TOWNS

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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.

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.

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

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