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.