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/schedule.

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 HILL. 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 Lanes 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 ALPINE 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

SEE FUN ON PAGE 41