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