High Country attractions

will set you off on your newest adventures

BY CHANDA RICHARDSON

The 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 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.

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.

ASHE COUNTY

Ashe County Cheese

North Carolina’s largest cheese manufacturer 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

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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 further. 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.

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.

ATTRACTION CONTACT INFO

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

(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