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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

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