an area already enjoyed by many mountain bikers. “The trails in Wilson Creek have long been loved by most who ride there for being the way they are,” said Paul Stahlschmidt, trail coordinator for the Northwest North Carolina Mountain Bike Alliance. “But there is a need for some changes, and this plan will make them even better.” Trail construction began last winter and will be another great outdoor recreational opportunity in the Pisgah National Forest region. “The Mortimer Trails Project is a
SUBMITTED PHOTO A rider at the Emerald Outback challenge course in Beech Mountain.
great example of how we can do more together,” said Lisa Jennings, Recreation and Trails Program Manager for the
Grandfather District. “The partners put the hard work into making this project a reality. We are excited to bring more
mountain bike trails and provide a better experience for users in this special piece of Pisgah.”
OU T NO PAT W IEN AV T AI REH LA A BL B E
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Open roads of Appalachia
PHOTO BY HIGH COUNTRY MOTORCYCLE CAMP
A motorcycle awaita just off road of the 469-mile long Blue Ridge Parkway. BY NEAL FALVEY
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otorcyclists rejoice! Summertime in the High Country may well be one of the most coveted topographical locations for motorcycle enthusiasts. Featuring stunning views, winding roads, temperate weather and mountainous backdrops, the jewel of Appalachia offers phenomenal surroundings for motorcycling in its most organic form. As the cool weather fades, twowheeled crusaders flock to the Blue Ridge Parkway while coming across historic towns and interesting downtowns. Riders can enjoy the proverbial open road at one point and then cruise through the heart of the High Country the next. While motorcycle fans traditionally 92
hail the journey over the destination there are many restaurants, attractions, shopping and sightseeing to do on their way through the mountains. The summer months are also highlighted by a number of events, gatherings and camps for riders to marinate in while they take their bikes out for miles of road. As the Blue Ridge Parkway reaches 469 miles from the Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains, it passes through the heart of the High Country in Boone, Blowing Rock, Linville and Ashe County. The destination hot spots for motorcyclists can be found within these historic towns, many visiting The Tavern in West Jefferson, stopping for a quick bite at Comeback Shack in Boone and cruising through downtown Blowing Rock.
If you’re looking to join in on the motorcycling fun seen throughout the mountains, Action Cycle Sports, located at 2349 Old Highway 421 South, Boone, NC, can equip you with all of your motorcycle needs. The shop sells used motorcycles and parts and also offer rentals. When taking a road trip, many search for places to stay, including High Country Motorcycle Camp, located in Ferguson located between Blowing Rock and Wilkesboro. High Country Motorcycle Camp is the home for motorcyclist camps, bunks, cabins and rallies. Events include the Royal Endield Himalayan Gathering, the Gathering of the Clans and the Adventure Tours Event. The camp is located at 765 Stony Fork Road in Ferguson. Another event opportunity for mo-
torcyclists are the monthly cruise-ins in downtown West Jefferson. Though these cruise-ins typically highlight old and vintage cars, many bikers ride through to show off their wheels, a perfect fit for the hustle and bustle of the busy event. Cruise-ins take place every third Saturday of April-Oct. The Boone Bike Rally will also take place this summer from June 3-4 and will feature live bands, food stands and a variety of vendors. Tickets for this event are $15 for a Friday pass, $25 for a Saturday pass and $30 for a full weekend pass. Bikers are welcome to the event and contests including bike shows and games will be held including prizes. Whether you plan on housing up for the season or are simply passing through, the High Country is a mustvisit on your list. SUMMER TIMES 2022
Ready for adventure? We are!
Wilkesboro, NC · www.421powersports.com SUMMER TIMES 2022
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Back in the saddle
PHOTO BY ROB SOMES Dutch Creek Trails in Vilas offers guided rides in the summer six days a week with four different team slots available each day.
Horseback riding opportunities in the High Country BY NATHAN HAM
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xploring the High Country on horseback has become a fun adventure for many residents and visitors. Leatherwood Mountains Resort, located at 512 Meadow Road in Ferguson, continues to be one of the finest equestrian communities in North Carolina. First founded in 1986, Leatherwood Mountain was a 40,000-acre area of land used for timber harvesting that eventually transformed into a wonderful mountain resort. The equestrian opportunities available include both beginner-level trails to more advanced, rugged trails for the strongest of riders. The equine center at Leatherwood Mountain Resort offers 60 stalls as well as an outdoor riding ring and a covered indoor area to allow for horseback riding in poor weather conditions. In addition to the amenities offered at FILE PHOTO SEE SADDLE ON PAGE 98
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Hidden Pastures Trails in Ashe County offers two-hour trail rides seven days a week for riders ages 12 and up. SUMMER TIMES 2022
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Leatherwood, the equine center offers riding lessons to beginners and guided trail rides. Horseback riding lessons are one hour private lessons and are designed to meet the experience level for each rider. Guided trail rides are available with many different trails to choose from. People interested in trail rides or riding lessons should call ahead for reservations as availability is limited. For reservations or more information about Leatherwood Mountain Resort, call (800) 462-6867. Information can be found online at leatherwoodmountains.com. Dutch Creek Trails in Vilas offers guided tours that last roughly an hour and a half. Trails will feature a wide variety of scenery that passes through both open fields and wooded trails. Rides cost $60 and are available for adults and children ages six and up. In the summer, rides take place at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. six days a week, Monday through
Saturday. Dutch Creek Trails is closed on Sundays. Dutch Creek Trails is located at 793 Rubin Walker Road in Vilas. For more information, call (828) 297-7117 or visit them online at dutchcreektrails.com. In Ashe County, Hidden Pastures Trails offers two-hour trail rides seven days a week for riders ages 12 and up. Hidden Pastures also offers beginner, intermediate and advanced horseback riding lessons. Hidden Pastures founders Talmage and Marianne Lawrence have more than five decades of experience owning and training horses. Visitors can book their rides online at hiddenpasturetrails.com or by calling (336) 977-1360. Banner Elk Stables offers year round horseback riding. Located just off of Highway 194 in Banner Elk, guided trail rides in the Blue Ridge Mountains are available for riders of all different skill levels, even those that have never ridden a horse before. For more information or to reserve a trail ride, call (828) 8985424.
PHOTO SUBMITTED Leatherwood offers trail rides and riding lessons.
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Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show BY DAVID ROGERS
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ew, if any, special events have as significant of an economic impact in the High Country as the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show has on Blowing Rock. Estimated at approximately $8 million every year during those special three weeks in June, July and early August, according to an Appalachian State University impact study more than 10 years ago, the Charity Horse Show means business to the region, especially when it comes to lodging, dining, and shopping. That’s because the historic show attracts some of top riders not just from North Carolina and the South, but from many other parts of the U.S. Participants regularly come from North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, New York, California, Texas, and other states. And it has been doing it for more than a century, ultimately descending from a gymkhana in the late 19th century, at a space behind what is now the Green Park Inn. In 1897, one newspaper described the event as “... largely consisting of games on horseback and more of an equine fashion show for the amusement of hotel guests.” In 1923, L.M. Tate held his first Blowing Rock Horse Show, still at a venue near the Green Park Hotel. It grew as an official sporting event, but retained its reputation as a “fun show.” By the mid-1920s, Thomas Broyhill had purchased about 1,000 acres of land in the Mayview section of Blowing Rock and the horse show moved to a small, little-used golf course there. Broyhill’s objective was to make the horse show an attraction for guests of the famous Mayview Manor Hotel. The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show Association was formed in the early 1930s, and in 1934, Broyhill sold what was known as the “horse show grounds” to the association for $1. During the years since, the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show grew and expanded, even while keeping its nonprofit organizational model. As the longest, continuous SUMMER TIMES 2022
PHOTO COURTESY OF BLOWING ROCK EQUESTRIAN PRESERVE Liza Boyd of Camden, S.C. rides Carento to the 2021 Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show’s Hunter Derby championship at the Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve.
running equestrian event in the U.S., it survived not only the Great Depression, but subsequent recessions, too, as well as two world wars and other regional, national, and even international crises. Today, the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show features a Saddlebred competition in June and then two consecutive weeks of Hunter/Jumper events, at times drawing more than 500 horses to compete and thousands of owners, riders, trainers, support staff, and their families. The first show features Saddlebreds, with roadster, hackney harness, pleasure, equitation, academy and miscellaneous classes. It will be June 9-12, 2022. Altogether, there are 158 competitive classes planned for these four days, with thousands of dollars in prize money on the line. With increased prize money, the Hunter/ Jumper Division will be two full weeks of excitement and spectacle. It seems to break
BLOWING ROCK CHARITY HORSESHOW Saddlebred Division
June 9-11 at L.M. Tate Showgrounds on the Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve, 1500 Laurel Lane, Blowing Rock, N.C.
Hunter-Jumper I Division
July 26-July 31 at L.M. Tate Showgrounds on the Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve, 1500 Laurel Lane, Blowing Rock, N.C. For times, pricing and other details, visit www.brchs.org. records for the number of entries, participants and spectators every year. Previous shows have seen upwards of 500 horses competing for thousands of dollars, as well as bragging rights for a year. Week No. 1 of the Hunter Jumpers in 2022 is July 25-31, then they do it all over again in Week No. 2, Aug. 3-7. For more information, visit www.brchs.org.
FILE PHOTO A hunter-class horse jumps over an obstacle during the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show. 99
HOOKED ON THE WATER: find your next fishing experience
BY CHANDA RICHARDSON
T
he High Country is no stranger to its vast rivers, lakes and creeks. With many locals and tourists wanting to sit out under the sun with a nice cold drink and the feeling of your feet in the water, fishing is one of the area’s most sought after experiences. As a result, due to the natural conditions found in the High Country’s waterways, trout fishing is highly popular. In fact, the trout fishing sport and industry has become one of the biggest businesses in the area.
Fly fishing is a different method of fishing compared to the usual rod and reel and can of worms type of angling that many of us learned to do as kids. With many breeds of freshwater fish such as bass, bluegrass, crappie, catfish and more, a spinning reel or bait caster reel is used to throw out either live bait or artificial lures to fool them, catch them and bring them in, depending on the species and natural fishing conditions. Fly fishing adds a whole other layer to the fishing experience and because of that, many new fly fishing anglers soon develop a passion for the sport.
“The trout fishing sport and industry has become one of the biggest businesses in the area.”
FILE PHOTO In 2020, Zaloo’s Canoes opened up Zaloo’s Kayak and Fly Shop, perfect for all of your fly fishing needs. 100
FILE PHOTO Fishing in the High Country’s waterways, including the New River in Watauga County, is a popular summer activity.
For those who want to take the plunge and learn a wonderful new way of connecting with nature that will last a lifetime, that is where the many fly fishing outfitters located here in the High Country come in handy. Not only can you buy gear from them, they will teach you how to fly fish for trout and then guide you to the best, secret waterways where the big trout live. The sport is yet another reason why this area is a great place to vacation, visit and to live in. Located in Glendale Springs in Ashe County, Zaloo’s Kayak and Fly Shop will give visitors the best of both worlds. The establishment includes gear, bait, guides, maps and even kayak and tube rentals for your special day out on the water. Being conveniently located just on the South Fork of the New River at 3874
NC-16 S, Jefferson, this shop has all of your needs when heading out to catch some trout. For more information, call (336) 246-306. In Boone, you can visit Boone’s Fly Shop to get access to all of their products and gear. Located at 140 S Depot St #1, Boone, this is a full service fly shop and guide service in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you are new to the sport of fly fishing, or a well seasoned angler, Boone’s Fly Shop can provide our customers a first class experience with some of the most seasoned and knowledgeable guides and staff in the High Country. With guides, you can fish at Watauga River, South Holston River and local streams. For more information, visit www.boonesflyshop.com. SUMMER TIMES 2022
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Water adventures
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here is no better way to beat the heat in the High Country than going out and spending a day on the water. Fortunately, there are many networks of streams, rivers, lakes and tributaries that intricately weave in and out of the area’s mountainous landscape. The region’s waterways also provide scenic views and access to some of the most well preserved and unperturbed natural beauty in the area. For those looking to mirror Creedence Clearwater Revival and go rollin’ down the river, there are numerous local business who can help you do just that, including Wahoo’s Adventures, Edge of the World, High Mountain Expeditions, River and Earth Adventures, Watauga Kayak, New River Outfitters, RiverCamp USA and Zaloo’s Canoes. Each outfitter equips their patrons with canoes, rafts, floats, kayaks, finishing poles, safety equipment and anything else they may need to adventure out on the water. There are also a number of destinations in the region offering campgrounds close to High Country lakes and rivers, many of which provide great locations to fish. Watauga Lake, which is located just over the state line in Tennessee, has boat rentals offered at places like Bayview Cove Ridge, Fish Springs, Lakeshore, Mallard Cove and Pioneer Landing. Additionally, the High Country region is renowned for its trout fishing opportunities, with maps available online through the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Below are more than a dozen ways to get involved in High Country water activities. Bayview Campground and Marina 16335 Hwy 67 West Butler, Tenn. (423) 768-0434 bayviewcampgroundandmarina.com 102
Overlook 105 Cowan Town Road Butler, Tenn. (423) 297-5604 dan@pioneerlanding.com
Price Lake at Julian Price Memorial Park Milepost 297, Blue Ridge Parkway (828) 963-5911, (828) 295-7591 River and Earth Adventures 1655 Highway 105 South Boone (828) 355-9797 raftcavehike.com PHOTO COURTESY WAHOO’S ADVENTURES The gently flowing waters of the New River are the perfect place to try one’s hand at canoeing, kayaking and standup paddle boarding.
Cove Ridge Marina 947 Piercetown Road Butler, Tenn. (423) 218-9215 info@coveridgemarina.com coveridgemarnia.com Edge of the World 394 Shawneehaw Ave. Banner Elk (828) 800-3343 edgeofworld.com/summer/ Springs Marina 191 Fish Springs Road Hampton, Tenn. (423) 768-2336 fishspringsmarina.com High Mountain Expeditions — six locations • New River Outpost 4391 Castle Ford Rd Boone, NC • Banner Elk Outpost 3149 Tynecastle Hwy Banner Elk, NC • Boone Outpost
1380 Hwy 105 South Boone, NC • Asheville Outpost 1000 Merrimon Ave Asheville, NC • Nolichucky River Outpost 508 Jonesborough Rd Erwin, TN • Watauga River Outpost 1551 Broad Street Elizabethton, TN (828) 202-7296 highmountainexpeditions.com Lakeshore Marina 2285 Highway 321 Hampton, Tenn. (423) 725-2223, (888) 423-3785 info@lakeshore-resort.com lakeshore-resort.com Mallard Cove Marina 200 mallard Cove Drive Butler, Tenn. (423) 768-3440 mallardcovemarina.com Pioneer Landing at Cherokee
RiverCamp USA 2221 Kings Creek Road Piney Creek (336) 572-0330 info@rivercampusa.com rvhometown.com/rivercampusa/ Wahoo’s Adventures 3385 U.S. 321 Boone (828) 262-5774 wahoosadventures.com Watauga Kayak 1409 Broad St. Elizabethton, Tenn. (423) 542-6777 wataugakayak@charter.net wataugakayak.com Zaloo’s Canoes 3874 N.C. 16 South Jefferson (336) 246-3066 zaloos@skybest.com zaloos.com New River Outfitters 10725 U.S. Hwy 221 N Crumpler (336) 982-9192 canoethenew.com SUMMER TIMES 2022
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What’s up at Watauga Lake I
Dive into summer
n the sometimes sweltering heat, all you want to do is take a dip in some water to cool off. Just over the Tennessee border, Watauga Lake rests amidst sprawling mountain tops and forested banks where boaters and fishermen can become acquainted with their sea legs in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors to this pristine location have a variety recreation options available to them, including swimming, camping, hiking, biking and much more. Watauga Lake is the perfect place for aquatic adventure.
HISTORY Situated in the Cherokee National Forest, Watauga Lake is actually a manmade reservoir, even though its inherent beauty would leave one assuming that its pristine shores were shaped by nature. The lake was created in 1948 as part of the Watauga Dam in order to control flooding in the Tennessee River Watershed. In order to complete the project, an entire town had to be relocated. Much of Butler, Tenn., known affectionately as the “Town that Wouldn’t Drown,” had to be relocated to higher elevations, thus staying true with the mantra. The town’s population of 600 people, as well as many of the town’s homes and businesses, were relocated to a location SEE LAKE ON PAGE 106
PHOTO SUBMITTED A beautiful day on Watauga Lake with Autumn foliage in the background.
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that is known today as “New” Butler. All in all, 55 miles of new road had to be constructed and approximately 1,000 gravesites had to be relocated. Today, the relocated Butler is an unincorporated community in Johnson County, Tenn., along the northern shore of Watauga Lake. Visitors can explore the area’s history at The Butler Museum, located at 123 Selma Curtis Road in Butler, Tenn. The museum is open from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer, and tours can be made by appointment. For more information, click to thebutlermuseum.com.
ON SHORE Watauga Lake has five U.S. Forest Service-maintained recreation areas where visitors can picnic, sunbathe, grill and even dip their toes in the water. Within the vicinity, there are many op-
reate C
WATAUGA POINT PICNIC AREA
tions families can enjoy to spend a fun, relaxing day together. Sites requiring reservations and fees can be reserved by clicking to recreation.gov. For more information about USFS maintained areas, click to fs.usda.gov/main/ cherokee/home or call the Watauga Ranger District office at (423) 735-1500.
This recreation area offers sprawling views of the lake, while visitors can relax underneath the shaded trees as they gather with their friends and family to picnic or to simply enjoy the view. A gravel trail loops through SHOOK the nearby forest, and a large pavilion along PHOTO SUBMITTED BRANCH with other grassy areas A shore on Watauga lake on a sunny day. BEACH adorned with picnic tables are available for Located on the southhikers going by, as the Appalachian group outings until Oct. 12. A number western corner of Watauga Lake, this Trail passes through the area. The area of small picnic tables are available free 20-acre site is a great location for family is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. through of charge. No overnight camping is fun and recreation. The site features a Sept. 14. allowed, and swimmers who chose to large, enclosed swimming area, a sandy Activities and amenities: beach area, submerge in the cool waters must do so beach, 24 picnic tables and a large swimming, picnic areas, grills and at his or her own risk. The site is open grassy field fit to let the kids loose in. restrooms. from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Shook Branch Beach offers opportuniCost: the fee for vehicle access is $2 per vehicle per day or $30 per year with ties for individuals or families to enjoy, a Cherokee National Forest Pass. and visitors may even see dedicated SEE LAKE ON PAGE 107
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Learn about our history and more at tourcartercounty.com SUMMER TIMES 2022
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Activities and amenities: Picnic areas, scenic views, drinking water and restrooms. Cost: The pavilion and other picnic areas can be reserved for $30.
CARDENS BLUFF CAMPGROUND Located high overhead and overlooking the 6,430-acres of Watauga Lake, Cardens Bluff offers many great opportunities for campers looking to spend the night underneath the starts and by the water’s edge. The site offers more than 40 sites for tent campers, as well as showers and flush toilets. The site is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. until Oct. 12. Campsites hold a capacity of up to five members and two vehicles. Activities and amenities: Camping, bathrooms, warm showers and potable water.
For the more private individuals, Dennis Cove is one of Watauga Lake’s more secluded campsites. The site is located adjacent to the Laurel Fork Creek, which offers trout fishing opportunities for the intrepid angler. A remote, developed campground is popular with those seeking a more rustic experience, and the lush forest surrounding Dennis Cove is especially desirable for those looking to beat the summer heat. With a network of five trails spanning the distance between the lake and the campground, as well as three more attached to the Appalachian Trail, Dennis Cove is Watauga Lake’s premier location for hikers who are up for a challenge. Activities and amenities: Camping, hiking, picnic areas, fishing, potable water and restrooms. Costs: Campsites are $10 for single sites and $20 for double sites. The
The High Country’s Complete Mountain The High Country’s Adventure Store Complete Mountain Adventure Store
campground can accommodate 80 individuals, and groups of 75 people may reserve the entire site.
POND MOUNTAIN SHOOTING RANGE For those looking to spend a day on the shooting range, this USFS maintained firearms range is open from dawn to dusk. Sportsmen can take aim at targets set up at 25, 50 and 100 yards away. Interested parties can contact the Watauga Ranger District for more information. Costs: Fees are $2 per day or $30 per year with a Cherokee National Forest pass.
ON THE WATER In order to experience all that Watauga Lake has to offer, you will need a boat. Fortunately, Watauga Lake features three marinas on the lake’s shore that provide rentals as well as docks and slips for individuals looking to keep their boat docked on the lake
year round. Boaters who bring their own vessel for a day out on the lake can put in at three convenient USFS launch ramps.
COVE RIDGE MARINA AND YACHT CLUB This private marina offers covered slips and long-term RV camping, as well as many activities such as walking trails, horseshoes, volleyball, basketball, a children’s playground, a private beach and a swimming lagoon. For more information, click to coveridgemarina. com or call (423) 768-3760.
FISH SPRINGS MARINA Fish Springs Marina has just about everything you need to get you on the water, including pontoon boat rentals, jet ski tours, stand up paddle board rentals, canoes and kayaks. The marina also offers slip rentals, boat sales, RV campsites and a store on site. For more SEE LAKE ON PAGE 108
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MALLARD COVE MARINA
information, click to fishspringsmarina.com or call (423) 768-2336.
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, call (828) 768-3440.
LAKESHORE RESORT
RAT BRANCH LAUNCH
From pontoon and ski boats to slips and boats for sale, Watauga Lakeshore Resort and Marina offers a wide variety of services for visitors to the area. A shop on site sells snacks, tackle and beverages, and guests can eat at Captain’s Table Restaurant after a long day on the water. Lakeshore also has rental cabins on site, which offer gorgeous views of the lake and a marina with a 21-boat rental fleet. The resort is visited heavily between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with visitors coming from all over to enjoy its assorted amenities. For more information about rentals and offerings at the marina, click to laskeshore-resort.com, or call (423) 725-2201.
In addition to the launch, the site also features a fishing pier and restrooms. Located at the eastern end of the lake, visitors can find the location between Shook Branch Beach and Cardens Bluff off of Highway 321. Parking is $2 per vehicle per day or $30 with a Cherokee National Forest Service Pass. The site open sunrise to sunset year round.
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A rainbow over Watauga Lake.
SINK MOUNTAIN LAUNCH Located on the Northeastern shore of the lake, east of Butler, there is no charge at this secluded launch at the end of Paved Forest Road 298 off Tenn. Hwy. 167.
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F O R M E R LY B U R K E H O S P I C E A N D PA L L I AT I V E C A R E & C A L D W E L L H O S P I C E A N D PA L L I AT I V E C A R E SUMMER TIMES 2022
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MOUNTAIN GOLF AT ITS FINEST
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BY DAVID ROGERS
ountain golf, anyone? What could be better than an avid duffer’s outing in the forests and meadows of the High Country? There is little that is boring about High Country golf. Each course in the region is one of a kind, and every course seems to have an iconic hole or two. Here is a taste of what is in store on a golf trip to Watauga, Ashe or Avery counties, with descriptive contributions from Harris Prevost.
PUBLIC COURSES Jefferson Landing Set among the pastoral rolling hills of Ashe County and its nearby cow pastures, Christmas tree farms and tributaries to the New River, Jefferson Landing is a semi-private club designed by noted Banner Elk architect and land planner, Dennis Lehmann, and PGA Hall of Famer Larry Nelson. “At 7,110 yards, it is the longest course in the High Country. From the regular tees, it plays 6,450 yards. Very little land was moved to build the course, which opened in 1990,” said Prevost. “The
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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 twohandicap hole.” Prevost also enjoys the scenery on this golf course. “The 227-yard (181 from regular tees) SEE GOLF ON PAGE 112
COURTESY PHOTO Mountain Aire Golf Club in West Jefferson is an 18-hole public course that plays at 6,415 yards at its longest.
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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.” 112
Call Jefferson Landing’s pro shop at (336) 982-7767 to set up your tee times. Mountain Aire Golf Club Also in Ashe County, Mountain Aire is the third oldest course in the High Country behind only Linville and Blowing Rock. Prevost, the local golf historian reports, “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 — 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,” continues Prevost, “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 SEE GOLF ON PAGE 113
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replaced, and the course has improved each year. It is now under the supervision of Mark’s son-in-law, Philip Shepherd.” Mountain Aire’s signature hole is, arguably, No. 3, featuring an elevation drop of two hundred feet from tee to green and the views of the mountains beyond are extraordinary. A long iron or lofted wood is the smart play on this hole as the driver can easily go right out of bounds or left down into a gorge. The shot from the gorge is difficult and the walk down and back out is even harder. The second shot is usually a long iron across the gorge to a green protected by two bunkers. A par is well earned on this very difficult hole. Says Prevost of No. 3, “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.” Boone Golf Club Wade Brown’s dream of a golf course in Boone was realized in the summer of 1959, on the former Neal Blair farm, just to the east of what is now Watauga Medical Center. Ellis Maples, who learned the golf course design trade from Donald Ross, was chosen as the course visionary. Boone is 6,686 yards (6,018 from the regular tees), and it plays to a par 71. Describes Prevost, “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. The risk is a creek fronting most of the green, deep to the left and out-of-bounds to SUMMER TIMES 2022
the right.” One of the most intriguing, if not challenging holes on the Boone course is No. 6, a par 5. From the tee, the course bends slightly uphill and right. If your tee shot is a monster that lands above and around the curve, you MAY have an opportunity to clear the lake below the green on your approach shot. Otherwise, you are laying up for a third shot over the expanse of water. The green is a challenge, too, steeply sloped in some places. The Boone pro shop can be reached at (828) 264-8760. Make tee times in advance because this is the most popular course in the High Country. Willow Creek Prevost said of 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 more than 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 more than 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,” said Prevost, “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.” Call Willow Creek’s pro shop at (828) 963-6865.
Sugar Mountain Golf Club Prevost artfully describes the history of 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. “They only had 60 acres at the base of Sugar for a golf course,” adds Prevost, “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,” continued Prevost, “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 Mountain’s pro shop can be reached at (828) 898-6464. SEE GOLF ON PAGE 116
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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,” says historian Harris Prevost. “They knew large manufacturing was 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,” added Prevost, “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.” As far as intimidating holes go, Prevost says it is a toss-up 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,” said Prevost. Mountain Glen’s pro shop can be reached at (828) 733-5804. Linville Land Harbor 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,” Prevost recalled. “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
FILE PHOTO
an additional 500 building lots.” Prevost says that Land Harbor has a deep sense of history in another sport, too. “The Land Harbor property belonged to a lumber company in the early 1900s,” said Prevost. “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 won the first Indianapolis 500,” Prevost added. “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.” Land Harbor was originally going to be an 18-hole golf course, said Prevost, 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.” Land Harbor has been private until recently, but now it is open to the public. Prevost’s 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.” The Land Harbor pro shop phone number is (828) 733-8325. SEE GOLF ON PAGE 117
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PRIVATE CLUBS The High Country region’s private golf and country clubs are among the most envied in the state of North Carolina. While general play is restricted to members, non-members have an opportunity to play the courses in one or more of the many charity golf tournaments hosted by most of the private clubs throughout “the season.” Hound Ears Club Grover, Harry and Spencer Robbins have long been considered visionaries of what the mountains of northwestern North Carolina have become. A number of entertainment, as well as golffocused developments are attributed to one or all of the Robbins brothers. Tweetsie Railroad, Ski Beech and the Land of Oz were all Robbins developments, as were some of the iconic golf course names: Elk River, Hound Ears, Land Harbor, and Beech Mountain. Reports Prevost, “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,” said Prevost, “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 SUMMER TIMES 2022
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.’” Prevost added that 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,” said Prevost. “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. As the rugged terrain around the golf course was developed, other curiosities emerged, reported Prevost. “The first six years, the third, eighth and 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.” Beech Mountain Club The oldest Robbins brother, Grover was the visionary and primary contributor to Beech Mountain Club’s creation, reports golf historian Prevost. “Grover envisioned the Hound Ears concept (resort, golf, skiing, property and airport) being taken to a much higher level at Beech Mountain. He even used the Bavarian architectural theme that he used at Hound Ears. He 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,” said Prevost. “The airport now is a part of the Elk River Club, which the Robbins brothers also developed...
“... 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 ended 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, his Carolina Caribbean development company began to unravel. The organization began taking on more projects than it could handle. At their SEE GOLF ON PAGE 118
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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 of 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
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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. Linville Ridge Because of its view of Grandfather Mountain, Linville Ridge’s ruggedness and abrupt rise in elevation makes for a spectacular golfing experience. Its par 5 13th, at 4,984 feet, is the highest elevation golf hole east of the Mississippi River. The course has an elevation change from its lowest point to its highest of 760 feet. Because of the thinner air, shots go further than similar shots hit off the mountain. Reports historian Prevost, “Linville Ridge sits atop Flat Top Mountain, which is part of the original 16,000-acre 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 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 halfdozen 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,” Prevost noted, “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 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 225-yard (183 yards from regular tees) 16th hole. 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.” Blowing Rock Country Club Consistently ranked among the top SEE GOLF ON PAGE 119
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FILE PHOTO Jefferson Landing.
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100 golf course in North Carolina, Blowing Rock CC’s course is tucked into one of the state’s premier resort communities. Explains the BRCC website: In the early 1900s, the sought-after Green Park Norwood Golf Course was the center of what would become Blowing Rock Country Club property. A group of local residents began work to establish the private organization in 1939, one year after which groundbreaking ceremonies were held for D WKUHH ÀRRUHG &OXEKRXVH IDFLOLW\ A grand celebration on July 4, 1941 PDUNHG WKH FOXE¶V ṘFLDO RSHQLQJ GD\ and the annual Fourth of July festival remains one of the most widely attended and celebrated functions on the club calendar to date. The Club purchased the golf course, added nine new holes and renovated the original nine in 1973. The same SUMMER TIMES 2022
year, extensive renovations were made to the Clubhouse, which was tragically GHVWUR\HG E\ D ¿UH LQ :RUN EHgan almost immediately to reconstruct the facility, and the brand new Clubhouse opened in June of 1975. Since then, the Club community as a whole has continued to grow and change as one of the most elite private organizations in the Southeast. Today, the seasonal Club operates annually between the months of May DQG 2FWREHU ZLWK VHYHUDO R̆ VHDVRQ functions over the holidays and into early spring. In addition to BRCC’s ¿UVW FODVV PRXQWDLQ JROI H[SHULHQFH Club members enjoy food and beverage options for all tastes and preferences and a social calendar packed with events ranging from casual and IDPLO\ RULHQWHG WR EODFN WLH D̆DLUV Other private golf clubs in the area include Grandfather Golf & Country Club, Linville Golf Club and Diamond Creek.
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he summer time is perfect for exploring the outdoors, taking part in activities with family and friends and making long-lasting memories. The options for said activities seem endless, but one that is new to a lot of people and a potential new favorite pastime is disc golfing. Disc golf has grown in popularity throughout the nation, and its foothold in the High Country is here to stay. While the origins of the sport are shrouded in the mist of history, disc golf has climbed its way into the World Games and a professional circuit around the world. Played with specialized flying discs instead of clubs and a ball, disc golf is similar to golf when it comes down to the idea of the game. You have three different types of discs, a long-range driver, a mid-range wood or iron, and a shortrange putter. They have different weights and sizes to make them do different things, and are fairly cheap. Where a new set of clubs can run around $1,000, a set of discs will cost around $50 and courses can be found throughout the High Country. It doesn’t take long to get the hang of it, and can be fun for the whole family. High Country Disc Golf Course The preeminent disc golf course in the High Country, the High Country Disc Golf Course is a must-visit for anyone interested in getting into the sport, or an enthusiast visiting the area. Located in Ashe County Park in Jefferson, the two-mile course is designed to let the players be one with the nature around them. With the weather cooling down and the leaves changing, the course can be a great way to see nature’s beauty in Ashe County as it naturally contours with the land’s hills, pond and trees. The back nine is located deep in the woodland while the front is closer to the park. Each of the 18 holes has an amateur and a pro tee-off pad, allowing people to choose how tough the course is. Some of the holes have alternate baskets for newer players, and the constant tweaks
done to the course by park officials means there’s limitless opportunities for fun. The home of the High Country Disc Golf Championship, the course is an ideal place to learn the sport, or master it. For more information about High Country Disc Golf Course, call (336) 982-6185 or visit www.thehighcountrydiscgolfclub.com. Wahoo’s Adventures Another course that’s great for players who are learning the sport is located at Wahoo’s Adventures at the New River Outpost at 3380 Big Hill Road in Todd. The course’s nine holes each feature both long- and short-starting tees, and a warm-up hole is provided for people to prep their throwing arm.The course itself is a nice hike for disc golf players, which features a catwalk bridge over the creek, perfect for a hot summer’s day. The course is $5 to use per player and is free for anybody tubing at Wahoo’s, with all costs going to maintain the course. For more information on the course at Wahoo’s Adventures, call (828) 262-5774 or visit www.wahoosadentures.com. Beech Mountain Resort Featuring 18 holes over thousands of feet of land, Beech Mountain Resort’s disc golf course is designed into the mountain landscape. The course offers scenic views and hikes for players as they make their way through the course’s unique design. Players can take a chairlift ride to get an ever better view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, or hike their way for more of a hard-fought victory. For more information, call (800) 438-2093 or visit the resort website at www.beechmountainresort.com. Chetola Resort Chetola Resort offers a nine-hole course with three practice holes to boot. Unlike other courses, Chetola is a private resort and is for guests. For more information, call (828) 295-5535 or visit the resort website at www.chetola.com.
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Jefferson Landing is the premier wedding venue of the High Country. We would love to help you plan your special day and create the perfect wedding memories you will cherish for a lifetime. From ceremonies to receptions, rehearsal dinners to luncheons, we have everything covered. Whether you prefer grand or intimate, country chic or traditional elegance, we're your venue. You have the option of an outdoor wedding, rehearsal or reception dinner down by the stunning New River at Riverside Park, or you may desire a more elegant reception at the recently renovated Club House with seating for 200 plus. The centerpiece of the luxury rustic Club House is the Main Dining Room with its 33-foot-high vaulted ceiling, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and breathtaking views of the mountains, perfectly landscaped scenery and beautiful golf course. To get you even closer to nature, the Club House doors open to a 6,000-square-foot patio with spectacular panoramic views for your special event. Jefferson Landing Country Club and Resort is a full service banquet and catering facility. A full catering menu is available offering everything you will need, from buffets to plated luncheons or dinners, as well as your own custom requests for our Executive Chef. Our expert events and catering staff will assist you with planning every detail to insure that your event conveys a sense of excellence and make your beautiful day stress free. Only minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and just under two hours from the Charlotte and Greensboro airports, Jefferson Landing is located in the Northwest Mountains of North Carolina. You and your guests will feel more than welcome, and we will work our hardest to ensure complete customer satisfaction.
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148 E. Landing Drive • Jefferson, NC 28640 (800) 292-6274 • (336)982-4449 • visitjeffersonlanding.com
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Sleeping under the stars BY MARISA MECKE
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s the weather becomes more mild and the last frosts leave the High Country, campers are rearing to get back to sleeping closer to nature during the summer months. Throughout the region, whether campers are packing backpacks and headed out into the backcountry or backing their trucks up to a riverside campground, there’s no shortage of places to set up a tent under the stars in the mountains.
NEW RIVER STATE PARK CAMPGROUND
The New River is one of the five oldest rivers in the world and the newest U.S. National Park. While the official national park is in West Virginia, the headwaters of the New River start on the border between Ashe and Allegheny
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counties in the High Country. Renowned for its beautiful riverside views and popular recreation water sports, New River State Park in Laurel Springs, NC offers a variety of campsites for visitors. Kayak and canoes are available for rent from many local river outfitters. The main campground is located at 358 New River State Park Road in Laurel Springs. Call (336) 982-2587 or visit www.ncparks.gov/ new-river-state-park for more information.
LINVILLE GORGE WILDERNESS
Known as the Grand Canyon of the East, Linville Gorge offers breathtaking views of Pisgah National Forest. One of the most popular areas for camping in the High Country, Linville Gorge is one of only two wilderness gorges in the southern United States. Visitors can also enjoy the river-fed waterfall at Linville Falls, the rock outcrop at Wiseman’s View and the Linville Caverns, a privately maintained cave system accessible by car from U.S. Route 221. With both front and backcountry camping options, there are plenty of opportunities for
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CAMPGROUND & CABINS
Tent Sites $18-$25
Cabin Rentals $59-$129
RV Sites $35-$42
travelers to spend the night in the Linville Gorge Wilderness. For campgrounds, RV parking and cabins at Linville Falls, see the Linville Falls Campground RV Park & Cabins at www.linvillefalls. com or call (828) 982-2706.
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
One of the most environmentally diverse state parks in North Carolina, there is no shortage of beautiful scenery on the iconic mountain for campers in the High Country. Whether campers spend the day at the Grandfather Mountain attraction or traipsing through the backcountry trails, there is plenty to enjoy before setting up camp for the night. To learn more about camping at the park, visit www.ncparks.gov/grandfather-mountainstate-park.
BLUE BEAR MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
under the forest canopy. Car accessible tent camping and RV campsites are available on site, and for those looking for a more wild adventure hike-in campsites provide seclusion. Teepee and cabin rentals are also available for campers interested in a rustic getaway. The teepees come fully furnished with a queen bed and other amenities. Visit www.bluebearmountain.com or call (828) 406-4226 to learn more.
BUCK HILL CAMPGROUND
With a style of camping for every visitor, Buck Hill Campground is a pet-friendly campground along the North Toe River. For the RV campers, Buck Hill Campground provides all the necessities and more at their spacious location. The campground has space for 69 RVs and each site is equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and full hookups with 20, 30 and 50 amp service. Tent campers can enjoy an open grassy field overlooking a pond as well as fire
Just outside of Boone, Blue Bear Mountain Campground offers every style of camping
SEE CAMPING ON PAGE 124
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rings, picnic tables, water spigots and several wooden deck pads. Lastly, Buck Hill also offers cabins for those who prefer “glamping” in newly built, ADA compliant tiny homes. Additionally, the campground provides free high speed Wi-Fi. New to Buck Hill Campground are a basketball court, a pickleball court and a renovated game room. To learn more, visit www.buckhillrvcampground.com or call (828) 766-6162.
DOWN BY THE RIVER CAMPGROUND
Located by Linville River, this campground has RV and tent camping. All RV sites have water, sewer, 30 and 50 amp service and are paved. Wi-Fi and showers are available for all campers. As the High Country’s only “mature” campground, all parties must be 55 years or older or include at least one member who is over 55. Other amenities include paved roads for bikes and an indoor recreation area. The campground is located at 292 River Campground Road, Pineola and can be contacted at (828) 733-5057.
FLINTLOCK CAMPGROUND
Serving western North Carolina for over 50 years, Flintlock Campground is nestled just outside Boone where they offer RV hookups, cabins and tent camping. Open from the beginning of April until the first week of November, their stream-side campgrounds are tucked away in the beautiful mountain forest. The campground also has newly renovated facilities such as a bath house with private hot showers as well as free wireless internet, picnic tables, laundry, firewood, a camp store, play area and cable tv. Learn more at www. flintlockcampground.com or call (828) 9635323.
GRANDFATHER CAMPGROUND
Open all year up on Grandfather Mountain, Grandfather Campground balances the quiet serenity of the mountain with a close proximity to many of the High Country’s ski resorts, golf courses and attractions such as Grandfather Mountain, Linville Falls, Gem mining and more.
HELTON CREEK CAMPGROUND
Five miles from Hwy 16 N. Minutes away from the New River, Virginia Creeper Trail, Shatley Springs and Mount Rogers, Helton Creek Campground is a family campground for tents and RVs in Ashe County. This campsite is located at 2145 Helton Road, Grassy Creek, NC. For more information, call (336) 384-2320.
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HONEY BEAR CAMPGROUND
Less than 3 miles from Appalachian State University and downtown Boone, Honey Bear Campground is family-friendly campground for RVs and tent camping. Not only does it have fire pits, picnic tables, RV hookups, fishing and more, but this location also has a full-service coffee as well as an outdoor movie screen for movies under the stars. Moreover, the campground hosts a variety of events throughout the warmer months. Honey Bear Campground hosts BBQs, karaoke, corn hole tournaments, haunted trails and zombie paintball. Honey Bear Campground is located at 229 Honey Bear Campground Road, Boone, NC. Visit www.honeybearcampground.com or call (828) 963-4586 to learn more.
JULIAN PRICE CAMPGROUND
Located at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 297, this campsite has beautiful waterside views beside Price Lake. With access to hiking, boat rentals and picnic facilities, the Julian Price Campground hosts campers at primitive campsites and non-electric RV sites. To learn more, call (828) 963-5911.
BOONE KOA
Just outside the town limits of Boone, this location of the chain KOA Campgrounds offers a proximity to Boone while spending the night in nature. The campsite offers pull-through RV sites as well as a pool, arcade games, a farm animal mini zoo and close proximity to all the natural attractions near Boone. This is the highest altitude KOA Campground east of the Mississippi River. To make a reservation, visit www.koa.com/campgrounds/boone or call (828) 263-7250.
RACCOON HOLLER CAMPGROUND
Raccoon Holler Campground is located outside of Glendale Springs in Ashe County right on the Blue Ridge Parkway. With sites for both tents and RVs, this campsite is perfect for campers looking to indulge in Ashe County’s swimming, fishing, canoeing and community events. Visit raccoonholler.com or call (336) 982-2706 for more information.
VANDERPOOL CAMPGROUND
The Vanderpool Campground is located at 120 Campground Road, Vilas, NC. With both tent and RV camping, this site has close access to Appalachian Ski, Seven Devils, Sugar Ski and Beech Mountain Ski resorts and offers high speed Wi-Fi, outdoor games such as horse shoes, beanbag toss and volleyball, and ice, firewood, RV supplies and more for sale on site. To make a reservation, call (828) 297-3486. SUMMER TIMES 2022
More than a customer Receiving electric service from Blue Ridge Energy makes you much more than a customer. You’re a member of an electric cooperative formed by local people to serve the local community.
As a member, you elect the board of directors and receive capital credits — money back based on your cooperative’s financial health. Blue Ridge Energy partners with area leaders to help create new jobs, support education and nurture local youth as leaders of tomorrow. Blue Ridge also offers you innovative services and renewable energy options. Learn more about how your electric cooperative is powering a brighter future for you and all members. Visit BlueRidgeEnergy.com today.
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Blend of present and past High Country general stores offer myriad shopping experiences BY JAMIE SHELL
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here is something special about being able to buy everything in one place. General stores have been romanticized for decades and in many places they are lost to time, but they are alive and well in the High Country. Fred’s General Mercantile, Todd General Store, Banner Elk Consignment Cottage and the Vintage Farmhouse General Store are just a few of the unique stores that tourists and locals alike flock to in the High Country.
CONSIGNMENT COTTAGE (BANNER ELK)
consign@skybest.com (828) 898-5733 Banner Elk, a town of woolly worms, Highland Games and High Country culture, is home to the Banner Elk Consignment Cottage. Just 17 miles from Boone, the cottage is a sought out store in the area. While Banner Elk often attracts a large group of people during the summer months, most people only stay at their summer homes for four-to-five months. Instead of hauling their replaced, fine furniture back to their primary homes far away, people bring them to Susan Brown at the consignment cottage for resale. Brown is selective in what she accepts and chooses to sell, which only increases the customer trust. In turn, the constantly-changing stock offers a potential for multiple visits to the store resulting in various shopping experiences. No two visits are alike.
FRED’S GENERAL MERCANTILE (BEECH MOUNTAIN) 501 Beech Mountain Parkway www.fredsgeneral.com (828) 387-4838
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PHOTO SUBMITTED Goober Peas Country Store carries gifts, groceries, local meats and cheeses, bait for fishing and more. The store is convenient to the Meat Camp township and Boone.
For more than 40 years, Fred’s General Mercantile has been a staple of Beech Mountain and the main outlet in the area. The main store consists of a grocery store, hardware store and clothing store. Fred’s can outfit the entire family for a weekend vacation, home improvement project and more. The grocery is a fully stocked grocery store that carries everything from canned goods to gourmet foods. The hardware section features Stanley tools, tire chains, screws, nails, nuts, bolts and more. Also on the property is Fred’s Backside Deli, which serves all kinds of food on a daily basis for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The company also takes advantage of its location by offering guest quarters for rent and ski and snowboard rentals. The store is also a great location to find information on all of the many nature sights, trails, mountain views and local events throughout the year.
GOOBER PEAS COUNTRY STORE (BOONE) 1773 NC-194 (828) 386-1017 It is almost hidden along Hwy. 194, going north out of Boone, but Goober Peas has 1,700 devoted followers on Facebook for a reason. If you are looking for fresh, locally grown food products, you are likely to
find them at Goober Peas. The store carries local meats, farm-fresh eggs, Ashe County Cheese, local jams and jellies, ice, firewood and more. You can buy Cheek’s whole milk by the gallon at Goober Peas. It is so fresh you the label says you need to shake it a bit to blend the cream on top. From their own private label Muscadine grape juice to premium, niche brands of root beer, you will find it at Goober Peas. But, it is not just food. Other interesting items include SallyeAnder Soaps, a fun collection of greeting cards, and a wide variety of other sundry items, most handmade by local artisans. SEE STORES ON PAGE 128
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Call us!
828-398-5943 828-385-3243 828-385-0657
! VISITBLOUWS G IN ROCK
MOUNTAIN TIME PLEX) OUTHMARTE COM (S . ST N AI M 79 11 NC 28605 BLOWING ROCK, ON MAIN ST. MOUNTAIN TIME 714 RNSVILLE, N.C. 28 U B . ST N AI M T 105 WES OUSE OLESALE WAREH H W H IS M A E M 714 MOUNTAIN TI RNSVILLE, NC 28 U B ., ST N AI M E. 605
TS ING PRODUC IV L R O O D T U EO ARES SUSTAINABL L ARTISAN W A C O L O 5 R UCTS OVE PATIO PROD & H T R A E H E & PICKLES BUCK STOV ELLY, HONEY J , S M A J L A LOC AINT DIXIE BELL P EWELRY ALLY MADE J C O L & S T IL BARN QU m buckstove.co choneycutt@ @gmail.com kyleighpaigep
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Nostalgic Nook Mountain Time on Mainstreet Blends Traditional Fair with Modern Appeal When Mountain Time was just an idea, it was the way we described the beautiful town of Burnsville: Peaceful, slow paced and full of life. Just like stepping back in time and sitting on your Grandma’s porch, surrounded by God’s Country. As we filled our store with beautiful custom pieces of art from local artists, locally built patio furniture and the most amazing wood and gas stoves you can imagine, we evolved into creating our own little slice of heaven at Mountain Time on Main Street. We are so proud of our talented community that inspires our artisans to create one-of-a-kind paintings, furniture and artwork. We are so inspired by our local farmers that grow local beautiful flowers and vegetables that surround our patio in the summer and we love nothing more than our new line of candles, as well as our line of jams and jellies that smother our biscuits in sweetness and fills our store with sweet scents that lingers out into the quaint downtown oasis that surrounds us. We have enjoyed all these amazing things so much that we opened another location in Blowing Rock, and expanded our offerings to include handmade Amish furniture available at our Mountain Time Amish Wholesale Warehouse in Burnsville. We love gathering with our friends as often as possible, so any day you may discover local musicians playing their hearts out on our patio. We invite you to join us at any of our locations. Swing by, sit a spell and fall in love with our local flavor as much as we have! 127
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MAST GENERAL STORE
Original Store Highway 194, Valle Crucis (828) 963-6511 www.mastgeneralstore.com Annex Highway 194 S., Valle Crucis (828) 963-6511 Boone 630 West King St., Boone, NC 28607 (828) 262-0000 From outdoor outerwear, hiking boots and elegantly casual attire to unusual collectibles and keepsakes, Mast General Store has made a name for itself since the first store opened in the rural community of Valle Crucis, N.C., near the southern edge of Watauga County. So successful has the company been through the years in nurturing a legion of return customers, in addition to the original location and its annex, Mast General Store now has locations in Asheville, Boone, Hendersonville, Waynesville and Winston-Salem in North Carolina; in Columbia and Greenville in South Carolina; Knoxville in Tennessee; and Roanoke in Virginia. While early storekeepers might have tried to carry everything a community might need, from cradles to caskets, today’s Mast Store “offers a variety of goods from fashion to fried chicken cookbooks and toffee to tents.” And don’t miss the barrels of candy sported by at least some of their locations.
BLOWING ROCK MARKET (BLOWING ROCK)
990 Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 (828) 414-9322 www.blowingrock.market Right across the street from the Community Library and within shouting distance of town hall and Memorial Park, the Blowing Rock Market is as much a community gathering place as it is a general store. You just never know who you are going to meet because everybody that is anybody, whether full-time resident, 128
FILE PHOTO The Bee and the Boxwood, Molly Northern’s store located on 215 Boone Heights Drive, is full of handpicked gifts and home accessories. The store also serves as Northern’s studio where she creates and designs for a wide array of clients in the High Country.
seasonal resident, or day-trippin’ tourist finds their way to the market at one time or another. Mostly it is about food and conversation at Blowing Rock Market. With a wide selection of beers, wines, and soft drinks, as well as local specialty cheeses, pastries, and baked goods, there is something for just about every palate. And the sandwiches made fresh at the deli are top-notch. But be sure and strike up a conversation with the folks sitting next to you in the outdoor seating area.
MOLLY NORTHERN INTERIORS & THE BEE AND THE BOXWOOD GIFTS (BOONE) 215 Boone Heights Dr. (828) 386-6212 www.thebeeandtheboxwood.com Molly Northern is a native of the High Country, as she was raised in Boone. Northern developed a keen interest in decorating her home with panache at a young age, observing the decoration from her mother, Bain Winkler. Combined with a love for art, Northern pursued the passion professionally,
FILE PHOTO Fred’s General Mercantile on Beech Mountain Parkway has the slogan of “if we don’t have it, you don’t need it.”
achieving a degree in Housing and Interiors at the University of North CarolinaGreensboro. While briefly staying off the mountain in Hilton Head, South Carolina, Northern returned and went into business with Darlene Parker, creating Northern Parker Interiors in Banner Elk. However, Northern needed to branch out into her own venture, starting Molly Northern Interiors in early 2017. While Molly Northern Interiors works with design, The Bee and the Boxwood houses the many gifts offered at the store. According to the website, at the gift store, you will find a curated collection of beautiful gifts and home accessories, all chosen with the charm and warmth of the Southern lifestyle in mind. The store is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
PHIPPS GENERAL STORE (LANSING)
2425 Silas Creek Rd., Lansing (336) 384-2382 Lansing may be a small town, but a lot of people seem to find it at least in small part because of Phipps General Store. It is a restored general store, advertising itself as “a place where locals and visitors can
come and listen to old time music jams.” There is an abundance of merchandise for sale, including food and beverages, as well as locally crafted artisan work, from jewelry to handbags, pottery and birdhouses.
VINTAGE FARMHOUSE GENERAL STORE (WEST JEFFERSON)
424 E. Second Street (336) 846-4777 thevintagefarmhousewj@gmail.com The Vintage Farmhouse General Store is located at 424 E. Second Street in West Jefferson and is open Monday through Saturday. The Vintage Farmhouse prides itself on having something for everyone and features a “man cave” downstairs in the basement, and clothing for women and children upstairs. The store’s wide variety of merchandise at affordable prices and large parking lot help to set it apart from other businesses in town. One unique feature of the store is its full-service bakery and coffee shop. Not only does it offer visitors with a sweet treat, but also gives the store a fragrant aroma which the family likes to describe as “smelling like grandma’s house at Christmas time.” SUMMER TIMES 2022
High Quality Furniture at Affordable Prices
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Carlton Gallery
PHOTO SUBMITTED The Art Cellar Gallery in Banner Elk features a variety of artists and mediums, pictured is ‘Afternoon Winery Tour’ a painting by Richard Oversmith.
A place for artists to explore
COMPILED BY JILLYAN MOBLEY
Celebrating 40Years Owner/Artist Toni Carlton says
“These original artworks open our hearts and touch our souls to inspire and lift our spirits” Located 10 Miles South of Boone on Highway 105 in Grandfather Community 828-963-4288 | www.carltongallery.com | carltongallery@carltongallery.com
PAINTINGS • CLAY • GLASS • WOOD • FIBER ART • JEWELRY
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ith a large selection of galleries displaying a wide variety of art from local, regional and nationally renowned artists, the High Country is a must visit destination for anyone interested in creative culture. With gallery nights and themed exhibitions, the summer is the perfect season to come explore Appalachia arts.
ANVIL ARTS SCULPTURE GARDEN AND GALLERY
Hwy 221 / 9600 Linville Falls Highway, Linville Falls (828) 765-6226 — www.studiosculpture.com Anvil Arts Sculpture Garden & Gallery: Art & Nature in a unique arts destina-
tion offering visitors the opportunity to experience sculpture in an outdoor garden area and in the interior gallery. Anvil Arts is also the working studio of sculptor Bill Brown. Explore, experience and collect sculptural works created by artists from the Southeast. Large outdoor sculpture and small scale sculpture in metal, glass, clay and stone, the gallery also features paintings on panel and canvas. Open Thursdays — Saturdays from 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. and Sundays noon — 5 p.m. Other times call ahead or by appointment.
THE ART CELLAR
920 Shawneehaw Lane, Banner Elk (828) 898-5175 — www.artcellaronline.com SEE ARTISTS ON PAGE 131
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Carlton Gallery
ARTISTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 130
A High Country Arts destination for more than 25 years, featuring the area’s finest artists. With works ranging from traditional to contemporary, The Art Cellar is proud to exhibit original paint, pottery, glass and more. Visit the website to view the show schedule. The Art Cellar Gallery is open to visitors Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ASHE COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL
303 School Ave., West Jefferson (336) 846-2787 — www.ashecountyarts.org The Ashe County Arts Council and Arts Center is located in a beautiful stone building constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s. The Arts Center also boasts a gallery shop that sells the work of more than 100 artists and crafts artisans. The Ashe Arts Center is also the site of concerts, literary events, meetings, and rentals, and is even the polling place for West Jefferson.
BE ARTISTS GALLERY
The Historic Banner Elk School 185 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk (828) 898-6767 — www.beartistsgallery.com Visit BE Artists Gallery to view the latest art, including paintings, photography, graphic arts, pottery, jewelry, metalworks, glassworks, fine furniture, wood carvings and fabric art. The gallery is open Thursday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment.
BLOWING ROCK ART & HISTORY MUSEUM
159 Ginny Stevens Lane, Blowing Rock (828) 295-9099 — www.blowingrockmuseum.org The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum is open Tuesday — Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. BRAHM is a hub of artistry and entertainment in SUMMER TIMES 2022
PHOTO SUBMITTED ‘Balanced & Centhared,’ a wire sculpture by Jose Cote’ can be found at the Anvil Art Studio in Linville Falls.
the heart of the High Country. The 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.
BLOWING ROCK FRAMEWORKS & GALLERY
7539 Valley Blvd., Blowing Rock (828) 295-0041 — www.blowingrockgalleries.com Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery is open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gallery displays a collection of regional and local artists whose work varies from traditional to contemporary styles. The gallery specializes in local scenery and landscape art sprinkled with abstracted architecture and figural subject matter. Since opening in 1994, the gallery has sold 177 Daingerfield paintings to date. The frame shop employs two certified picture framers who are qualified to meet any framing project with the highest preservation techniques possible whether it is a piece of art, SEE ARTISTS ON PAGE 132
SPRING GROUP EXHIBITION
Illuminate Your Spirit — With Fine Art
May 28 – July 15
Opening Reception May 28, 11-5
MID-SUMMER GROUP EXHIBITION
Celebrating Artistic Milestones — Yin and Yang
July 23 – September 15
Opening Reception July 23, 11-5
AUTUMN GROUP EXHIBITION
Exuberate Your Soul — Landscapes Peak
October 8 – November 15
Opening Reception October 8, 11-5 For information on 2022 Workshops please call 828-963-4288 or visit www.carltongallery.com Located 10 Miles South of Boone on Highway 105 in Grandfather Community 828-963-4288 | www.carltongallery.com | carltongallery@carltongallery.com
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ARTISTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 131
photograph, textile or object.
BLUE RIDGE ARTISAN CENTER
201 W. Main St., Wilkesboro (336) 990-9500 — www.blueridgeartisancenter.org The Blue Ridge Artisan Center sends guests on a journey of discovery and adventure that defines the indomitable spirit of the people of northwest North Carolina, where art is created and music is made. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
BLUE RIDGE ARTSPACE
377 Shadowline Drive, Boone (828) 264-1789 — www.watauga-arts.com The Blue Ridge ArtSpace is the main office for the Watauga Arts Council and is a community space for art-related groups to meet and practice, as well as a space for classes and instruction. The Blue Ridge ArtSpace has four gallery spaces that have rotating exhibitions on a monthly basis.
BOLICK AND TRADITIONS POTTERY
1155 Main St., Blowing Rock (828) 295-6128 — www.bolickandtraditionspottery.com Located in Blowing Rock, the shop offers the largest selection of pottery on Main Street. Shop local and handmade daily. Bolick and Traditions Pottery is opn from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Phone orders welcome.
CARLTON GALLERY
10360 Hwy 105 S Banner Elk (828) 963-4288 — www.carltongallery.com The 39th Winter Group and Small Works Exhibition continues at Carlton Gallery from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. This 132
PHOTO SUBMITTED Linda Spillane is one of the many artists at the Hands Gallery co-op.
exhibition offers fine art in Paintings, Glass, Sculpture, Wood, Clay Jewelry and Wearable Fiber by the local and regional artisans the gallery represents.
CROSSNORE FINE ARTS GALLERY 205 Johnson Lane, Crossnore (828) 733-3144 — www.crossnore.org/fine-arts-gallery The Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery represents regional painters, sculptors and fine craft persons. A portion of all proceeds benefit the children of Crossnore Communities for Children. Gallery hours are from Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CROWN GALLERY
1153 Main St., Blowing Rock (828) 818-0008 — www.crowngalleryusa.com Crown Gallery is proud to represent exceptional local, regional and nationally acclaimed artists, each offering a unique style. The gallery has been designed with a relaxed atmosphere to comfortably view the ever-changing collection. Gallery owners, James Selby Rue and Carolyn CrockerRue, bring many years of combined
experience in the field of art to their roles as curators of original fine art by an exceptional roster of mid-career professional artists. James studied at the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee, The American Academy of Art in Chicago and received an MFA and business degree in Boston. He taught classes and owned a successful advertising and product design agency with offices in Chicago, Boston and Miami for more than 40 years. Carolyn is an oil painter specializing in the landscape. Her work has been consistently represented in national level galleries for the last 20-plus years and has earned a loyal following in North America, Mexico, Great Britain and Australia. Together they continue to develop innovative fine art products, such as the RUE Signature Wall Easel, that are used by artists around the world. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, closed Monday.
DOE RIDGE POTTERY
585 W. King St. Unit D, Boone (828) 264-1127 — www.doeridgepottery.homestead. com Doe Ridge Pottery is designing and creating new work as well as offering the excellent selection customers have come to enjoy. In addition to the Galley, Doe Ridge Pottery has a working studio on site and most weekdays you will find folks preparing work to put into the kilns. Owner Bob Meier has been providing pottery to the area for more than 45 years, as well as building a community around his love of ceramics. Browse the shop and see a wide variety of gift ideas. They have a great selection of mugs, tumblers, and all types of functional ware and lamps. Open every day in Downtown Boone from 11 a.m. — 5 p.m., except for Sundays when the gallery opens at noon.
FLORENCE THOMAS ART SCHOOL AND GALLERY
10 S Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson (336) 846-3827 —
www.florenceartschool.org Florence Thomas Art School is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday. In-person workshops in fine arts and heritage crafts are offered throughout the year. Visitors can see monthly art exhibits at the school. Featured exhibits have included works by members of the Open Studio program at Florence Thomas Art School.
HANDS GALLERY
543 W. King St., Boone (828)262-1970 — www.handsgallery.org A core group of full-time members/ artists cooperatively run the store. There will always find a gallery artist to answer questions and assist you. Hands Gallery represent about 50 different artists working in a broad array of mediums and styles, all unique, creative, and distinctly local. There is something to suit every taste and budget. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.
JONES HOUSE CULTURAL CENTER
604 W. King St., Boone (828) 268-6280 — www.joneshouse.org In the Jones House, a new artist or organization presents their work each month in the Mazie Jones Gallery and be featured in the monthly First Friday Art Crawl reception. Schedule and more information on the Mazie Jones Gallery, visit the Jones House online. The Jones House gallery hours are from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
KING STREET ART COLLECTIVE
585 West King St., Boone (828) 964-7233 — www.watauga-arts.org Operated by the Watauga Arts Council, the King Street Art Collective located in downtown Boone is a new gallery and interactive art space that features changing exhibits and activiSEE ARTISTS ON PAGE 134
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2021 Conrad Hilton Achievement Award Winner Top 1% rank in the Brand
2022
PHOTO SUBMITTED Outside the Turchin Center is a stair mural titled ‘Transit Candy’ by Jessie Unterhalter and Katey Truhn.
ARTISTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 132
ties celebrating the arts.
MAIN STREET GALLERY
1252 US Highway 421 South, Boone, NC 28607 (828) 386-6464 134
Blowing Rock (828) 295-7839 — www.mainstreetgalleryinbr.com Main Street Gallery in Blowing Rock
has been forced to close after 38 years in a prime location on Main Street as our building has sold. The organization is still together as a group and we can be reached at our website mainstreetgalleryinbr.com.
MARTIN HOUSE GALLERY 1098 Main St, Blowing Rock
SEE ARTISTS ON PAGE 135
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ARTISTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 134
(336) 508-2828 — www.martinhousegallery.com Martin House Gallery is located in the historic Martin House on Main Street in Blowing Rock. Email martinhousegalllery@gmail.com for information on receptions. The Martin House Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
R.T. MORGAN ART GALLERY AND GLASS BY CAMILLE
120 N. Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson (336) 246-3328/(336) 977-8972 — www.rtmorgangallery.com Enjoy fine art in a small town setting. Internationally known artist/ co-owner R.T. Morgan is very diverse with his art. On display are stainless steel sculptures and wall hangings for outdoors and interiors ranging from 2 to 12 feet, working and incorporating different materials and styles. R.T. is
also an accomplished stone sculptor in alabaster, black alberene and marble. He is known for his colorful paintings of birches and local scenes from abstract to realistic. The gallery also houses a framing business in which Morgan frames all his work and serves the public. Commissions are accepted — “if we don’t have it, we can make it.” Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Wednesday and Sunday. Call for private viewings anytime.
NTH° GALLERY
683 W. King St.,Boone (828) 919-6919 — www.nthdegreegallery.com The Nthº Gallery and Studios is a not-for-profit, member and donationsupported art venue serving as an incubator for emerging and established artists.
SALLY NOONEY GALLERY 7143 NC 194, Banner Elk (828) 963-7347 — www.sallynooney.com
Art Greene ON THE
The gallery is full of one-of-a-kind glass, paintings, jewelry and other treasures and Sally continues to create new items every day. Further inquiries and commissions can be discussed by calling the gallery. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and from noon until 5 p.m. on Sunday.
STUDIO 140 AT SORRENTO’S
140 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk (828) 898-5214 — www.facebook.com/studio140 Studio 140 at Sorrento’s features large paintings by artist Kent Paulette. As they enter the gallery, visitors will see paintings of animals that once roamed the area such as elk and wolves. They might hear live music coming from the next room which is dedicated to pop art portraits of famous musicians. The gallery is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
TURCHIN CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS 423 W. King St. Boone
(828) 262-3017 — www.tcva.org The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, located on King Street in Boone, has six galleries with changing contemporary art exhibitions and is the largest facility of its kind in the region. The Turchin Center is open Tuesday – Thursday & Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Friday from noon – 8 p.m. Admission is free.
THE WILKES ART GALLERY
913 C Street, North Wilkesboro (336) 667-2841 — www.wilkesartgallery.org The Wilkes Art Gallery is a nonprofit arts center that believes art enriches individuals and the community alike. WAG offers a variety of youth and adult classes, workshops and outreach projects. Gallery exhibitions rotate throughout the year including two juried exhibits and Youth Art Month. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
May 28-29 • July 2-3 Aug. 6-7 • Sept. 3-4
Handmade arts and crafts from select regional and national artists
Historic Banner Elk School SUMMER TIMES 2022
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COME FOR THE STAY
Opening in late June, the Glenn and Carol Arthur Planetarium is located just outside of Burnsville at the Mayland Earth to Sky Park. Experience the wonders of the night sky during daylight hours as you travel through the solar system or
enjoy a live sky show and see skies from around the world. Additionally, other STEM education programs will be offered including journeys to the bottom of the ocean or through deserts. Additional information can be found at mayland.edu/planetarium. 66 Energy Exchange Dr. Burnsville, NC
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Art in the High Country BY JILLYAN MOBLEY
T
he diverse scenery and community artists makes the Blue Ridge Mountains an ideal location for anyone from professional artists to casual enjoyers of craft to immerse themselves in creativity. With a high saturation of local artists, there are numerous art events each year in the High Country that feature beautiful work and, on some occasions, give community members and visitors an opportunity to make art of their own.
AVERY FINE ARTS AND MASTER CRAFTS FESTIVAL
The Avery Fine Art & Master Crafts Festival will take place on July 15-17 and Aug. 12-14 at Sugar Mountain Resort. The festivals feature a unique gathering of hand-crafted wares from fine artists and master crafters. Fine art includes photography, paintings, jewelry, sculpture, pottery, weaving, glass art, wood crafts, wood furniture, specialty candles, body care, soaps and much more. The Avery Fine Art & Master Crafts Festival benefits the Avery County Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.averycounty.com/chamber-events.
BARN QUILTS
Visitors to the High Country can take their choice of six loop trails in order to see the works of regional artists: Barn quilts. The High Country is home to more than 150 barn quilts, many of which are located in Ashe County. According to the Ashe County Arts Council website barn quilts are “a symbol of comfort and family.” The loop trails have written instructions with mileage, landmarks and road names to help the “barn quilt hunter” to find as many barn quilts as possible. For more information visit www.ashecountyarts.org/. 138
PHOTO SUBMITTED Ashe County has the largest collection of barn quilts in the region with more than 150 documented sites.
BLOWING ROCK ART IN THE PARK
Enjoy arts and crafts by award-winning artisans that are jury-selected for each show, which features a different set of artists, curated to present diverse mediums. Find gifts and works for personal collections, functional art like furniture and cutlery and wearable art such as handcrafted jewelry and textiles. Artists’ tents line Park Avenue right in downtown Blowing Rock in close proximity to other shopping, as well as dining options and local parks. A concert in the Park that follows each Art in the Park on Sundays. This year’s Art in the Park celebration kicks off on May 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about this event visit www. blowingrock.com/artinthepark/.
ASHE COUNTY ARTS
Visit Ashe County artists in their studios and see where they do their work. A self-guided tour throughout beautiful Ashe County. Free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6 and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 7. A gallery crawl will take
place on the second Fridays of each month from June to October from 5 to 7 p.m. Also check out free concerts at Ashe Park on June 17 and Aug. 19. A full list of arts events in Ashe County can be found at www.ashecountyarts.org.
BLOWING ROCK PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL
The Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival is a four day painting event that focuses on capturing the beauty of Blowing Rock. This year, from August 16 to August 20, artists from around the world will paint outside while exploring the unique Blowing Rock architecture and mountainous views. Painters are then invited to display their work at the “Wet Paint” art show and sale on August 20, which the public is invited to attend to view and purchase paintings. All submitted art to the show will be entered into a plein air competition. For more information, visit www.blowingrockmuseum.org.
WATAUGA COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL GROUPS
The Watauga County Arts Council
offers a variety of art groups throughout the year available for locals and visitors to participate in. Enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery of the region while painting with the High Country Plein Air Painters on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to Noon. at 12 different locations throughout the summer and fall. Create accessories with the Western Watauga Jewelry Guild on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or experiment with fiber arts with the Yarn Circle on Monday and Wednesdays from 1 — 4 p.m. at the Watauga County Arts Council. The Banjo Buddies also meet at the Arts Council on Thursdays from 12 — 3 p.m. and occasionally play at local events. Artists of any level are welcome to join the High Country Watermedia Society the second Saturday of each month from May to October at 9:30 a.m. at the King Street Art Collective. For more information on any of these groups or to start your own, contact the Watauga County Arts Council at wcac@ watauga-arts.org. SUMMER TIMES 2022
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Ensemble Stage summer premieres BY JILLYAN MOBLEY
T
hough small in stature, the 99seat Ensemble Stage in Banner Elk hosts big talent. Established in 2009, the Ensemble Stage provides the residents of The High Country, along with its visitors, live theater performances at affordable rates. This summer, Ensemble Stage will offer an array of programming, from premieres to summer camps. After taking a pause in performances in 2020 due to COVID-19 and working to maintain normalcy and safety in 2021, the staff at Ensemble Stage are excited for a busy upcoming season. “I have to say, our upcoming 2022 season is the most exciting of any we’ve had since our inception in 2009. That’s because for the first time all of our main stage productions are some type of premiere,” said Artistic Director at Ensemble Stage Gary Smith. “The first two are
PHOTO COURTESY ENSEMBLE STAGE Mark Allen Woodard, Scott Douglas Wilson and Margaret Dalton starred in ‘The Business of Murder’ in 2021.
regional premieres, the third is an international premiere and finally we close out our Summer Main Stage productions with our first-ever world premiere, written by a celebrated and award-winning playwright. The show will also star an actress who has
appeared in numerous plays around the world, including Broadway.” The regional premiere of comedy “No Wake” will be performed June 24 through July 2, the suspenseful thriller “Catch the Butcher” will be performed
July 15 through July 23, the international premiere of “Baby on Board” will be performed Aug. 12 through Aug. 20 and the world premiere of the drama “Zaglada” will be performed Sept. 9 through Sept. 17. In addition to these productions, Ensemble Stage also offers a variety of programming for youth. “Furry Tails with a Twist,” an interactive comedy about storytelling, will be performed on June 11 and 18 and July 9 and 30 as part of the nonprofit’s Saturday Kids Theater Series. An “everything theater” summer camp for children ages seven through 13 will begin on June 27, ending with a graduation performance on July 2. With a mission to “inspire, challenge and nurture the imagination and social skills of youths and adults through performances and theater based educational programs,” Ensemble Stage is committed to bringing professional productions and enriching experiences to the High Country.
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BY NEAL FALVEY
T
he Lees-McRae College’s Summer Theatre program has been a successful operation in the High Country for more than three decades and has worked to bring artistic prominence to the town of Banner Elk. Shows are performed at the Hayes Auditorium Broyhill Theatre, specializing in big stage musicals along with some authentically original works. By including a mix of professional performers, community members and students in the cast, Lees-McRae Summer Theatre serves as both an educational and entertainment opportunity for both the Lees-McRae students and the wider community. Beginning in 1985, LMC Summer Theatre utilizes every chance to showcase local talents from individuals in all age categories, yet also features the professionalism of theatre within the region. The program gives an opportunity for locals to contribute, visitors to enjoy arts in the High Country and students to learn and demonstrate skills in their field. The beneficial collaboration of all the people involved in the process, from creativity to production, offers a high-quality and intimate theatrical experience for any and all visitors to the LMC Summer Theatre program. This season’s performances will include the “The Drowsy Chaperone” and “Matilda, The Musical,” both of which have received high praise from audiences and critics. By including professionals, community members, and students in the cast, Lees-McRae Summer Theatre serves as both an educational and entertainment opportunity for Lees-McRae students and the wider community. Lees-McRae Summer Theatre is led by Managing Director Gabriel Vanover, SUMMER TIMES 2022
Operations Manager Pamela Joslin, and Artistic Director Janet Barton Speer. It is funded by ticket sales, grants, and donations by individuals and businesses. Contact the Box Office at (828) 8988709 with questions or for group ticket sales, or click to www.lmc.edu/community/summer-theatre/index.htm for more information.
202 2
Summer Theatre at Lees-McRae
THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
7 p.m. Shows: June 28 and July 1, 2 2 p.m. Shows: June 26, 29, 30 and July 3 Directed by Gabriel Vanover When a lover of classic musicals puts the vinyl of his favorite 1920s production—The Drowsy Chaperone—on his turntable, the record comes to life and the zany characters come busting through his refrigerator door! Often referred to as “a musical within a comedy,” The Drowsy Chaperone won five Tony Awards and was called “the perfect Broadway musical” by The New York Magazine, praised for its humor and heart. This production will have audiences sore from laughing as they tap their toes to one show-stopping song and dance number after another.
June 26–July 3
MATILDA, THE MUSICAL
7 p.m. Shows: July 21, 22, 23, 26 2 p.m. Shows: July 23, 24, 27 Directed by Dr. Janet Barton Speer Based on the award-winning book, Matilda tells the story of a bright young girl who decides to right the wrongs in her world by using her wit and cleverness. Teaming up with her school chums, Matilda takes on Miss Trunchbull, the evil headmistress of the school, and in the process discovers just how powerful believing in yourself can be. Full of high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, this musical has won more than 47 international awards, with critics raving that it is “brilliant” and “not just for the kids.”
July 21–27 Hayes Auditorium, Broyhill Theatre Banner Elk, NC | 828.898.8709 | lmc.edu/summertheatre 141
Find your inner artist Ashe County Arts Council has something for everyone BY CHANDA RICHARDSON
S
ince the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the Ashe County Arts Council has been working hard behind the scenes to bring back a sense of unity as the world struggled to find their way out. Through the hard work of directors, sponsors and volunteers, the Arts Council rallied back up in 2021 with numerous art shows, gallery crawls and music, giving the community a chance to get outside and appreciate what they have to offer. Nestled in a historic 1930s Works Progress Administration building in downtown West Jefferson, the Ashe County Arts Council has long been committed to promoting the arts as a hallmark of an active, engaged community. Located at 303 School Avenue, the building provides local artists and craftsman with a place to come together and showcase their work through a variety of concerts, literary events, meetings and rentals each year. The Arts Center also boasts a gallery shop that sells the work of more than 100 artists and crafts artisans. Aside from its downtown arts space, the Ashe Arts Council also operates out of the Ashe Civic Center, a 282-seat theatre space that serves as the home of the Ashe County Little Theatre, a communitybased volunteer theater group that performs a fine variety of shows each year. In 2021 the Ashe County Little Theatre produced three live radio productions 142
PHOTO BY CHANDA RICHARDSON Friday’s in the Park is a concert series put on by the Ashe County Arts Council and took place every third Friday from the months of May to August.
during the Summer and Fall. While no lineup has been released for 2022, the Arts Council is hoping to get back onto the stage for future performances. The Civic Center is also the host of a variety of live shows, ranging from orchestral performances, chamber music, country music and more. Visit www. ashecountyarts.org for more information on live events. Gallery Crawls are also a great way to appreciate the culture of Ashe County. On Friday, June 10, the gallery crawls will start back up from 5 — 7 p.m. in Downtown West Jefferson. Crawls will con-
tinue July — Oct. every second Friday of the month. Mark your calendar for July 8, August 12, September 9, October 14. In addition to the many gallery crawls and numerous events, the Arts Council also holds the Fridays in the Park Concert Series at Ashe Park in Jefferson. The 2021 concert season was a great success for the county and the Arts Council with hundreds of locals and tourists finding themselves sitting on the open lawn in front of the Blevins Shelter. This summer, the concerts will kick off on May 20 with Wayne Henderson, Randy Greer and Herb Key, followed by
SUMMER CONCERTS Steve Lewis and Bluegrass, Inc. — June 18 at 7 p.m. The Burnett Sisters Band — July 16 at 7 p.m. Wayne Henderson — Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. The Wildmans on June 17 and the Tray Wellington Band on Aug. 19. Each concert is free and open to the public and will begin at 7 p.m. For more information about these events, contact the Ashe County Arts Council at (336) 846-2728. SUMMER TIMES 2022
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Appalachian Theatre perseveres to entertain BY JILLYAN MOBLEY
S
ince its opening in 1938, the Appalachian Theatre has had an interesting and complex history and operated for nearly 70 years before closing in 2007. From a fire caused by a popcorn machine and a bankruptcy that almost led to the building’s demise, the Appalachian Theatre has persevered through it all. After reaching their decade-long capital campaign goal of $10 million, the nonprofit has proven its commitment to staying in the community and providing entertainment opportunities to the High Country and its visitors. On June 24 through June 25, Blue Ridge Community Theatre will celebrate Boone’s 150th year as a town at the Appalachian Theatre with an event entitled “Happy Birthday Boone!” The Blue Ridge Community Theatre will feature local talent in this original presentation honoring the town. This summer, the Appalachian Theatre is excited to bring a variety of programming to the stage, including a Doc Watson Day celebration in August that has yet to be announced. Community groups like Beanstalk Community Theatre and Highland Echoes also plan to partner with the organization this summer. Much of the talent has yet to be announced, but visit apptheatre.org for updated show information. “We’re so pleased to be having activities with all our community groups during the summer at Appalachian Theatre,” said Executive Director Laura Kratt. “The Appalachian Theatre will be the place to stop and see a show.” 144
PHOTO BY LESLIE RESTIVO The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country announced Feb. 23 that their decade long capital campaign had reached its $10 million goal as of Dec. 31, 2021. SUMMER TIMES 2022
Add ART to your Summer! Six Galleries • Contemporary artists • Free Admission
Summer Exhibition Celebration: Friday, July 1, 5 - 9 pm Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Walk: Saturday, July 9, 10 am - noon Lunch & Learn Series: Thursdays July 7, 14, 21 & 28, noon
tcva.org
423 W. King Street, Boone 828.262.3017 SUMMER TIMES 2022
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Art and History meet at BRAHM BY JILLYAN MOBLEY
T
he Blowing Rock Art and History Museum has been a must-see for anyone interested in High Country arts since Oct. 1, 2011. From the beginning, the museum founders and volunteers have committed to telling the story of the rich cultural history and varied arts in the Southern Appalachian region and how they interact. The museum showcases the history of Blowing Rock and has a display of regional art relating to the region. One of North Carolina’s most prolific artists, Ellior Daingerfield, spent summers in Blowing Rock nearly every year from 1886 till his death in 1932. Many North Carolina art collectors had Daingerfield’s work, which inspired community activist Ginny Stevens to start the long process of opening a museum in Blowing Rock. After establishing a group of community members in 1999, Stevens persistently worked through obstacles to establish a foundation for BRAHM. Years later, on Oct. 1, 2011, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the official opening of BRAHM. On the grounds stands a statue of Daingerfield facing his
Blowing Rock home to commemorate the museum’s history. BRAHM offers a variety of seasonal and ongoing programming throughout the year. Regularly occurring programs include a book club, curator led conversations, workshops, wine and paint nights and activities for children. This summer, BRAHM will offer a variety of programming and feature exhibitions for locals and tourists to enjoy. “BRAHM is thrilled with our upcoming summer calendar. We have a diverse schedule of exhibitions planned that range from painting to sculpture to Blowing Rock history,” said BRAHM Executive Director Lee Carol Giduz. “Our events calendar is as full as ever and features lectures, dance, music, and film. For children and adults we have a wonderful calendar of classes and camps and we wrap up our summer with the much loved Plein Air festival and art sale.”
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS: “The Village of Blowing Rock: Exploring Our History” (Permanent) In collaboration with the Blowing Rock Historical Society, this exhibition explores the history of the town of Blowing Rock and its impact on the High Country. The history traces back to the late 1800s. “Phillip Moose” (Permanent) Newton, North Carolina artist Phillip Moose used painting as a tool for selfexpression. He won several awards including the Pulitzer Award for Art in 1949 and two Fulbright Scholarships. Moose painted with vibrant colors and his landscapes lifted off the canvas, expressing how he saw beauty in the natural world.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAHM BRAHM’s summer art camp’s use works of accomplished artists to inspire creativity among participating students. 146
“Imminent Perils: To Wonder at Trifles in the Paintings of John Beerman” (Viewable until July 31) John Beerman’s contemporary natural and built environment paintings are
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BLOWING ROCK ART AND HISTORY MUSEUM Painting by Phillip Moose are in a permanent exhibition at BRAHM.
honest representations of precarious landscapes that illuminates the beauty and anxiety of viewing nature interacting with human development in the 21st century. The exhibition displays new works alongside earlier paintings to outline Beerman’s approach to landscape. Beerman uses a variety of techniques to paint places that have been changed from human impact. “Jagged Path: the African Diaspora in Western North Carolina in Craft, Music, and Dance” (Viewable until Oct. 22) This exhibition will showcase the history of African contributions to craft, music and dance in Western North Carolina. It will demonstrate how African traditions have helped create the culture of Western North Carolina after surviving the Middle Passage. This exhibition will include interviews, performances, historic artifacts and artist residencies which will make connections from the 17th through the 21st centuries.
“Brother Sam Tate: A Life on the Air” (Viewable in June) Sam Tate has been a radio DJ for almost 60 years after beginning his career WEAL in Greensboro, North Carolina. In 1983 he built Blowing Rock’s first radio station, WOIX. He now produces the only international syndicated Oldie Goldie Black Gospel radio show, Gospel Gems. This exhibition will display some of the experiences of Sam Tate, who is a DJ, educator and pilot as his extraordinary life has included riding on James Brown’s learjet, building a radio station in Belize and plenty more in between.
UPCOMING EVENTS
BRAHM will offer a variety of events and programming this summer, including “Summer Luncheon” with entrepreneur, author and designer Rebecca Vizard on June 24, a Plein Air Festival from Aug. 16 to Aug. 20 and a variety of day camp programs for children ages seven to 12. To learn more about BRAHM, visit www.blowingrockmuseum.org. SUMMER TIMES 2022
60th Annual
IN THE PARK
MAY 21 • JUNE 11 • JULY 16 AUGUST 13 • SEPTEMBER 10 OCTOBER 1, 2022 AT CHETOLA
Over 90 Juried Artists PARK AVENUE IN DOWNTOWN BLOWING ROCK 10 AM UNTIL 5 PM • FREE ADMISSION A Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Event WOOD CLAY JEWELRY • METAL • GLASS • FIBER • PAINTING • PHOTOGRAPHY •
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022 SYMPHONYBYTHELAKE.COM
•
FOR INFORMATION, CALL, WRITE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE:
BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PO BOX 406 • 132 PARK AVENUE, BLOWING ROCK, NC 28605 828/295-7851 • www.BlowingRock.com
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Support local growers and artists at farmers markets
BY JILLYAN MOBLEY
T
he High Country is home to a wide variety of farmers and artists who are dedicated to providing locally grown and made products to the community. Farmers markets are a great way to experience community while purchasing fresh produce, treats and crafts while enjoying the summer weather.
ASHE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET
The Ashe County Farmers Market hosts a wide variety of vendors that sell their products to the community each week. Greens, root vegetables, fruit, ready-to-plant greenery, fresh cut flowers, local meat and fine crafts are among the items that can be purchased. In addition to the over 40 vendors, musical acts, children’s activities and arts demonstrations can also be expe148
rienced on Saturday mornings in Ashe County. The Ashe County Farmers Market is open every Saturday, April 16 to Oct. 29 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., until transitioning to its holiday season starting in November. For more information, visit www. ashefarmersmarket.com.
AVERY COUNTY FARMERS MARKET
The Avery County Farmers Market focuses on the “educational, charitable and marketing” opportunities that accompany promoting ethical standards and encouraging the growth and well-being of local farms. To support local farmers, the market hosts vendors that sell vegetables, local meats, flowers, fresh baked goods, raw SEE MARKET ON PAGE 150
PHOTO BY MARISA MECKE Chip Finch brought a variety of mushrooms to the farmer’s market such as lions mane and oysters. SUMMER TIMES 2022
Concerts at ashe civic center & Ashe Arts Center June 4 • June 11 • July 6 • July 9 • August 13 •
Tim O’brien & Jan Fabricius Darren Nicholson & Friends Ed Miller Clint Roberts Bill and the Belles
downtown west jefferson gallery crawls
Ashe County
some of the most beautiful mountain countryside.
ashe county Bluegrass & old-TIme
Fridays in the park
fiddlers convention
on the same page literary festival
September 13 - 17 • A community festival featuring reading, workshops, and events with authors! Celebrating 15 years of reading and writing excellence.
Studio Tour
August 6 - 7 • Visit Ashe County artists in their studios! Tour participants will have the rare opportunity to see where artists work. The self-guided Studio Tour travels through
Experience West Jefferson’s Art District during Gallery Crawl on the second Friday of the month, 5 pm - 7 pm, June - October!
Ashe Park • July 22 – 23 • The Music of the Mountains • Individual & Band Competitions • Jamming • Workshops Featuring great music and cash prizes!
& more at ashecountyarts.org
FREE Outdoor Shows at Ashe Park
ashe park
June 17, 7 pm • The Wildmans August 19, 7 pm • Tray Wellington Join us for local & regional music!
art on the mountain fine art & Craft fair
September 24 • 10 am - 4 pm Over 30 artists will showcase their work on the grounds of Ashe Arts Center in Downtown West Jefferson!
www.ashecountyarts.org | 336-846-2787 SUMMER TIMES 2022
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honey, jams and jellies and more. The Avery County Farmers Market is open every Thursday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Banner Elk School. For more information, visit www. averycountyfarmersmarket.net.
BLOWING ROCK FARMERS MARKET
The Blowing Rock Farmers Market’s vendors change yearly, though fresh flowers, dairy products, fresh meats, baked goods, herbal products, local produce and plants are almost guaranteed to be available. This market is also a weekly pick-up location for Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture’s High Country Food Hub. Gatherings take place from 3 to 6 p.m. on Park Avenue in downtown Blowing Rock on Thursday Evenings from May 19 to September 29. For more information, visit www.
PHOTO BY MARISA MECKE Kara Haselton sells homemade soaps by the Garnet Rose Soap Company, owned by Ms. V and Kevin, located in West Jefferson.
blowingrock.com/calendar/farmersmarket/.
KING STREET FARMERS MARKET The King Street Farmers Market is
organized by Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture and has offered an array of local goods since 2017. From meats, flowers, breads, eggs, crafts, herbal products and more, this market is advertised as a way to get treats and necessary groceries. Musicians are also hosted and offered a solar panel hookup if electricity is needed to play. The King Street Farmers market takes place each Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. from May to October. This market is found at 126 Poplar Grove Connector, in front of the Watauga County Social Services offices, in Boone. For more information, visit www. brwia.org/ksm.html.
WATAUGA COUNTY FARMERS MARKET
The Watauga County Farmers Market has been the “town square” of the community since 1974. The market’s mission to “promote local agriculture, horticulture, value added and craft industries” is met
through hosting over 50 vendors that sell local produce, meats, crafts, flowers, herbal products, handmade soaps and more. The Watauga County Farmers Market is open every Saturday, April through the last Saturday in November. Gatherings take place from 8 a.m. until noon on each Saturday from May to October and from 9 a.m. until noon for the market in November. For more information, visit www. wataugacountyfarmersmarket.org.
JOHNSON COUNTY FARMERS MARKET
The Johnson County Farmers Market organic produce, handmade crafts, hormone-free meats, greens, natural skin care products, baked goods and artisan soaps. The market takes place from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturdays at 716 S. Shady St. in Mountain City, which is about 30 minutes from Avery County. For more information, visit www. johnsoncountyfm.com.
Plan To Attend A family friendly festival celebrating our mountain heritage with arts and crafts, continuous entertainment, fantastic food vendors, Ashe County Farmers Market, and children's activities.
NEW LOCATION DOWNTOWN WEST JEFFERSON BULLSBOOTS.COM
July 1, 5-10 PM July 2, 9 AM-5 PM Downtown West Jefferson
christmasinjulyfestival.com 150
13 N. Jefferson Avenue • West Jefferson, NC • 336.846.BULL (2855) SUMMER TIMES 2022
A PRODUCT PORTFOLIO AS DIVERSE AS YOUR NEEDS.
From contemporary to traditional, Andersen offers on array of products that allows you ultimate design freedom. Each product is made with the commitment to quality and performance that you expect from Andersen.
L O V E T H E L I F E Y O U S E E. Learn more at andersenwindows.com/400series
New River Building Supply, Inc. Boone Location - 3148 Hwy. 105 South, Boone, NC 28607 828-264-5650 Banner Elk Location - 2140 Tynecastle Hwy. Banner Elk, NC 28604 828-820-8421 www.newriverbuilding.com SUMMER TIMES 2022
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BLOWING ROCK’S BEST SUMMER ADVENTURE
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HighGravityAdventures.com 215 Tweetsie Railroad Rd | Blowing Rock, NC | 828-929-0982 152
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Use Code “Times10” when you book online! SUMMER TIMES 2022
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EMU VENISON ELK MOUNTAIN TROUT BOAR DUCK
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grilled elk denver leg with bleu mac ‘n’ cheese
OUTDOOR 154
DINING
fettuccine primavera
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godiva chocolate martini cheesecake
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Gk’s eclectic Bar & Lounge Gamekeeper Main Dining Room Ultra-cozy and inviting
Gk’s open, airy Vineyard Room The perfect party place
Newly renovated outdoor dining areas
gamekeeper-nc.com Wine Spectator Award of Excellence
3005
SHULL S
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MILL
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
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(828)
963-7400 155
Boone Paint & Interiors 1852 Highway 105 Boone NC 28607 828-264-9220 boonepaint.com
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Proudly Serving You like Family for 62 Years!
Summertime or Anytime Good Food & Good Times at Kaye's Kitchen 503 Pineola Street, Newland NC
.
Country Retreat Family Billiards & Grill is conveniently located in Foscoe - 8 miles south of Boone and Blowing Rock off highway 105 (next to the Dollar General), and 8 miles north of Banner Elk and Linville. This summer Family Billiards is celebrating 25 years in operation as the high country’s only pool room, featuring 10 professional pool tables. Family Billiards is a family friendly non-alcohol recreational destination as well as a full service restaurant I grill. They host weekly handicapped pool tournaments for the more dedicated pool players of all levels, as well as catering to recreational and first time pool players. The grill operates from 11 am - 8:30pm Monday through Saturday, with the pool room remaining open until 11 pm Monday through Saturday. The dining area includes a covered front porch for those wishing to eat outside. Family Billiards is closed on Sundays. SUMMER TIMES 2022
Family Billiards & Grill’s pool room and pool tables have always been considered as top notch and are maintained in immaculate condition, but their main business is their quality food & beverage operation, of which close to half of which is take-out orders. The majority of regulars come for their quality, consistent and affordable food offerings, although many have never played pool here. The room features numerous large screen TV’s generally featuring sports I news I weather during the daytime and sporting events at night. Chef Brian Anderson prepares daily specials Monday through Friday, which virtually always sell out. Family Billiards is a small operation that caters to and depends largely on their loyal following of regulars, but everyone is welcome as a family friendly recreation I entertainment and dining option for locals as well as tourists visiting the high country.
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SE A EV FOO ER D Y F SP RI EC DA IAL Y
Family Billiards: A Tradition of Excellence Since 1996
BEST BURGER & HOT DOGS AROUND!
J TE UK LE E B VI OX SI O NS SALADS AND GRILLED CHICKEN!
Large Groups Welcome!
WHERE WORLD CHAMPIONS COME TO PLAY
10 Professional Pool Tables Full Service Grill Open Mon-Sat
Grill Hours: Mon - Thurs 11:00am - 8:30pm and Fri - Sat 11:00am - 9:00pm Daily Lunch Specials Mon - Fri · Open until 11pm Mon - Thurs and Midnight Fri - Sat
Home Pool Table Repairs, Recovery & Move & Setup Cues, Lights, Covers & Complete Billiards Accessories HIGHWAY 105 · FOSCOE, NORTH CAROLINA · 8 MILES SOUTH OF BOONE 828-963-6260 · 11:00am until 11:00pm Everyday
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THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST STEAKHOUSE! COME CHECK OUT OUR BRAND NEW LOOK
PEDDLER STEAKHOUSE OF BOONE PHONE: 828.264.4433 ADDRESS: 1972 BLOWING ROCK ROAD, BOONE
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Home of the Famous Bagelicious
HOURS: Monday - Sunday 7:00am - 3:00pm
Boone’s Original Bagel Shop Since 1988 Serving Breakfast and Lunch All Day 14 Varieties of Freshly Baked Bagels Vegetarian and Gluten Free Options Available
Featuring
The Spice and Tea Exchange 12B S Jefferson Ave Downtown West Jefferson, NC
336-846-8327
1087 Main St #4, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
828-372-7070
Deli Sandwiches, Fresh Salads, Homemade Flavored Cream Cheeses, Omelette’s Pancakes, French Toast, Burgers Now Offering Espresso & Cappuccino Call for Take Out & Delivery
OLD DOWNTOWN LOCATION 516 West King Street 828.262.5585 | www.boonebagelry.com
southern style with a gourmet fair
Banner Elk Location:
Blowing Rock Location:
Boone Location:
Banner Elk Location: Location: The Pedalin’ Pig atBoone 2968-A 4235 Hwy 105 South Hwy 105 Woodlands 4235 Hwy 105 South 2968-A Hwy 105 Banner Elk, NC 28604 Boone, NC 28607 8304 Valley Blvd. Boone, NC 28607 Banner Elk, NC 28604 Blowing Rock, NC 28605 828.898.7500
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828.355.9559
828.898.7500828.295.3651 828.355.9559
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, BRUNCH, ALL AT ONCE!
ThePedalinPig.com Dine-in · Take Out · Delivery and Catering SUMMER TIMES 2022
FAMOUS TOASTERY 349 SUNSET DR, BLOWING ROCK, NC 28605 PHONE: (828) 414-9813 FamousToastery.com 159
Burgers Steak Seafood
Locally Sourced Ingredients
Caribbean Inspired Kitchen and Bar Lunch: 11:00-2:30 Thursday Saturday, & Monday Dinner: 4:00-9:00 Thursday Sunday, & Monday Sunday Brunch: 10:00 - 2:30 Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
828-536-5155 109 W Main St, Burnsville, NC 28714 @castironkitchenburnsville
Tasting room and Restaurant Visit our new outdoor beer garden in East Boone.
www.booneshine.beer
BOONESHINE BREWING COMPANY
We Cater and Host Private Events 488 Main Street W Banner Elk, NC
828.898.7773
www.bodegasbe.com
LUNCH SPECIA LS
$6.99
11:00-2
:00
465 INDUSTRIAL PARK DRIVE, BOONE, NC, 28607 160
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ADVERTISER INDEX Abbey Carpet............................................. 106 Amorem............................................... 10, 109 Appalachian Apothekary......................... 101 Appalachian Furniture.............................. 98 Art Cellar.................................................... 133 Ashe Chamber Of Commerce................... 64 Ashe County Arts Council..................64, 149 Ashe County Cheese.................................. 64 Ashe Memorial Hospital............................ 86 Appalachian State Schaefer Center.........145 Avery Chamber Of Commerce...................95 Avery County Habitat For Humanity........76 Avery Parks And Recreation.......................76 Banner Elk Olive Oil Company..................72 Banner Elk Winery.......................................75 Beech Mountain Resort........................14, 15 Bernhardt.......................................................3 Black Bear Wine And Spirits...................9, 65 Blackberry Creek Mattress Company.11, 70 Blowing Rock Attraction.............................39 Blowing Rock Chamber Of Commerce..147 Blowing Rock Estate Jewelry............... 68, 69 Blowing Rock Art & Framing........................7 Blue Deer Cookies.................................68, 90 Blue Ridge Electric....................................125 Blue Ridge Realty & Investments...............28 Bodegas.......................................................160 Boone Bagelry......................................66, 159 Boone Paint & Interior........................43, 156 Booneshine................................................160 Bodacious Family Entertainment...........153 Brass Exchange, The....................................35 Brushy Mountain Motor Sports, Inc.........93 Bubba’s Good Eats.....................................160 Bulls Western Store....................................150 Bumgarner Camping................................123 Cabin Store.........................................108, 129 Captain Jim’s.................................................65 Carlton Gallery...................................130, 131 Carter County Tourism.............................106 Cast Iron Kitchen.................................79, 160 Chetola Resort At Blowing Rock................47 Christmas In July.......................................150 Classic Stone Works...................................103 Coin Junction...............................................44 SUMMER TIMES 2022
Combs Properties........................................77 Courtyard By Marriott...............................120 Cruz Thru......................................................76 Dan’l Boone Inn.........................................157 Dianne Davant.....................................70, 163 Distinctive Cabinetry..................................31 Doe Ridge Pottery........................................66 Doe River Gorge ........................................105 Engle & Volkers.............................................27 English Farmstead Cheese.........................22 Ensemble Stage..........................................140 Family Billiards....................................70, 157 Famous Toastery..................................68, 159 Farmers Rentals & Power............................37 Fly TRI...........................................................60 Fillmore.........................................................78 Foscoe Realty Rentals............................25, 70 Frazier’s Tavern....................................42, 158 Fred & Larry’s Coffee.................................139 Freds General Mercantile...........................19 Gamekeeper Restaurant...................154, 155 GBS................................................................20 Gem Mountain............................................71 Grandfather Mountain...............................33 Grandfather Mtn Campground...............122 Grandfather Mtn Highland Games...........89 Grandfather Vineyard...........................53, 70 Gregory Alan’s..............................................68 Hampton Inn & Suites..............................134 Hardin Fine Jewelry...................................133 Hawksnest....................................................55 Hellbender............................................68, 158 High Gravity...............................................152 Holiday Inn Express....................................64 Honda Of North Carolina...........................94 Humphrey Masonry..................................104 Incredible Toy Company............................30 Jefferson Landing..................................82, 83 Jenkins Realtors...........................................18 Jim’s Corner Furniture..........................61, 64 Jones House..................................................45 Kaye’s Kitchen............................................157 Kincaid............................................................3 Lakeview Nursery..................................61, 71 Lamp Post Vintage Market.........................78
Leatherwood Mountain.............................97 Lees Mcrae Performing Arts.....................141 Life Care Of Banner Elk...............................91 Linville Land Harbor POA................114, 115 Lost Province................................................67 Magic Cycles...........................................66, 91 Main Street Shoes........................................79 Marsh Propane..........................................107 Mayland Community College.........136, 137 Mccoy Minerals...........................................57 Mink Crafts...................................................65 Mitchell County Chamber...................41, 85 Molly Northern Interiors............................23 Mountain Aire Golf Course......................118 Mountain Glen Golf Course...............76, 113 Mountain Home & Hearth...................30, 44 Mountain Jewelers......................................19 Mountain Land............................................59 Mountain Outfitters..................................107 Mountain Time On Main....................78, 127 Mountaineer Golf Center.........................117 Museum Of Ashe County...........................64 Mustard Seed Market..................................87 My Best Friends Barkery.............................72 Mystery Hill....................................................2 New Lifestyles Carpet One.......................104 New River Building Supplies....................151 North Wilkesboro Tourism.........................52 Packrats.........................................................77 Paramount Motors....................................162 Parker Tie......................................................64 Pedalin Pig..................................................183 Peddler Steakhouse...................................158 Perry’s Gold Mine........................................86 Poppy’s Wildcraft.........................................71 Premier Sotheby’s........................................13 Radioshack Of Newland.............................29 Ram’s Rack....................................................67 Randy Marion Chrysler Dodge Jeep.......143 Recess............................................................17 Remax...........................................................21 Rio Doce Gem Mine....................................71 Roan Mountain Pharmacy.........................62 Rock Dimensions..................................58, 66 Shoppes At Tynecastle..........................80, 81
Skyline Telephone Corp............................122 Snowy Mountain Christmas Shop............76 Sorrentos Bistro...........................................73 Spice And Tea Exchange...........................159 Stonewall’s......................................51, 72, 164 Superior Spas.................................................6 Tatum Galleries......................................53, 70 The Colorful Gypsy......................................78 Tiki Taco........................................................74 Tom’s Custom Golf....................................111 Town Of Banner Elk...................................135 Town Of West Jefferson TDA....................124 Vanderpool Campground..........................22 Vannoy Properties.................................82, 83 Village Jewelers ...........................................67 Village Of Banner Elk..................................72 Willow Valley Resort..................................119 Woodlands BBQ.........................................181 Yancey Chamber Of Commerce................49 Yummy Yarns.............................................. 79
ASHE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET Locally grown greenery will be for sale at the Ashe County Farmers Market. 161
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DIANNE DA V ANT &ASSOCIATES Dianne Davant Moffitt, ASID Priscilla Hyatt Councill, ASID Stuart, Florida 34994 772.781.1400 Margaret Handley, ASID Pamela McKay, ASID Banner Elk, North Carolina 28604 828.963.7500 davant-interiors.com
