High Country Attractions will set you off on your newest adventures BY CHANDA RICHARDSON
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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
SUMMER TIMES 2022
