Summer Times 2023

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Welcome to your perfect summer

Welcome to the High Country — where summer is unlike summer anywhere else.

It’s a place we’re happy to call home, and summertime is a season we welcome with open arms. A perfect mixture of sun and climate combine to create an atmosphere of outdoor fun — no matter what your definition of summer fun might be.

From taking a hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway to walking the shop-lined streets of our towns;

from casting a line on the New River to casting a bid on a piece of local artwork; from sharing s’mores around a campfire to sharing a picnic with your family and friends, the options are limited only by your imagination.

Whatever your taste, summers in the High Country are, simply put, perfect. Each year, we offer Summer Times in both print and digitally (www.highcountrync.com) to help you explore those options — and you’ll find more opportunities than ever to embrace the High Country

in this 2023 edition. This 2023 Summer Times delivers a comprehensive, fact-filled rundown of area attractions, activities, galleries, music, theaters and all the High Country has to offer — including extensive sections on the Blue Ridge Parkway, golfing in the High Country and High Country hiking. However you decide to access and use Summer Times, we’re glad you’re here. It’s your High Country summer, and we’re here to help point the way to your next adventure.

Table Of Contents

2023 Summer Times Staff

Gene Fowler Jr.

PUBLISHER

Moss Brennan Jillyan Mobley

Jamie Shell

EDITORS

Johnny Hayes

Meleah Bryan

PRODUCTION

Jeff Winebarger

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Nathan Ham, Jordyn Daniels, Patrick McCormack, Emma Shew, Carli Johnson, Grace Ficara and Jony Apolinar

WRITERS

Tim Walker, Mark Mitchell, Teresa Laws, Austin Fowler, William Becker and Henry Volk SALES

Todd Bush Photography

COVER PHOTO

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

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

Blowing Rock Medical Park

(828) 295-3116

ANIMAL CONTROL

Watauga County Animal Control

(828) 262-1672

Watauga Humane Society

(828) 264-7865

Animal Emergency & Pet Care Clinic of the High Country

(828) 268-2833

Ashe County Animal Control

(336) 982-4060

Avery County Humane Society

(828) 733-9265

Public Transportation in the High Country

BY JONATHAN APOLINAR

Public transportation plays a crucial role in providing accessible and sustainable mobility options for residents and visitors in rural areas like the High Country region in North Carolina. Public transit is usually free or relatively inexpensive to the public. Due to this, it is accessible to people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, such as elders, low-income people, and students, guaranteeing that transportation is not a barrier to mobility.

AppalCART, short for Appalachian Regional Comprehensive Transit, is the primary public transportation provider in Watauga County, serving Boone surrounding areas. AppalCART offers fixedroute bus services as well as paratransit services for individuals with disabilities. The buses are also equipped with bike

racks, making it convenient for passengers to combine cycling with public transit for their commutes.

Avery County Transportation is the public transportation provider in Avery County, offering transportation services to residents and visitors in the area. The

service provides demand-response transportation, which means that passengers need to schedule their trips in advance by calling the Avery County Transportation office. The service operates from Monday to Friday and serves destinations such as medical appointments, shopping centers, and other essential services

Ashe County Transit System is the public transportation provider in Ashe County, offering transportation services to residents and visitors in the county. The service operates fixed-route bus services as well as demand-response transportation. The fixed-route bus service operates on weekdays, providing connections between West Jefferson, Jefferson and serving destinations such as schools, medical facilities, and shopping areas. The demand-response transportation requires passengers to schedule their trips in advance by calling the Ashe

County Transit System office.

One of the greatest advantages of public transportation is the environmental sustainability aspect. By reducing the need for personal vehicles, public transit minimizes air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This encourages a cleaner, healthier environment for the neighborhood and helps the town in its attempts to be sustainable and environmentally friendly. Public transit also encourages social connectedness. It facilitates communication and interaction among individuals, creating a sense of community. As a result of the possibility for passengers to interact and socialize with other travelers, the town as a whole feels more like a community. Public transportation’s social component promotes a more welcoming and inclusive community.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Appalcart getting ready for departure at Library Circle in Boone.

Health care in the High Country

BY JONY APOLINAR

The High Country region in North Carolina faces unique challenges and opportunities in providing quality health care to its communities. With a predominantly rural landscape and geographical barriers, access to health care can be difficult for many residents. In the High Country, health care has been a priority for many years, with some of the best practices and areas for general and specialized medicine available on the mountain.

The High Country region is home to several healthcare facilities that play a crucial role in providing medical services to the communities. Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, a not-forprofit healthcare system, operates two hospitals, Watauga Medical Center in Boone and Cannon Memorial Hospital

in Linville, offering a wide range of services, including primary care, specialty care, surgical services, emergency care, and behavioral health services. Ashe Memorial Hospital, a critical access hospital in Jefferson, provides acute care, emergency care, and other health care services to the residents of Ashe County. Additionally, rural health centers and clinics in the region offer primary care and preventive care services, bridging the gap for underserved populations.

The High Country region offers comprehensive healthcare services to meet the wide range of needs in its communities. Primary care services, including family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics, are available through various healthcare providers in the region, offering preventive care, health screenings, and chronic disease management. Specialty care services, such as

cardiology, orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, and mental health services, are also available through hospitals and specialized clinics.

Providing equitable access to health care in the High Country region can be challenging due to potential geographical barriers, health disparities, and workforce shortages. However, there are opportunities to improve access and delivery by utilizing available healthcare resources such as telehealth services,

rural health centers, and clinics, and promoting preventive care and health education programs. Encouraging healthcare professionals to practice in rural areas can also help address workforce shortages.

By working together and implementing innovative solutions, all residents and visitors of the High Country have access to quality healthcare and better health outcomes.

2022

High Country Chambers of Commerce

Your information connection in the High Country

Alocal chamber of commerce is a vital part to any small town or area, providing support for businesses of all sizes and helping to grow the local economy.

In the High Country, chambers of commerce take on other roles, providing visitors with information they might not see anywhere else. Tapping into the local knowledge and finding the best places to go, a stop by the local chamber is a great way to start a journey anywhere in the High Country.

Ashe County

Chamber of Commerce

Ashe County, home to both 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, as well as hosts multiple summer arts and crafts festival weekends and cosponsors the annual Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival each October.

4501 Tynecastle Hwy. No. 14

Banner Elk, NC 28604

(828) 898-5605

www.averycounty.com

Banner Elk

Chamber of Commerce

Located in the heart of downtown, 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

Chamber of Commerce

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, NC 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

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce is located in downtown Banner Elk at the intersection of Shawneehaw Ave. and Main Street at 100 Main St W.

Visitor resources at High Country Host

BY EMMA SHEW

Halfway between Boone and Blowing Rock there is a quaint Scandinavian style cabin, located just at the base of Appalachian Ski Mountain. Stationed inside this gingerbread-esque house is the High Country Host, the go-to resource for folks looking for information on what to do in the Watauga, Ashe and Avery County.

High Country Host offers a variety of maps, brochures and information in the visitors center, including detailed hiking maps for the dozens of trails in the area.

“If you come up here, it can be overwhelming to see that we have over a hundred trails in our region,” said Candace Cook, tourism marketing director for High Country Host.

Cook also said High Country Host tries to help visitors find trails that match the views they’re looking for as well as their level of expertise.

The Blue Ridge Parkway will also be undergoing extensive construction in the summer of 2023, which will lead to the closure of several popular trails.

“If people are staying in a hotel and think they’re

just going to be able to whiz on the parkway, they really should stop by here first or call us to find out where the closures are going to be that day,” Cook said.

Cook also said that all hotels in the area call and notify them when there are last minute cancellations.

“People can call here if they get to town and find that everything is booked. We have a list of all the hotel cancellations,” Cook said.

High Country Host also organizes a comprehensive community calendar, including events from all sur-

rounding counties and update it online in real time. Physical copies of the calendar are also available at the visitors center.

The High Country Host visitors center is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. They’re located at 6370 US-321, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 and can be reached via phone at (800) 438-7500.

For more information, visit https://highcountryhost.com/home

FILE PHOTO

The High Country Host official regional welcome center is located on Highway 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock.

FILE PHOTO

Brochures for many of the attractions and must-see destinations in the High Country are available for free at High Country Host.

HIGH COUNTRY TOWNS

Stop by these towns to enjoy everything they have to offer

High Country towns are special in many ways. From Newland in Avery County, Blowing Rock in Watauga County and West Jefferson in Ashe County, there’s a little something for everyone. In the summer expect busy roads and main streets, as the High Country is a hot spot for tourism. Don’t worry though, once you find parking, many of these great towns are very walkable and offer great spots to hang out for the day.

Ashe County

JEFFERSON

Jefferson, the county seat of Ashe County, is home to roughly 1,600 residents within the town limits. The town was first founded in 1799 and was named after then Vice President Thomas Jefferson. The town was originally called “Jeffersonton” for a short period of time and originally encompassed approximately 50 acres of land.

Now, Jefferson is home to the Ashe County Courthouse, Ashe County Park, the Ashe County Law Enforcement Center as well as numerous restaurants,

shops and stores. The town also has the restored 1904 Courthouse listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The old courthouse is currently home to the Museum of Ashe County History, right next door to the Jefferson Police Department.

WEST JEFFERSON

The bustling downtown area of West

Jefferson is one of the most popular destinations in Ashe County. West Jefferson currently has around 1,300 residents that live within the town limits and has a wide variety of shops, art galleries, local restaurants and much more that bring tourists to the area. The Ashe County Arts Council calls West Jefferson home, as does the Ashe County Cheese Plant, West Jefferson

Park and the local office of the New River Conservancy.

West Jefferson was first incorporated in 1909 and originally saw much of its growth and popularity increase due to the Virginia Creeper Railroad that passed through downtown.

West Jefferson has numerous events in the downtown area that take place throughout the year. In addition to concerts throughout the spring and summer months, the Christmas in July festival and the Ole Time Antiques Fair in September are two of the largest annual events that take place in Ashe County.

LANSING

Lansing was the third and final town in Ashe County to officially be incorporated. The town of about 130 residents was first incorporated in 1928 and was another major stop along the Virginia Creeper railroad along with West Jefferson, Todd and the community of White Oak. The town has major historical significance to the area as there are

PHOTO BY CHANDA RICHARDSON

During the holiday season, downtown West Jefferson thrives as residents and visitors make their way into local businesses.

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currently five places in the town that are included in the National Register of Historic Places: The Old Lansing School, Perry-Shepherd Farm, Miller Homestead, Clark-Miller Mill and the Lansing Historical District. The population of Lansing within its town limits has dropped throughout the years after the railroad industry ceased in the county. The 1960 census showed 278 people lived in the town while the most recent census in 2020 showed just 126 town residents.

GLENDALE SPRINGS

Located just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Glendale Springs is most well-known for the fresco painting at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and the Glendale Springs Inn & Restaurant, where President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore once dined after a visit to Ashe County in 1998. The Glendale Springs Inn was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. In addition to its easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Glendale Springs is near the New River and offers some beautiful opportunities for enjoying nature.

FLEETWOOD

Fleetwood is located between West Jefferson and Deep Gap and is another of the many small communities in Ashe County that offer easy access to the New River. Whether you want to kayak, canoe or float down the river, areas between Fleetwood and Todd off of Railroad Grade Road are popular places to get into the water. Fleetwood is also home to a brand new fire department right off of U.S. 221.

GRASSY CREEK

The community of Grassy Creek lies right on the state line between North Carolina and Virginia. Grassy Creek is home to The Old Store and features the Grassy Creek Historic District that is part of the National Register of Historic

Places. The historic district was added to the registry in 1976. As you will notice driving through the area, much of the land in Grassy Creek is used for growing Christmas trees.

CRESTON

Creston township can be found in the northwest corner of Ashe County. It is home to Worth’s Chapel, a church that was constructed in the early 1900s and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. A drive through Creston brings you close to the Tennessee state line in one direction. Creston is also home to the Riverview Community Center which holds numerous community events throughout the year and is home to a local fish fry every other week.

LAUREL SPRINGS

The town of Laurel Springs is right on the border of Ashe, Alleghany and Wilkes counties. The town offers quick and easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and is home to several family-owned businesses and the Thistle Meadow Winery that is open in the spring, summer and fall months. Thistle Meadow Winery offers tours and tasting events and an online store to order products if you live outside of the area.

TODD

Todd is a small town shared by Watauga and Ashe counties, nestled in a bend of the South Fork of the New River.

Todd is an area with a rich history, one dating back to nearly 6,000 years ago. According to the Todd Community Preservation Organization, that is when the earliest human activity in the area occurred.

For more recent history, look to the Todd General Store. Before a devastating fire destroyed the store in 2021, Todd General Store was the oldest functional business in Ashe County. The store sold local provisions and merchandise, and is currently on the path to rebuilding.

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As for recreation, the New River — one of only a few rivers in the U.S. to flow North — is the main attraction in Todd, especially in the summer.

private, four-year coeducational liberal arts college founded in 1900 and is affiliated with Presbyterian Church U.S.A., with more than 900 students from more than 20 states and countries. The old stone buildings, some of which are currently being renovated and restored, are nestled across campus to make for a photographer’s delight.

Go fly fishing, kayaking or tubing with one of the several river outfitters in the Todd area, such as RiverGirl or Wahoo’s.

Anyone wanting to explore on their own should check out Green Valley Community Park. The park features playground equipment, playing fields, a paved walking track, a picnic shelter, restrooms, a canoe ramp, hiking trails and access to the New River. Being one of the smaller towns in the High Country, Todd is a close-knit community. To connect with nature (and friendly locals), be sure to check it out.

Avery County

BANNER ELK

The mountain town of Banner Elk lies between two major ski attractions, and has grown from a tiny hamlet to a town offering year-round amenities and memorable vacations for the entire family.

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Banner Elk is home to Lees-McRae College, a small,

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 in the town park during summer or within various venues in all seasons, 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 revel in nature’s beauty, from slopes to hiking trails to wineries and waterfalls.

Banner Elk also offers many cultural happenings, with a celebrated summer theater program by LeesMcRae College and numerous 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

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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people annually on every third weekend in October.

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 summer comes, it’s a great place to go biking as the ski resort offers a bike park. Even on the hottest day of the summer, it’s cool atop the peaks of the 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, with 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. In warmer weather, there are nearby canoe and raft runs that are among the best offered in the Eastern United States, while in the cool of winter there are skiing and snowboarding opportunities, as well as the town’s very own sledding hill near town hall. Nightlife is alive and well on the mountain. Whatever your musical taste, you can find a spot to enjoy an afterhours 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. Not to mention it’s only a short drive from the “downtown” area 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 Marjorie Williams Academy, founded by doctors Eustace and Mary Martin Sloop.

The Sloops traveled the steep dirt trails in isolated mountain valleys to bring medicine to the people and convince farmers to let their children come to school. Because of poverty and distance, the Sloop school in Crossnore eventually took in boarders and built dormitories to accommodate them.

It gained a national reputation for effectiveness in changing lives and in breaking the cycle of poverty, moonshine and child marriages of mountain families. Mary Martin Sloop eventually put these tales to paper in her autobiography “Miracle in the Hills,” 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, Williams 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

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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 mural wall, 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.

In 2013, Elk Park opened its new town hall facility to the public adjacent to its town park named after longtime former mayor Lucille Winters.

Elk Park is also the home of Trosly Farm and The Liar’s Table Restaurant. Owners Amos and Kaci Nidiffer were named 2020 North Carolina Small Farmers of the Year by NC A&T State University Cooperative Extension. For more information, call Elk Park Town Hall at (828) 733-9573.

LINVILLE

The community of Linville is located just south of the intersection of U.S. 221 and N.C. 105 in Avery County. The community was founded in 1883, designed by Samuel T. Kelsey of Kansas and named for William and John Linville, who were reportedly killed by Cherokees in 1766.

East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad passed through the community from 1916 through 1940, when a major flood washed away the tracks. The old rail route later became N.C. 105 in 1956.

Linville has three country clubs in the area: Eseeola, Grandfather Golf and Country Club and Linville Ridge, 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, tennis and pickleball courts and amenities.

A number of residents reside at Land Harbor part time, while others stay year-round to enjoy the beauty of the area’s four seasons.

During the winter months, Linville is only a short drive to nearby ski slopes 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.

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 approximately 700 residents, Newland succeeded over three other areas for the honor of county seat. The recently renovated courthouse, originally constructed in 1913, overlooks a classic town square, bordered by shops and churches and complete with a memorial to Avery County veterans.

Adjacent to the courthouse building is the original jail, which has been converted into the Avery County Historical Museum. Exhibits in the museum, which is free to visit, include the original jail cells, numerous artifacts and information about the history of Avery County.

During the summer and fall months, visitors can check out the farmers market that meets on Saturday mornings outside of Newland Elementary School, and visitors traveling out of town can picnic or hike at Waterfalls Park, a

unique recreation spot sponsored by Newland Volunteer Fire Department. Just outside of Newland is Mountain Glen Golf Club. The club consists of the 18-hole golf course, clubhouse with large upstairs dining facility for special events or occasions, pro shop, snack bar, driving range, golf shed and putting green. Another popular location near town is Heritage Park, which houses the Avery County Cooperative Extension office and community building and hosts everything from rodeo events on weekends during the summer to concerts and functions. The location also serves as 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.

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PHOTO SUBMITTED

Traffic was steady with visitors as Fork in the Road, Sips Soda Shop and Diggy Donuts all set up in the old Lowes parking lot for Newland’s Food Truck Night. Newland hosts several such events through the year.

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”

The High Country’s Best Choice for Event Catering

• Creativity, passion and culinary excellence

• Parties of all sizes

• In-home catering

• Fully insured and licensed

• Largest mobile kitchen in the High Country

The High Country’s Best Vacation Rentals

• One main lodge and three cabins with mountain views

• Up to 6 bedrooms available

• Event barn, picnic pavilion, open field, meandering streams, and ponds all onsite

• Located in the heart of Sugar and Beech Mountains, with proximity to all High Country attractions

• Pet-friendly

The High Country’s Best Space for Gatherings

• Vacations, weddings, family reunions, church events, and business retreats

• Newly built barn with 1,700 sq. ft., and 18-ft. high ceilings

• Barn equipped with a complete catering kitchen

• 1,750 sq. ft. outdoor pavilion with fire pit

• Lodge and cabin rentals

• Fields, streams, and ponds

TOWNS

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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, Har-tru clay. Men’s, women’s, and mixed play “friendly’s’’ 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 round trip scenic chairlift ride to the top for panoramic views.

On the Fourth of July, ride the lift for a bird’s-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 two weekends (July 14-16 and Aug. 11-13, 2023).

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 within five 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.

Watauga County

BOONE

Boone is the county seat of Watauga County and is affectionately known as “The Heart of the High Country.”

Boone is the hometown of Appalachian State University, the sixth-largest school in the NC public university system with more than 20,000 students. With the mix of students, tourists and easy-going locals, there’s something for everyone in Boone.

Downtown Boone hosts a unique collection of local boutiques and businesses. For funky handpicked second-hand clothes, head over to Anna Bananas on King Street. For a unique shopping experience at a family owned and operated business since 1924, check out The Shoppes at Farmers. There, you can find anything from jewelry, to art, toys and more.

Tired of shopping? Kick back at one of Boone’s many breweries, many of which host live music and events in the evenings. Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Booneshine, and Lost Province Brewing Co. are a few local favorites for a brew and a bite to eat.

The Jones House, a historic home

SEE TOWNS ON PAGE 24

TOWNS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

turned local cultural center in downtown Boone, also hosts live music on weekends. They feature musicians of all genres, spanning from jazz to bluegrass and everything in between. In June of 2022, the Jones House was one of three stages set up for the inaugural Boonerang Music Festival. The weekendlong, free event attracted thousands of people downtown to enjoy music, art, food and beer all provided by people with ties to the town of Boone. The festival will again take place this June.

For those interested in Boone’s bluegrass traditions, check out the Doc Watson “Man of the People” statue located on King Street. Doc Watson was a famous guitarist and bluegrass musician local to Boone. Watson won seven Grammy awards and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award during his active years. Though he passed away in 2012, his celebrity and spirit is alive and well in Boone.

For shopping, good food, good music, and definitely good times, Boone is the place to be. For more information, visit www.townofboone.net.

BLOWING ROCK

Don’t be fooled by the small size of Blowing Rock — there’s enough natural beauty for a lifetime in the just threesquare mile town.

The town’s name comes from the rocky cliff overlooking Johns River Gorge where it is said the winds blow in such a way that light objects falling from the rock float back up, almost like a boomerang.

Anyone wishing to experience the phenomenon and learn some the rich Indigenous history of the town can visit the attraction located on The Rock Road.

The small portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway that falls into the town’s limits include beautiful hikes and views like those at Moses Cone Manor and Julian Price Park. Visitors can find the same beauty off of the Parkway at Bass Lake

Trail and Broyhill Park.

For those seeking educational enrichment, the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum is a year-round museum that houses exhibitions and programs celebrating and remembering the culture, history and traditions of the Appalachian region displayed throughout time in the High Country. The museum is just moments away from the bustling sidewalks of downtown Blowing Rock. Numerous shops, restaurants and hotels line the picturesque sidewalks with options ranging from casual to high-end available for all accommodations.

From hiking to gallery viewing to enjoying a spa day at the hotel, Blowing Rock crams a lot into its small stature. For more information, visit www.blowingrock.com.

SEVEN DEVILS

Seven Devils sits between Banner Elk and Boone. Moments away from Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and Valle Crucis, it is the perfect place to stop and rest amidst the mountains.

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 frivo-

lous, mischievous resort where people could experience the temptation of Seven Devils.”

Sugar Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, and Beech Mountain surround the elevated town. For those looking to adventure, take a trek to Otter Falls. The trail is a 0.6-mile hike to the falls, in total the hike is 1.2 miles, including the way back. The trail encourages those going to the falls to bring furry friends to hike alongside.

The town is growing with new additions such as plans for a new community center and trails. The new trail would connect existing trails, Otter Falls and Peak Mountain Trail, and would end near the Seven Devils Resort Club. Separate plans to create a trail that connects Bear Paw State Preserve to the town and bike trails are in the works as well.

The town of Seven Devils was established in the 1960s, the town has continued to adapt and grow while maintaining a commitment to their community.

For more information, visit www. sevendevils.net/.

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 set-

tler 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. 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. For more information, visit www.vallecrucis.com.

FOSCOE

Tucked between Boone and Banner Elk is the unincorporated community of Foscoe. Although small, the community is packed with opportunities to shop, dine and explore.

Shopping includes antiques at Front Porch Antique Marker, souvenirs and sundry at Bear Creek Traders, ceramics and porcelain at Maggie Black Pottery and custom blades at Winkler Knives. Interested in outdoor fun? Check out Foscoe Fishing Company, or pan for gold with the Greater Foscoe Mining Company.

Soups, sandwiches, sweets and more are on offer at The Dog House Cafe, while at Country Retreat Family Billiards burgers and shooting pool is on the menu. Foscoe is also home to some of the most gorgeous mountain scenery in the High Country, including the famous profile views of Grandfather Mountain.

For more information, visit www. foscoenc.com.

Valle Crucis Community Park began charging to off-set park maintenance on July 24. This crowd photo was taken during a Music in the Valle concert from 2016.

Collected Culture: BRAHM

BY JORDYN DANIELS

Established in 2011, the Blowing Rock Art and History museum has worked tirelessly to showcase the history of Blowing Rock and cultivate a space to share art with the community.

Throughout the year BRAHM holds a variety of events and programs for people within the community of all ages. BRAHM’s programs for children include multiple summer camps and several clubs. The summer camps are for children ages seven to 12, and vary based off of the specific program.

This summer, BRAHM will host one of the largest and most unique collections of art organized by the GHS Art Collection Inc. in association with the Gardenia High School Student Body from California. The exhibition called “GIFTED: Collecting the Art of California at Gardena High School, 19191956” has a strange origin. In 1919, the high school’s principal prompted the students to purchase local works of art to hang in the school, leading years of collecting art in California. The collection of work which highlights the American impressionist movement and was curated by Susan Anderson.

“The California impressionism movement was important in the development of American Impressionism, the American vernacular art, all that stuff. These work it’s called the California or the Gardena High School collection because starting in 1919 this high school had the idea to buy art, every year a senior class would buy pieces of art. Now they have this incredible collection. And we’re going to be the site of the first time this collection will be exhibited on the East Coast,” said Willard Watson, BRAHM’s program and outreach director.

The collection will exhibit more than 40 paintings demonstrating early to mid 20th century style and technique.

The exhibition will be viewable from June 20 through Dec. 30. The exhibition is supported by the Miriam & Robert Hayes Charitable Foundation with additional funding provided by Our State Magazine.

The annual Plein Air Festival will return to BRAHM August 15-19. Artists from all over the nation travel to join the festivities, painting onsite across the mountainous area surround the Blowing Rock. Artists can then submit two pieces of work from the festival to be hung in the museum, called the Wet Paint Exhibit. Community members are encouraged to purchase the work. Artist have the option to leave the art hanging in the exhibition for up to two months if the art is not sold during the

wet paint sale.

“It’s just a chance to support living artists and his work the creation of art in the High Country. And the museum was founded around a collection of artwork from the artists Elliot Daingerfield, who came to this area for painting and plein air painting.” Watson said.

BRAHMS’s mission is to provide cultural enrichment. By promoting the arts and southern Appalachian heritage and history, educational programs, exhibitions, activities and permanent collections, according to the website. The museum is the only art and history museum in the High Country, and one of the only free admittance institutions in the area.

“There’s no cost, because we see it as

our responsibility to educate the public about this area southern Appalachia has such as a history of misrepresentation and stereotyping, that people that are from here can grow up with a negative perception of their home or of themselves, because of the stereotypes that exist,” Watson said, “By having an institution that puts the culture and history of the region at the forefront, and using it as our responsibility to present historical facts right, when people come here, if they’re a tourist, this might be the only place that they come in contact with Appalachian history and not the caricatures that they see.”

For more information on the museum visit www.blowingrockmuseum. org/

PHOTO BY JORDYN DANIELS

BRAHM has several gallery spaces and viewing platforms throughout the museum.

Mystery Hill celebrates 75 years

BY JORDYN DANIELS

In May of 1948 Mystery Hill opened its doors to the people of the High Country. Located just outside of Boone, Mystery Hill is open all summer long for family fun.

This tourist attraction has grown around a mysterious gravitation anomaly, where water flows up hills and dizzying attractions are ready to be experienced. A plethora of indoor and outdoor attractions are available 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

“Most locals think of (Mystery Hill) as the place to bring guests when they are in town. That’s why we do annual passes, we get a lot of local folks who have annual passes because they bring visitors in with them,” CEO Matthew Underwood said, “For $10 more than the regular ticket you can get a ticket to get you access all

year long. Plus discounts off of guests, discounts off of food, and discounts off of merchandise.”

Mystery Hill offers so much to explore, including a tomahawk hill, bull riding, period costume photos, shopping and more. Located along the Middlefork Greenway, rental pedal cars are available for people to use. Eventually the rental pedal cars can be taken all the way to the Boone Greenway and Blowing Rock when the greenway is expanded.

An escape room is coming to Mystery Hill by late summer, or early fall. The escape room will be based on theories of aliens that some have speculated due to the gravitational anomaly. Full details will be available later into the season.

At Prospector Hill Gem Mining, people of all ages can purchase a bucket of up to four pounds of gems and gravel to hand sort. An option of purchasing a bucket with 10 pounds of real fossils is also available. A dig site is available for children to live out big dreams of becoming an archeologist. Children are given tools to brush away sand to find arrowheads, that they can keep.

The largest selection of old fashioned sodas are available year round — up to 168 options for those looking for a classic syrupy sweet beverage. If it is too hard to choose, purchasing a a mix and match six pack is an alternative. For those who need more than a beverage

can pick up lunch at Front Porch Eats, the onsite restaurant with a variety of options, including mason jar milkshakes, soft baked pretzels, nachos, and more. There are four retail sites on the grounds. There is a main gift shop with a multitude of items with more than souvenirs available. The gift shop at Prospector Hill Gem Mine has earth science gifts and the museum has a gift shop that has historical related gifts. Finally for the bull riding area, there is a western theme gift shop available.

For more information visit Mystery Hill’s website at mysteryhill.com or call (828) 264-2792

Care WITH Confidence

PHOTO BY JORDYN DANIELS Indoors, visitors will find a backdrop for period costume photos.

Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather gears up for Summer

BY GRACE FICARA

With summer just around the corner, Sarah Lowery, director of communications for Grandfather Mountain, discussed potential opportunities for visitors wanting to experience the beauty of the mountain.

The Hugh Morton photo exhibit is included with the price of admission and displays the founder of Grandfather’s famous photography in the newly constructed Classroom in the Clouds,, located in the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, which opened last summer. Currently only open on weekends, the exhibit will be open to the public through the end of May.

Other activities included with admission consist of daily programming like keeper talks, where guests can speak with park educators and hopefully receive a glimpse of the habitat animals, and also visit the community science weather program, which spotlights the ebbs and flows of “top of the mountain” weather.

Additionally, there are animal encounters, where guests can come face to face with wildlife like snakes and opossums and a junior naturalist program for the younger visitors to make scientific observations.

For those who choose a more personal experience; hiking trails, picnic tables and leisurely walking trails are available to guests, the top of the mountain is generally accessible through car and access to the swinging bridge is made easy through an elevator.

Halfway up the mountain, guests can stop at the Wilson Center and explore Grandfather through a “self-guided experience.” Approximately every 30 minutes, a Grandfather Mountain documentary plays at the center in the ADA accessible theater for guests to relax and learn more about the mountain.

“The other thing about Grandfather

that is so great is that we make nature and the views and all that accessible to basically everyone,” said Lowery.

Special experiences are also available for guests to register at an additional cost, which range from a “Meet the Bears” experience to “Paint with an Otter,” where guests watch otter’s frolic through non-toxic paint and get to take the otter artwork home.

“You can’t go wrong,” Lowery said. “There’s something for everyone.” For more information on events, guests can visit www.grandfather.com/eventcalendar. Registration for special experiences can be found at www. grandfather.com/experiences and daily programming at www.grandfather. com/daily-programs.

FILE PHOTO

A look from Grandfather Mountain.

PHOTO BY LUKE BARBER | GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION

Fanny May, a black bear with a big personality, came to live at Grandfather Mountain in 2021. Fanny really enjoys playing in her pond, rubbing herself all over fun scents such as Old Spice and musky perfumes and playing with all her toys.

Soaring through the High Country on a zipline tour

BY CARLI JOHNSON

Here in the High Country, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers expansive views that extend for miles and a day on the trail allows for an up-close experience of our diverse ecosystem. But what other ways can visitors experience the beauty of these Appalachian Mountains?

For an exciting adventure, try soaring through the treetops on a zipline. There’s nothing quite like taking in the scenery by gliding effortlessly through the cool mountain air. A thrilling adventure like this is sure to be a memorable experience for families and visitors alike.

There are three main outfitters in the High Country that provide a fun and safe outdoor adventure. Hawksnest Zipline in Seven Devils, High Gravity Adventures

and Sky Valley Zip Tours of Blowing Rock.

HAWKSNEST ZIPLINE

About 10 miles outside Boone is Hawksnest Zipline. Originally a ski resort and golf course, this outfitter has worn many hats since opening in 1964. Hawksnest ski season officially ended in 2008 when it switched its focus to creating the East Coast’s largest snow tubing park. Shortly after, in 2009, it added a zipline course to its resume.

Here, there are three different ziplining trips to choose from: the Hawk Tour, the Eagle Tour and the Do It All Tour. The Hawk Tour is the most popular option for visitors. For two hours, adventurers will travel on 11 cables for a total of 1.5 miles through the sky. This is the more scenic route and is a great option

WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING

Among the items that staff recommend to bring and wear for 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 a tour.

for families and first-time zipliners. Participants must be at least five years of age and children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For this tour, riders cannot be more than 250

High Gravity Adventure’s Zip Line Tour will take riders through its Blue Ridge Course to experience high-flying fun.

ZIPLINE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

pounds, and there is no weight minimum.

The Eagle Tour takes about two hours to complete as participants will be soaring through nine cables for a total of three miles. This tour features two cables more than 2,000 feet long and a suspension bridge. It is recommended that adventurers on this tour have some zipline experience and are relatively physically fit. At certain points, participants will be zooming around 200 feet above the ground.

Finally, the Do It All Tour combines the Hawk and Eagle Tours for a total of 20 cables, four mega zips and three swinging bridges. This four-hour trip is an exciting adventure for visitors looking for a thrilling experience through the High Country.

Both the Eagle Tour and the Do It All Tour require participants to be at least eight years old and a minimum of 80 pounds. Riders cannot exceed 220 pounds.

Hawksnest Zipline requires reservations for each trip. To make a reservation visit www.hawksnestzipline.com or call (828) 963-6561.

SKY VALLEY ZIP TOURS

Tucked away on more than 140 acres of serene mountain landscape is Sky

ZIP LINE ATTRACTIONS IN 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

Valley Zip Tours. Located about 15 minutes from Blowing Rock, Sky Valley immerses participants from start to finish. The tours they offer are the Canopy Tour, Kid Zip and the Night Flight.

The Canopy Tour enthusiastically starts off with an ATV ride that takes you through the river and up the mountain to get to the first zipline destination. Before riders set off into the sky, they will zip through a training course to prepare for the adventure to come.

While up in the air, participants will have the chance to take a leap of faith and cliff jump. The jump descends back to the earth before embarking on the final leg of the tour. But that’s not all, a 120-foot-long swinging bridge extends 50 feet in the air overlooking a tall cascading waterfall.

If that isn’t exciting enough, Sky Valley also offers a Night Flight tour. This tour covers the first five cables of the Canopy Tour. The platforms are lit and participants will have headlamps to illuminate their path through the trees. The tour ends with the cliff jump where the ATV will bring them back to the Zip Shack.

The nighttime tours are available on select weekends after dark and take about an hour and a half to complete while the Canopy Tour is three hours long. It is important to note that for both tours, participants must be 10 years or older and between 70 and 250 pounds.

The Kid Zip turns the thrill of the adult-tour into a kid-sized option that offers seven zip lines, a bridge and a 20-foot slide. Participating children must be between the ages of 4 and 18 years old, less than the height of 5 ‘6’’ and less than 180 pounds. Riders also must be able to reach up and touch 48 inches high.

Sky Valley encourages booking your tour in advance but walk-ins are welcome on a first-come first-serve basis. For more information visit www. skyvalleyziptours.com.

HIGH GRAVITY ADVENTURES

This adventure park is jam-packed with opportunities for fun in the air.

The park officially opened in 2015 with the completion of the Aerial Adventure Park. In 2017, the High Altitude Zip Line Tour was added. The park currently has four different adventures to choose from: zip, climb, swing or combine them all for the ultimate adventure.

The two- hour zipline tour travels across five cables with one 70- foot freefall. This adventure starts off slow and builds in speed as you go. If speed is not on your agenda, no worries. High Gravity has a slow-moving rappel option for those who want it.

Purchase of the zip tour will also give participants access to the ground-level Ninja Course. Participants must be 7 years or older and weigh a minimum of 75 pounds. The maximum weight for this course is 265 pounds.

The Aerial Adventure Park has two options: the Foothills Park and Zipline and the Blue Ridge Park. Both parks give participants access to the Ninja course as well.

The Foothills Park is ideal for the young adventurers. The park features 13 aerial obstacles and three kid-friendly zip lines. The ticket supplies kids with two hours of adventure time. This park is open to children ages 4 and older. All participants must have a minimum reach height of 5’3” or be accompanied by a guest who does.

The Blue Ridge Park goes the extra mile with 64 obstacles and four rappels. For three hours of fun, guests can traverse swinging logs, sky bridges, spiderwebs and more. Participants must be 7 years old or older and have a reach height of 6’1” or be accompanied by a guest who does.

The three person giant swing is the final attraction and it’s exactly what it sounds like. At four stories tall, three people are harnessed into the giant swing for a wild ride. Each ticket includes two swings and participants must be at least 48 inches tall.

If you can’t pick just one adventure, do not fret. High Gravity offers the Ultimate Adventure package that bundles it all together for a chance to zip, climb and swing. Age restrictions and weight requirements apply and vary depending on the attraction.

For more information on High Gravity Adventures call (828) 201-2507 or visit www.highgravityadventures.com.

Come fly through the High Country this summer with any one of these local outdoor adventures. As with all outdoor activities, visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and often required to wear closed toed shoes. The mountain weather can be unpredictable and change on a dime. It is advised to be prepared for anything and bring layers or rain gear depending on the forecast.

FILE PHOTO

Flying high over the hills and dales of the High Country, zipline tours offer a unique way of taking in the area’s beautiful views.

67TH ANNUAL

67TH ANNUAL

Exploring High Country attractions

BY JONY APOLINAR

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, the High Country region is known for its stunning landscapes, charming small towns, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The region offers an array of attractions that draw visitors year-round. From scenic vistas to cultural landmarks.

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES

Rising majestically to an elevation of 5,946 feet, Grandfather Mountain is a world-renowned landmark and a haven for nature enthusiasts. The iconic “Mile High Swinging Bridge” offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and the rugged hiking trails cater to various skill levels. The Nature Museum and Animal Habitats provide opportunities to learn about the diverse flora and fauna of the region, making Grandfather Mountain a must-see attraction for outdoor lovers and families alike.

The town of Blowing Rock is known for its vibrant downtown area filled with unique shops, art galleries, and eateries. The famous Blowing Rock itself is a natural wonder where visitors can experience the unusual phenomenon of strong winds that seem to blow upwards. The scenic Glen Burney Trail, which leads to a series of waterfalls, is a popular hiking spot, and the nearby Moses H. Cone Memorial Park offers opportunities for leisurely strolls amidst beautiful meadows and historic buildings.

Dubbed “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic highway that winds through the High Country, offering unparalleled vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The parkway is a gateway to countless outdoor adventures, including hiking, biking, and camping, as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing and picnicking. The fall season along the parkway is particularly spectacular, draw-

ing visitors from all over the country to witness the vibrant display of colors.

Located in Blowing Rock, Tweetsie Railroad is a beloved family-friendly attraction that takes visitors on a nostalgic journey back to the Wild West. The park features a historic narrow-gauge steam locomotive that offers scenic rides through the mountains, as well as a variety of entertaining shows, rides, and games. From panning for gold to meeting costumed cowboys and cowgirls, Tweetsie Railroad is a unique blend of history and amusement that delights visitors of all ages.

Located at an altitude of 3,333 feet in Boone, Appalachian State University is a thriving educational and cultural hub in the High Country. The campus is home to a wide range of cultural events, including concerts, plays, and art exhibitions, as well as sporting events that draw enthusiastic crowds. The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, located on campus, is a premier art museum in the region, showcasing contemporary art from regional and national artists.

Don’t forget to swing by Ashe County and visit some of the great towns the area

SEE ATTRACTIONS ON PAGE 39

PHOTO COURTESY FOOTHILLS CONSERVANCY

The view from the Blowing Rock attraction.

ATTRACTIONS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38

has to offer. West Jefferson has plenty to offer including the Old Barn Winery and Vineyards, which opened just last year. Visitors at the Old Barn Winery are typically treated to live music and food trucks on the weekends, along with lots of great conversations with friends, family and other visitors that want to enjoy a nice glass of wine. Old Barn Winery offers a wide variety of white wines, red wines and rosé wines. Visitors also can’t forget to visit Ashe County Cheese and see how cheese is made!

These are just a few of the many attractions that the High Country has to offer. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a tranquil escape in the mountains, the High Country has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the natural beauty and rich heritage of this breathtaking region in North Carolina’s Appalachian Mountains.

PHOTO BY BOB GRIFFIN

The big cows in front of Ashe County Cheese.

Fun things to do locally

BY GRACE FICARA

Come one, come all. Here are a dozen things to do in the High Country in the summer prior to the chill of fall!

TWEETSIE RAILROAD. Have fun with friends and family at this wild west themed amusement park, Open Saturday, Sunday and Memorial Day Monday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information on events and specialized hours visit https://tweetsie. com/plan-your-visit/sch edule.

HIGH GRAVITY ADVENTURES. Zip, swing, and adventure your way through High Gravity Adventures, sure to be fun for the whole family. For more information visit https://www.highgravityadventures. com/ or call (828) 266-0176. Summer hours begin May 26.

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN | BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY. Grandfather Mountain is an attraction for people of all ages. Check out the Wilson Center, animal habitats, visit the Mile-High Swinging Bridge and Top Shop, and more. Running alongside Grandfather Mountain, a portion of the 469-mile-long Blue Ridge Parkway meanders, including the last portion of the parkway to be constructed, the Linn Cove Viaduct, in the 1980s. For more information, visit www.grandfather.com.

MYSTERY HIL L. Come experience the gravitational anomaly at Mystery Hill in Blowing Rock along

with historic artifacts, bubble science and other attractions to keep you entertained all day long. Learn more about the mystery at https://mysteryhill.com/.

HORN IN THE WEST. Go back in time with outdoor theater and learn about the High Country during the 18th century revolutionary war period. Check out the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum while you are there. The 2023 season will be announced soon and performances will run Tuesday through Sundays at 8 p.m. Take a blast to the past here https://www. horninthewest.com/about-horn-inthe-west-outdoor-drama.

HIGH COUNTRY LANES. Striking fun for the whole family, High Country L anes offers bowling, a bar and food. With something for everyone, book a party or go for a few hours. Hours vary by day, click the link to get rolling www.highcountrylanes.com/contact/ or call (828) 264-3166.

WILDERNESS RUN AL PINE COASTER. Take a ride with the help of gravity thanks to the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, located at 3229 Tynecastle Highway near Sugar Mountain Resort. The attraction features a 2, 930-foot track, including 2,160 feet of down track, which includes full left and right looping turns, a u-turn and a three-quarter turn. Riders control the speed of the ride through a brake system, but can reach speeds up to 27 miles per hour. The ride starts and ends in the same spot.

Wilderness Run has also recently added the Wilderness Run Adventure

FILE PHOTO

The view from the top of the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster down the tracks.

FUN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40

Course, a unique climbing experience for those that dare to climb thru the 28 obstacles. For more information or to plan a visit, click to www.wildernessrunalpinecoaster.com.

FOGGY MOUNTAIN GEM

MINE. Gems for the whole family! Fun and educational, mining for gems is the gift that keeps on giving. Choose your bucket size and get to searching through the rough or use Foggy’s provided water flume for an easier experience! For more information on your gem adventure, call (828) 963-4367 or visit www.foggymountaingems. com/contact-foggy-mountain-gemmine-in-boone-nc/.

MYSTERIUM ESCAPE ADVENTURE. Escape the heat by escaping one of their many different interactive escape rooms! Located in the heart of Boone, this will surely be an exciting adventure for everyone. For more

information, call (828) 865-0009.

DANIEL BOONE NATIVE

GARDENS. Located at 651 Horn In the West Drive, this is a walk through nature unlike any other. Come experience the beauty of Boone in a relaxed and peaceful setting. $5 entry donation. For more, visit https://www. danielboonenativegardens. org/.

WAHOO’S ADVENTURES. Take a ride on the wild side with river tubing at Wahoo’s Adventures. Tubing, rafting, camping and so much more, this is an experience that will be unforgettable as you float through the best nature has to offer. To book online, visit www.wahoosadventures. com/watauga-river-outpost/.

BOONE GOLF CLUB. Members and non-members have the option to book tee times 24/7 on their website. Enjoy a day of golf besides some of the best views the High Country has to offer! For more information call (828) 264-8760 or visit https://www. boonegolfclub.com/more-info/directions.

Handmade arts and crafts from select local and regional artists

PHOTO SUBMITTED

A Horn in the West production as part of its 70th-year celebration in 2022.

Festivals Galore

Celebrating the unique cultures of the High Country

BY JILLYAN MOBLEY

The rich culture of the High Country comes to full light each summer with the wide variety of festivals celebrating the many things that makes the Appalachian region so special.

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 during the summer season. Events can be subject to change, so it’s recommended to consult event websites and area chambers of commerce for the most up-to-date details to guide your visit.

Blowing Rock Art in the Park (June 10, July 15, Aug. 12, Sept. 9 and Oct. 7)

Since 1962 Art in the Park has showcased the talent of local artists and craftspeople, but over the years the event has grown exponentially. Now hosting dozens of local and regional vendors, tourists and residents alike fill the streets of Blowing Rock to purchase handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, paintings and more.

Art in the Park’s high standards and professional jury attract artisans from across the Southeast to exhibit in the series of six shows, May through October. The quality of work draws thousands to town to enjoy the all-day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., experience.

For more information, visit www. blowingrock.com/artinthepark/.

High Country Jazz Festival (June 8-11)

Appalachian Theatre hosts the High Country Jazz Festival in Boone and Blowing Rock as a collaborative project to celebrate the exceptional jazz in the area. The event attracts regional audiences to raise money to support the arts and educational programs at the Appalachian Theatre, App State Jazz Studies Program and Boone Sunrise Rotary that sustains and enriches the culture of the High Country.

With award-winning artists performing at event venues, restaurants, hotels and museums across Boone and Blowing Rock, the weekend is filledto-the-brim with chances to explore this important aspect of Appalachian

history.

For more information, visit www. highcountryjazzfestival.org.

Boonerang Music and Arts Festival (June 15-17)

After the success of its inaugural year, Boonerang is back with the weekendlong event that celebrates Boone! The free downtown street festival brings Boone-connected artists and fans together for a community homecoming.

From June 15 to 17, nearly 30 musical artists will perform across five downtown stages. Dancing through the streets is not only allowed but encouraged, especially at the newly established Dance Stage.

Artisan vendors, food trucks, a beer garden, restaurants and stores will be open to shop for all wants and needs while hotels, bed and breakfasts and short-term rentals offer a place to rest after a day in the sun.

For more information, visit www. boonerangfest.com.

Roan Mountain Tenn. Rhododendron Festival (June 17-18)

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

PHOTO BY DANIEL SMITH Pipers clad in rain gear march during the Parade of the Tartans, playing “Scotland the Brave” at the 2022 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

FESTIVALS

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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.

For more information, visit www. roanmountain.com.

An Appalachian Summer Festival — Boone (month of July)

An Appalachian Summer Festival is a month-long whirlwind of music, dance, theater, visual arts and film program-

ming that has emerged as one of the nation’s leading regional arts festivals. The festival features a full schedule and features nearly 30 days of performances on App State’s campus, starting July 1. For more information, visit www. appsummer.org.

Art on the Greene — Banner Elk (July 1-2, Aug. 5-6 & Sept. 2-3)

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. 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.

Master craftsmen from all over the eastern U.S. will be demonstrating and selling their work, as a wide 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.

For more information, visit www. townofbannerelk.org/beshows.

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games (July 6-9)

The annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games will be held from July 6 to 9 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.

For more information, visit www. gmhg.org.

Fine Arts and Master Crafts Festivals (July 14-16 and Aug. 11-13)

SEE FESTIVALS ON PAGE 46

AREA CHAMBERS PROVIDE KEY UPDATED INFO ON SUMMER FESTIVALS

Among the most important resources to determine information on upcoming festival events is the area chambers of commerce for the High Country. The chambers are the “boots on the ground” when it comes to knowing the latest details about whether events will take place, restrictions, local accommodations and more. The following is a list of area chambers of commerce and contact information.

Ashe County Chamber of Commerce: (336) 343-2743

Avery County Chamber of Commerce: (828) 898-5605

Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce: (828) 898-8395

Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce: (828) 387-9283

Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce: (800) 295-7851

Boone Chamber of Commerce: (828) 264-2225

FESTIVALS

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Sugar Mountain Resort hosts a pair of Fine Arts and Master Crafts Festivals in the months of July and August. The juried festivals feature a gathering of unique handcrafted wares from fine artists and master crafters who create photographs, paintings, jewelry , sculptures, pottery, fiber art, 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, visit averycounty.com/chamber-events/fine-artmaster-crafts-festivals.

Doc & Rosa Lee Watson Musicfest ‘n Sugar Grove (July 15)

The Cove Creek Preservation and De-

velopment Commission celebrates the rich culture of bluegrass, folk and oldtime music in Appalachia with a music festival each year. Starting in 1998 with headliner and legend Dox Watson, the festival is now also in honor of the artist’s impact on the High Country.

The festival features more than a dozen performers and a wide array of arts and food vendors. The July 15 event will take place at the Historic Cove Creek School from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www. docwatsonmusicfest.org.

Chetola Symphony by the Lake — Blowing Rock (July 21)

Experience a moving performance by the Symphony of the Mountains, surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge by Chetola Lake under the evening sky. Bring a picnic to enjoy with friends and family, or purchase meals from caterers at the event before enjoying a spectacular fireworks show to end the evening. For more information, visit www.

ON PAGE 48

PHOTO COURTESY OF AVERY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Artistic pieces are featured at the Fine Arts and Master Craft Festival. SEE FESTIVALS

FESTIVALS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46

symphonybythelake.com.

Ashe County Bluegrass and OldTime Fiddlers Convention (July 28-29)

The Ashe County Arts Council is committed to preserving and honoring the musical heritage of the community, and what better way to do that than with a super weekend of music! Any proceeds from the Fiddlers Convention are used to support the Junior Appalachian Musicians Program. JAM provides instruction at the Ashe Civic Center in fiddle, banjo and guitar for students in grades three through eight.

The annual Fiddlers Convention will be held at Ashe County Park July 28 and 29, rain or shine. The weekend will be filled with individual instrumental and band competitions with $4,350 in prize money for the winners, a Friday evening concert with local groups, food, craft vendors and instrument makers, and good times for musicians and audience members alike.

For more information, visit www. ashecountyarts.org/fiddlers-fest/.

NC Mineral and Gem Festival

(Aug. 3 to 6)

The North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival is celebrating its 64 year as one of the oldest and most popular mineral and gem shows in the country from August 3 to 6. 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, visit www. ncgemfest.com.

High Country Beer Fest (Aug. 26)

The 16th Annual High Country Beer Fest will host 25 breweries and an anticipated 1,700 people on August 26 at the High Country Fairground.

Two ounce samples will be given out with the only payment needed is to enter the festival. Merchandise and food will be available for purchase and three bands will take the stage to set the mood for the fun-filled day.

For more information, visit www. hcbeerfest.com.

Mile-High Kite Festival — Beech Mountain (Sept. 2-3)

DuringLabor 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 mead-

ow behind Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria makes it easy to sail kites 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, visit www. beechmountainresort.com.

PHOTO BY JILLYAN MOBLEY

Jennifer Kagarise and Gillian Brown enjoyed tasting Fat Tire beer at the 2022 High Country Beer Fest.

PHOTO BY JILLYAN MOBLEY

Sarah Zurhellen and Will Johnson smiled at their child Greta Lou Johnson enjoying Boonerang in her noise cancelling headphones.

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.

Engineered to Protect

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Banner Elk Location

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Christmas in July

Hours: Thursday and Friday - 10am to 6pm Saturday - 10am to 4pm

BY NATHAN HAM

Christmas in July returned to the streets of downtown West Jefferson in 2022 after cancellations the previous two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Folks packed the downtown area to celebrate the triumphant return of one of the most popular festivals in North Carolina. The festival also moved vendors back to Jefferson Avenue, the main thoroughfare in the heart of West Jefferson. This was another highly popular decision that citizens and visitors had been hoping for ever since vendors were moved to the “back street” several years ago.

2023 will mark the 35th anniversary of the festival, and the crowd is expected to be as big as ever when the festival kicks off on Friday, June 30, and continues on Saturday, July 1. Each year, the Christmas in July Festival celebrates the Christmas tree industry and mountain heritage with

arts, crafts, and local entertainers representative of the region.

The music lineup for this year’s festival has already been released and it features a wide variety of music from local bands, ranging from bluegrass to beach music to classic rock.

Steve Lewis, Eric Hardin, Randy

Greer and Josh Scott will kick off the entertainment on Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. with some bluegrass tunes. Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road will take the stage at 7 p.m. before the night concludes with the Special Occasion Band playing some popular beach music to dance to at 8:30 p.m. Saturday kicks off with the Jeff Little Trio at 10 a.m. Country musician Tim Elliott will take the stage at 11:45 a.m. Wayne Henderson & Friends will follow Elliott’s performance Saturday afternoon and then the day will conclude with The Lucky Strikes Orchestra as the closing act. They will be performing a variety of motown, beach, swing and classic rock.

For more information and updates on the festival, follow the festival on Facebook by searching “Christmas In July Festival” or visit www.christmasinjulyfestival.com to learn more about the music lineup as well as the food and craft vendors that will be on hand for the weekend.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTMAS IN JULY Jeff Little Trio will perform at the 2023 Christmas in July Festival.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTMAS IN JULY Liam Purcell & Cane Mill will take the stage on Friday evening for the festival.

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.

Boone Cultural Resources

BY EMMA SHEW

Whether you’re new to Boone or have lived here your whole life, it can be overwhelming how much there is to explore. From local art to a bustling music scene and some of the best restaurants in the High Country, there’s no shortage of culture in Boone, especially in the summer.

For maximizing your time in the heart of the High Country, Mark Freed, director of cultural resources for the town of Boone, recommends stopping by the Jones

SEE CULTURE ON PAGE 53

PHOTO BY JORDYN DANIELS

Crowds gather on the Jones House lawn to watch a performance for the 2022 Summer Concert Series.

CULTURE

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House Cultural Center to kick off a visit.

The Jones House is one of the oldest homes in Boone and serves today as a “hub” for folks looking to learn more about the culture and history of Boone, according to Freed.

Brochures, maps and flyers about events and things to do in Boone are available for free at the Jones House. There is also an art gallery with changing monthly installations, restrooms and a water cooler for anyone needing respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown Boone.

The Jones House also hosts free weekly live music events in the summer.

“We do old time jams every Thursday night that are free and open to the public,” said Freed. “During the summer, we’ll be having our summer concert series every Friday which is also free.”

Freed also recommends visiting the Hickory Ridge History Museum, for anyone wishing to learn more about what life in Boone was like in the days of Daniel

Boone.

“They’re going to have lots of events happening this summer,” said Freed. “If you’re around for an evening, there’s also the Horn In The West production that’s happening there through the summer.”

The Watauga Farmers Market is also held in the

parking lot of the Hickory Ridge History Museum every Saturday morning.

Another spot on Freed’s must-see list is the historic — and newly renovated — Appalachian Theater. They will be hosting a number of events over the summer, including live music offerings and screenings of classic films.

If sightseeing has roused up your appetite, Freed suggests visiting one of Boone’s several breweries. Booneshine, Lost Province and Appalachian Mountain Brewery are great spots to grab a locally brewed beer and bite to eat.

The second annual Boonerang festival will be taking place this summer, and will be bringing together all of these aspects of Boone culture and more.

From June 15 to 17, downtown Boone will be transformed into an energetic arts and culture festival. Vendors, restaurants, breweries, businesses and musicians — all locally sourced — will be putting the “Boone” in Boonerang.

According to the Boonerang website, the festival “brings Boone-connected artists and fans together every third weekend in June to Boonerang back to the place we love.”

For more information on the cultural resources of Boone, visit www.joneshouse.org.

PHOTO BY JILLYAN MOBLEY

Guests gather on the Jones House lawn on during the 2022 Boonerang kickoff.

REACH NEW HEIGHTS

Outdoor and climbing activities

BY GRACE FICARA

When 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 uptop view of the area.

The High Country is known for its many outdoor activities, here are a few places to get you started.

ROCKY KNOB PARK

Located on 285 Mountain Bike Way, Rocky Knob lives up to its name and is the perfect place to grab a bike and hit the trails.

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES

Summer and Scotland, who could ask

for more? Get outside at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and be witness to some of the greatest adventures Scotland has to offer. For more information visit https://gmhg.org/.

HIGH COUNTRY ADVENTURES

Up for a day trip? High Country Adventures features rafting and climbing with experts in order to maximize your outdoor adventure. Located in Ocoee, Tenn., this trip will leave you energized with that fresh outdoor feeling. For more information and multiple locations visit https:// www.hcrivers.com/directions.

THE GREENWAY TRAIL

Perhaps a staple in Boone, The Greenway is a free and fun activity for all. Grab a soccer ball, a picnic blanket and even your dogs and get to the Greenway! For more information on the Greenway

Trail, visit https://www.townofboone. net/facilities/facility/details/GreenwayTrail-27. Keep your eyes peeled, you might even see some deer!

LAUREL CREEK FALLS

Located on Hwy. 321 in Boone, Laurel Creek Falls, or “Trash Can Falls” to locals, is the ultimate spot for waterfall fun. Suntan, swim and enjoy the lively atmosphere complete with the sounds of the rushing mountain river.

APPALACHIAN OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Take a guided tour of the beautiful mountains in style, riding on an ATV as you experience the outdoors the Appalachian way. With guides who teach you everything you need to know, bring an adult 25 and over and take a drive outdoors. For more information visit https://appa-

Climbing, Rappelling & Caving

lachiansoutdooradventures.com/.

ROCK DIMENSIONS OFFERS VARIOUS TOURS

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

SEE

and Climbing Gear Shop

OUTDOORS

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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 daytime 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

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

Popular Climbing Destinations: Linville Gorge Wilson Creek

Crowders Mountain is located 25 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

Pilot Mountain rises 1,400 feet above the surrounding Piedmont near Winston-Salem, with an elevation of 2,421 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 con-

tain 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 southfacing rock face with climbing opportunities for various levels of ability. Since May 2012 the recreational area 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 Rock Climbing Festival, and with Scout troops and other 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. 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 Appalachians. The climbing is scenic and exposed, with views of Grandfather and Grandmother Mountains. Primitive camping is available along the forest service roads near the climbing access.

SCENIC LIFT RIDES

GREENWAY POCKET PARKS

Embracing and protecting the Middle Fork River

BY JILLYAN MOBLEY

The Middle Fork River is an integral part of High Country history and has provided emotional, physical and environmental benefits to Appalachia for centuries. As the world changes around the river, the Blue Ridge Conservancy seeks to protect the river and surrounding land while encouraging community members and tourists to reap the benefits of the river through the Middle Fork Greenway Project.

The Middle Fork Greenway is an in-progress multi-use recreational trail that will connect Boone and Blowing Rock. The Blue Ridge Conservancy

continues to partner with the town of Boone, town of Blowing Rock and Watauga County in developing the trail as an access to local attractions and green spaces while protecting more than 90 linear acres of land.

One completed, the Middle Fork Greenway will be about six-and-a-half miles long and connect to the existing Boone Greenway, creating more than 15 miles of continuous trail for walking, jogging, cycling, rollerblading and skateboarding. The miles of trail will allow access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Mountain-to-Sea Trail, Shoppes on the Parkway, Tweetie, Mystery Hill,

PHOTO BY JILLYAN MOBLEY Green spaces along the Middle Fork Greenway provide a great spot for dogs like Cooper to play.

PHOTO BY JILLYAN MOBLEY

Payne Branch Park has beautiful views of the Middle Fork River.

PARKS

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the hospital and acute care facility and downtown Blowing Rock in addition to several pocket parks and trailheads.

Creating safe access, improving health and supporting local economy are essential objectives in each step of creating the trail, but while the trail has many intentions, preserving access to public land is the main priority of the Blue Ridge Conservancy.

Stories from the River, made possible through a grant from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, is part of the Middle Fork Greenway’s historical preservation and aims to enrich the experience of greenway users while protecting and celebrating the natural and cultural heritage of the Middle Fork River. The

outcome of the project is currently displayed on the project’s website and social media account and kiosks at the three pocket parks along the Greenway will detail known-history of each area.

With picnic tables and benches along the creek, Sterling Creek Park offers a great place to enjoy the wildlife and greenery of the mountains. Wildflowers are shaded by a wide variety of tree species, the oldest of which believed to be the Northern Red Oak. Four parking spaces are available in the gravel parking lot outside the park that is about one miles away from tourist attractions like Mystery Hill and Tweetsie Railroad.

As the Greenway project progresses, the green space will connect to the Blowing Rock and U.S. 321 Trailheads.

Traveling north from the U.S. 321 trailhead, the Greenway will eventually connect to Goldmine Branch Park. The

land that makes up Goldmine Branch Park off Nayeli Cook Road was donated by the Cook family. A pair of conjoined red maples rooted in the bank weather high water, wind, draught and the clearcutting of nearby forests in the first two decades of the 20th Century. The stream and surrounding land is now protected by the Blue Ridge Conservancy and can be appreciated by those traveling the Greenway.

Eventually, travelers will be able to take the Greenway north to get from Goldmine Branch Park to get to Payne Branch Park.

Payne Branch Park was dedicated in 2005 as the first park along the route of the Middle Fork Greenway. At a celebration on Oct. 2, more than 50 community members gathered at the green space to celebrate “a new chapter of the river’s life.” In 2020, the state of

North Carolina funded the removal of a decommissioned dam which opened up the flood plane and promoted restoration. The park with a picnic area, river access, boulders and places to fish is now ample with wildlife.

Nature enthusiast can also look forward to Boone Gorge Park — which is projected to open in 2024. With bridges, a parking area, restrooms, river access points and observation decks, the park is sure to have impressive views of the beautiful Middle Fork River.

With anticipated progression of the trail and green spaces like Boone Gorge Park, the Blue Ridge Conservancy is raising funds to fill the gaps grants do not cover. For more information on how to support the Middle Fork Greenway Project, visit www.middleforkgreenway.org.

PHOTO BY JILLYAN MOBLEY

Pocket parks along the greenway are popular fishing destinations.

Camping in the High Country

BY CARLI JOHNSON

After spending a beautiful day in the High Country, visitors can continue to enjoy the scenery in the moonlight by staying at one of the many campgrounds in the region. Imagine sitting around a campfire with the cool evening air rolling in as the sun sets. The stars creep in, marshmallows roasting, flashlights flicker to find more firewood. There is nothing quite like a night under the stars in the High Country.

Whether campers are packing their gear into the backcountry or pulling their car into a campsite near the lake, the region offers many different camping experiences.

LINVILLE FALLS CAMPGROUND

At Milepost 316.3 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, this campground is central to the Linville Gorge Wilderness. Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East, Linville Gorge is formed by the Jonas Ridge on the east and Linville mountains on the west and is bisected

by the Linville River. The river drops 2,000 feet into the valley below, creating steep and rugged terrain. Visitors have the opportunity to climb above the treetops for magnificent views or hike down to the waterfalls.

Linville Gorge wilderness offers both backcountry camping as well as RV/car camping. For more information call (828) 765-7818 or visit www.linvillefalls.com.

BUCK HILL CAMPGROUND

Buck Hill has been family owned and operated for more than 50 years.

Nestled in a tranquil valley on 144 acres of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the North Toe River flows through the campground where campers can enjoy a lazy ride down the river or spend the day fishing. If campers are looking for a little more luxury, Buck Hill also has tiny home cabins with full kitchens, bathrooms and more primitive cabins that have electricity but no running water. Call (828) 766-6162 or visit www. buckhillrvcampground.com.

CAMPING

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GRANDFATHER CAMPGROUND

Located in the foothills of Grandfather Mountain, this campsite is close to some of the High Country’s greatest attractions including the Mile-High Swinging Bridge in Grandfather State Park. With lots of hiking trails around the area, campers are close enough to explore Boone, Banner Elk, Linville and more. With RV hookups, tent campsites and cabins, this campground is versatile, conveniently located and open year round. For more information visit www. grandfatherrv.com or call (800) 788-2582.

Our 6th generation family farm makes farm-fresh cheese on site from our own happy dairy cows. Our farm store also offers other local goods!

828-756-8166

Fri-Sat, 10am-4pm, year round

19456 US 221 North

(.5 miles south of Linville Caverns) Marion, NC 28752

FILE PHOTO

Grandfather Campground is open all year round and is conveniently located near Banner Elk, Boone and Blowing Rock.

CAMPING

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THE LITTLE CAMPGROUND

For a more primitive, quiet night under the stars, campers can make their way to the town of Elk Park. Right next to Banner Elk, this campground offers large campsites, full hookups, concrete patios, TV and wifi. This family-owned-andoperated campground is located at 3,500 feet of elevation and provides campers with a peaceful surrounding and welldeserved escape into the mountains. For more information call (828) 733-8412 or visit www.thelittlecampground.com.

JULIAN PRICE CAMPGROUND

Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 297, this campsite is located right next to the pristine and sparkling Price Lake. This is a popular spot for boating, hiking, fishing and camping. With access to canoe rentals, grills, showers, picnic tables, an amphitheater and more, Julian Price is a great family-

friendly destination. These non-electric campsites can be reserved in advance or there are a number that are on a first come first serve basis. For more information call (828) 963-5911.

HONEY BEAR CAMPGROUND

Just three miles down the road from downtown Boone and Appalachian State University sits Honey Bear Campground. Honey Bear is a family friendly campground with both RV and tent camping available. With a full service coffee shop, fishing pond, swings, bathhouse, wifi and being centrally located, Honey Bear has everything campers need. The facility also offers outdoor activities for adults and kids alike. For more information visit www.honeybearcampground.com.

BOONE KOA HOLIDAY

At an altitude of nearly 4,000 feet this is the highest KOA east of the Mississippi. Boone KOA is located 15 minutes from downtown Boone. This campground is nestled atop a beautiful mountain with lush green scenery and offers

tent sites, RV sites and cabins. Amenities include mini golf, a pool, arcade games and a farm animal mini zoo. For more information on this campsite call (828) 264-7250 or visit www.koa.com/campgrounds/boone/

FLINTLOCK CAMPGROUND

Family owned and operated since 1970, Flintlock features a newly remodeled bathhouse, wifi, electricity and water, laundry services, play area and more. A gentle stream surrounded by shaded trees flows through the heart of this campground making it a beautiful space to enjoy the North Carolina mountains. Flintlock is open from the end of March through November 12. For more information contact (828) 963-5325 or visit www.flintlockcampground.com.

BLUE BEAR MOUNTAIN CAMP

Open year round, this campsite is located 8 miles north of downtown Boone in Todd, NC. Blue Bear has spacious, private, car accessible tent camping as well as RV camping. Nearby is Elk Knob

State Park for a moderate hike with 360 degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For the more adventurous campers Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park is only a 20-minute drive away. Call (828) 4064226 or visit www.bluebearmountain. com.

NEW RIVER STATE PARK CAMPGROUND

Believed to be one of the oldest rivers in North America, the New River’s waters are slow and tranquil. Surrounded by rolling hills, countryside meadows and farmlands, the banks of the river are fertile and blanketed with wildflowers.

Located on the border of both Ashe and Alleghany counties, the New River State Park offers a variety of activities. Visitors can entertain themselves with canoeing, hiking, swimming, fishing, camping and more. Local outfitters in the area offer canoe and kayak rentals as well. The park has a variety of different campsites that can be reserved online. For more information call (336) 982-2587 or visit www. ncparks.gov/new-river-state-park.

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Serves YouRight!

St. John’s Church ca. 1858

www.ValleCrucis.com

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

Dutch Creek Trails

828-297-7117

Little Red School House ca. 1907

Original Mast General Store Est. 1883

828-963-6511

Rivercross Made in USA

828-963-8623

Over Yonder Restaurant & Bar

828-963-6301

Valle Crucis Conference Center Est. 1842

828-963-4453

Valle Crucis Community Web Directory

Dutch Creek Trails - dutchcreektrails.com

Mast Farm Inn - themastfarminn.com

Mast General Store - mastgeneralstore.com

Over Yonder - overyondernc.com

Rivercross Made in USA - rivercrossmadeinusa.com

Taylor House Inn - taylorhouseinn.com

Valle Crucis Conference Center - vcconferences.org

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

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

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

Stay a day. Stay a night.

IT TAKES A TO POWER YOUR HOME

Safe, reliable electricity depends on continuous, behind-the-scenes teamwork. That’s why each Blue Ridge Energy employee and department brings their A-game for the best possible service to our members.

Home is where the is. family

Find what fills your heart in the High Country.

We understand what matters most to you, because it’s what we value too. Our team has made the High Country our home for its warm sense of family, deep-rooted traditions, and the unparalleled comfort that comes with living in such a remarkable place. That’s why we’re passionate about helping you do the same. Start building your lifelong legacy with us today.

HeritagePropertiesNC.com - 336-846-2484

9 East Main Street, West Jefferson, NC 28694

HIGH-king in the High Country

Hit the hiking trails

BY CARLI JOHNSON

Lush green rhododendrons

towering over the trails, water trickling over the river rocks, treetops dance in the wind over beautiful vistas. Summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains is unlike any other. This unique region of northwestern North Carolina is often referred to as the High Country. Home to the highest elevations in the state, the region is made up of seven counties: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the High Country. Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk have an abundance of hiking trails making them popular destinations for travelers looking to get outside. A range of hiking is available from easy strolls through the forests to steep, hefty inclines.

Most of the trails mentioned in this article can be easily found via GPS, Google Maps and other apps. While hiking in and around these mountains, know your physical limits and come prepared. The weather can change quickly in the High Country so plan accordingly by stocking your pack with sunscreen, jackets and rain gear. Please remember to leave no trace and pack out what you pack in. Respect the wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and never feeding them. Be considerate of other visitors as the summertime brings a lot of traffic to the High Country and everyone is itching to enjoy the scenery.

The following is a visitor’s guide to getting on the trail this summer. The High Country welcomes you to experience scenery unlike any other. After all, a day on the trail is a day well spent.

EASY-STREET: STROLLING THROUGH THE HIGH COUNTRY

Our list begins with the novice hikes in the area. Most of these spaces are community greenways with paved trails and little elevation gain perfect for beginner hikers.

Greenway Trail — Located in the heart of Boone, this fully accessible trail has both paved and gravel sections. Open to all walkers, runners, cyclists, wheelchairs and hikers, this trail is mostly flat and calm for novice hikers. The trail twists and turns in many directions allowing each hiker to create their own path. While walking, you are met with beautiful green mountaintops, golden valleys and trickling streams. There are many different entry points to accessing the greenway. The most convenient place is right behind the Watauga

Recreation Complex where there is ample parking. For more information and maps visit www.exploreboone.com/outdoors/ hiking/boone-greenway/.

Howard’s Knob County Park — At 4,396 feet, Howard’s Knob has an astonishing view overlooking downtown Boone. This small park has picnic tables, a picnic shelter and enough space for a short walk. The park is open from sunrise to sunset May 1 to October 20. To access the park you will be driving through residential areas, so drive with caution and care. Directions can be found on a standard GPS app.

Sterling Creek Park — Between Boone and Blowing Rock, this 3.7-acre park is a hidden gem for a beautiful stroll. The path winds along a creek with bloom-

SEE HIKING ON PAGE 86

HIKING

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 85

ing wildflowers, bird houses and plenty of spots for fishing.

From Boone, travel 3.5 miles south toward Blowing Rock on Highway 321. Before Mystery Hill, turn left onto Whitener Mountain Road. An immediate sharp right will lead down to a small parking lot. For more information visit https:// www.middleforkgreenway.org/

Green Valley Community Park

— This multipurpose community park backs up to the New River in Todd, NC. The park has a picnic shelter, restroom, benches, hiking trails, playground, a canoe ramp and more. The paved walking trail loops about a quarter mile around athletic fields and along the river. The park is free to visitors and open daily from sunrise to sunset. Directions to the park can be found via GPS or on the park website at www.greenvalleypark.org

Valle Crucis Community Park — Behind the original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis is a beautiful park that backs up to the Watauga River. With paved pathways, a playground, picnic tables, fly fishing and soccer fields this park is a great place to relax or get a brisk walk in. For more information visit www.vallecrucispark.org.

Banner Elk Greenway — Banner Elk has 1.1 miles of paved greenway trail in downtown. The park has two playgrounds, wading pools, picnic tables and covered shelters. The lower section of the greenway loops along Shawneehaw Creek next to Lees-McRae College. The upper section follows the same creek along Main Street and ends near Flat Top Brewing Company. This greenway is a beautiful and easy way to experience Banner Elk and its natural beauty. For more information call (828)898-5398 or visit https://www.bannerelk.com/members/ banner-elk-greenway/.

GETTING WARMER!

These moderately difficult hikes are sure to warm you up and immerse you in nature. Categorized by their difficulty in length and terrain, most of these hikes

are family friendly with just a little bit of a challenge.

Summit and Rhododendron

Trails Loop — Located in West Jefferson, the Mount Jefferson State Natural Area has both the Summit and Rhododendron Trails. The hike to the summit is a short but steep 0.3 miles. Leading off the Summit trail is the Rhododendron Trail that travels along the mountain’s ridgeline for a total of 1.1 miles. On a clear day, the view stretches for miles overlooking the fields and pastures that make up Ashe County.

Elk Knob — About 11 miles north of Boone and a stone’s throw from the Tennessee border sits Elk Knob State Park. With a few hiking trails to choose from, the summit is the most rewarding. The

trailhead starts from the main parking lot and winds up the mountain for 1.9 miles. The trail contains many switchbacks and has a gradual, yet steady incline. Toward the top, the scenery will begin to change from tall, towering trees to short shrubs. Once you reach the summit, the trail will split in two. Toward the left, you will be greeted with a southern view of Sugar Mountain and Mt. Mitchell. On the right, you will see the northern view towards Virginia and Mount Rogers.

Boone Fork Trail — Part of Julian Price Memorial Park, this scenic trail follows a stream and features several waterfalls and swimming holes. The entire loop is 5.2 miles with little elevation gain, making it a great option for hikers looking for middle ground. This trail can be

accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 296.4 and is located in between Boone and Blowing Rock.

Rough Ridge Trail — One of the most popular hiking trails in the area, this trail is a quick 2.5 miles. The trail is located at milepost 302.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Once on the trail, it almost immediately splits with a sign that reads “Tanawha Trail.” Hikers will keep left and walk over a wooden bridge with a stream running beneath. The trail is well maintained with rocky terrain.

Halfway up, hikers will reach a wooden boardwalk with benches and space to enjoy the views. If you keep climbing, you’ll be greeted by a rocky summit

FILE PHOTO

View overlooking Linville Gorge from Hawksbill Mountain.

HIKING

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 86

with incredible views of the Blue Ridge parkway.

This out and back trail is great for hikers who are looking for a little bit of a challenge but don’t want to be hiking all day. Once you reach the summit, take a seat and breathe in the fresh Appalachian air. It doesn’t get more beautiful than this.

Cone Manor to Bass Lake — This longer trek is located in Moses Cone Memorial Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The park has over 25 miles of trail systems for hikers to explore but hiking down to Bass Lake is a great way to experience the park. This wide gravel trail travels 6.2 miles in a loop taking you from Flat Top Manor down to the lake and back. This is a popular trail for families and you will likely encounter many people enjoying the nature of the Blue Ridge at this park.

Linville Falls — This moderate hike leads to a series of waterfalls that drop into Linville Gorge. The trail offers multiple overlooks of the falls and the gorge. Another incredibly popular spot in the High Country, Linville Gorge is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East. Venturing into Linville Gorge’s dramatic cliffs and plunging waterfalls is a one-ofa-kind experience.

Linville Falls is accessible via the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 316. Make sure to stop by the visitor center to explore other hikes in the area.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CLIMB!

For the more experienced hikers, here is a list of trails that have more difficult terrain and incline. These hikes will likely take all day to complete so make sure to come prepared with enough food, water and other supplies to sustain yourself.

Profile Trail to Calloway Peak —

This strenuous hike brings visitors up close and personal with Grandfather Mountain. The 8.5 mile out-and-back trail steadily climbs 2,162 feet in elevation. The hike begins with a scenic pathway crossing the Watauga River and gradually shifts to rockier terrain. The upper sections get much steeper and hikers should prepare

for intense inclines as they enter a boulder forest. To get up to Calloway Peak hikers will have to carefully navigate climbing ladders to get on top of the boulders for grand views. Climbing down can be just as challenging. Make sure to plan your day accordingly and give yourself enough time for the ascent and descent.

The parking lot is located on the west side of Grandfather Mountain off Highway 105 and can be found via GPS.

Hawksbill Mountain Trail and Table Rock Trail — Hawksbill and Table Rock are both steep trails that overlook Linville Gorge. Hawksbill is only 2.5 miles but climbs about 682 feet in elevation. Table Rock is shorter at 1.4 miles. Both out-and-back trails have sharp elevation gain which can be challenging for people not familiar with steep inclines. Both trails have incredible 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The trailheads are located a couple miles from each other. Driving from Highway 181, you will turn onto Gingercake road. You will drive this for about 3.5 miles until you see a small parking lot near the trailhead. This is a gravel road that twists and turns so remember to drive with caution.

Stone Mountain Loop Trail — Further out toward the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is Stone Mountain State Park. Located in Alleghany and Wilkes counties, this park is named after the 600-foot granite dome that is a designated National Natural Landmark.

This 4.5-mile loop trail takes around two hours to complete. The trail weaves through beautiful meadows dotted with wildflowers and up the big rock face known as Stone Mountain. Spending a day in the foothills is a different way to experience the beauty of the High Country and this trail will show you it all.

No matter what trail you choose, remember to enjoy it. The High Country is a special place with a rich history and important culture. Please remember, you know yourself and your physical limits best. Take that into consideration when choosing where to spend time outside this summer. For more information and tips on hiking visit www.nps.gov/articles/ hiking-safety.htm.

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Must-see waterfalls

BY EMMA SHEW

There are 881 documented waterfalls in North Carolina, according to the World Waterfall Database. Hundreds of those 881 falls are located in Western North Carolina, particularly in the High Country. For beautiful hikes, quick swims and gorgeous views, here are the best waterfalls in the High Country.

LAUREL CREEK FALLS

Also known as “Trash Can Falls,” to locals, this waterfall is one of the most popular in the area. The 15-foot falls lead into a deep, but chilly, swimming hole. To get to the falls, follow U.S. Highway 321 towards Sugar Grove. Turn left when the highway splits, and stay on 321 for about five-and-a-half miles. There will be a gravel turn off on the right, and the falls

are just a quick hike down an unmarked trail. It’s a short hike, only about half a mile, but steep and slippery depending on the weather. Still, this swimming hole is a local favorite for a reason!

GREEN MOUNTAIN CREEK FALLS

Don’t feel like hiking? Green Mountain Creek Falls is a small waterfall located right on the side of the road, on U.S. Highway 221 about eight miles outside of downtown Blowing Rock. The water freefalls 15 feet to a small plunge pool below, making for beautiful photos.

CRAB ORCHARD FALLS

A well-maintained trail in Valle Crucis leads to gorgeous views of Crab Orchard Falls. While located on private property at Valle Crucis Conference Center, the center welcomes hikers and has a designated parking area for those wanting to

see the falls. It’s a steep but short hike, about one-and-a-half miles round trip. The boardwalk at the bottom of the trail is sturdy and allows for great views of the falls. Fun fact about Crab Orchard Falls; Mast General Store tests their equipment on the trail!

LINVILLE FALLS

Linville Falls are among the most famous waterfalls in North Carolina. Situated in Linville Gorge, which is commonly referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Southern Appalachia.” The three-tiered falls plunge 90 feet into the pools below. There are several maintained trails available to view the falls, ranging in difficulty from beginner-friendly to strenuous. The visitor’s center, located on Warrior Lane in Marion, provides visitors with the information they need to make the most of their day at the falls.

PHOTO BY BILL BLAKE, COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Linville Falls, located at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 316.4, is one of the most popular destinations along the parkway.

FILE PHOTO

Upper Linville Falls accessible via the Linville Falls Trail.

FLY FISHING

A perfect summer pastime in the High Country

BY PATRICK MCCORMACK

When it comes to the beloved sport of fly fishing in the Boone region, technique is more important than anything else. Depending on the type of person you are, fly fishing is a pastime that participants will find to be either challenging or soothing. Anglers looking for trout and other species are drawn to Boone, with the region around us packed with a seemingly endless number of picturesque rivers and streams. The Boone area is known

for its babbling brooks and meandering streams, but it also has beautiful lakes, including some along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Any angler can be guided by one of the many knowledgeable professionals from Boone-area outfitters to the hidden creeks and streams for a perfect day of casting. With a slew of impressive mountains surrounding us, including some of the highest peaks found east of the Rockies, many rivers, streams and creeks originate and flow off of these summits

As a result, due to the natural condi-

tions found in our waterways, trout fishing is of a very high quality here in the High Country. In fact, the trout fishing sport and industry has become one of the biggest businesses in the area.

Compared to the typical rod, reel, and can of worms form of angling that many of us learned to do as children, fly fishing has distinct differences. Depending on the species and fishing conditions, a spinning reel or bait caster reel is used to cast live bait or artificial lures to trick, catch, and bring in a variety of freshwater fish breeds, including bass, bluegrass, crappie, catfish, and more.

Fly fishing, however, is not necessarily a more refined approach to fishing, yet can be considered more precise due to the behavioral nature of trout. As a result, trout fishing requires a different kind of fishing system that is both easy to learn and fascinating to experience.

The trout found in this region are a variety of fish that require certain environmental conditions to survive. First of all, trout are fish that prefer colder waters to dwell in. They belong to a species that struggles in midsummer water

PHOTO SUBMITTED MIKEY BARD GOES FLY FISHING AT HELTON CREEK IN ASHE COUNTY.

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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.

FISHING

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 90

that is excessively hot. Even though North Carolina is in the South, the High Country’s mountainous altitudes provide the cooler waters that trout need to survive.

Because of this, the three types of trout found in North Carolina—brown, rainbow, and native brook—do well in the cooler waters of our rivers, creeks, and streams, the majority of which have their beginnings on the summits of the neighboring mountains. For trout, the ideal water temperature range is between 45 and 70 degrees.

Originating in the streams of the Pacific Northwest, the rainbow trout was successfully introduced into the waters of North Carolina starting in the 1880s. The brown trout, a species that was introduced from Europe and Asia, is another example of human introduction. The smaller species of trout that is native to the eastern U.S.

and Canada is the brook trout. Because brook trout are native to the area, many anglers value and appreciate them more than might be thought from first impressions.

The food that trout consume and the manner in which they do so are likewise distinctive. Smaller trout eat aquatic insects as well as similar creatures that fall into the water from the air and the ground. Older trout still consume the same terrestrial and aquatic insects, but they now eat smaller vertebrates like crawdads, fish, and other smaller animals. Being the big brutes of the trout world in North Carolina, brown trout also consume larger fish than the other species. For instance, all trout like a nice fly hatch, which will definitely occur at some time and occur where the trout will ambush the fly from below. Fly fishing rods, reels, and baits are thus required to catch trout due to their peculiar feeding habits. The artificial lure, which is at the center of the trout fishing system, is made to

resemble the aquatic, terrestrial, and avian species that trout love to eat. Generally referred to as trout flies, many of these artificial lures are small and handmade. They are made from different materials to create a furry fly that will land just so on the surface of the water, prompting a strike from a waiting trout. The unique construction of the fly rod and reel is what allows a floating artificial fly lure to settle perfectly on top of the water. The fly fishing fisherman learns to forcefully yet gracefully throw a longer-than-usual rod back and forth in the air in order to release enough fishing line to reach the area where the trout are hiding.

Fly fishing as an activity is quite enjoyable to most, especially since it typically takes less than a day to learn how to use fly fishing rods, reels, and baits. Because fly fishing adds a completely new dimension to the fishing experience, many beginning fly fishing anglers quickly discover a passion for the activity.

Still unconvinced? Another option to

get started would be to visit a Boonearea trout farm, presenting a wonderful way to ensure a fresh mountain trout meal in your condo, cabin, or campground. There the farm operators sell fishing equipment to help ensure a prize catch, and nearly all offer cleaning and preparation services.

Elsewhere, the numerous fly fishing outfitters found here in the High Country are helpful for people who wish to take the leap and discover a great new way of interacting with nature that will last a lifetime. They not only sell equipment, but they can also teach you how to fly fish for trout and direct you to the greatest, most secluded waters where the huge trout reside. This region is wonderful for vacations, visits, and residence for a variety of reasons, and the sport of fishing is just one such motivation.

For details on fishing restrictions, go to NCWildlife.org. Note that in 2023, hatchery supported trout waters are only open to fishing from April 1 until July 31.

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Watauga Lake

Fun for water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike

In 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.

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 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.

Watauga Lake has five U.S. Forest Service-maintained recreation areas

LAKE

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where visitors can picnic, sunbathe, grill and even dip their toes in the water. Within the vicinity, there are many options 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. 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.

SEE LAKE ON PAGE 96

PHOTO SUBMITTED

A shore on Watauga lake on a sunny day.

LAKE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 95

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 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 information, click to fishspringsmarina.com or call (423) 768-2336.

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 www.lakeshoreresortmarina.com/ or call (423) 725-2201.

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.

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 Hwy 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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FILE PHOTO

Encircled by mountains that seem to rise from its very depths, the beauty of Watauga Lake cannot be overstated.

Take a scenic tour on the Parkway

BY CARLI JOHNSON

Often referred to as America’s Favorite Drive, the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway extends 469 miles along the southern Appalachian mountains. The Parkway winds through various landscapes and communities, connecting the past with the present and preserving the region’s rich culture.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is owned and managed by the National Park Service. Unlike traditional national parks, the Parkway is an “elongated park” protecting a long stretch of landscape from Virginia to North Carolina. Rather than having distinct boundaries, the Parkway is designed to protect and present the surrounding area beyond the shoulders of the road.

The northern entrance begins in Shenandoah National Park near Waynesboro, Va., and meanders south toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in southwestern North Carolina. The original intention for the Parkway was to connect both national parks.

Driving along the Parkway, visitors will enjoy numerous overlooks, picnic areas, hiking trails and campgrounds. Some of the popular attractions in the High Country include the Linn Cove Viaduct, Linville Falls, Moses Cone Manor and more.

The Parkway was built under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal initiative in the 1930s. By 1966, the majority of the Parkway was completed with the exception of 7.7 miles at Grandfather Mountain. By 1982, the final section was built and after nearly 50 years of construction, the Parkway was completed.

Visitors should note that in Virginia the section from US Route 220 to Adney Gap at milepost 121.4 to 135.9 will be closed until further notice. In North Carolina, USFS Road 63 at milepost 367.6 will be closed until further no -

tice as well.

Closer to home — here in the High Country — a major infrastructure project started in May on a 75-mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 229.6, just north of Doughton Park, to milepost 305.1, near Grandfather Mountain.

The $98 million project is a threeyear repaving and rehabilitation project along the mainline motor road, that will also address drainage structures, curbs, walks, shoulders, guardrails, overlooks, and signage. The project will be phased with a staggered series of closures, allowing for continuous access to recreation areas and visitor amenities within the project area.

Sections of the Parkway may close due to inclement weather or construction but closures are rare in the summer months. The National Park Service website keeps an updated list of road sections and facilities that are open or closed.

Starting at milepost 217.3 in Al -

leghany County all the way to milepost 330.9 in Mitchell County, the BRP offers visitors a grand tour of the High Country. From hiking to camping and the surrounding attractions, the BRP is a unique way to experience nature. Beginning north and traveling south, this comprehensive guide will highlight the most popular and notable attractions along the BRP.

Park visitors should expect shortdistance and short-duration single lane closures from mileposts 229.6 to 276.2. The contractor also plans to put full closures with detours in place between both mileposts 229.6 to 238.5, and mileposts 261.2 to 276.4. A signed detour will direct travelers around the full closure from milepost 229.5 to 276.5, via routes NC 21, NC 18, and US 221. Access to Doughton Park attractions, including the Bluffs Restaurant (when open for the season on May 26), will be available via NC 18 and a short, 7-mile drive north on the Parkway. Access to the Northwest Trading Post at milepost 258.7 will be

available from NC 16 and Trading Post Road at Glendale Springs, NC.

As construction progresses, closure locations will alternate with announcements preceding each shift. However, at all times, the contractor will maintain uninterrupted access from either the north or the south to visitor facilities and recreation areas within the project area.

As with any road project, park visitors and neighbors must exercise caution and observe closures. Within the active closure, all activity is prohibited for cars, bicycles and hikers to ensure the safety of Parkway visitors and staff.

At Milepost 258.7 in Ashe County is the Northwest Trading Post. This historic building in Glendale Springs is a great rest stop for visitors. Built in the 1950s the purpose was to provide travelers along the Parkway with information on the mountains of North Carolina and sell local merchandise. The shop offers a selection of regional arts and crafts, other souvenir items as well as food and drink.

About 10 miles down the road from the Trading Post is The Lump overlook. This natural round hill is lifted prominently above the Parkway. For a short walk, visitors can hike up to the top for outstanding views of Yadkin Valley. There, visitors will also find a sign that commemorates the tragic story of Tom Dooley. His story became the subject of the famous murder ballad that folk musicians have been playing for decades.

Continuing south, you will come upon the exit to Deep Gap and Highway 421. This exit will take you toward the beautiful town of Boone. This small mountain town is home to Appalachian State University. Here you will find plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining and more.

Staying on the BRP, there will be a

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FILE PHOTO

At milepost 304.4 the Linn Cove Viaduct glides along the side of Grandfather Mountain overlooking the Appalachian Mountains. At 1,243 feet long, this bridge marked the completion of the Blue Ridge Parkway in 1982.

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variety of scenery to take in. The drive weaves in and around the mountains, taking you from views that extend for miles to trees and foliage that tower over the road.

The next major exit is at the intersection with Highway 221. Here you can travel north toward Boone or south toward Blowing Rock. Smaller and quieter than Boone, Blowing Rock is a popular destination for tourists to experience mountain life.

Sticking to the Parkway, one of the Parkway’s major attractions is just a few miles from Blowing Rock. Moses H. Cone Manor is a historic estate that preserves and presents the legacy of Moses Cone. A textile entrepreneur, conservationist and philanthropist, Cone has played an important role in North Carolina’s history.

The mansion, known as Flat Top Manor, was built in 1901 as a summer

retreat for Cone and his wife, Bertha. The bright white 20-room mansion sits atop a hill overlooking Bass Lake and downtown Blowing Rock.

The family donated the estate to the National Park Service in 1949. This attraction is free and open to the public and offers a variety of hiking trails for visitors to bask in the beauty of the Appalachians.

The next famous stop along the way is Julian Price Park at MP 297. The name comes from the park’s former owner who bought the 4,200 acres as a recreational retreat for his employees. After his death, the park was donated to the National Park Service in 1946.

Price Lake is the central attraction in this park where visitors can go canoeing, fishing or hike around the lake. There is also a primitive campground that visitors can stay at to spend a night under the stars.

Continuing farther down the Parkway, visitors will be able to drive along the eastern side of Grandfather Mountain. This was the last section of

the Parkway to be completed and took years of negotiating and planning.

The owner of Grandfather, Hugh Morton, opposed the construction, as it would pose a threat to the delicate ecosystem on the mountain. Once Morton and the architects reached an agreement, they designed a one-of-itskind bridge that flows in unity with the landscape.

The bridge, known as the Linn Cove Viaduct, marked the completion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This famous bridge is marked at MP 304 and is a popular attraction as its breathtaking views draw in thousands of visitors each year.

After cruising past Grandfather Mountain, there is an exit point to US 221 that heads toward Linville. Driving this curvy mountain road will take you past the entrance to the Grandfather Mountain attraction where you can experience the western face of Grandfather from the famous MileHigh Swinging Bridge. There is a fee to enter the park and more information

can be found online at www.grandfather.com.

Staying on the Parkway, visitors will come upon the Linville Falls area at MP 316. This stop includes a visitor center, hiking trails, a campground and a picnic area. Hikes in this area venture in and above Linville Gorge. Known as the Grand Canyon of the East, Linville Gorge is an incredibly unique landscape.

Continuing south, the Parkway winds through the lovely mountain town of Spruce Pine. At MP 331 the Museum of North Carolina Minerals is open to visitors year-round. Here, you can learn about the history of mining in the area and explore the hundreds of minerals and gems on display.

The Parkway continues for another 140 miles where opportunities for overlooks, hiking, picnic spots and camping are abundant. Cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway is truly a oneof-a-kind experience. The diverse ecosystem that surrounds the Parkway is a beautiful thing to take in.

High Country hosts several Scenic Byways

BY JAMIE SHELL

The state of North Carolina is home to 62 scenic byways, stretches of highway that accent the natural beauty and wonder that makes the Tar Heel State so unique and breathtaking to see. The byways allow motorists to experience a bit of the state’s history, geography

and scenery while also raising awareness for the protection and preservation of these treasures.

The byway routes are carefully selected by the N.C. Department of Transportation as safe and interesting alternatives to the faster pace and commercial areas found along major highways and interstates. Travelers

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get to know North Carolina’s people and communities and see the diverse beauty the Tar Heel state has to offer – from the high peaks of the Appalachian Mountains to the fertile hills of the Piedmont to the marshes, sounds and beaches of the Coast Plain.

In the High Country, several byways offer peak viewing opportunities, whether it is the greenery and lush vegetation and historic sites during the summer months, or even a return trip in the fall to see the kaleidoscope of autumn colors and leaves on a leisurely drive in the back country.

The byways in some cases trav erse through major thoroughfares of rural communities, while others take travelers through roads less traveled. Following the byways, motorists will see some of North Carolina’ s most breathtaking scenery, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the fertile plains of the Piedmont to the crystal blue shores of the coast. The routes are clearly marked with N.C. Scenic Byways signs, and motorists are encouraged to follow maps and route descriptions carefully.

NC Department of Transportation notes that portions of some routes are not suitable for various types of vehicles, and also states that a few routes may be briefly interrupted by commercial or municipal areas. In such cases, the scenic byway may temporarily end, but directions are available to help drivers resume the route.

N.C. Scenic Byways vary in length from 1.5 to 170 miles and in character from curvy mountain roads to ferry rides across coastal sounds. If following the byways in reverse order from the descriptions given, please keep in mind that the directions will be used in reverse order as well.

The following are a number of NC Scenic Byways that traverse through the High Country of Avery, Ashe and

Watauga counties.

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

The Blue Ridge Parkway is often referred to as the original “scenic byway.” The parkway’s 252 miles in North Carolina are recognized as an “All American Road” by the Federal Highway Administration. The route provides spectacular mountain and valley vistas, quiet pastoral scenes, sparkling waterfalls, and colorful flower and foliage displays. Construction began in 1935 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal program. During President Ronald Reagan’s administration, the last mile was completed around Grandfather Mountain. An effort of 52 years, nine presidents, and $130 million resulted in the 469 miles that connect the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

MISSION CROSSING

Mission Crossing byway guides motorists through Avery and Watauga counties along NC 194 through North Carolina’s ski country and along the northern range of the Roan Mountains in Pisgah National Forest before descending into the Watauga River Valley, the name of which is derived from the Native American word for “beautiful water,” and ending in the community of Vilas. Before leaving the valley, be sure to visit the Mast Farm Inn and Mast General Store, an authentic general store that opened in 1882. The farm, established in 1812, is one of the best preserved 19th-century farms in Western North Carolina and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. After leaving Valle Crucis, notice the unusual barn on the right while climbing out of the valley. The Baird Barn, built in the late 19th to early 20th century, is an excellent example of a transverse crib barn.

LITTLE PARKWAY

Little Parkway byway begins at the intersection of US 221 and NC 105 in Linville. Follow US 221 (Blowing Rock Hwy.) for 18.5 miles to the intersection

with US 321 Bus (Main Street) in Blowing Rock where the byway ends.

Little Parkway traverses through Avery, Watauga and Caldwell counties. Built in 1889 by men and mules as a toll road, Little Parkway, also known as Yonahlossee Trail (one of many privately-owned roads in the state), winds its way along the side of Grandfather Mountain and served as the link between Blowing Rock and Linville before the completion of the Blue Ridge Parkway in 1987. Linville, established in 1883 and designed by Samuel T. Kelsey of Kansas, is located on the Linville River. South of Linville are Linville Falls and Linville Gorge. All were named for William and John Linville who were killed below the falls by Native Americans in 1766. The upper and lower falls, accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway, are 12 feet and 90 feet tall, respectively. Linville Gorge is among the nation’s largest gorges and is located in one of the wildest uninhabited areas in the Eastern United States. While traveling from Linville to Blowing Rock, watch for signs marking the Eastern Continental Divide, an invisible line that separates the waters flowing to the Atlantic Ocean from those flowing to the Gulf of Mexico.

NEW RIVER VALLEY BYWAY

New River Valley Byway begins at the intersection of US 421/US 221 and NC 194 in Boone. Follow NC 194 north for 17.8 miles to the intersection of NC 194 and US 221 in the Baldwin community where the byway temporarily ends. Turn left onto US 221 and follow for 3.5 miles to the West Jefferson town limits. Continue on US 221 for another 4.5 miles through West Jefferson and Jefferson to the intersection of US 221 and NC 16/NC 88. Follow NC 16/NC 88 straight for another 3.1 miles to the intersection of NC 16 and NC 88. (This section is not part of the designated scenic byway.) Continue straight on NC 88 for 10.1 miles to continue the designated byway to the intersection of NC 88 and NC 18 in Laurel Springs where the byway ends.

Venturing through Watauga and

Ashe, the New River Valley Byway allows motorists to experience some of the most beautiful mountain scenery and the largest concentration of Christmas tree farms in the state. The route travels north from Boone to Laurel Springs through the Stone Mountains, which forms a common boundary between North Carolina and Tennessee. The byway bends and turns as it crosses mountains and passes over rivers and streams through the New River Valley. As you travel on NC 194 along what was once called the “Old Buffalo Trail,” imagine buffalo herds using this route as a migration path like they once did. The route provides access to areas that are popular for hiking, white water rafting, and canoeing as well.

US 421 SCENIC BYWAY

As the US 421 Scenic Byway travels across Watauga County through the Blue Ridge Mountains, it offers sweeping views of the valleys, woodlands, and mountains between the towns of Deep Gap and Boone. It also runs near the home of multiple Grammy Award winner and cultural icon Doc Watson. Near the beginning of the route, you will see where the Blue Ridge Parkway crosses US 421 on a bridge covered with native stones to reflect the beauty of the area. As the byway ascends the ridge toward Boone, the home of Appalachian State University, motorists are provided with panoramic views of Snake Mountain and Elk Knob, which are a part of the Amphibolite Range. Along the way, motorists can take in views of the area’s hardwood and mixed forests, as well as horse and cattle farms. Also visible are a number of Fraser Fir Christmas tree farms. Watauga County is a leading national producer of these firs.

BIG HORSE CREEK BYWAY

In Ashe County, Big Horse Creek Scenic Byway highlights the rural life in the beautiful mountains of Ashe County. The county was once known as one of North Carolina’s “lost provinces,” a remote, inaccessible county cut off from

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Nostalgic Nook

Mountain Time Mercantile Traditional Fair with Modern Appeal

Five years ago, the Mountain Time family came to Burnsville and fell in love with the town, and the Main Street business community. Julianna came to work for Appalachian Java and Cafe, and Claudia and Kyleigh opened Mountain Time on Main St, both located on W Main. As business has grown over the years, Julianna was able to fulfill her dream in purchasing AppJava and has been looking for bakery space since her opening day in June of 2022. When New to You Furniture Owners, Craig and Jeanne Martin announced their retirement in the late fall of 2022, they approached Mountain Time about taking over their space on East Main St., that they built together 27 years ago. “We have loved New to You since we came to Burnsville, and felt so honored that they would consider us for their amazing space” says Claudia Honeycutt, Mountain Time Owner.“ We love working together as a family and immediately knew that Julianna and her team at AppJava would be a wonderful partner for us here. After much discussion, she agreed to come on board and join us in this new adventure.”

Mountain Time Mercantile, featuring the AppJava Sweet Shop will partner together under one roof, to provide a wholesale bakery, coffee shop, sampling stations for pickled goods, fresh baked favorites, hot teas, jams, jellies, Duck Fat cooking broth and spray, a full line of Frontier soups, cheese and gourmet crackers. The new Zia Pia line of Pasta and Sauces, delivered straight from Italy will be a welcome addition to our Vittles line. Apple Ciders, Grape Juice, Cocktail Mixers, Muscadine and Scuppernong Ciders will fill the shelves and provide some new summer sipping choices. The 90 ft front porch will be utilized for weekly live music, and also host tubes and mini Kat rentals for river fun.

Grand Opening has been slated for Mother’s Day Weekend, Friday and Saturday May 12 and 13. You’ll find Hot Duck Soup, a funky band from here in Yancey Co, Jerry Herbert, our Mountain Time piano man, Andy Buckner, Bill Wanazek, Town and Country, and numerous other musicians already in the line-up for the opening weekend and future musical events throughout the year.

Hours of Operation as we open will be Monday through Saturday, 9am to 6pm. Adjusted hours for musical events will be posted. We look forward to seeing you at the Mercantile. We are located at 601 E Main St.

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the rest of the state by the Eastern Continental Divide where, it was said, that the only way to get there was to be born there. As the byway begins, notice the peaks (4,710 feet elevation) of Phoenix Mountain to the east. Just as the rugged mountains close in with their densely wooded terrains, the byway gives way to the verdant pastures along the creek

bottoms that extend up the bluffs. This rustic countryside is a short distance from undisturbed natural areas such as Pond Mountain and the Cherokee National Forest. The byway parallels Big Horse Creek all the way into the town of Lansing and crosses it again in numerous locations, making it a great place to cruise with the windows down to enjoy the sound of the rushing water. Occasionally, the road rises and follows the ridge above the creek where travelers can witness spectacular views

of the narrow valleys with farmhouses, farm animals, old barns, and country churches. The hillsides feature mixed forests with intermittent pastures and Christmas tree farms. The byway also offers a snap shot of culture through the renowned songwriting and performances of former folk music artist Ola Belle Reed, a National Heritage Fellowship award winner, who was originally from the New River Valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

(Information from the NCDOT pub-

lication “North Carolina Byways” was used in production of this story. For a digital copy of the North Carolina Byways Guidebook, click to www.ncdot. gov/travel-maps/traffic-travel/scenicbyways/Documents/nc-scenic-bywaysguidebook.pdf, or mail a message for a hard copy (with mailing address) to: North Carolina Byways Program, 1557 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1577.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

An example of the rolling hills along the New River Valley Scenic Byway in Ashe County.

Cycling across the High Country

BY NATHAN HAM

As the weather begins to warm up in the spring and summer months, cyclists are out and about on curvy mountain roads across the High Country.

Whether riders are out for a joyride to get exercise, or competing in one of the area road races, cyclists are hardpressed to find an area with more challenging climbs and outstanding views as they will find in the High Country.

The most popular cycling event happens each year in Ashe County with the Blue Ridge Brutal. 2023 marks the 33rd year of the race, which is set to take place on Saturday, Aug. 19.

This year, there will be a few new additions to the race. The biggest change will be the new 25-mile route for riders wanting less of a challenge, but still one that will still give your muscles plenty of work across the scenic byways of Ashe County. The race will still include the 100-mile race, the 70-mile race and the 50-mile race as well as the strenuous “Assault on Mount Jefferson” that is there for someone that wants the ultimate elevation challenge. The climb up Mount Jefferson may only be 3.4 miles, but it is a grueling elevation climb of 1,476 feet with an average grade of about 8%.

Each of the 100, 70, 50, and 25-mile ride offers rest stops along the way to hydrate and take a breather if needed. The 100-mile race has six rest

stops along the route while the 70-mile race has four rest stops. The 50-mile race features three rest stops and the 25-mile race features one rest stop. The only rest stop on the climb up Mount Jefferson is when you reach the top to ride the shuttle back down the mountain. Cyclists are not allowed to pedal back down Mount Jefferson.

In past years, the Blue Ridge Brutal has had approximately 400 participants, with the vast majority being visitors to the High Country. According to race organizers, the resulting economic impact of the 2021 ride on the region’s economy was more than $180,000 spent in local restaurants, accommodations, and other businesses by visiting riders and their families, making the Blue Ridge Brutal a significant boost to Ashe County’s annual tourism spending.

Those interested in riding in the Blue Ridge Brutal can save $20 on registration fees through July 15. The earlybird registration fee is $75. After July 15, the registration fee increases to $95. The ride is capped at 500 racers, so there is a chance that all registration spots get filled prior to race day.

Race info for the Blue Ridge Brutal can be found online at https://blueridgebrutal.org/

If you are just looking for a fun bike ride around the High Country, there are numerous locations that are popular for area cyclists. The Lansing Creeper Trail Park

FILE PHOTO

Noah Niwinski of Boone won the Blue Ridge Brutal 100-mile race in Ashe County in 2022.

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in Ashe County offers areas to ride. The Blue Ridge Parkway always has cyclists on the road, however with many road improvement plans scheduled for this summer on the parkway throughout the High Country, be sure to check

the National Park Service Blue Ridge Parkway website for road closures and traffic updates. Cyclists also ride along the Greenway Trail in Boone.

Boone Area Cyclists, a group of avid riders across Watauga County, offers a website full of information for local rides and races. You can find out more about Boone Area Cyclists at http:// booneareacyclists.org/

PHOTO BY NATHAN HAM

The Blue Ridge Brutal offers a 100, 70, 50, and now a 25-mile ride through Ashe County.

PHOTO BY NATHAN HAM

The 2023 Blue Ridge Brutal is set for Saturday, Aug. 19.

Crushin’ Trails

Mountain biking in the High Country

BY PATRICK MCCORMACK

Ahaven for outdoor enthusiasts, the High Country is known for its stunning natural beauty, and is prime territory for mountain biking.

Surrounded by miles of trails that offer some of the best mountain biking experiences in the region, it does not matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced rider — there is something for everyone in the area.

For true beginners, the Boone Greenway Trail is a excellent spot to start. The Greenway offers a single track trail as well as an assortment smooth and leisurely paved riverside paths.

Stepping up from there, one of the most popular mountain biking destinations in the area is Rocky Knob Park. Located just a few miles from downtown Boone, this park features more than eight miles of trails that wind through forested hills. The trails are well-maintained and offer a variety of difficulty levels, ranging from beginner-friendly to challenging for even the most experienced riders. With stunning views and thrilling descents, Rocky Knob Park is a must-visit destination for any mountain biker.

Other options on offer in a similar vein of difficulty level are Beech Mountain Resort’s “Emerald Outback” trail system, as well as a course at nearby Sugar Mountain Resort. Both resorts feature chairlifts to take riders to the top of their bike parks, and each location has specific days of operation. Check skisugar.com and beechmountainresort.com/summer for more

information.

For those looking for a more challenging experience, trails in Pisgah National Forest offer some of the most technical and difficult mountain biking terrain in the region. Pisgah offers miles of trails that wind through the rugged landscape, but beware — many of these trails are not for the faint of heart, with steep climbs and rocky descents that will test even the most experienced riders.

For those looking to improve their mountain biking skills, there are several local outfitters that offer guided tours and lessons. These tours are a great way to explore the area and learn from experienced riders who know the trails like the back of their hand.

Local businesses to check out include Headquarters Bike and Outdoor (Sugar Mountain), Boone Bike and Touring (Boone), Action Cycle Sports (Boone), Hill River Cycles (Fleetwood), Rhod-

die Bicycle Outfitters (Blowing Rock), Stameys Cycle Center (Boone) and Magic Cycles (Boone).

With trails suitable for riders of all skill levels and outfitter ready to share their knowledge, it is no wonder that mountain bikers flock to this region year after year. Whether you’re a beginner or a dirt-stained veteran, grab your bike and hit some nearby trails to experience a day of unforgettable mountain biking.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CHRISTOPHER BROWN — APEX VIDEO PRODUCTIONS Watauga’s Ireland Laxton (background) crests a hill during the Dark Mountain Race in Wilkesboro.

Motorcycle rides to remember

BY NATHAN HAM

Motorcycle riders enjoy taking on the challenging curves and mountain back roads that are plentiful across the mountains of North Carolina. Ashe, Watauga and Avery counties offer up some of the finest scenery and weather for riders to enjoy on their trips through the High Country.

In 2022, the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce debuted the Devil’s Stairs ride that covers 118 miles of highway in Ashe, Alleghany and Watauga counties in North Carolina and Johnson County, Tennessee. The ride starts and ends in a big loop in downtown West Jefferson.

The loop features over 167 curves and takes riders nearby to at least 30 restaurants and 40 lodging locations should they decide to stop for a bite to eat or somewhere to stay overnight.

In addition to the stops in Ashe County, the route will also take riders through Laurel Springs and Scottville in Alleghany County, Trade, Tennessee, in Johnson County, Boone, Todd, and Appalachian State University in Watauga County and several scenic stretches of highway that ride alongside the New River.

Another loop ride to consider is the 124-mile “Post Office Loop,” which stops at several townships in Ashe County that have post offices, includ -

ing Lansing, Laurel Springs, Todd, Warrensville, Creston and Crumpler.

If these two local rides are not challenging enough, there are four other rides that will take you on longer adventures that you will need an entire day to complete and might even consider stopping for an overnight stay along the route.

The loop called “Skulls Gap” covers 175 miles and will take riders from West Jefferson to Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, then up through Chilhowie and Saltville, Virginia before circling back through Glade Spring and Damascus, Virginia, and into Tennessee. Riders travel through Butler and Doe

Valley in Tennessee before heading back into North Carolina and coming out new Sugar Grove and Vilas.

A ride called “The Crumplers” originates in West Jefferson and covers 309 total miles. This loop takes riders through V irginia and into West Virginia. The ride goes through Crumpler in Ashe County and all the way up to Crumpler, West Virginia, a small town west of Princeton, West Virginia.

Another ride called “Paint Bank” covers about 346 miles. The ride takes travelers through Tazewell, Virginia and just across into West Virginia before crossing back into

Virginia near Paint Bank and New Castle. The trip then travels south to Roanoke, Floyd and eventually back into Hillsville and Galax.

“The Lansings” loop is the longest trip that covers exactly 400 miles. The journey takes riders through Lansing in Ashe County and all the way up through Southwest Virginia to Lansing, West Virginia, which is north of Beckley. The loop circles back down through Hillsville, Galax and Mouth of Wilson, Virginia before coming back into Ashe County.

For more information and GPS directions for each of these rides, visit https://devilstairs.com/

HIGH COUNTRY HOLES

AMONG GOLF’S BEST

BY HARRIS PREVOST

North Carolina’s tourism slogan for many years was “Variety Vacationland.” The state boasts a great coastal region, a rolling hills piedmont and the majestic mountains. You could be at the beach in the morning, play nine holes in the Piedmont and ski that night in the High Country.

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

The slopes, creeks, forests and scenery in our area make ideal sites for interesting golf courses. Even better, that variety exists within each course. Each one has unique, memorable and fun holes to play.

We’ll take a fun trip around the High Country and find out where some of these great holes are. We have lots of categories to make our choices — long holes, short holes, drivable par 4s, intimidating holes, uphill and downhill holes and, of course, scenic holes.

There are many ways to categorize the holes, so, because of space limitation, we will limit those categories in order to spend more time talking about the special holes on each course.

I have played all the courses, so I’ll pass on my thoughts about interesting holes on each. For reference purposes, my handicap is five, and my drives are medium length.

Of course, your favorite downhill par three or most intimidating tee shot might not be the same as mine, but the idea is to get a conversation started among your friends.

More importantly, I hope the conversation gets you to play the memorable and exciting holes awaiting you in your own backyard this season.

Courses will first be divided into the courses open to the public and then a few of the nine private clubs.

Courses open to the public

JEFFERSON LANDING

Jefferson Landing is a semi-private club located in the pastoral rolling hills

of Ashe County, bordering cow pastures, Christmas tree farms and tributaries to the New River. The course was routed by noted Banner Elk architect and land planner, Dennis Lehmann, and designed by PGA Hall of Famer Larry Nelson.

At 7,110 yards, it is the longest course in the High Country, exceeding Grandfather Golf & Country Club by nine yards. From the regular tees, it plays 6,450 yards. Very little land was moved to build the course, which opened in 1990.

Originally, the first hole was a long par four from an elevated tee, and the 10th was a dogleg left par five, also from an elevated tee. Now, the sides are switched, with the par five being the opening hole.

The most intimidating tee shot for me is on the 376-yard second hole. A river crosses the fairway at a sharp angle from right to left, with the right much farther away. I have to decide whether to gamble and carry the creek on the left side into a narrow landing area with a driver, or lay up in the narrow right corner of the fairway.

A 230-yard drive down the left side gives me a short iron in. A hooked drive or pushed drive leaves me in the river. This a classic risk/reward tee shot. The risk could be a probable triple bogey, the reward an easy par or birdie. The hole is 450 yards from the tips and 376 from the regular tees. There is a reason this is the two-handicap hole.

The 227-yard (181 from regular tees) 17th is a beautiful hole from an elevated tee. The view ahead at the clubhouse and up at Mt. Jefferson is spectacular. A creek running in front of the green adds to the beauty … and the challenge. Pray for a par here. This is Jefferson Landing’s signature hole in my book.

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

MOUNTAIN AIRE GOLF CLUB

There is a Mountain Air in Burnsville, but our Mountain Aire is in Ashe

County. It is the third oldest course in the High Country behind only Linville and Blowing Rock.

The course began as West Jefferson Golf Club in 1949, thanks to the effort of a local farmer who wanted a golf course for the community. It was a true “cow pasture golf course,” with greens being small circles of grass mowed a little lower than the fairways. The Adams brothers — Austin, Sam and Tom — learned to play golf here. Austin became a great amateur player, Sam a PGA Tour winner and Tom serving as a longtime head pro. I wish I had learned to play at Mountain Aire.

When the farmer died, Carl Hagel, a casual golfer who built wooden frames for windows, purchased it in 1971, and it has been in the family since then. In 1985, Carl’s son, Mark, expanded the course to 18 holes, using Dennis Lehmann as his designer. In 1998, some holes were replaced, and the course has improved each year. It is now under the supervision of Mark’s son-in-law, Philip Shepherd.

At that time, the first hole was a par 3, and the third hole returned to the clubhouse. Now, the previous fourth hole was changed to be No. 1 with old ninth becoming No. 6. Holes 1, 2 and 3 are now 7, 8 and 9.

One of the new holes, No. 6 (now No. 3), is Mountain Aire’s signature hole. It is the most dramatic hole in the High Country, if not Eastern America. The tee shot on the 468-yard par 4 drops 150 feet in elevation, and, if you hit it a little left, 200 feet.

The landing area is very narrow. If the wind is blowing, this is the most intimidating tee shot in the area. It is also one of the most beautiful. You feel like you are on top of the world looking out at surrounding mountain ranges. Shepherd says the hole is “either your favorite or least favorite.”

For the longer hitters, Mountain Aire has two drivable par fours. The ninth is 305 yards long from the very elevated regular tees. A great drive will be a

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birdie, one a little right or short is in a pond, and a little left in the driving range. The 13th is a 275-yard par 4 with a creek 15 yards in front of the green. To experience driving off the third tee and watching your ball stay in the air forever, call Mountain Aire’s pro shop at (336) 877-4716 to set up your tee times.

BOONE GOLF CLUB

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

Brown’s quest to provide a golf course for Boone was inspired by the success of the Blowing Rock Country Club and the Linville Golf Club. Potential “false start” locations for the course included Tater Hill, land from Rivers Street up to the former Broyhill Inn & Conference Center (derailed by World War II), the Councill property behind the Lutheran church and Earth Fare (property would have been leased) and the Bolick property on U.S. 421 South where the landfill is.

One property always in the back of Brown’s mind was the Neal Blair farm. Despite being told the property was not for sale, Brown persisted, and, five years later, he got the Blair farm and the surrounding property he needed. Next, was the critical factor of financing the purchase of the property and building the course, and Brown’s close friend, banker Alfred Adams, also one of Boone’s greatest citizens, made it happen.

Ellis Maples, who learned his trade from Donald Ross beginning when he was 14 and ending when he completed Ross’s final course, was chosen to design the course. Boone’s greens show a strong resemblance to Ross’s famed Pinehurst #2.

Boone is 6,686 yards from the tips and 6,018 from the regular tees, and it plays to a par 71. It’s not a long course,

but its greens defend the course well from low scores. Boone’s collection of par threes — they average 199 yards — are as strong as any in the High Country. Its par 5s aren’t too shabby, either. They average 556 yards.

Drivable risk/reward par 4s are a delight to galleries watching PGA Tour events and are fun to play for the rest of us. Boone has three. It’s uphill ninth is reachable for the big boys. It is 333 yards from the back and 299 from the regular tee. The risk is a creek fronting most of the green, deep to the left and out-of-bounds to the right.

The 12th is a downhill dogleg left that is reachable with a high tee shot over some white pines. Not high enough or long enough and you may be playing for a bogey. The 15th is a 300-yard carry from both tees. Either carry the wide creek in front of the green, or hit one just short and bounce over (if the ground is hard).

My most intimidating shots are not with a driver, but with irons. The tee shot on the 192-yard 16th must be right or you could be in your pocket. Actually, you won’t be in your pocket; your ball will be history. A marsh is in front of the green and deep, really deep rough and briers are immediately to the right. The swamp is also to the left.

My other intimidating shot is the second to the 18th green. It usually is hit from a downhill, sidehill (sloping away from you) lie to an elevated, narrow green with a pond on the left catching balls that are the slightest bit offline. This is one of the great finishing holes in the High Country.

To experience one of the finest sets of par three holes in North Carolina, call the pro shop at (828) 264-8760. Make tee time in advance, because this is the most popular course in the High Country.

WILLOW CREEK

Dr. Jim Lyons, a Miami surgeon who lived in Blowing Rock in the summers, wanted to build a development in the area and include a golf course. He purchased the Willow Valley property off N.C. 105, and it had room for a nine-

hole par three course.

By coincidence, Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame architect Tom Jackson was doing some renovation work at nearby Hound Ears. Lyons told Jackson he wanted holes that vary in length, that have water features come into play, some

bunkers and a hole or two over 200 yards. Jackson delivered.

In 1973, Willow Creek opened for play, and it has turned out to be an undiscovered gem. The course is very

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A golfer tees off a drive down the pristine fairway of Mountain Glen Golf Club in Newland.

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challenging. Three holes are greater 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 and it is well maintained. Simply put, it is a good, fun course to play. And, it is convenient; no tee times, just show up and play. Carts are available, but the course is not hard to walk. If you want to play 18 holes, just use a different set of tees second time around to add variety.

Its greens are relatively small, so accuracy is the key to a good round. Since 75 percent of the shots in a round of golf are from 160 yards in, there is a lot of golf to be played at Willow Creek. There is also a lot to learn as you develop and refine a winning short game.

Willow Creek’s 218-yard 18th hole will hold its own on any course in America, and it gets my vote for both most intimidating tee shot and signature hole. The green is guarded with a small pound in its front left that winds around to the left side. A shot that lands six yards left of the green ends up in the pond, and out-of-bounds is 15 yards from the green to the right. The green is only 31 feet wide. A par on this hole will make your day.

If time is a factor in whether you play, or if price is a factor, and if long, hard holes beat you up, you can enjoy a relaxing round at Willow Creek. Just show up, or call ahead to the pro shop at (828) 963-6865 and get ready to have a great day.

SUGAR MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB

The Sugar Mountain course is a municipal course, owned by the village of Sugar Mountain. How it came to be is a story involving several twists and turns. The land was originally part of the 16,000 acres sold to Hugh MacRae that included Linville Resorts and Grandfather Mountain. In 1952, MacRae died and left the Sugar Mountain/Flat Top Mountain property to his grandson,

George MacRae. In 1969, George and his wife, Chessie, began developing Sugar as a four-seasons destination with ski slopes, tennis and golf. They included three partners in their group.

They only had 60 acres at the base of Sugar for a golf course, so it had to be an executive course, but they wanted to also have a championship course. They selected Francis Duane to be their architect. Duane was senior project manager for Robert Trent Jones Sr., and later a partner in course design with Arnold Palmer.

The MacRaes promised Duane that if he designed the executive course, he could design their championship course, which was to be called Grouse Moor and located on top of Flat Top Mountain.

A perfect storm of bad luck hit the MacRaes in 1974, the year their executive course opened: bad economy, high inflation and interest rates, gas rationing, warm winter and little skiing, and no one buying real estate. As a result, the MacRaes had to declare bankruptcy, and the bank foreclosed. One of the MacRaes’ partners leased the course until he died.

The village of Sugar Mountain wanted to buy it, but it was too young a town to take on debt, so the Sugar Mountain Ski Resort purchased it until the town could buy it back. Today, the course is well run, in great condition and very popular.

Sugar, like Willow Creek, is a perfect niche golf course for the player who doesn’t have time for a five-hour round or doesn’t enjoy playing 500-yard par 4s. While Willow Creek is a par three course, Sugar is an executive course with nine par 3s, eight par 4s and one par 5. It measures 4,443 yards from the tips and 4,071 from the regular tees, and is par 64.

Surprisingly, despite Sugar’s short yardage, it has only one drivable par 4, its ninth hole. The hole is slightly uphill and is 259 yards from the back tee, 239 from the regular tee. There is no trouble on the hole, so it is no risk/all reward. Fire away.

There is one hole, though, that is

worth a shot just for fun. The sharply downhill 321-yard (back), 288-yard (regular) tee shot on the fifth hole has to be perfect. There is water in front and dense woods bordering both sides of a fairly narrow fairway. There are risk/reward shots, and then there are risk/reward shots, if you go for the green on No. 5. But, hey, if you are having a fun round with your buddies, hit your score ball and drop another and have at it just for fun.

Sugar holds the distinction of probably having the shortest par five around, only 394 yards. Don’t let the hole fool you: It is an uphill dogleg right that plays much longer than its yardage. The second shot is a bear with a narrow opening to the green and creeks left and right.

Head professional Tom McAuliffe, who is also one of North Carolina’s top golf writers, says the 212-yard 13th hole has the course’s most intimidating tee shot and also ranks as its signature hole.

“There is no margin for error, left or

right,” McAuliffe said. “There are bunkers front and left, and anything right ends up in the ‘Valley of Death,’ where there is no escape. The green has a lot of movement and is not easy to putt. It’s the toughest birdie on the course. I’ll take a par every time and not look back.”

The culture at Sugar is one of a “down-home feeling.” Guests are treated like old friends and are in for treat once they tee off the first hole. The greens are as good as any in the High Country, and that’s saying a lot. To set up an enjoyable day of golf with friends, call McAuliffe at (828) 898-6464.

MOUNTAIN GLEN GOLF CLUB

The idea to build Mountain Glen arose from a devastating fire in January 1961 that destroyed one-third of the town of Newland. Local leaders felt something needed to be done to spur economic growth in Avery County.

They knew large manufacturing was

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not an option because of Avery’s rough winters and isolated location. They looked four miles down the road at Linville and saw their answer: Build a golf course and develop the property around it for second homeowners. They formed the Avery Development Corporation and sold shares of stock to raise money for the project.

Thanks to great leadership and a generous landowner, Todd Lecka, Mountain Glen would become a reality. George Cobb, who first designed Quail Hollow in Charlotte, the Augusta National Par Three Course and, locally, Hound Ears, was the architect. Cobb later designed Linville Ridge. The back nine was built first, and it opened in July 1964. The front nine opened a year later.

Mountain Glen has been one of the most popular courses in the area. It plays 6,523 yards from the back tees and 5,968 yards from the regular tees. The signature hole is the beautiful, downhill, 186-yard 12th hole. The view from the tee shows Hump Mountain in the background.

Mountain Glen’s hardest hole is the 411-yard dogleg left 11th hole. The hole isn’t particularly long, except that from 200 yards in, it is steeply uphill. Also, the tee shot must be very accurate. A little left and you are blocked by trees; a little right and you are in the trees. It is not a good idea to be above the pin on its sloped green. Mountain Glen’s greens get really fast later in the summer. I rate no. 11 as one of the top five hardest holes in the High Country.

Now to drivable par 4s: We need to divide this into two categories.

First, the mortals have two opportunities. The 291-yard sixth (265 yards from the regular tees) is a tempting drive. Fade your drive and you are in a pond. Hook it and you might have a shot, you might be blocked by a pine tree or you might be out-of-bounds. Going for it is worth the gamble, though.

The 16th is slightly downhill and 313

yards from the regular tees and 339 from the back. Aim right and hit a draw on the downside of a hill, and you’ll be sitting pretty. Get double-crossed and hit a fade, and you’ll be in your pocket. Out-of-bounds is right off the fairway.

And then there’s David Forbes. Forbes takes it back as far as John Daly and is twice as strong. Forbes has driven every par four at Mountain Glen except the 11th. On the “short” par 4s such as the 339 yard 16th, he drives it with a 3 iron. Forbes is more than a long hitter. He holds the amateur course record with a 63 from the tips. My most intimidating tee shot? It’s a tossup between the 11th and the 17th. No. 17 is a dogleg right with two huge oak trees down the right side of the fairway and a row of white pines bordering the left side. The fairway slopes left into the pines. The best shot is a high fade over the first oak or a low fade under its branches. A tee shot left of the first oak has to be perfect or you are in the pines where the sun never shines.

Call Mountain Glen at (828) 7335804 to set up a tee time and to ap-

preciate what it took for David Forbes to drive all but one of their 10 par 4s. If Sam Foster answers the phone, you are talking to someone special. He served as head pro for more than four decades and holds the course record with a 62. Before coming to Mountain Glen, Foster was assistant pro at Grandfather Golf & Country Club in season and an assistant at Augusta National in the offseason.

LINVILLE LAND HARBOR

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

Land Harbor was created by the Robbins brothers —Grover, Harry and Spencer — who also brought to the High Country Tweetsie Railroad, Hound Ears, Beech Mountain, Land of Oz and the Elk River Club. The original idea was to build a recreation resort for short-term or extended-stay vacationers who used their campers or RVs to

live in. Back in the 1960s and early ‘70s, campers were the rage.

The RV lots made up 1,510 of the 1,933 lots, with homesites making up most of the rest. Later on, people wanted to spend more time at Land Harbor, so many of the RV lots were combined to provide an additional 500 building lots.

The Land Harbor property belonged to a lumber company in the early 1900s. In 1923, 5,000 acres of that property was purchased by Howard Marmon, an engineering genius whose parents took him to the Eseeola Lodge when he was a boy. Apparently, Marmon had health problems when he was young, and being in the mountains healed him. He came back to build a second home.

In 1909, Marmon built the car that won the first Indianapolis 500. The following year, 61 of the nation’s official speed records were owned by Marmon cars. Amelia Earhart rode in a Marmon in her New York City ticker-tape parade, and supposedly, Bonnie and Clyde used the speedy car to outrun the police after their bank robberies. Marmon was good friends with Harvey Firestone, Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. They came for visits and fished in the lake Marmon built, which is now the Land Harbor lake.

Mr. and Mrs. Marmon left their estate to their nephew, and when he died, he put it in a trust to benefit the hospital, library and airfield in Avery County. Warren Buffett now owns the Marmon Company. Part of the Marmon property was developed into a nursery, and that is the property that is Land Harbor.

Land Harbor was a subsidiary of Carolina Caribbean, developer of Beech Mountain and owned for the most part by the Robbins brothers. Carolina Caribbean, like Sugar Mountain, was a victim of the turbulent ‘70s and had to declare bankruptcy in 1975. A bank took over the property and decided it was in the best interest of the resort’s property owners to sell them the property.

The first nine holes of the Land Harbor Golf Club was designed by architect

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Golf courses in the High Country both public and private, like this view from Linville’s Grandfather Golf and Country Club, boast some of the most picturesque scenery in the region for golfers to enjoy.

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Tom Jackson in collaboration with local golf hero Ernie Hayes. It measures 2,950 yards and plays to a par 36. It is a delightful nine with smallish greens and well-placed hazards. The course is in excellent shape.

The 463-yard first hole is a great start. It is downhill with a sharp dogleg left and creek running down the left side of the fairway. The creek crosses the fairway at a sharp angle about 120 yards out and forms a pond to the front left of the green. The small, undulating green has a very narrow opening with trouble all around the green. If you go for the green in two, you best have your “A” game right out of the chute.

The 273-yard par 4 sixth is drivable, but dangerous. The fairway narrows considerably the closer you get to the green. Houses and out-of-bounds are on the right, and left is not a nice place to be. Go for it for fun, lay up for score.

The 141-yard slightly downhill seventh is one of the prettiest on the course. It has a beautiful view of Grandfather Mountain in the background.

Land Harbor was originally going to be an 18-hole golf course, but some of the best property for the second nine was sold to try to avoid bankruptcy. All that was left was 23 acres of rugged, unusable property. The Land Harbor POA didn’t think it was possible to design nine holes on the property, but asked Ernie Hayes if he could give it a try. After numerous failed attempts, he came up with a routing. It is different than any nine holes I have ever seen.

The back nine is 1,927 yards long and is a par 33. The longest par 4 is 335 yards and the shortest 196 yards. The course plays up hills and down into valleys and around the mountainsides.

Most par 4s are doglegs. Several are drivable, but Land Harbor rules forbid going for the green because of safety concerns.

The 196-yard par four 18th can be two wedges, but you need to respect this hole. A tee shot a little right will be off

the world. I double bogeyed the hole. If you think outside the box, forget the standard driver-of-the-tee par 4s and understand the limitations of a 23-acre nine-hole layout, the back nine actually is a lot of fun. Its holes are like no other.

The signature hole on the back nine has to be no. 17. It is a 112-yard par three that is straight up — like, 45 feet straight up. You can’t see the pin. If you are short, back down it comes. If you are a little right, off the world it goes. A par is a nice score. A plaque on the tee names the hole “Ernie’s Revenge” in appreciation for his creating nine holes that no one thought could be built.

Land Harbor has been private until recently, but now it is open to the public. My advice: Play the course. The front side is pretty neat, but the back side is simply something you have to experience for two reasons — because you’ll never see holes like this anywhere else, and secondly, to appreciate the genius of Ernie Hayes. Call the pro shop at (828) 733-8325.

Private clubs

Typically, private clubs are for members and their guests. The High Country has an incredible collection of private clubs, the envy of the rest of the state. Guess what? You can play most of them. The private clubs are very community-oriented, and most make their courses available to various charities for fundraising golf tournaments. Play in one of those tournaments, and you will be helping a worthy cause and, at the same time, enjoy an experience you will fondly remember for a long time. That’s called a win-win.

HOUND EARS CLUB

The Robbins brothers — Grover, Harry and Spencer — have had an incredibly positive impact on the High Country. In addition to Tweetsie Railroad, Ski Beech and the Land of Oz, they have given us one-fourth of all the golf courses in the High Country: Linville Land Harbor, Beech Mountain, Elk River Club and Hound Ears. Hound Ears was their first. In the early 1960s, they saw the popular-

ity of the new Boone course and the Blowing Rock Country Club, and they felt the area could use a new course. They chose a site in Shulls Mill, south of Boone along N.C. 105. In the early 1900s, Shulls Mill was one of the county’s primary commercial centers. Its sawmill and lumberyard, along with a Tweetsie Railroad junction, employed enough people to support a hotel, small hospital, stores and a movie theater. By the time Hound Ears was built, only remnants of the community remained.

Spencer Robbins was working at Pine Needles golf resort in Southern Pines, one of the top golfing destinations in the country, and Grover and Harry were frequent visitors. They liked Pine Needles and decided to follow their example in their golf course. They did Pine Needles one better by adding one of the South’s first ski slopes. They decided to have a Bavarian theme to their clubhouse and lodge to complement the ski slope. Their golf course was designed by George Cobb, then known for his redesign work at

Augusta National. Both the ski slope and golf course opened in 1964. They chose the name Hound Ears because the rocks on top of the ridge behind the course stood up like dog ears. Hounds Ear or Hound Ears? Spencer Robbins answers the question by saying, “One dog, two ears.”

Hall of Fame golf instructor Bob Toski was the club’s first professional. After Toski resigned to be the Johnny Miller of NBC’s golf telecasts, the club hired Ohio State University golf coach Bob Kepler, who worked with Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf and Ed Sneed. Following Kepler was Tom Adams and then Adams’s assistant, Peter Rucker, who started out at Hound Ears as a cart boy in 1981.

Most of the golf course is located in the flat bottom land of Shulls Mill. The Robbins brothers also acquired some rugged mountain land with the property purchase, but they saw no use for it. The course became so popular that

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people who played it wanted to have a home there. Thus, the mountain land became homesites. “We didn’t have a plan for a development,” Spencer Robbins said. “It just happened.”

The first six years, the third, eighth and 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, 414yard hole with a creek down the right side until it crosses the fairway near the front of the green. Because the dogleg is so close to the green, tee shots need to land on the left side of the fairway. A large tree at the beginning of the dogleg protects the green from players whose drives are from the center to the right side of the fairway. The hole plays longer than its yardage. The neat thing about no. 18 is its tee box. It is perched on top of a large boulder.

Hound Ears’ most scenic shot is teeing off the par five sixth hole. It is a highly elevated tee with an incredible view of Grandfather Mountain. Peter Rucker’s favorite hole is the uphill 490yard par five fourth (also No. 1 handicap hole.). Rucker said, “The fairway narrows significantly beginning 100 yards before the green. It is bordered by woods on the right and woods and a creek on the left.” Rucker’s favorite hole should be the 491-yard par 5 12th. He has double-eagled it twice.

There really aren’t drivable par 4s at Hound Ears, even though the course is 6,307 yards from the tips/6,145 from regular tees. I was playing with the golf pro son of famed teaching pro Jack Lumpkin, and he drove the 360-yard 10th. Then on the 491-yard 12th, which winds around a lake, he drove across the lake and landed in the bunker in front of the green. I saw them both, but I don’t believe what I saw, so those shots don’t count.

BEECH MOUNTAIN CLUB

Beech Mountain’s golf course is another of the Robbins brothers’ contributions to the High Country, but in this case, oldest brother Grover was the visionary and primary contributor to its creation. Grover envisioned the Hound Ears concept (resort, golf, skiing, property and airport) being taken to a much higher level at Beech Mountain. He even used the Bavarian architectural theme that he used at Hound Ears.

Grover quietly purchased 10,000 acres, 7,300 acres on Beech Mountain and 2,700 acres in the valley where the Elk River Club now stands. His slogan was “9,000 families on 10,000 acres.” Grover built the ski slope and airport in 1967. The airport now is a part of the Elk River Club, which the Robbins brothers also developed.

A development of this magnitude required more investment capital, so Grover set up the Appalachian Development Corp. that attracted 40 initial investors. Later, when he added a development in the Virgin Islands, he changed the name of the company to Carolina Caribbean.

Robbins chose Atlanta architect Willard Byrd to design two golf courses at Beech Mountain, one for recreational play and one for championship play. Byrd had designed a number of great courses in the Piedmont part of North Carolina and in the Myrtle Beach area, but Beech Mountain would be his first mountain course. Willard’s land planner, Dennis Lehmann, helped plan the resort, as well as all of Linville Land Harbor, also a Robbins brothers development. Lehmann would end up

playing a major role in the design of several High Country courses.

Byrd’s recreational course would be built first. The front nine opened in 1969 and the back nine two years later. Tragedy struck Beech Mountain about this time.

Grover Robbins died of cancer in 1970. Without his vision and leadership, Carolina Caribbean began to unravel. The organization began taking on more projects than it could handle. At their peak, they had 11 planes they used to fly in prospective property buyers. They had to sell a lot of property to keep all their projects going. Unfortunately, the economy tanked, inflation was rampant, interest rates were 18 percent, there was gas rationing and several of their property owners in the Virgin Islands were robbed and killed while playing golf. The bank foreclosed in early 1975.

All the company’s properties were sold to pay off its debts. The second course, which was under construction, was never completed. It was included in the property purchased by the Eagles Nest development. Tweetsie Railroad bought the Elk River Club property, including the airport. The Land of Oz and ski slopes were sold to a mortgage company, and Land Harbor was sold to its POA.

The Beech Mountain golf course and

a 13-acre recreation park were purchased by its POA, but not without some trying times. First, they had to convince the bankruptcy trustee they were the best option as owners. Then, they had to finance its purchase and operation. They had to get the North Carolina General Assembly to make Beech Mountain a town, so it could legally enforce the payment of property taxes and utilities. Today, the Beech Mountain Club has close to 1,300 members and is a healthy operation. The golf course is on the backside of Beech Mountain, around 4,500 feet in elevation, and its panoramic views stretch into Tennessee and Virginia. The course plays to 6,225 yards from the back tees and 5,743 from the regular tees. Because of the up-and-down terrain, it plays longer than its yardage. Needless to say, there are a number of spectacular holes on the course.

Two in particular are the 394-yard eighth hole with beautiful views of mountain ridges located in three states. The 10th tee is located to the right of the clubhouse, which is perched on a ridge, and that means the tee shot has a dramatic drop in elevation. The tee shot is exciting, to say the least.

Beech Mountain is a private club

The slopes, creeks, forests and scenery in our area make ideal sites for interesting golf courses. Even better, that variety exists within each course. Each one has unique, memorable and fun holes to play.

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open to its members, and their guests, and those staying in lodging on the mountain that offers golf privileges for its guests.

LINVILLE RIDGE

The prized scenic view in the High Country is looking at Grandfather Mountain. Its ruggedness and abrupt rise in elevation makes for a spectacular site. Several area courses have views of Grandfather, but none are eyeballto-eyeball like Linville Ridge. Its par 5 13th, at 4,984 feet, is the highest elevation hole in Eastern America. The course has an elevation change from its lowest point to its highest of 760 feet. At this elevation, because of the thinner air, your shots go further than off the mountain.

Linville Ridge sits atop Flat Top Mountain, which is part of the original 16,000-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,

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.

YOUR HIGH COUNTRY DEALER WITH THE LARGEST INVENTORY TO CHOOSE FROM

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DISC GOLF

Long throws and challenging holes

BY JAMIE SHELL

The sport of golf has been a favorite sport among weekend warriors and outdoor enthusiasts in the High Country. However, the unique activity of disc

golf continues to grow in popularity, especially in pastoral regions like the northwest North Carolina area.

Disc golf is the perfect solution for anyone that wants to teach, share and enjoy a lifetime sport, as it’s a healthy activity that is considerably less expen-

sive than its golfing counterpart. Among the benefits of playing disc golf are upper and lower body conditioning, aerobic exercise and mental stimulation. Concentration skills expand by mastering shots and negotiating obstacles, while players that are in less than tip

top physical condition can still enjoy the sport, starting slowly and gradually increasing their level of play.

Disc golf is played much like regular golf, except instead of a ball and clubs

PHOTO COURTESY BEECH MOUNTAIN RESORT

A disc golf hole at Beech Mountain Resort is pictured in the foreground with a chairlift transporting mountain bikes in the background.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 122

players use a flying disc. According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, the sport was formalized in the 1970s and shares with golf the object of completing each hole in the fewest strokes or, in the case of disc golf, fewest tosses as possible.

A disc golf hole begins from a tee area and ends at a target, the most common of which is an elevated metal basket. As a player progresses down the fairway, he or she must make each consecutive throw from the spot where the previous throw landed.

In group play, the farthest away player always throws first. Players should not get ahead of the away player. Much like regular golf, trees, shrubs and terrain changes located in and around the fairways provide challenging obstacles to reach the final destination. When the “putt” lands in the basket, the hole is complete.

According to the PDGA, the flying discs are made of solid, non-magnetic plastic material and are between 21 centimeters to 30 centimeters. The maximum weight of a disc can not exceed a weight of 200 grams.

There are three types of discs players can use: long-range driver, a mid-range wood or iron and a short range putter. Discs are also fairly cheap with a decent set ranging at about $50, while golf clubs can range to hundreds of dollars for a decent set.

For those wanting to try disc golf, the High Country offers a variety of courses for all ages to play.

THE HIGH COUNTRY DISC COURSE

Located at Ashe County Park in Jefferson, the High Country Disc Course is a great place for beginners or pros to better their skills. The park offers 20 holes of disc golf. Throughout the twomile course on every hole, concrete and platform rubber decked tee-pads and easy-to-spot DiscCatcher baskets have been installed.

The last nine holes are located deep in the woodland while the front nine more in the open. Some of the holes have alternate baskets for newer players. The course also provides “Birdies” and “Tree Love” scorecards that also double as field guides, which allow players to identify birds and trees during their round.

For more information, visit www. kidsinparks.com/ashe-county-parkntdgc.

WAHOO’S ADVENTURES

Another great disc golf course is at Wahoo’s Adventures where you can also camp, canoe and tube in the New River.

The course features nine holes that each have both long and short tees. It also has a warm-up hole for players to prep their throwing arm. The course itself is a beautiful hike in the New River area for disc golf players. It features a catwalk bridge over a creek, perfect for a hot summer’s day.

The cost of the course is $5 per person or free for those tubing with Wahoo’s Adventures. More information can be found at www.wahoosadventures.com.

BEECH MOUNTAIN RESORT

Beech Mountain Resort is welcoming for players of all skill levels. The course features 18 holes designed into the mountain landscape. Players can walk the course for free, or they can take a scenic lift ride for $12 to tee off from the summit.

A rental of three discs cost $10. For more information, call 1 (800) 4382093 or visit www.beechmountainresort.com/summer/disc-golf/.

CHETOLA RESORT

Chetola Resort offers a nine-hole course with three practice holes to boot. Unlike other courses, Chetola is a private resort and its course is reserved for guests. For more information, call (828) 295-5535 or visit the resort website at www.chetola.com.

SEE DISC ON PAGE 124

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 123

ROAN MOUNTAIN DISC GOLF COURSE

Located mere minutes from Avery County at 133 Freeman Rd. in Roan Mountain, Tenn., Roan Mountain Disc Golf Course was created in 2006, RMDGC is a basically flat course that makes it friendly for all levels of ability. A river runs along Hole Nos. 1 and 9, with dual tees on Hole No. 18. and alternate layout plays 3, 5 and 1.

Primarily a beginners’ course or a practice course for letting loose long drives, the final hole on the 9-hole course calls for a long tee-off throw. The course is a popular destination for those hiking, vacationing in the area and is only a few minutes drive from nearby Roan Mountain State Park.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information in disc golf and its rules, visit Professional Disc Golf Association at www.pdga.com.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

One of the “holes” on the disc golf course at Roan Mountain Disc Golf Course. The object of disc golf is to land a thrown disc in the basket (hole) in as few throws as possible from a designated tee box.

Pickleball in the High Country

BY JORDYN DANIELS

Combining the skills and techniques from both tennis and table tennis, pickleball is a sport for all ages to enjoy. The origin of the sport’s unique name is widely debated, but many say that the name is after the founding group’s pooch, Pickle. However the sport was founded, it is growing in popularity in the High Country.

As a beginner friendly game, pickleball consists of two teams on either side of a net slightly smaller than a tennis net, using paddles to rally a polymer ball. Both an indoor and outdoor sport, it can be played in singles or doubles.

The W atauga Community Recreation Center has multiple levels of classes, teams and available courts for the sport. This past spring, the number of participants signing out the courts were as high as 116 per day, and averaged 60 people per day, according to recreational specialist Holly Gates.

The WCRC has two outdoor courts and four indoor courts. The outdoor courts are first-come, first-serve, which applies to all outdoor courts. To use the indoor courts, there is a list that needs to be signed in advance. The indoor courts are free with a membership, or are available for use with a day pass. For those who are coming solo, a rotation of teams happens at the end of a game for allinclusive fun.

Seasonal teams and classes are available and updated weekly on the WCRC website. All skill levels are invited to join the league. To be in the league, you do not have to pay for a daily pass or membership, only the dues to be in the league. A youth league is not typically offered in the summer due to instructors not being available.

As for the classes, there are classes that range in skill level, all ages are

welcome. There are also personal lessons available for those interested that can get as specifi c as needed. Personal lessons range from honing skills to

learning new ones. There are classes such as beginners 101, intermediate clinics and an advance class.

For more information on pickleball

at the Watauga County Recreation Center, visit www.wataugacounty. org/App_Pages/Dept/ParksRec/ home.aspx.

Pickleball is a popular sport to play at the Watauga County Recreation Center.

General stores offer present-day conveniences with historic feel

BY JAMIE SHELL

In today’s world, it is often simple to find some needed item at the tips of one’s fingers via smartphone or computer. But there’s something to be said about the satisfaction of visiting and supporting a locally owned small business, knowing the proprietor by name, then finding your needed item and much more.

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

Owned and operated for more than 40 years by Beech Mountain and Avery County icon Fred Pfohl, 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 2,500 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

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.

STORES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 128

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.

Back to the food, don’t forget to check out their private label Moonshine Pickles, Bear Jam, Frog Jam, Traffic Jam, and Toe Jam.

ORIGINAL MAST GENERAL STORE

Highway 194, Valle Crucis (828) 963-6511

www.mastgeneralstore.com

MAST GENERAL STORE ANNEX

Highway 194 S., Valle Crucis (828) 963-6511

MAST GENERAL STORE 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, 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

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.”

SEE STORES ON PAGE 132

FILE PHOTO

Visit the Candy Barrel at Mast General Store in Valle Crucis.

STORES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 130

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, 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.”

FILE PHOTO

The Bee and the Boxwood, Molly Northern’s store is full of handpicked gifts and home accessories.

Exploring

BY JILLYAN MOBLEY

With 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 destination 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.artcellaron-

area arts

line.com

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

SEE ARTS ON PAGE 136

PHOTO BY KAYLA LASURE

Pieces of pottery by Bolick and Traditions Pottery sit inside a wood kiln prior to being unloaded during a previous Annual Heritage Day and Wood Kiln Opening.

ARTS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 135

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 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, 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.bolickandtra-

ditionspottery.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 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

SEE ARTS ON PAGE 138

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Freeman Beard’s “Red Barn at Pond” in watercolor at the Carlton Gallery.

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 28 - 29

The Music of the Mountains • Individual & Band Competitions Saturday for all ages • Jamming • Workshops Featuring great music and cash prizes!

September 12 - 16 • A free community festival featuring reading, workshops, and events with authors!

Celebrating 16 years of reading and writing excellence.

August 12 •

August 5 - 6 • 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 some of the most beautiful mountain countryside.

Friday Night Kick-Off Concert

to feature the Crooked Road Ramblers and Kelley and the Cowboys! From old-time to vintage country, this is a concert lineup you don’t want to miss!

September 23 • 10 am - 4 pm

Over 30 artists will showcase their work on the grounds of Ashe Arts Center in downtown West Jefferson!

ARTS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 136

style. The gallery has been designed with a relaxed atmosphere to comfortably view the ever-changing collection. Gallery owners, James Selby Rue and Carolyn Crocker-Rue, 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.wataugaarts.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 activities celebrating the arts.

MAIN STREET GALLERY

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 (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 notfor-profit, member and donation-supported art venue serving as an incubator for emerging and established artists in the Boone area.

SALLY NOONEY GALLERY

7143 NC 194, Banner Elk (828) 963-7347 — www.sallynooney. com

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.

Embracing the Arts

BY JONY APOLINAR

Nestled in the serene Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, the High Country region is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its vibrant arts and cultural scene. The High Country boasts a diverse array of artistic offerings that captivate locals and visitors alike. From galleries to lively theaters, this region is a haven for art enthusiasts.

L ocated on the campus of Appalachian State University in Boone, the Turchin Center for the V isual Arts is a premier art museum that features a rotating selection of contemporary art from regional, national, and international artists. With over 7,000 square feet of gallery space, the center showcases a diverse range of art forms, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. The center also hosts educational programs, workshops, and lectures, making it a dynamic hub of artistic exploration and engagement.

Situated in the town of Blowing Rock, the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM) is a cultural gem that celebrates the rich heritage of the High Country. The museum features a permanent collection that includes works by local and regional artists, as well as rotating exhibitions that showcase a wide range of artistic styles and mediums. BRAHM also offers educational programs, events, and workshops, making it a hub of artistic inspiration and community engagement.

Held annually at Appalachian State University in Boone, An Appalachian Summer Festival is a multidisciplinary arts festival

that features world-class performances in music, dance, theatre, and visual arts. The festival brings renowned artists from around the globe to the High Country, offering a diverse and eclectic array of performances that captivate audiences of all ages. From classical music concerts to contemporary dance performances, An Appalachian Summer Festival is a highlight of the region’s cultural calendar.

A thriving community theater in Banner Elk, Ensemble Stage presents a diverse repertoire of plays, musicals, and special events that showcase the talents of local actors and performers. From classic dramas to modern comedies, Ensemble Stage offers a rich and dynamic theatrical experience that brings the magic of live performances to the High Country. The theater also hosts educational programs and workshops, providing opportunities for aspiring actors and theater enthusiasts to hone their skills.

The High Country is also home to numerous art galleries and studios that showcase the work of local artists. From traditional to contemporary, these galleries offer a wide range of artistic styles and mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and more. Many of these galleries also host artist receptions, gallery walks, and special events, providing opportunities for art lovers to connect with the artists and explore the rich artistic heritage of the region.

The High Country is a cultural destination that celebrates the arts in all its forms. From museums to vibrant community theaters, the region offers a rich and diverse artistic landscape that is sure to captivate the senses and inspire the soul.

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From paintings to tours to natural beauty, the arts are seen across the High Country.

Appalachian arts and pottery shape picturesque art in region

BY GRACE FICARA

Bob Meier, owner of Doe Ridge Pottery and Appalachian State University alumni, gives faces to mugs and life to clay.

While initially entering university with a major in Industrial Arts and Vocational Education, Meier took a pottery course to check off a requirement and ended up making the craft his career. With multiple mugs, lamps, dishes and other assortments of pottery to choose from, Meier describes how tourists from out of state come to North Carolina for the wide selection of pottery. In his own

shop, he has approximately tens of thousands of dollars in inventory at a time and currently homes 16 other potters work as well as his own.

From the piedmont to the coast, Meier said that North Carolina has always been a place where potters can come together.

With a thin line of topsoil, the clay became easily accessible to anyone interested in pottery. Although making the clay suitable for pottery is an extensive process, Meier said that the easy access benefitted artists interested in clay making.

Meier added that “potters like being around potters,” which accounts for the high volume of pottery in

North Carolina and why he believes it plays a significant role in the state’s economy. Meier said that people react to mass-produced items, which is part of pottery’s draw. Since he knew nothing about pottery before starting at Appalachian State University, Meier assumed the interest in pottery was the same everywhere.

Then, one day, four women walked into his store from Illinois and were taken aback by the amount of pottery. After the women walked around for a bit, Meier remembers one of them speaking up and saying “Well, this is it.” It sure is.

PHOTO BY ISAAC ROBERSON

Bob Meier working in his shop, Meier individually puts a handle on each of his mugs.

Ensemble Stage gears up for season

BY LILY KINCAID

Located in the Cultural Arts Center at the Historic Banner Elk School, Ensemble Stage brings quality, professional-grade theater performances to the High Country. Ensemble Stage’s story began in Blowing Rock in October 2009. The organization put on a variety of shows, theater camps, staged radio plays, musicals and interactive performances, such as game shows and murder mystery dinners, at the Blowing Rock School Auditorium until 2017, when it moved to Banner Elk for a more permanent location.

The Historic Banner Elk School, located at 185 Azalea Circle SE, now houses the Banner Elk Artists Gallery, the Banner Elk Book Exchange, the box office for Ensemble Stage and Hahn Auditorium, where the organization puts on the majority of its shows. Artis-

tic Director Gary Smith and Managing Director Lisa Lamont oversee a handful of Main Stage shows each season, plus additional staged radio plays, holiday variety shows, theater camps, kids’ shows and more.

This summer, Ensemble Stage is presenting four Main Stage productions, plus a kids theater series and one special cabaret performance.

“PUSS IN BOOTS”

This playful children’s show traces the origins of the beloved character Puss in Boots. Full of humor and audience interaction, this show begins at 11 a.m. on Saturdays, June 10, July 8, July 29 and August 12. Tickets are $6.

“DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE”

Scott Douglas Wilson and Laura

PHOTO BY TODD BUSH

The Hahn Auditorium, located in the Historic Banner Elk School, seats 99 people.

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Hodos star in this humorous spin on the classic gothic novel. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, June 16, 17, 23 and 24, 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 18 and 25. Tickets are $28 for adults, $26 for seniors and members of the military and $12 for kids 16 and under.

“BACK HOME TO BROADWAY”

In this one-night-only show, Laura Hodos will perform numbers from “Les Miserables,” “Gypsy,” “Funny Girl,” “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “Annie Get Your Gun” and more, as well as hits from artists like Judy Garland, Patsy Cline and Barbra Streisand. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 27 and will benefit Ensemble Stage. Tickets to the cabaret are $50.

“CITY OF DREADFUL NIGHT”

Full of suspense, this production

draws inspiration from 40s mystery noir and is full of twists and turns. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, July 21, 22, 28 and 29, at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 23 and 30. Tickets are $28 for adults, $26 for seniors and members of the military and $12 for kids 16 and under.

“A TEXAS ROMANCE”

A heartwarming comedy following Daisy Wilson, a young widow now living with her older sister. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,

August 18, 19, 25 and 26, at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 22 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 20 and 27. Tickets are $28 for adults, $26 for seniors and members of the military and $12 for kids 16 and under.

“TO DIE FOR”

This comedic thriller shows Carla Woods, a historical romance writer, as a mysterious man shows up on the doorstep of her gothic mansion on a dark and stormy night. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and

Saturday, September 15, 16, 22 and 23, at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 19 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 17 and 24. Tickets are $28 for adults, $26 for seniors and members of the military and $12 for kids 16 and under.

In October, Ensemble Stage will have “The Hitchcock Radio Hour,” a staged radio play, and in December, it will put on “A Banner Elk Christmas 5.”

A season subscription costs $100 for adults or $92 for seniors or members of the military, and includes tickets to all four Summer Main Stage Productions. It does not include tickets to the cabaret, kid shows, staged radio play or holiday musical variety show. However, tickets to those shows can be purchased at the same time as a subscription purchase.

For more information, visit http:// www.ensemblestage.com/index. html or call (828) 414-1844. Theater packages that include lodging, theater tickets, discount dining and breakfast

Semi-precious and precious gem buckets available

Lees-McRae Summer Theatre opens for 37th season

BY LILY KINCAID

Lees-McRae College offers a unique mix of professional, educational and community theater from late June through early August.

Lees-McRae College Summer Theatre was founded in 1985 by Janet Barton Speer, who has been teaching theater, performing, choreographing, writing and directing for decades. The program takes suggestions for future productions, and its advisory committee keeps an ear out for what the local community wants to see. Planning for each season starts nearly a year in advance. The blend of local, professional and student actors allows the Summer Theatre to showcase

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Photo by Gabriel Vanover

Hayes Auditorium Broyhill Theatre Banner Elk, NC

PHOTO COURTESY LEES-MCRAE SUMMER THEATRE

Lees-McRae Summer Theatre kicked off its 2022 season with “The Drowsy Chaperone.”

LMC

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an array of talent, from that of community members all the way up to awardwinning professionals.

Lees-McRae Summer Theatre’s team consists of Managing Director Gabriel Vanover, Operations Manager Pamela Joslin and Artistic Director Janet Barton Speer, and the program is funded by ticket sales, grants and donations.

This summer, Lees-McRae Summer Theatre will put on three shows at the Hayes Auditorium in Banner Elk.

“RED, WHITE, AND BLUE RIDGE VARIETY SHOW”

This variety show showcases the wonders of North Carolina and premieres just in time for the Fourth of July. The cast is composed of actors from all around the nation, including from right here in the High Country. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 30 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 2. Tickets range

This year will be Lees-McRae Summer Theatre’s 37th season, and all of the shows are North Carolina-themed.

from $10 to $25.

“BRIGHT STAR”

Taking place in the North Carolina

mountains in the 1920s and 1940s, this show follows Billy Cane, a young soldier returning from war, and Alice Murphy, editor of a literary journal.

The story of love and redemption is inspired by a true story and features a Tony-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on Thursday to Saturday, July 6 to 8, and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11, with 2 p.m. matinees on Sunday and Wednesday, July 9 and 12. Tickets range from $18 to $43.

“THE [W]RIGHT SISTER”

The story of Katherine Wright, the Wright Brothers’ often-forgotten sister, is brought into the spotlight in this original musical.

Paired with original music, this show allows audiences to learn about a piece of history that is often overlooked. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on Tuesday to Friday, July 25 to 28, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 23, and Saturday, July 29. Tickets range from $18 to $43.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (828) 898-8709 or visit h ttps://www.lmc.edu/community/summer-theatre/index.htm .

PHOTO COURTESY LEES-MCRAE SUMMER THEATRE

Summer with Appalachian Theatre

BY EMMA SHEW

Grab your popcorn and reserve your tickets, because it’s the busiest summer yet at Appalachian Theatre.

Kicking off the summer with several movie series, the 2016 film “La La Land,” will kick off the “June Jams” series on June 8.

“Those are going to be all music movies,” said Suzanne Livesay, executive director for Appalachian Theatre. “Then, we’ll be doing all summer blockbusters for July and August.”

According to Livesay, “Jaws,” “Men in Black,” and a few Marvel titles are in the works as potential blockbuster films for those months.

In addition to the weekly film screenings the theater is doing, there are also several live music events coming this summer.

“June 23 we’re bringing back a group called ‘Damn Tall Buildings,’” said Livesay. “They’re a bluegrass band, but they’re based out of Brooklyn, New York. They are so good. They blew me away.”

The theater will also be hosting a summer musical theater camp for rising fourth through ninth-graders the weeks of July 10 and July 24.

There are going to be several jazz events taking place at the theater as part of the High Country Jazz Festival the weekend of June 8, including The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, Emmet Cohen Group, and Reggie Buie Group.

The Appalachian Theatre, in addition to their regular summer programming, will be collaborating with the Town of Boone for the second annual Boonerang

Festival June 15 through 17.

“We’re hosting a storyteller’s showcase called ‘Story Slam,”” said Livesay. “Then, Shelby Rae Band is coming in and performing in the venue.”

The festival kickoff will also be happening in the theater, and will include performances by the Kruger Brothers, Jeff Little Trio and the Burnett Sisters.

“We’re going to be the insidewith-a-comfortable-chair venue,” said Livesay. “We don’t know if it’s going to work, but we hope we end up with a full house for every single show.”

For more information on the Appalachian Theatre, visit www.apptheatre.org/.

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A view of the historic downtown Appalachian Theatre.

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The Burnett Sisters band is a product of the Junior Appalachian Musicians program.

Raise the curtain for the Ashe County Little Theatre

BY NATHAN HAM

The Ashe County Little Theatre continues its longstanding tradition of introducing theatrical performances to interested artists of all ages and abilities with a full schedule of events for 2023.

The year began with the performance of “Bell, Book and Candle” in March and will continue with performances of the Mel Brooks musical “Young Frankenstein” June 22-25 at the Ashe Civic Center in West Jefferson. Cast and crew members have been hard at work since casting auditions for “Young Frankenstein” began at the end of March.

The final cast for the musical is:

Dr. Frederick Frankenstein — Hunter

Hogg

Monster — Jerry Roman

Igor — Michael Malloy

Inga — Liana Epps

Elizabeth Benning — Lauren Hayworth

Frau Blucher — Jody Cheek

Inspector Hans Kemp — Jim Williams

Hermit / Dr. Victor von Frankenstein — Michael Kotula

Ziggy — Les Miller

Ensemble: Norma Allen, Sarah Brandt, Lauren Brown, Olivia Cooper, Jan Gambill, Jan Kotula, Gage Lambert, Geli Macknee, Edie Miller

Crew

Baron Cooper — Director

Bob Garver — Musical Director

Vikki Cooper — Stage Manager

Cynthia Harless — Choreographer

Looking ahead to the rest of 2023, the next show will be a performance of “The Wild Women of Winedale” as well as a murder mystery dinner theatre show and a performance of the classic holiday play “A Christmas Carol.” Audition and show dates for these performances will be

shared at a later date.

The Ashe County Little Theatre is a community theater group that perform a wide variety of plays and productions each year. ACLT not only gives actors, actresses and singers a chance to showcase their talents, but also directors, musicians and producers that want to show their own talents.

For show schedules and casting information for upcoming performances, visit the Ashe County Little Theatre’s website at https://www.ashecountylittletheatre.org/

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ASHE COUNTY LITTLE THEATRE “Bell, Book and Candle” cast, back row from left to right: Jody Cheek, Cynthia Harless, Jill Gambill, Melissa Edmondson and Jim Williams. Seated: Patrick Butler, Sommer Ray and Manny Edmondson.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ASHE COUNTY LITTLE THEATRE “Bell, Book and Candle” cast members in costume.

Horse Show celebrates 100 years

BY EMMA SHEW

For many folks, ringing in the summer means watermelon, swimming pools, hot dogs and lazy days. In Blowing Rock, summer can only truly be started with the commencement of the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show — the longest continually running horse show in the United States. This year is the 100th anniversary of the spectacular event.

Since 1923, riders have been coming to Blowing Rock to compete in the traditional English horse show, participating in events such as dressage, hunter

jumping, show jumping, and eventing.

The horse show lasts from June into early August, with different events held and judged each month. Tickets to spectate the event are $10, and children 12-yearsold and under get in free.

The money from ticket sales, entry fees, box seat sales and sponsorships go towards several charities supporting the Watauga County area. Past charities supported have included Blowing Rock Fire Department, Blowing Rock Rescue Squad, Watauga County Humane Society, Appalachian State University Equestrian

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BLOWING ROCK CHARITY HORSE SHOW FOUNDATION ARCHIVES

A competitor in the hunter/jumper division of the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show clears a hurdle in a past event.

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Team and the Blowing Rock Rotary Club. The event also supports the local economy of Blowing Rock and surrounding areas. According to a 2012 economic report done by faculty at Appalachian State University, the event generated more than $7.7 million in local revenue over the course of 21 days. Adjusted for inflation, that would be more than $10 million in 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Managing an event of this magnitude in a town with a population of 1,300 is no small feat. Anywhere else, attendees would outnumber and overwhelm the local residents and roadways.

Luckily for the BRCHS, a venue for the event was donated to them specifically 89 years ago. Thomas H. Broyhill sold the 1,000-acre “horse show grounds” to the BRCHS association for $1 in 1934, according to the BRCHS website.

Previous to this donation, the horse

show was called the “Tournament at Green Park,” and was much more lighthearted. The event was a gymkhana, a horse show that has participants compete in sillier, more childlike events. Some of these more silly events included barrel racing, pole bending and flag racing.

After the donation of the Broyhill

Family Billiards: A Tradition of Excellence Since 1996

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.

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.

land in 1923, the name of the event was changed to the “Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show,” and the atmosphere of the games became more formal. Throughout the years the show has become more serious, but still tries to make the event a “fun show,” according to the BRCHS website.

The Broyhill Equestrian Preserve currently accommodates 17 barns with

450 stalls, as well as three competition rings and a grandstand seating area. The preserve also has room for 35 RV hookups, 17 of which have sewer hookups. Competitors in the event have the option of staying on the grounds with their horses, as well as boarding their horses with the Broyhill Foundation throughout the year.

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10 Professional Pool Tables

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The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show takes place annually at the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve.

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