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TABLE OF CONTENTS Advertising Index ...........................105 An Appalachian Summer Festival....74 Appalachian Skate Park ...................64 Ashe Arts Council .............................58 Avery Arts Council ............................83 Avery Heritage Festival ....................80 Beech Mountain ...............................29 Bicycling ...........................................26 Blue Ridge Parkway .........................34 Calendar of Events .........................100 Camping ...........................................44 Chambers of Commerce ....................7 Christmas in July ..............................53 Climbing............................................25 Daniel Boone Native Gardens..........61 Disc Golf ...........................................64 Ensemble Stage ...............................84 Equestrian Activities ........................93 Farmers’ Markets .............................77 Festivals ............................................76 Fishing ..............................................14 Frescoes ...........................................56 Gem Mining ......................................68 Gliding...............................................98 Golf....................................................99 Grandfather Mountain ......................22 High Country Host ..............................5 Highland Games ...............................51 Hiking ................................................32 ‘Horn in the West’ .............................86 Lees-McRae Summer Theatre .........87 Local Towns ........................................8 Linville Caverns ................................70 Literary Festival ................................57 MusicFest ’n Sugar Grove ...............79 Parkway Crafts .................................41 Pet-friendly Places ...........................88 Sugar Mountain ................................49 Tweetsie Railroad .............................65 Virginia Creeper Trail ........................62 Walking Trails....................................46 Watauga Arts Council ......................81 Watauga Lake ...................................20 Whitewater........................................18 Wineries ............................................97 Zipline ...............................................69 PHOTO BY ROB MOORE
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The Answer
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PEOPLE
The High Country Host Visitor Information Center is located at 1700 Blowing Rock Road in Boone. For more information, call (828) 264-1299. PHOTO SUBMITTED
High Country Host Visitor’s Center BY LAURA TABOR
T
he staff at the High Country Host Visitor’s Center has heard a fair amount of questions about this area, including everything from, “Where’s the purple house on the parkway with the pottery?” to, “I’m lost! Where am I?” The Visitor’s Center is a nonprofit organization for those visiting Wilkes, Mitchell, Alleghany, Watauga, Avery and Ashe counties. Located at 1700 Blowing Rock Road in Boone, it is easy to find and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The center was opened in 1980, when local businesses and area tourist attractions were invited to meet and work on problems with the tourist industry. The damaging effects of inflation and the energy crisis were discussed, leading to negotiations that would allow organizations that were already a part of their local chamber of commerce to join a new area organization, the High Country Host. Operated through the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the Host has a thriving website, and its physical Visitor’s Center is full of brochures for member organizations and information on what to do, where to stay and what to eat in the area. There is even a book of local menus that visitors can peruse before visiting one
Places to which the High Country Vacation Planner have been sent:
Italy, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Canada, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, England. You can order one via phone, voicemail, the website, or by just coming in to the High Country Host Visitor’s Center. of the area’s eateries. The organization is also a resource for locals; in addition to information about specific attractions, the Host promotes the businesses of the area through everything from co-op projects to advertisements in local media, including magazines, newspapers and radio. The Visitor’s Center is also a call center, fielding questions on driving directions, upcoming weather informa-
tion and even where the best mattress in town is. The main website, www.highcountryhost.com, includes more specific sites like www.mountainsofnc. com, www.skithehighcountry.com and www.highcountryparkway.com. Last year marked the 30th anniversary of the Host and was a landmark year for promoting tourism in the area. As Loraine Tyrie, administrative services assistant at High Country Host, said, “We don’t just answer questions; we help people make a memory.” One of the Host’s most well-known programs is the production of the “North Carolina’s High Country Mountain Vacation Planner.” In 2009-10, the organization printed and distributed 125,000 of the guides, which includes local arts and entertainment, lodgings, sports and family fun. It also includes contact information for local tourism bureaus and chambers of commerce for even more indepth details on local attractions. Staff members are in the center seven days a week, and the voicemail system allows callers to leave messages for the right person to contact them as soon as possible. During the summer months, check out the events calendar posted at the Visitor’s Center and call for information on summer concerts and festivals in the area.
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It’s Summertime
ongsters Mungo Jerry gleefully sang, “In the summertime, when the weather is high, you can chase right up and touch the sky.” They also sang “Somebody Stole My Wife,” but that’s beside the point. The High Country is literally a place to chase right up and touch the sky. It’s a place we’re happy to call home, and summertime is a season we welcome with open arms and open windows. Whether it’s hiking, camping, fishing, rafting or simply strolling about downtown, High Country summers are, put simply, perfect. Cool weather, warm welcomes and smiling faces greet you on the way up, and memories of a lifetime join you on the way home.
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Making those memories is the fun part, and the Summer Times can help. For fact-filled rundowns of area attractions, activities, events and general goings-on, look no further. Since new events and things-to-do are cropping up all the time, also pick up a copy of the latest The Mountain Times for up-to-date information on what’s happening in the High Country. Till then, welcome to your summer in the mountains. Sincerely, Frank Ruggiero Editor The Mountain Times
NU M BBEE RRSS O F NNOO T E
LAW ENFORCEMENT Watauga County WATAUGA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE (828) 264-3761
BOONE POLICE DEPARTMENT (828) 268-6900
BLOWING ROCK POLICE DEPARTMENT (828) 295-5210
APPALACHIAN REGIONAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM POLICE (828) 262-4168
APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT (828) 262-2150
Ashe County
DEPARTMENT
(336) 246-9410
AVERY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE (828) 733-2071
BANNER ELK POLICE DEPARTMENT (828) 898-4300
ELK PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
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BLOWING ROCK HOSPITAL (BLOWING ROCK) CANNON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (LINVILLE) (828) 737-7000
ASHE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (336) 846-7101
(828) 733-2023
SEVEN DEVILS POLICE DEPARTMENT (828) 963-6760
SUGAR MOUNTAIN POLICE DEPARTMENT (828) 898-4349
BEECH MOUNTAIN POLICE DEPARTMENT (828) 387-2342
(828) 265-7146
ANIMAL CONTROL WATAUGA COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL (828) 262-1672
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPARTMENT (336) 846-5529
WEST JEFFERSON POLICE
HEALTH CARE WATAUGA MEDICAL CENTER (BOONE) (828) 262-4100
Frank Ruggiero Editor Charlie Price Advertising Director
Jennifer Canosa Graphics Manager Tim Robinson Circulation Manager Sam Calhoun, Jesse Campbell, Heather Canter, Tommy Culver, Jeff Eason, Ron Fitzwater, Kevin Holden, Kellen Moore, Lauren K. Ohnesorge, Jamie Shell, Sandy Shook, Laura Tabor and Jesse Wood Writers Stacey Gibson, Mark Mitchell, Deck Moser and Stephanie Razdrh Sales Rob Hampton, Sarah Becky Hutchins, and Meleah Petty Graphics
ASHE COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL (336) 982-4060
AVERY COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY (828) 733-6312
ASHE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE (336) 846-5600
Gene Fowler Jr. Publisher
FASTMED URGENT CARE
(828) 733-9573
NEWLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
2011 Summer Times Staff
Rob Moore Layout Editor
(828) 295-3136
Avery County
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ANIMAL EMERGENCY & PET CARE CLINIC OF THE HIGH COUNTRY (828) 268-2833
474 Industrial Park Drive Boone, North Carolina 28607 828-264-6397 • mtfrontdesk@mountaintimes.com
www.mountaintimes.com A publication of Mountain Times Publications & Jones Media, Inc., Greeneville, Tenn.
On the front: Area resident Jonathan Bradshaw takes in the sights at Rough Ridge, located on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Grandfather Mountain. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO, FRONT DESIGNED BY ROB MOORE
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High Country Chambers of Commerce
Ashe County Chamber of Commerce Ashe County, home to the Jeffersons (West Jefferson and Jefferson, that is), is just about as far as you can go in the High Country before entering Southwestern Virginia. The county is considered, in many respects, “a step back in time” to the way the Appalachian Mountains used to be. The chamber can direct travelers through the scenic and sparsely populated area of Christmas tree farms and rugged mountain landscapes, while offering a wide selection of brochures and maps. Location: 303 E. 2nd St., West Jefferson, N.C. 28694 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 31, West Jefferson, N.C. 28694 Phone: (336) 846-9550 & (888) 343-2743 Fax: (336) 846-8671 E-mail: ashechamber@skybest.com Website: www.ashechamber.com
Avery County Chamber of Commerce The Avery County Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is conveniently located in the Shoppes at Tynecastle at the intersection of N.C. 105 and 184. The center offers information on lodging, dining, attractions, shopping and other businesses in Avery County. The friendly, knowledgeable staff is on duty seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: 4501 Tynecastle Highway, Suite 2, Banner Elk, N.C. 28604 Phone: (828) 898-5605 Fax: (828) 898-8287 E-mail: chamber@averycounty.com Website: www.averycounty.com
Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce Located in the heart of town, the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce promotes the area as a unique place to live in, work and visit. Information on area lodging, dining, shopping and more is available Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and all the time by clicking to www.bannerelk.org. Location: 100 W. Main St., Banner Elk, N.C. 28604 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1872, Banner Elk, N.C. 28604 Phone: (828) 898-8395 Fax: (828) 898-8395 (call ahead) E-mail: bechamber@skybest.com Website: www.bannerelk.org
Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce Whether you’re looking for a North Carolina mountain vacation full of adventure, or just a few days to relax and breathe the fresh mountain air, Beech Mountain – at an elevation of 5,506 – will give your soul something to smile about. The area offers plenty of activities and attractions for the whole family to enjoy, but also plenty of peace and quiet for a relaxing and rejuvenating time. The Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce is here to help. Location & Mailing Address: 403-A Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, N.C. 28604 Phone: (828) 387-9283 or (800) 468-5506 E-mail: chamber@beechmtn.com Website: www.beechmountainchamber.com
Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Blowing Rock is considered one of the crown jewels of the Blue Ridge. Its chamber of commerce knows this tight-knit community like no one else, and its representatives are always willing to share this knowledge with visitors. Aside from general information, lists of camping and fishing sites, and brochures, the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce also has a generous stock of menus from the town’s many eateries. Location: Historic Robbins House, Park Ave., Blowing Rock, N.C. 28605 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 406 Blowing Rock, N.C. 28605 Phone: (828) 295-7851 & (877) 750-4636 Fax: (828) 295-4643 E-mail: info@blowingrock.com Website: www.blowingrockchamber.com
Boone Area Chamber of Commerce The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is one of the High Country’s most active, with both a dedicated membership and an overall commitment to the betterment of the area as both a vacation destination and business hub. Now at a new location in downtown Boone on King Street, the chamber is an ideal place to stop for information on area activities, brochures and maps of the community. Location & Mailing Address: 780 W. King St., Boone, N.C. 28607 Phone: (828) 264-2225 & (800) 852-9506 Fax: (828) 264-6644 E-mail: info@boonechamber.com Website: www.boonechamber.com
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TOWNS of the High Country to spring up nearby. When Watauga County was created in 1849, Boone was picked as the county seat. It remained a typical small town until the university began to grow in the 1960s. A relic of Boone’s storied past, the historic Jones House Community Center, is located right on King Street. The house was built in 1908 and was given to the town in the early 1980s. Today, the home is a go-to source for art and community functions. Boone is a town where old and new mix, and visitors
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Find a place to park early in the morning, bundle up and spend the rest of the day on foot, exploring the shops and parks of downtown. Clothing, antiques, home furnishings, mementos and delicious treats will fill your shopping bags and your stomach as you examine the town’s treasures. Make sure to visit Tanger Outlets on on the Parkway on U.S. 321 to find name-brand items at outlet prices. The benches in Memorial Park at the center of Main Street make the perfect spot to settle down with coffee or ice cream and watch the world go by. The less-traveled Broyhill Park down Laurel Lane paints the perfect summer scene, and the trails surrounding Moses Cone Memorial Park and Bass Lake provide another excellent stroll the displays of lights, wreaths and beauty of the season. The picturesque town of Blowing Rock is the perfect place to have an active vacation – or to relax and do nothing at all.
Picturesque downtown Boone is home to mountains of shops, restaurants and community events, like the annual Peace Parade. PHOTO BY LAUREN K. OHNESORGE
BOONE
No matter which activity draws you to the High Country, it’s likely that you’ll end up in Boone at some point during your visit. Boone is the hub of Watauga County, the gathering place for people of all walks of life, whether resident or visitor, student or retiree, socialite or seeker of peace and quiet. The town is home to Appalachian State University, one of the 16 colleges and universities that makes up the University of North Carolina system, and draws about 17,000 students. Interest in the school boomed after the Mountaineers’ football team won three consecutive NCAA Division I national championships in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The university’s presence helps create a young and friendly vibe throughout the town. Just make sure not to cross anyone by mispronouncing the name: It’s “App-uh-latch-un.” Adjacent to the university is King Street and the surrounding area, one of the town’s best shopping destinations. One-of-a-kind stores and eclectic boutiques dot the landscape, interspersed with legal offices and delicious restaurants. Be sure to check out The Shoppes at Farmer’s Hardware for everything from art to handmade jewelry to furniture. Departing from downtown, big-box stores and other shopping areas ensure that residents and visitors lack nothing in the way of modern conveniences. But Boone has an eye on its past, too. Named for the pioneer and explorer Daniel Boone, the town dates back to about 1800, when Jordan Councill opened a store on what is now King Street. In 1820, he opened a post office, and other homes and stores began
Blowing Rock is named after the Blowing Rock (828295-7111), a legendary and gravity-defying attraction just outside the downtown limits. FILE PHOTO
are made to feel like part of the family.
BLOWING ROCK Blowing Rock manages to cram a ton of beauty and fun into just three square miles. The town’s name comes from an immense cliff overlooking Johns River Gorge where the winds whip in such a way that light objects thrown over the rock float back to their owners. Anyone wishing to experience the phenomenon firsthand can visit The Blowing Rock attraction, weather permitting, to showcase the town’s namesake and the Native American legend that surrounds it. For another dose of history, visit the renovated and restored Green Park Inn, a site on the National Register of Historic Places that has been a hotel since 1882. After closing due to age and the recession in May 2009, the building was purchased a year later by Irace Realty Associates and immediately underwent a complete overhaul. While clinging to the small-town charm and Southern graciousness of its past, Blowing Rock also includes nearly 20 hotels and inns and more than 100 shops.
Valle Crucis Park borders the Watauga River. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
VALLE CRUCIS Traveling along N.C. 105, south of Boone, there’s a bridge where the Watauga River makes a sharp turn and starts its westward run toward Tennessee. There, set between high mountains, is a cross-shaped valley that has borne the name Valle Crucis since the 19th century. Follow the Watauga River far enough, and you will pass the site of the only Native American village known in this immediate area. Before that, there’s the ground where the first European settler of Watauga County, Samuel Hicks, built a fort during the American Revolution. Travel along N.C. 194, and you will pass a variety of homes, some still private and others housing galleries and other shops, dating back to the early part of the 20th century and earlier. One such treasure is the Mast Farm Inn, the main house of which was built in 1840 and has hosted visitors practically ever since. Not far up the road is another local treasure, the Mast General Store. Dating back to 1883, the store remains an important part of the community, offering the “real” necessities of daily life, plus much more, including gifts, outdoor apparel, souvenirs and a nickel cup of coffee. While there, look for a dirt track running down to the
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river from the Mast Store, leading to Valle Crucis Community Park, a scenic recreational area with riverfront, a catch-and-release fishing pond, picnic areas, sports fields and a trail for walking, running, cycling and skating around the entire complex.
Dance on down to Todd for toe-tapping and eyecatching activities, from art to music to square dances and more. FILE PHOTO
TODD The historic border community of Todd is a pleasant destination in all seasons. Todd is popular with bicyclists and is also a popular
“walking tour” spot, nestled between Watauga and Ashe counties. The Todd Island Park is a community-owned property suitable for jogging or walking the dog, and the town has a number of historic buildings clustered in its downtown area. The Todd General Store features meals and Friday night bluegrass music, and is open every day except Tuesdays and Thursdays through Christmas. The store features an array of snacks, drinks, knickknacks, mountain crafts and antiques, just across from the Walter and Annie Cook Park on Railroad Grade Road. The store was built a century ago when timber was king and the community was the commercial center of the region, with a railroad, bank, hotel and other amenities. The Todd Mercantile features the works of local artists and crafters, as well as mountain honey and other local goods. The “Todd Mahal Bakery” serves up fresh delights to satisfy the sweet tooth, and fresh produce and eggs are often available for sale by local gardeners. The mercantile also hosts monthly square and contra dances, with traditional mountain music by local performers. The community can be reached via N.C. 194, from either Boone or West Jefferson, or via Railroad Grade Road off U.S. 221.
BEECH MOUNTAIN At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is the highest town in eastern North America. That means two things: When winter comes, it’s a
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Beech Mountain is a four-season resort town. PHOTO BY ROB MOORE
great place to ski, and, of importance right now, is that even on the hottest day of the summer, it’s cool on top of Beech Mountain. Even when it’s steamy in the “lowlands” of 3,000-plus feet, the temperature stays comfortable atop Beech. The rest of the world seems distant when you settle down on the front porch of a rental condominium and survey the magnificent view that is one of Beech Mountain’s trademarks. As the cool summer night air sends you looking for a sweater, you’ll probably smile at the thought of how hot it is in the lower elevations. Beech Mountain is a four-season resort. There are
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more than 5,000 beds available on top of the mountain. These range from rustic cabins to mountain chalets to luxury condominiums. When it’s time to eat, you can enjoy anything from a deli sandwich to pizza to a gourmet meal by candlelight. During the day, there are many specialty stores for shopping, a golf course, horseback riding, tennis, swimming and hiking. There are nearby canoe and raft runs that are among the best offered in the eastern United States. Nightlife is alive and well on the mountain. Whatever your musical taste, you can find a spot to enjoy an afterhours scene. There’s another good thing about Beech Mountain: The mountain is so huge that much of it remains in a natural state, with rich forests dotted by rolling farmland. And it’s only a short drive from the “downtown” to the country or resorts. Take your pick. Our guess is if you spend some time in Beech Mountain, you’ll want to come back to do some real estate shopping. Or at least book a slopeside condo for the ski season. For more information, call the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce at (828) 387-9283.
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Elk River Falls is a beautiful 50-foot high waterfall near Elk Park, Banner Elk. It is on the edge of the Pisgah National Forest and is a favorite waterhole. PHOTO BY ROB MOORE
Nestled in a spectacular mountain valley, Banner Elk has attracted visitors since the 1840s. At that time, it was called Banner’s Elk, a name you still hear among some older residents. The town got its name from an elk, reputedly one of the last in the state, that was killed by a local hunter. A college town, Banner Elk is home to Lees-McRae College. A visit to the college is well worth the time. The old stone buildings are picturesque, as is the campus itself. Lees-McRae’s Hayes Auditorium hosts a wide variety of entertainment programs throughout the year. Banner Elk is a town of wonderful shops and restaurants, all run by some of the nicest people you’ll meet anywhere. You will discover a unique blend of highclass and rustic existing happily side-by-side. Spectacular is hardly adequate to describe the setting of the town. The early settlers didn’t believe in living on mountainsides; they looked for valleys. Banner Elk’s valley cuts through lofty peaks on every side — Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain and Grandfather Mountain essentially define the boundaries. If so far you are only a summer visitor to the mountains, you need to come back to Banner Elk in the winter. The town is conveniently located between two of the area’s four ski resorts, Ski Beech and Sugar Mountain. Even if you don’t ski, the mountains are often snowcovered, providing a beautiful natural element adding to Banner Elk’s beauty.
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Finally, Banner Elk makes an excellent base for folks who want to explore the natural wonders of Avery County. It’s not far to Roan Mountain, Grandfather Mountain or Linville Falls. For more information, call the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce at (828) 898-8395, or the Avery County Chamber of Commerce at (828) 898-5605.
the vibrant reds and yellows of fall. The trails of Sugar Mountain are not just for those on foot. Many bikers choose the Village of Sugar Mountain for its variety of challenging and picturesque terrain. The Village of Sugar Mountain also gives tennis and golf lovers an opportunity to enjoy their favorite sports in the beautiful mountain setting. With Sugar Mountain’s golf course, six fast-dry clay courts and full service tennis pro shop, visitors will never be faced with the problem of finding something to do. Whether you come for a day or stay in one of the many comfortable lodgings the Village has to offer, the Village of Sugar Mountain will soon become your destination for great outdoor fun. For more information, call the Avery County Chamber of Commerce at (828) 898-5605.
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Sugar Mountain has plenty of activities in the summer months. The downhill mountain bike trails attract riders from all over the region. PHOTO BY ROB MOORE
SUGAR MOUNTAIN
If outdoor activity is your thing, look no further than the Village of Sugar Mountain. 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. One attraction in particular is the summer lift rides on Sugar Mountain. On weekends, weather permitting, visitors can ride the ski lift to the 5,300-foot peak of Sugar Mountain. The 40-minute roundtrip ride features a spectacular view of the High Country and runs from Independence Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. If heights aren’t what you’re looking for, Sugar Mountain can also be seen on foot. With numerous trails that wind throughout the Village of Sugar Mountain, you can see both the brilliant greens of the summer as well as
Surrounded by renowned attractions and resorts, the town of Newland also attracts, but in an unassuming fashion. This small municipality of about 700 residents has been the county seat since Avery County was formed in 1911, beating out three other areas for the honor. Newland has the distinction of being the highest county seat east of the Mississippi River. The fine traditional courthouse, recently renovated, was constructed in 1913, and overlooks an equally classic town square, bordered by shops and churches and complete with a memorial to Avery County residents who served our country. Next to the courthouse, and also built in 1913, is the original jail, now the site of the Avery Historical Museum. Permanent exhibits at the museum include the original jail cells, numerous artifacts and information about the history of North Carolina’s youngest county. Going west out of town toward Tennessee, plan a Saturday stop at the farmers’ market, and picnic or hike across the road at the Waterfalls Park, a unique recreation area sponsored by the Newland Volunteer Fire Department. So, when you’re driving through town on your way to Roan or Grandfather mountains, don’t forget to stop by Newland on your tour. For more information, call the Avery County Chamber of Commerce at (828) 898-5605.
CROSSNORE Crossnore is a town steeped in educational history. The town is home to Crossnore Academy, founded by Drs. Eustace and Mary Martin Sloop. The Sloops trudged on foot and rode on horseback down steep dirt trails in isolated mountain valleys to bring medicine to the people and convince farmers to let their children come to school. Because of poverty and distance, the Sloop school in Crossnore eventually took in boarders and then built dormitories to accommodate them. It gained a national reputation for effectiveness in changing lives and in breaking the cycle of poverty, moonshine and child marriages of mountain families.
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Mary Martin Sloop eventually put these tales to paper in her autobiography, “Miracle in the Hills,” which has since been used as the basis for a drama of the same name that takes place each summer in present-day Crossnore. The Sloops built a school, hospital, dental clinic and, eventually, a boarding school to give children the basis for an improved life. They brought to Avery County the first electricity, the first telephone, the first paved road and the first boarding school. Through the Sloops’ advocacy, public schools flourished in Avery County. Today the Crossnore Academy carries on the work of the original school and has reclaimed the educational foundation beneath its commitment to give hurting children a chance for a better life. The school’s highly qualified teachers enable it to meet not only the special needs of Crossnore residents, but also the needs of area day students that live at home and whose educational needs are best met at Crossnore. Crossnore is famous for its Independence Day parade and celebration, and the town’s Meeting House is home to the Crossnore Jam, a series of gatherings and concerts by local musicians on the first and third Friday night through the summer and fall months.
The Museum of Ashe County History is located in Jefferson. PHOTO SUBMITTED
JEFFERSON & WEST JEFFERSON The twin cities of Jefferson and West Jefferson lay in the center of Ashe County, classic small towns with warm, friendly people and always a place to park. Jefferson was the first to be founded and is the oldest incorporated town in the High Country. It started in 1800 as the county seat for Ashe, which the North Carolina General Assembly established the year before. The new town stood near the base of Mount Jefferson, both bearing the name of U.S. founding father Thomas Jefferson. Even as the population of Ashe County grew, Jefferson remained a quiet place, with relatively few homes and a courthouse. Then the railroad came. Overnight, boom towns like Lansing and Todd blossomed. Logging meant work, and money was relatively plentiful. All that, however, bypassed the town of Jefferson. In 1917, a group of investors founded West Jefferson, located southwest of Jefferson, and attracted the railroad.
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Jefferson fell into immediate decline, with West Jefferson becoming the economic center of the county, although Todd, a major railroad hub, was larger. Eventually, the railroad left, and Lansing, Todd and all other rail towns shrank considerably. Fortunately, roads came to the Jeffersons, allowing both towns to prosper. Today, the towns have differences and similarities. The old courthouse and surrounding buildings in Jefferson are the center of county government, and a shopping center is located there, offering retail stores and services. The idyllic Ashe County Park and Foster-Tyson Park are perfect for an in-town picnic. West Jefferson’s downtown district is busy and active, with old stores still standing and packed with unique and dynamic shopping, offering everything from real estate to art to coffee to clothing. The visitor center, operated by the Ashe Chamber of Commerce, offers answers and a wide selection of literature. West Jefferson is home to the celebrated Christmas in July festival, an annual summer celebration of the holiday and Christmas tree industry. The event features two days of live music, more than 100 art and craft booths and expands every year. The Jeffersons are also the gateway to two state parks. Mount Jefferson State Park is located just off U.S. 221. To the north of Jefferson are access areas for New River State Park.
Just south of West Jefferson, near the Beaver Creek community, is St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. This is the home of the famous fresco of Jesus on the cross by renowned artist Ben Long. A painting of the Madonna pregnant with Jesus hangs on the sanctuary wall.
LANSING Steeped in generations of mountain history and culture, Lansing is known for Lansing offers Southern far more than just being the only township in the county charm, shopping and to have a single traffic light. access to the Virginia Creeper trail. Although the pace of PHOTO SUBMITTED life in the town of 150 has slowed down with the departure of the Norfolk and Western Railroad companies, Lansing has resurged with a new revitalization effort geared to energize the local arts and business scenes. Along with a few quaint and charming shops, the town also offers the scenic Virginia Creeper biking trail and leisurely strolls in the town’s park.
LAUREL SPRINGS Another border community, Laurel Springs prides itself with small town charm and beauty that entices motorists from the Blue Ridge Parkway for a quick bite to eat before they continue their adventure on the scenic byway. Although it is located at the top mountain and touches
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Wilkes, Alleghany and Ashe counties, Laurel Springs is never more than a 30-minute drive from the listed county seats.
GRASSY CREEK Just south of the North Carolina/Virginia border, Grassy Creek is a tightly knit community that is dotted with smiling faces and countless rows of Fraser fir Christmas trees. Check out the sights around the nationally renowned New River, where you will also find the River House Country Inn and Restaurant for exquisite dinners.
FLEETWOOD Located just off of U.S. 221 between West Jefferson and Deep Gap, Fleetwood is home of great community gatherings at the Fleetwood Community Center and the local volunteer fire department. On your way to and from the busy towns of Boone and West Jefferson, stop by to look at local crafts, antiques and civic pride in Fleetwood.
GLENDALE SPRINGS Home of the breath-taking and awe-aspiring fresco paintings by Ben Long at Holy Trinity Episcopalian Church, Glendale Springs has become revered for its budding arts scene, and, with the addition of the Florence Thomas Art School, the community has become a must for anyone visiting Ashe County this summer.
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On The
Fly Dustin Walker fly-fishes waist deep in the Watauga River near Valle Crucis. PHOTO BY JESSE WOOD
Fishing in the High Country BY JESSE WOOD
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here’s a reason it’s called fishing instead of catching. Sometimes hours go by without a tug on the line, but time spent by the river isn’t wasted. “It’s still a good day on the water,” said Slate Lacy, owner of Foscoe Fishing Company. “It’s a good place to decompress and get away from it all. It’s healing.” The High Country is a serene place to fish — and catch. Lacy’s customers have yet to come home from a guided trip without a fish. “I don’t want to jinx us, but I don’t think we’ve had a fishless trip, yet,” Lacy said. “We put everyone on at least a fish or two each trip, most times more.”
The primary fish to catch in the High Country is trout: rainbow, brook and brown. Lacy and his staff guide fly-fishing trips in the High Country and beyond, to some of the southeast’s premiere trout fishing destinations, such as the tail waters of the South Holston River and tail waters of the Watauga River in eastern Tennessee. “As for local rivers, my favorites are the Elk River behind Lees-McRae and the whole Watauga River,” Lacy said. “They’re great rivers.” Connor Honea, a guide for Appalachian Angler, takes customers on fly-fishing trips to those rivers, too, and said, “I love fishing all the little wild streams here in western Watauga.” What Honea loves about fishing is figuring out the
fish’s habits. He studies the fish and then he pursues that fish relentlessly. “I love figuring the fish out, what the fish are doing that particular day, where they are sitting on the water, what bugs they are most tuned in on,” Honea said. “I like to target a big fish. I spot him, and then I fish him until I catch him.” Honea fishes in moving water as opposed to “stagnant hot water,” such as lakes. “Moving water is just a really cool thing,” Honea said. “It’s neat to watch water, how it flows and concaves around rocks and what it does to the river banks over time.” Spring is the prime fishing season in the High Country
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“As for local rivers, my favorites are the Elk River behind Lees-McRae and the whole Watauga River,” Lacy said. “They’re great rivers.”
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after the snow melts from the mountain tops into cool headwaters, but summer offers great catching opportunities, too. It is a bit more selective, though. “Summertime gets tough, when the water gets low and the sun is out,” Honea said. “Just fish hard and make every cast count.” Cooler temperatures, such as in the early morning, late afternoon, or on overcast days, provide optimal fishing conditions. Lacy likes fishing during the summer in the High Country because the cool water feels good on a hot day. “It’s a great time to be outside. Getting your feet wet in the summertime is a just a good thing to do,” Lacy said. “Starting about May or June, once it gets really nice, put on a pair of wader boots and just go.”
APPALACHIAN ANGLER 174 Old Shull’s Mill Rd., Boone (828) 963-5050 www.appangler.com
RIVERGIRL FISHING CO. 4041 Railroad Grade Rd., Todd (336) 877-3099 www.rivergirlfishing.com
GRANDFATHER TROUT FARM 10767 Hwy 105, Banner Elk (828) 963-5098 www.grandfathertroutfarm.com
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RICK’S SMALLMOUTH ADVENTURES 1757 Pleasant Home Rd., Sparta (336) 372-8321 www.fishthenew.com
ELK CREEK OUTFITTERS 1560 N.C. 105, Boone (828) 264-6497 www.ecoflyfishing.com
WATAUGA RIVER ANGLERS 5712 NC Highway 105 South, Boone (828) 963-5463 www.wataugariveranglers.com
Want to fish?
Here are fishing outfitters, guide services, and fly-fishing schools in Ashe, Avery, and Watauga County. Don’t forget to pick up a fishing license.
FOSCOE FISHING COMPANY AND OUTFITTERS 8857 N.C. 105, Boone (828) 963-6556 www.foscoefishing.com
Appalachian Angler’s Pat Stone with South Holston Brown Trout. PHOTO BY BLAKE BOYD
Appalachian Angler’s Pat Stone, Hayden Copeland and Rufus with South Holston Brown Trout. PHOTO BY KATHARINE BRANNON
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Rollin’
BY LAUREN K. OHNESORGE
WATAUGA RIVER
e h tn R i v e r
river.” While there are rapids on the Watauga, don’t expect “death-defying scary rapids” on the river, named for the Cherokee word for peaceful waters. The sea kayaks used for the expeditions are easy to handle and offer an independence you can’t get in a large raft, Nidiffer said. It’s the independence that sucked her in. “It was something I could do by myself,” she said. Nidiffer not only trains guides, she runs trips, both on the Class 1 and 2 sections of the river. “Watauga River really is an exceptional river for families and first timers,” she said. “It’s one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever come to.”
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Smooth water framed by the blue of forget-me-nots, rocky crags and greenery. It’s what John Dunlap and his wife, Teresa Nidiffer, see every day on the Watauga River in Elizabethton. It’s a place where trout dart beneath the boat and beaver dams are the only things that interrupt the flow. It’s where the occasional wild turkey, bear or deer stop to glance at a passing kayak. The Watauga River is Teresa Nidiffer’s office. In its 11th season, Watauga Kayak provides a calm, smooth water atmosphere perfect for concentrating on the ride and scenery. “This kind of matched our hobbies,” Dunlap, a former New York financier, said. “We were into kayaking and fly-fishing and that stuff … People were more into rafting than fly-fishing. We just changed with what folks want.” And, unlike other rafting companies that let you hit the rapids, Watauga Kayak concentrates on that smooth ride of a “family-type
2011
THE NOLICHUCKY Unlike the Watauga, the Nolichucky in Erwin, Tenn.,
with its picturesque views interrupted only by a railroad line (complete with a ghost story), is a free-flowing river. “The guides have to be better trained,” 16-year veteran guide Bert Stirton said. “The river changes with the rainfall.” Without a dam to control the flow, the Nolichucky can be quite the ride. “The name of the game is stay in the boat,” guide Patrick Mannion joked. It was ideal vacation activity for Chris and Karen Pittman. They even brought their four kids, all under the age of 12. “I wanted to put the fear of God in my kids,” Karen Pittman joked. “No, we wanted to work together as a team.” And that’s exactly what Wahoo’s Adventures strives for on the Nolichucky: Teamwork. A trained guide is there to tell you when to paddle, and the rest is up to you. CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
Wahoo’s Adventures leads a trip down the Nolichucky. PHOTO SUBMITTED
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To Erwin native and campground owner John Shores, it’s the river itself that makes the trips so special. “It’s probably the most beautiful river east of the Mississippi because it’s totally within the Pisgah and Cherokee national forests,” he said. “You don’t see condos, restaurants, highways. All you see is wilderness and the railroad tracks.” The Nolichucky is why Stirton comes back to raft year after year. “You can find rivers that are more adventurous,” he said. “You can find rivers where you will make more money, but you won’t find one this beautiful.” Eleven-year-old Alex Pittman would agree. “It was so much fun,” she said. Trips can be catered to your adrenaline level. Once you’ve rafted the “Chucky” (as those in the know call her), ask about extreme trips and other rivers.
THE FRENCH BROAD Located near Asheville, the French Broad is a good starter river for the whitewater enthusiast. Think moments of calm with mostly Class 2 and 3 level rapids (and the occasional Class 4). It’s a favorite for the raft guides at Boone-based River and Earth Adventures. With warm rays of sunshine CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
Teresa Nidiffer of Watauga Kayak fastens kayaks to a trailer for a run on the Watauga River. PHOTO SUBMITTED
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complimented by splashes of cool water and scenery right out of a Mark Twain novel, why wait tables when the river could be your summer job? “It’s a really great trip,” River and Earth Adventures owner Grant Seldomridge said. And you don’t even have to make the drive. River and Earth Adventures offers a shuttle van from its Boone location. “It’s a long drive, but it’s worth it,” Seldomridge said. Melissa Pennscot, marketing manager for Nantahala Outdoor Center would agree with his assessment of the world’s third oldest river. “Nestled deep in an undeveloped river gorge, this river features fun and splashy Class 2 and 3 whitewater rapids and breathtaking scenery around every bend,” she said.
OTHER RIVERS THE NEW RIVER
Watauga Lake offers boating aplenty, from speedier skips across the lake to relaxing floats on a pontoon boat. FILE PHOTO
Located in Todd, just minutes from Boone, the Big Hill Road section of the New offers some of the calmest runs in the High Country, perfect for inner tubes and the first-time kayaker.
WILSON CREEK
Watauga Lake
It’s a steep creek that requires more skill than many of the rivers, with lush scenery and exhilarating rapids.
A Peaceful Day of Sunshine
Adventure companies also offer hiking, rock climbing, caving, kayaking, canoeing and tubing trips. Call individual companies for seasonal rates and a complete list of adventures. Not sure how you feel about paddling? We recommend asking about tubing on the New River for a quiet, relaxing float. Some companies are flexible about rivers–so ask about options.
AND MORE
BY LAUREN K. OHNESORGE
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iles of pristine water, warm rays of sunshine and a picturesque sky: It’s just you and the lake. That’s the experience companies like Fish Springs Marina want to give clients hoping for a relaxing day in the sun. All you need is a boat, and Fish Springs Marina has plenty of pontoons, perfect for the clear waters of Watauga Lake. “No industry feeds into the lake ... at one time, it was rated the second prettiest lake in the nation,” Joe Bailey said. While Watauga Lake is technically ranked third, it’s No. 1 to Bailey. He works at Fish Springs Marina (FSM) just outside Hampton, Tenn. FSM markets the ambiance of the scenery itself, not just the boats. In the fall, the leaves take his breath away. “Most of the land surrounding the lake is national forest (Pisgah),” Bailey said. To him, a perfect day includes a picnic and a fishing rod. “Just find a cove and read a book,” FSM publicist Malcolm Wilson said. “Me and my wife do that a lot.” While many FSM clients take advantage of the tube
Outfitters at a Glance Watauga Lake offers breathtaking views of the High Country. FILE PHOTO
rentals, many lake-goers simply coast in a pontoon or sail. “The winds make it great for sailboats,” Wilson said. Wake boarders also congregate on the smooth waters. Pontoon boats, however, have a versatility that’s ideal for amateurs and experts alike. “There is nothing that you can’t do on a pontoon that you can do on another boat,” Bailey said. Pontoons are virtually error-proof and don’t dent or break the way fiberglass boats can. In a pontoon, you can pull right up onto the shoreline. “It drives like a car CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
• Edge of the World, www.edgeoworld.com, (800) 789-3343: Watauga River • High Mountain Expeditions, www.highmountainexpeditions.com, (800) 262-9036: Watauga River, Nolichucky, Wilson Creek • Nantahala Outdoor Center, www.noc.com, (888) 905-7238: Nantahala River, Ocoee River, Chattooga River, French Broad River, Nolichucky River • River and Earth Adventures, www.raftcavehike. com, (828) 963-5491: Watauga River, Nolichucky, French Broad, New River • River Girl Fishing Co., www.rivergirlfishing.com, (336) 877-3099: Offers kayak and tube rentals on the New River • Wahoo’s Adventures, www.wahoosadventures. com, (800) 444-RAFT: Watauga River, Nolichucky, New River • Watauga Kayak, www.wataugakayak.com, (423) 542-6777: Watauga River • Zaloo’s Canoes, www.zaloos.com, (800) 535-4027: New River
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with a wider highway,” Bailey said. A much wider highway: Watauga Lake, one of the deepest lakes in eastern Tennessee (nearly 300 feet deep in some places), has a surface area of 34,200 acres. Part of Watauga Lake covers what used to be the town of Butler, Tenn. The town was relocated to make way for the water. Thirteen species of game fish, including several varieties of trout and bass thrive in the lake, and that’s where fishing guides like Bailey come in handy. Bailey provides the equipment, and fishing parties just have to show up with a positive attitude. “It’s perfect for families, amateur fishermen,” he said. One man who is definitely not an amateur is Thomas White. FSM has been in his family “since the lake opened in 1949,” and he can’t get enough of the scenery. “Sometimes there are bald eagles out here,” he said, motioning to a cliff side near the dam. For White, Watauga is more than a lake. It’s a way of life. “I could do this all day,” he said. On a peaceful summer day, you could. When renting a pontoon boat, expect to buy around 20 gallons of gas if attaching an inner tube, Bailey said. Fishing licenses are required in Tennessee. Call and ask about seasonal rates, and be sure to bring sunscreen.
Look for... • Fish Springs Marina, www.fishspringsmarina.com, (423) 768-2336 • Lake Shore Resort, www.lakeshore-resort.com, (423) 725-2201
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Grandfather Mountain has many views to capture in a lens. This view is from high atop McRae Peak on Grandfather Mountain.
PHOTOS BY ROB MOORE
GRANDFATHER: The Grand Daddy of Mountains BY KEVIN HOLDEN
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owering 5,446 feet above northwest North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain is a scenic travel attraction recognized by the United Nations as a nature preserve of global importance. The mountain has drawn visitors since the early 1900s, when a one-lane road was built and a nominal fee charged to those who wished to enjoy the view from a wooden platform near the top. When Hugh Morton became the sole owner of Grandfather Mountain in 1952, he had the road improved and built the now-famous Mile High Swinging Bridge.
In 1968, Morton purchased one male and one female black bear with the intention of letting them loose into the wild. The female bear, named Mildred, refused to revert to the wild, and Grandfather Mountain recaptured her for her own safety. At first, Mildred met the public at a roadside amphitheater four times every day. Then, in 1973, an environmental habitat was built for Mildred and her family. The habitats have since been expanded to include river otters, deer, cougars, bald eagles and golden eagles. When Morton died in June 2006, his heirs vowed to continue his mission to preserve and protect Grandfather Mountain in its natural state. In September 2008,
they announced a plan to sell 2,400 acres of undeveloped “backcountry� on Grandfather to the state of North Carolina for a state park. In 2009, the North Carolina General Assembly formally authorized Grandfather Mountain State Park. Today, the nonprofit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation operates the travel attraction, and proceeds from sales of tickets and souvenirs are used to preserve the mountain and foster stewardship. Guests pay an admission fee to drive their own vehicles through the park, stopping along the way to enjoy a variety of activities. The 2011 admission is $15 per
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adult and $7 per child, ages 4 to 12. Children under 4 are admitted free. In addition to the beautiful mountain scenery, other features included in the price of admission are the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, seven environmental habitats for native wildlife, a natural history museum, regular programs with staff naturalists, picnicking and access to hiking trails. The Mile High Swinging Bridge is a 228-foot long suspension footbridge that connects two peaks at one mile above sea level. Visitors say that the only thing that compares to the rush of crossing the bridge itself is the spectacular 360-degree view from the other side. Visitors to Grandfather’s wildlife habitats enjoy an upclose perspective of black bears, river otters, cougars, eagles and deer in their natural surroundings. Separated from the animals by moats or elevated above the habitats on high retaining walls, the viewing areas allow
guests to stand only a few feet away from animals few would ever see in their daily lives. Staff naturalists offer an array of programs that allow them to share their love and enthusiasm for all things natural with Grandfather Mountain’s guests. The entertaining and informative programs are offered on a regular schedule and are included in the cost of admission. From June through August, Grandfather’s naturalists conduct daily programs for visitors. The Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum has a theater that shows entertaining films about the mountain and an exhibit gallery with more than two dozen displays designed to educate guests about the natural history of Grandfather Mountain and the surrounding region. Mildred’s Grill is an 80-seat family restaurant located in the Nature Museum that serves soups, salads, sandwiches and picnic items at reasonable prices. Orders can be packaged “to go” for those wishing to relocate to one of more than 100 picnic tables found at overlooks and other scenic locations around the park.
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Grandfather Mountain’s new Top Shop opened in 2010, featuring a souvenir shop, snack bar and an elevator that allows visitors in wheelchairs to access the Mile-High Swinging Bridge. Grandfather Mountain offers access to 11 trails varying in difficulty from a leisurely walk in the woods to a rigorous trek across rugged peaks. Trails may be accessed from inside the attraction or for free at Grandfather Mountain State Park trailheads on the Blue Ridge Parkway or N.C. 105. A permit is required and may be obtained at the trailhead. Grandfather’s biggest events occur in the summer and include the Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble May 30 through June 12, the 87th annual Singing on the Mountain June 26 and the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games July 7 through 10. Grandfather Mountain is located on U.S. 221 just two miles north of Linville, and one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 305. For more information, call (800) 468-7325, or plan a trip by clicking to www.grandfather.com.
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A Raven’s Climbing in the High Country BY JESSE WOOD
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hile most of Boone’s boulder problems oblems hide among thickets of rhododendron, the area’s classic rope climbs, some of which are visible from the Blue Ridge Parkway, offer a raven’s view of the High Country. When climbers are so high in the air, it is just them and nature. “It’s awesome. … There is no one else around and it is really quiet except for what you are doing,” said Mike Grimm, a climber and author of “High Country Cragger,” a local guidebook. “Your belayer is way, way below you, and it really gives you a feeling of being alone up there.” The area’s rope climbs, including the Linville Gorge, are anywhere between 40 feet and 500 feet high — some in the same atmosphere as where eagles and hawks fly. It is nearly impossible to be fearless so far from the ground, and keeping one’s composure is a feat, even for the most experienced climber. CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
Cogie Reed and Mike Grimm assault Big Lost Cove Cliffs in Pisgah National Forest. PHOTOS BY LYNN WILLIS
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Bicyclists navigate the newly opened Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park. PHOTOS BY KRISTIAN JACKSON
The High Country is Bike Country BY JESSE WOOD
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n the rain and dense fog, Lance Armstrong trekked up Beech Mountain in search for answers. During the steep ascent, as he reflected on his life and cancer, he found them. “Boone began to feel like the holy land to me, a place I had come to on a pilgrimage,” Armstrong wrote in his autobiography. “If I ever have serious problems again, I will go back to Boone and find the answer.” His trip here and that climb, in particular, transformed him. Within a month, he was a championship cyclist once again. It’s an old, familiar story but one that put the High Country on the map as a premiere cycling destination.
A PERFECT STORM OF OPPORTUNITIES When Andrew Stackhouse, founder of Pirate Race Productions, moved to the High Country, he saw the potential in the region.
“It was so clear that this place is legendary for cycling … and every one knew that the best riding on the East Coast was around here, but historically a lot of it wasn’t legally accessible,” Stackhouse said. “Now we are in the perfect storm of opportunities.” Cyclists used to travel down the mountain – to Wilkesboro or Wilson’s Creek – for a mountain bike experience. Not anymore.
BEECH MOUNTAIN TRAILS The town has 6 miles of mapped trails for experts and novices, alike. This summer, the Emerald Outback trail network expands to 10 miles. Also, the town has more than 50 miles of paved bike routes – retrace Lance Armstrong’s comeback route. For more information and directions contact Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce at (828) 387-9283 or click to www.bikebeechmountain.com.
ROCKY KNOB MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK It’s official. The 185 acre park, located east of Boone’s city limits on U.S. 421, is open. Although, the grand opening is planned for later in the year, 1.6 miles of trails are ready for the adventure cyclist to ride in a rocky, lush forest with water crossings. When the trail system is done there will be close to 10 miles of trails, along with other amenities, such as an adventure playground for kids, bike skills area and a pavilion with picnic tables. For updates, maps, and information about the trails click to www.rockyknob.wordpress.com.
SUGAR MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS Bike trails opened up in May on Sugar Mountain. For more information and maps about the trails click to www.skisugar.com/summer/trailmap.pdf or call the resort at (828) 898-4521.
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A bicyclist rides at Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park.
Bike Country CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26
Cyclists ride over water crossings at Rocky Knob.
Classic Series No. 8, June 18-19 at Beech Mountain. Mile High 6/9 HR MTB Challenge: The Coolest MTB Event in the East, July 30 at Beech Mountain.
WANT TO RACE?
This summer offers plenty of racing events on a variety of terrains for a variety of cycling styles. From the NASCAR oval of the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway to the Blue Ridge Parkway, from the backwoods trails of Beech Mountain to the country roads of Valle Crucis, there is an event for every cyclist.
UPCOMING EVENTS PIRATE RACE PRODUCTIONS EVENTS Magic Cycles AMBC Race Weekend: Southern
Three Peaks USA: America’s Hardest Cyclo-cross Race, Sept. 25 at Beech Mountain. The Alray Tire of Boone Crit Series at the North Wilkesboro Speedway, each Wednesday night from April 6-24. For more information email Andrew Stackhouse at info@pirateraceproductions.com or click to www. pirateraceproductions.com.
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Michael Thomas rides at Rocky Knob.
THE 13TH ANNUAL BLOOD, SWEAT AND GEARS A 100-mile loop, this annual ride climbs more than 13,000 feet. It starts and ends in Valle Crucis on June 25. For more information, email Scott Nelson at sconelson@aol.com.
THE 5TH ANNUAL GRIZZLY METRIC CENTURY In Linville, July 8. This 65- and 30-mile challenging route includes the Blue Ridge Parkway. For more information, click to www.hopeformarrow.org or email denijr@appstate.edu.
WANT TO RIDE AND SOCIALIZE? If you are interested in group riding check out Boone Area Cyclists, a coalition of biking enthusiasts, at www. booneareacyclists.com.
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“Dealing with exposure is a constant battle. You’re always dealing with the fear of heights,” said Lynn Willis, a local climber with 23 years of experience. “I still get scared sometimes, but that’s a part of it.” The fear is positive, though, and the exposure is thrilling and part of the allure of climbing. For Willis, this makes him “hyperaware” and more in tune with his surroundings. “Once you get established on the rock, you get into a groove,” Willis said. “You are aware of everything around you at that moment, whether it is a small plant growing out of a crack or whether it is a lizard climbing on the same wall as you, and all along you’re mentally piecing together the features and holds.” For these long routes, efficiency and precise footwork are core competencies, as well. If a climber tries to muscle up the rock solely with upper body strength, he or she will be worn out before reaching the top. The hands are for balance and the feet hold the climber’s weight, Willis said. “You have to pace yourself because you only have so much endurance and can only hold on for so long,” Willis said. “I’m not thinking about getting up 200 feet. I’m thinking about the next eight feet until I get to that big hold, where I can shake out and cop a rest.” And that rest may only be five seconds, but it is enough for Willis to catch a breather, shake the blood back into his arms and keep climbing.
✦ WANT TO LEARN?
Rock climbing is dangerous. Without the proper equipment and expertise, it isn’t safe. If you want to learn to climb routes, check out Rock Dimensions, a guide service located at Footsloggers in downtown Boone. It offers single- and multipitch climbing for all ages at areas such as Shiprock and Table Rock. “No matter what your age or ability, we can challenge everybody. The nice thing about rock climbing is there are a lot of choices,” said Ryan Beasley, owner of Rock Dimensions. “They don’t have to get on the hardest climb. We can get them on something easy, get them successful and build their confidence while they have a good time.” That’s what it’s all about — to challenge oneself in nature while having a good time.
✦ SUMMERTIME CLIMBS For the summertime, Grimm recommends two climbs on Shiprock along the Blue Ridge Parkway called Boardwalk and Linn Cove Lullaby. They offer two-pitch climbs well above 100 feet in the air. Both are area classics, and since Shiprock doesn’t get sun until two in the afternoon during the summer, it’s a great morning place to climb, Grimm said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 29
Eric Hiegl climbs Little Lost Cove Cliffs in Pisgah Natural Forest. PHOTOS BY LYNN WILLIS
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Go to the Beech! Beech Mountain offers season of family fun BY LAUREN K. OHNESORGE
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parkling color, soaring through the sky. Expect a rainbow of shapes and forms at Beech Mountain. Plans are already under way for the ninth annual Mile High Kite Festival, just one of the family-friendly activities Beech has to offer this summer. So, grab some sunscreen and comfortable shoes, and don’t forget your camera. The Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce promises a memorable season. For more information on any of these activities, call the chamber at (828) 387-9283.
BYO-picnic to this free event and celebrate 100 years of Avery County. Kids will enjoy storytelling and games. Everyone will enjoy traditional music from Art and Kathy Lang. Concessions will be available. It all happens at the Buckeye Recreation Center.
BJ’S FIFTH ANNUAL DOG SHOW
9 a.m.-12 p.m., July 23 It’s a party, and your dog is invited to sit, stay and heel his way to a blue ribbon for the fifth consecutive year. Fifty percent of its proceeds go to Friends for Life (a local animal rescue adoption agency). Certificates and prizes will be awarded to every dog. Advanced registration HIGH COUNTRY COMMUNITY YARD is available at Buckeye Recreation SALE Center or the Beech Mountain 8 a.m.-12 p.m., June 18 Chamber of Commerce and one Fred’s General Mercantile hosts a Mesh with friends and neighhour before the event. Refreshvariety of summer events at Beech bors to sell and swap a plethora of ments will be available for both Mountain. treasures. Parking is free and booth dogs and owners. The competition FILE PHOTO is free to watch but $20 per dog spaces are available for $10 from the Beech Mountain Chamber of Com($30 for two). The family-friendly merce. It all happens at the field across from Town Hall. event happens at the Buckeye Recreation Center.
BEECH MOUNTAIN KIDS FISHING DERBY
AVERY CENTENNIAL FESTIVAL AND PARADE
Registration starts at 8 a.m., the Derby starts at 9 a.m., June 25 Hit the fishin’ hole at Lake Coffey. Kids ages 4-12 will reel in the fun at one of Beech Mountain’s most popular annual events. Prizes and trophies are awarded for boys and girls who catch the first trout, largest trout, heaviest trout and the first to catch the four-trout limit. Bring your fishing gear and your favorite bait and prep for a fun morning. Additional gear will be available through the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission’s Learn to Fish Program.
11 a.m. (parade), 1 p.m. for the Centennial Ceremony The Beech Mountain community ventures off the mountain to celebrate 100 years of Avery County history. The Avery County Chamber has more information at (828) 898-5605. It happens in Newland.
47TH ANNUAL ROASTING OF THE HOG 6 p.m., July 2 Celebrate Independence Day with the town of Beech Mountain, the Beech Mountain Volunteer Fire Department and the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce. Join friends for what some locals call “the best barbecue in the High Country.” Expect music and, weather permitting, outdoor dining. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce and Fred’s General Mercantile and can also be purchased at the gate. It all happens at the Buckeye Recreation Center.
OLD TIMEY PICNIC AND STORYTELLING AT BUCKEYE RECREATION CENTER 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., July 16
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During summer, the heat causes the rock to be greasy and slippery. Cooler temperatures provide better friction between the rock and a climber’s hand. “Probably the best crag up here to climb at in the summer is Moon Rocks,” Grimm said. “It’s facing east (and) just gets a little sun in the morning and it’s cool all day.” Willis suggests climbing at Hawksbill Mountain in the Linville Gorge to beat the summer heat. Hawksbill has three separate cliffs, which range from 60 to 200 feet. He said the temperatures are great because it is shaded, and the views into the gorge are amazing. “The rock quality is amongst the best … and most aesthetic in the Gorge … and with incredible 360-degree views from the summit, you can see Grandfather to the North and Lake James to the South,” he said. “It’s one of the most beautiful views on the East Coast.”
✦ FOR MORE... Pick up a copy of “High Country Cragger” at Footsloggers Outfitters in downtown Boone or click to www. fullmantlepress.com to order the guidebook, filled with written descriptions and maps for 180 routes in the High Country For a guided trip, contact Rock Dimensions at (828) 265-3544 or (888) 595-6009 or click to www.rockdimensions.com or visit them at Footsloggers Outfitters on the corner of Depot Street and Howard Street. To view photos of climbing and other adventure sports of the High Country, click to www.lynnwillis. com.
BEECH MOUNTAIN CRAFTS ON THE GREEN 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Aug. 6. Unique arts and crafts will be on display and for sale, thanks to more than 70 vendors. The event started with a few local artists 30 years ago and has expanded into a full day’s event, complete with live entertainment. For more information, call Fred’s General Mercantile at (828) 387-4838. The sale happens at Fred’s General Mercantile’s lawn.
MILE HIGH KITE FESTIVAL 10 a.m., Sept. 4. A high-flying event that gives free kites to the first 300 children under 12 returns to pepper the sky with color. The Richmond Air Force, the Wings Across Carolina Kiting and Okra Society Kiting clubs return with more soaring action. Kites can be purchased at the festival, but you’re welcome to bring your own flyer. Expect flying demonstrations and displays, as well as a sky full of kites. Will Shirey climbs Big Lost Cove Cliff’s ‘Great Arete.’
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Hiking in the High Country From Wildflowers to Waterfalls BY JESSE WOOD
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he High Country has many miles of hiking trails to explore — from waterfall walks and summit hikes to horse-carriage trails and the rugged terrain of the backcountry. “The collection and network of trails we have are undoubtedly some of the best anywhere,” said Rich Campbell, associate director of Appalachian State University Outdoor Programs. “There are single track. There are steep. There are great views. There are waterhole hikes. There are some great places to scramble over rocks. … We’ve got it all up here.”
BLOOMING JUNE
In early June, flowers bloom and offer hikers impressionistic views highlighting the landscape with an array of colors. Roan Mountain, along the Appalachian Trail, is a wildflower paradise. “Roan Highlands have a couple great walks in June where you can go and see the wildflowers,” Campbell said. “You can walk up there and see the Turks Cap lilies, one of my favorites. It’s just an amazing Turks Cap Lily place to see the wildflowers, PHOTO BY ROB MOORE and the rhododendrons, as well.” The Rhododendron Gardens Trail is an easy nature trail with an observation deck overlooking the rhododendron gardens. There are paved and non-paved sections along the trail. About the third week in June is peak bloom for the gardens, which is handicap accessible.
BEAT THE HEAT
Later in the summer, as the sun bears down and the temperatures rise, Wilson Creek is a great place to cool off. It is like a natural water park with rockslides and waterfalls, but without the concession stands and long lines. “There are all kinds of rivers and creeks and swimming holes that are just unbelievable,” Campbell said. “I am just amazed at all the different waterslides and pools to jump in. This is one of my favorite places to beat the heat.” Laurel Creek Falls, a.k.a. Trashcan Falls, is another great water spot. A cult classic among local outdoor enthusiasts, it is more pristine than it sounds. The hike is short, but one could easily spend all day rummaging CONTINUED ON PAGE 33
Trashcan Falls, more pristine than it sounds, is a great watering hole to beat the heat.
PHOTO BY JESSE WOOD
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around the rocks and playing in the water. The waterfall at the top drops into a nice jumping pool and then cascades down. Beech Mountain’s temperature rarely exceeds 72 degrees, so when it is a bit hotter everywhere else, cool off on the wooded trails, which pass through old growth forest, over logging roads and along a former railroad grade. With more than 20 miles of trails, there is plenty of room to roam on Beech Mountain.
HIKE IN TOWN
While many of the hikes in the High Country are a short drive out of Boone, the trails at State Farm and Greenway Trail, also located near State Farm Road, are right dab in the middle of town. The Lee and Vivian Reynolds Greenway Trail is paved, flat and three miles long. The trail is social, as it is wide, and is shared with bikers, runners and hikers. The trails at State Farm wind around creeks and boulder outcroppings and offer a great escape into nature, while still being very much in town. The Valle Crucis Park offers a mile of trails if hiked in a figure eight. This park has been named one of the best places to watch birds. The paved trail is flat and an easy hike. The park borders the banks of Watauga River, and
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there are pavilions, picnic tables and a playground for youngsters.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Click to www.exploreboonearea.com for in-depth information, interactive trail maps and driving directions to numerous hiking areas. This site is a must for the outdoor enthusiast in the High Country. This site includes flower hikes, waterfall hikes, pond hikes and carriage trail hikes. Click to www.hikebeechmountain.com for directions, information and maps of Beech Mountain trails. Contact Beech Mountain Recreation Center at (828) 387-3003 or the Beech Mountain Visitor Center at (800) 468-5506. For directions to Valle Crucis Park and a map of the trail, click to www.vallecrucispark.com. For directions to the trails at State Farm and Greenway Trail and a map of trails, click wataugacrosscountry.org and click “Directions” on left side of page. “Boone Outdoor Area Recreation Map” features all of the trails in the High Country. This is a handy waterproof and tear resistant guide, which fits easily in a pack. It labels waterfalls, picnic areas, climbing spots, rest areas and much more. Purchase one at Footsloggers in downtown Boone or at the Mast General Store in downtown Boone or in Valle Crucis. Click to www.highcountryhiking.com for maps, directions and trail information for Blue Ridge Parkway hikes.
This particular hiking trail leads to Trashcan Falls, a High Country favorite water hole. PHOTO BY JESSE WOOD
One of the newest trails to travel is Elk Knob. Ending at 5,520 foot of elevation, you can see for miles towards Tennessee and Virginia. PHOTO BY ROB MOORE
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Riding the Blue Ridge
FROM OM STAFF REPORTS
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he most-visited national park has had quite a few miles on it. The 469-mile roadway runs through western North Carolina to Virginia, following mountaintops and featuring spectacular, all-season scenic views, educational programs and recreational resources. Within the boundaries of the Blue Ridge Parkway are 47 Natural Heritage Areas set aside as national, regional, or state examples of exemplary natural communities. The Parkway was started in 1935 as the “Appalachian Scenic Highway” and is noted locally for its lookouts like Thunder Hill and the Linn Cove Viaduct, which skirts Grandfather Mountain and was the last connecting piece to the roadway. It also features the 3,000-acre Moses Cone Memorial Park and Julian Price Memorial Park near Blowing Rock. The Cone park and Flat Top Manor offers a gift and craft shop, as well as parkway information, with numerous hiking, jogging and equestrian trails. Price Park features walking trails, water access and picnic sites, and camping is available nearby. Bridges are perhaps the most noticeable stonework to the passing motorist. The Parkway’s bridges were built faced with native stone obtained from quarries near the road work. Rock common to the region consisted of: Granites, gneisses, diorites, schist and slates. Italian and Spanish master stonemasons were brought into the work force to assist in the construction of these long lasting, functional structures. Over half a century later, these bridges still display the engineer’s utilitarian design coupled with the pleasing beauty of arched stonework. Visitors planning a Parkway getaway should call the Blue Ridge Parkway information line at (828) 298-0398 for up-to-date road closures and conditions. Learn more online at: www.brpfoundation.org www.blueridgeparkway.org www.nps.gov/blri/parknews/index.htm
Parkway offers 469 miles of scenic history
This view of Grandfather Mountain is just before milepost 295-299: Julian Price Park. PHOTO BY ROB MOORE
NOTABLE MILEPOSTS
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Milepost 217.5: Cumberland Knob The northernmost point on the parkway within the High Country, this stop provides travelers with picnic tables and a number of hiking trails. There is also a visitor center, which can be contacted at (828) 657-8161.
Milepost 218.6: Fox Hunter’s Paradise Visitors to this lookout will notice a low knoll to the right of the ridge that was once a favorite place for hunters to gather around campfires and contemplate the chase ahead. Patches of forest interspersed with farmland can be seen for miles on a clear day. There is a hiking trail and picnic area here.
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Milepost 230: Little Glade Mill Pond The serene beauty of this pond, just off the road, is an oasis within an oasis. Dragonflies with flickering iridescent wings are plentiful here, as are butterflies and lighthearted human visitors. The area is flanked by thickets of rhododendrons and plenty of picnic tables, all within earshot of a nearby creek.
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Milepost 232: Stone Mountain Overlook From this overlook you can see Stone Mountain State Park. Stone Mountain is an immense granite slab mostly bare of vegetation. Distant ridgelines and swaths of nearly continuous for-
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est unfold as far as the eye can see.
Milepost 238.5: Brinegar Cabin This mountain homestead, once owned by Martin and Caroline Brinegar, has been preserved as a memorial to traditional mountain living. Beside the Brinegar Cabin, there is a tended garden that holds many of the crops that were essential for a self-sustained Appalachian family. Buckwheat, tomatoes, squash and flax, which was used to make thread and homeopathic remedies, are grown here. Down the hill is a “spring house,� a small structure surrounding a spring that was used for bathing and keeping food cool. The homestead holds a century old loom that is still in use. Craft demonstrations are offered at various times during the summer season-check at Doughton Park for a schedule. Also, there are two hiking trails that begin at the far end of the parking lot: The 4.3-mile Cedar Rock Trail and the 7.5-mile Bluff Mountain Trail.
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Milepost 238.5-244.8: Doughton Park Doughton Park is one of the most often frequented stops as visitors make their way along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located 238.5- between mileposts 238.5 and 244.7, this 244.8 7,000-acre park has picnic areas (milepost 241), a campground (milepost 239), trailer camping sites, comfort stations and drinking water. Additionally, the park boasts 30 miles of scenic trails over bluegrass bluffs, including a portion of the world-famous Mountains to Sea Trail. Views abound throughout Doughton Park with a backdrop of open meadows and pioneer cabins and wildlife viewing, which offers visitors a glimpse of lives of local residents a long time ago.
Milepost 242: Alligator Back At the Alligator Back rest area you can learn about local predators and take a 20-minute walking trail to the Bluff Overlook. Sadly, the mountain lions that once roamed heavily in this area are no longer a major presence, but you might run into a wild chipmunk or squirrel.
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Milepost 252: Sheets Gap Sheets Gap is named for the small cabin built by Jesse Sheets around 1815. There is an overlook three-tenths of a mile south from here, with a walking trail leading back to the cabin.
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Some of the best views can be found between Boone and Linville on the Blue Ridge Parkway. PHOTO BY ROB MOORE
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Linville Falls is located at Milepost 316.5 and is a must-stop on your trek on the Parkway. PHOTO BY ROB MOORE
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Milepost 259: Northwest Trading Post This trading post provides drivers with a place to rest and recharge and is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Offering homemade food, crafts, restrooms and gifts.
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Milepost 260: Jumpinoff Rock At the end of the parking lot there is an easy walking trail that takes you to Jumpinoff Rock. This is a nice walk for families with small children because of the level terrain and well-shaded trail. There’s also a small picnic area in front of the parking lot to take a rest and look out over the ridge tops.
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Milepost 267: Mount Jefferson Overlook This site overlooks Mt. Jefferson State Park, a 474-acre area surrounded by farmland. The 4,515-foot mountain was once a stop on the Underground Railroad. You might also be able to see Grandfather Mountain to the south if it’s a clear day.
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the Cool Spring Baptist Church. Milepost 290: Thunder Hill Thunder Hill is an exceptional overlook near Blowing Rock, with unparalleled views of the Yadkin River Valley. This overlook is very popular with the locals, serving as a prime vantage point for observing celestial events.
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Milepost 293-295: Moses Cone Memorial Park Moses Cone Park is home to the Cone Manor, a lovely Queen Anne-style home that has been turned into the Southern Highlands Craft Guild’s Parkway Craft Center, which is accompanied by a visitors’ center. The visitors’ center can be reached at (828) 295-3782. Throughout the season, traditional craftspeople occasionally provide demonstrations on the front porch of the house. The park also has 25 miles of carriage trails for curious visitors to explore on foot or horseback.
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Milepost 271: Cascades Nature Trail The Cascades Nature Trail offers a brisk hike through rich pine forests to a waterfall that rolls down the side of the mountain to the lowlands below. Hikers need to exercise caution on the rocks near the waterfall. People, even in recent years, have fallen to their deaths here.
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Milepost 272: Jeffress Park At E.B. Jeffress Park, there are plenty of hiking trails and a picnic area. Jeffress Park can be accessed from the parkway despite the detour. Just drive past the detour sign through the construction area to the entrance of the park. There are two historic structures here, the Jesse Brown Cabin, built in the mid-1800s and
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Milepost 295-299: Julian Price Park
At 4,200 acres, Price Park has much to offer. There is an amphitheater, picnic area, campground and canoe rentals, as well as 25 miles of hiking trails. The campground has 197 spaces, which are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Price Lake is classified as general trout waters and no motor boating or swimming is allowed. The waters are excellent for fishing, but everyone over 16 who holds a pole should also hold a state license.
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Milepost 298-305: Grandfather Mountain Between mileposts 298 and 305 is Grandfather Mountain, the crown jewel of the parkway. This area is replete with awesome views and hiking trails, and the road itself is a tremendous sight.
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providing travelers with restrooms and information, can be reached at (828) 733-1354.
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Milepost 304: The Linn Cove Viaduct The Linn Cove Viaduct, which wraps around Grandfather, is one of the great engineering feats of the parkway. Completed in 1987 after close to 20 years of study, deliberation and construction, the viaduct is an elevated bridge that spans 7.5 miles around the perimeter of Grandfather Mountain. Constructed from the top down and pre-cast indoors to minimize the disturbance to the forested hillside, scrupulous care was taken to ensure that the exposed rocks and trees along the viaduct were protected. This example of the stewardly melding of architecture and nature proves that human interests and natural areas can coexist through careful and compassionate planning and action. The Linn Cove Viaduct Visitors’ Center, located at milepost 304,
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Milepost 308: Pisgah National Forest At milepost 308 the Parkway begins its run through Pisgah National Forest, which continues all the way down through milepost 355. The drive through this area is incredibly scenic, and there are plenty of places to pull off the road and go for a walk or have a picnic lunch. There are no facilities along much of this stretch, so take lots of water with you and don’t forget where you parked your car if you venture into the woods.
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Milepost 310: Lost Cove Cliffs Locals, visitors and scientists alike question the origin of the mysterious lights that appear to flicker and move about on distant mountains. Occasionally visible from this overlook, the Brown Mountain Lights have been the subject of almost a century of speculation and study.
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The earliest explanation for the lights dates back to an 800-year old Cherokee legend that says the lights are the spirits of slain warriors. Some scientists now believe the lights are an electrical phenomenon similar to the Great Northern Lights. The truth remains a mystery. Milepost 316.5: Linville Falls The grand finale as the parkway leaves the High Country is the magnificent Linville Falls. The waterfalls at Linville are breathtaking and are accessible by a number of short trails. The small gift shop offers an assortment of postcards and books. The campground is open year-round. Backpacking is allowed in adjacent Linville Gorge, one of the most rugged parts of the Eastern United States - contact Pisgah National Forest for details on this opportunity. For more information, contact the Linville Falls Visitor Center at (828) 765-1045.
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The Linn Cove Viaduct, which wraps around Grandfather, is one of the greatest engineering feats of the Parkway. It offers some breathtaking views as you travel over its snaky spans. PHOTO BY ROB MOORE
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Parkway crafts demonstrations BY JEFF EASON
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trip to the Cone Manor Estate on the Blue Ridge Parkway is like a trip back in time. Not only can you take a tour of Flat Top Manor, a gleaming 20-room mansion built by Moses Cone in 1901, but you can also see how many arts and crafts traditions are kept alive by contemporary craftspeople. Free crafts demonstrations are presented at Flat Top Manor nearly every day from May through October. Craft demonstrations at the Cone Manor Estate are located on the screened-in portion of the Flat Top Manor front porch. The demonstrations take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) and close for lunch at the demonstrator’s discretion. Fore more information, call the Cone Manor Craft Center at (828) 295-7938.
UPCOMING EVENTS June 4-5: Charlie Patricolo (fiber; doll making) June 6-7: Ellie Kirby (paper; printmaking and book design) June 8-16: Lynn Jenkins (clay; raku)
Moses Cone Manor, located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is home to boundless arts and crafts. FILE PHOTO
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June 6-7: Ellie Kirby (paper; printmaking and book design) June 8-16: Lynn Jenkins (clay; raku) June 17-19: David Crandall (wood; dovetail boxes) June 20-23: Lyle Wheeler and Liz Spear (wood; chair caning and heritage toys), (fiber; weaving) June 24-30: Judi Harwood (mixed media; drum making) July 1-6: Jack Rogers (wood turning) July 8-10: Lee Entrekin (wood; Native American flute making) July 14-17: Allen Davis (woodworking) July 18-20: Lynn Froelich (printing) July 21-24: Dan Abernathy (wood carving) July 26-31: Lynn Jenkins (clay; raku) Aug. 1-3: Bob Meier (clay) Aug. 4-7: Anne Freels (natural materials; cornhusk doll making) Aug. 8-11: Lynn Jenkins (clay; raku) Aug. 12-14: Beth Zorbanos (natural materials; cornhusk doll making) Aug. 16-19: Debbie Pierce (fiber; quilting) Aug. 20-21: Lee Entrekin (wood; Native American flute making) Aug. 22-24: Jay Pfeil (paper; etching)
Aug. 25-31: Lynn Jenkins (clay; raku) Sept. 2-5: David Crandall (wood; dovetail boxes) Sept. 6-9: Lynn Jenkins (clay; raku) Sept. 10-12: Judi Harwood (mixed media; drum making) Sept. 15-21: Lynn Jenkins (clay; raku) Sept. 23-29: Jack Rogers (wood turning) Sept. 30-Oct. 2: David Crandall (wood; dovetail boxes) Oct. 3-5: Beth Zorbanos (natural materials; cornhusk doll making) Oct. 6-9: Allen Davis (woodworking) Oct. 10-12: Tom Gow (wood; cottonwood bark carving) Oct. 13-16: Carlos Robledo (clay) Oct. 17-23: Lin Oglesby (fiber; yarn plying, knitting, crocheting) Oct. 25-27: Lynn Jenkins (clay; raku) Oct. 28-30: Jeff McKinley (glassblowing)
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Go Pitch a Tent Camping in the High Country
BY KELLEN MOORE
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n the mountains, “roughing it” has its perks. Beautiful mountain scenery, starry nights and abundant wildlife make camping in the mountains idyllic. “Camping is a great way to reconnect with nature,” said Dave Bauer, district ranger for the Blue Ridge Parkway. “It’s a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of your normal life and get out and kind of slow down.” Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike-andcamp adventure, a relaxing family campground or simply a place to park the RV, the High Country has it all.
‘CAR CAMPING’ If you’re the type that wants all the conveniences of home during your camping excursion, one of the campgrounds off the Blue Ridge Parkway may be the ticket.
Julian Price Park campground, the parkway’s largest and often busiest campground, is located at milepost 297 just south of Blowing Rock. The campground boasts 129 tent sites, 68 RV sites, a picnic area, hiking, Price Lake fishing and a ranger program, Bauer said. The park also includes a backcountry site after a mile and a half hike. A free permit is required for the backcountry site.
of physical exertion, the trails of the Grandfather Mountain State Park provide a great option. “The sites are far from each other, and they’re very remote,” said Sue McBean, park superintendent. “We have no facilities, so everything you pack in you have to pack out.” The backcountry beauty became a state park in 2009 when Grandfather Mountain Inc. sold 2,700 acres to the state. The Grandfather Mountain tourist attraction, which includes animal habitats and the Mile-High Swinging Bridge, is separate from the state park. Any hikers or campers who want to leave from there will be required to pay the attraction entrance fee, and cars can’t be left overnight there. Since the park is young, camping is currently free, and there is no reservation system available. Campers and hikers are required to self-register using drop boxes at the trailheads. The state park has 13 backpack-in campsites, one of which includes the Hi-Balsam Shelter, McBean said. The park can be entered from: • •
• Linville Falls campground, located at milepost 316, includes 50 tent sites, 20 RV sites, a large picnic area, hiking trails, fishing and a visitors’ center nearby. Unlike some other campgrounds, Linville Falls has room for larger group camping. Doughton Park campground, located at milepost 241, will not open until mid-July this year due to construction on the parkway, Bauer said. The park has 110 tent sites, 25 RV sites, a picnic area, trails and streams. The campground does have one backcountry camp, about a mile and a half hike in. The backcountry spot has about eight tent sites and is along a spring and hemlock strand, Bauer said.
Each of the campgrounds off the Blue Ridge Parkway costs $16 a night. More information can be found and reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. The campsites have a mix of reservation sites and first-come, first-served sites.
HIKE & CAMP If your idea of camping isn’t complete without a bit
•
The Profile Trail trailhead on N.C. 105 near N.C. 184 intersection in Banner Elk. Boone Fork Parking Area at milepost 299.9 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. From there, the Tanawha Trail goes south toward the Nuwati/ Daniel Boone Scout Trailhead. Asutsi Trail, which begins across from Serenity Farm on U.S. 221 South in Blowing Rock. The Grandfather Mountain attraction.
At Grandfather Mountain State Park, campers need to plan for water, which may not be consistently available in summer. Dogs are allowed on leashes. Fires are allowed at some sites, but not those at high elevations or during times of high winds.
RV SITES AND PRIVATE CAMPGROUNDS The High Country has a host of privately owned campgrounds, and rates vary. Below is a list of some of the campgrounds available.
WATAUGA COUNTY • • • •
Buffalo Camp RV Park — (828) 295-7518 Grandfather Campground — (828) 738-1111, www.grandfatherrv.com Hitching Post RV Park — (828) 264-5367 Boone KOA Campground — (828) 264-7250, http://koa.com/campgrounds/boone/ CONTINUED ON PAGE 45
The High Country offers camping opportunities for all ages, from first-timers to outdoors enthusiasts. PHOTOS SUBMITTED
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• • • •
Vanderpool Campground — (828) 297-3486, www.vanderpoolcampground.com Honey Bear Campground — (828) 963-4586, www.honeybearcampground.com Waterwheel RV Park — (828) 264-5165 Flintlock Campground — (828) 963-5325, www. flintlockcampground.com
ASHE COUNTY • • •
Raccoon Holler Campground — (336) 982-2706, www.raccoonholler.com Twin Rivers Campground — (336) 982-3456, www.twinriversfamilycampground.com Greenfield Campground — (336) 246-9106
AVERY COUNTY • •
Down by the River Campground — (828) 7335057, www.downbytherivercampground.com Buck Hill Campground — (828) 766-6162, www. buckhillrvcampground.com
The High Country offers camping opportunities for those who do not want to venture deep into the woods. PHOTO SUBMITTED
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Going Strolling Walking Trails of the High Country BY LAURA TABOR
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f you don’t feel like spending the afternoon indoors or taking on a strenuous peak in the numerous hiking trails around Western North Carolina, consider these walking trails that offer a less strenuous, but just as beautiful view of local scenery.
BANNER ELK GREENWAY
gentler paths can be reached via the summit road, creating a low-impact chance to view the area’s natural landscapes.
GLEN BURNEY TRAIL Within Blowing Rock, this trail is relatively steep, but only 1.5 miles with a turn-around, which goes past three waterfalls. More information is available at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce.
This walk involves 1.1 miles of trail and begins in the park and goes through different paths to the Art Cellar Gallery, boasting a nice view.
Area greenway trails, like Boone’s, are ideal for casual and scenic strolls. PHOTO SUBMITTED
LEE AND VIVIAN REYNOLDS GREENWAY TRAIL
The greenway is located behind State Farm Road in Boone, with an entrance by the Watauga County Parks and Recreation complex and the National Guard Armory. The paved trail is 3 miles long, but relatively flat, winding back and forth past a creek. Some other hiking trails go off the main path. More information is available at (828) 264-9511.
VALLE CRUCIS PARK WALKWAY Located behind the Mast General Store Annex in the Valle Crucis community, there is a small paved path around the pond at Valle Crucis Park, good for a quick walk in the afternoon.
MOSES H. CONE MEMORIAL PARK
Whether you are looking for a strenuous hike up a mountain or a light walk on the paved paths, Cone Memorial Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway has more than 25 miles of trails to suit the level of walking difficulty of your choice. Ask at the Manor House during operating hours for a recommendation of the best trail for your plan — some trails also allow horseback riding.
JULIAN PRICE MEMORIAL PARK
The Price Lake Loop Trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a 2.7-mile trail around the fishing-and-canoeing hot spot Price Lake; the relatively flat trail is ideal for trail runners and walkers alike. The park also has six other trails that range from moderate to strenuous (including the famed 13.5-mile Tanawha Trail).
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN Although Grandfather has some of the most strenuous hikes in the High Country along the face-silhouette peaks, it also boasts some lower difficulty trails. The
Trails like the one to Rough Ridge, above, offer plenty of beautiful views on the Parkway. This trail is part of the Tanawha trail and is one of the best views of the Linn Cove Viaduct. PHOTO BY ROB MOORE
Tips for Trekkers • •
Never hike alone; while walking may seem lowimpact, if you get hurt far from help, the situation can quickly become dangerous and painful. Bring plenty of energy-filled snacks and lots of water to keep you hydrated on the trail; you will feel better while you walk and will be less tired after the trip.
•
•
Wear appropriate shoes, and plan for the weather. Often trails in the mountains will still be muddy or full of puddles two or three days after a big rainstorm, so make sure you have waterproof shoes for the journey. Avoid touching unfamiliar plants, and specifically know the look of poisonous plants like poison ivy; staying on the blazed trails is the best way to avoid rashes from plants.
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Sugar Mountain Outdoors Summer of outdoor adventure at Sugar Mountain BY JAMIE SHELL
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s the snow and cold of winter transitions into the renewal and warmth of the spring and approaching summer, Sugar Mountain Resort prepares for visitors who long for outdoor adventure and a glimpse of the majesty and greenery of a picturesque portion of the High Country. Through the summer months, Sugar Mountain Resort will open hiking and biking trails for the outdoor aficionado. The trails boast a diversity of terrain, as miles of hiking and biking trails intertwine throughout the Village of Sugar Mountain and are accessible from many points throughout both the Village of Sugar Mountain and Sugar Mountain Resort. “Sugar Mountain wants to share all of the activities that are available at the mountain year-round. It gives people who want to spend time in the mountains, in the woods and in nature the opportunity to experience the mountain,” said Kim Jochl, marketing director at Sugar Mountain Resort. “Every year we’ve done this people have enjoyed and look forward to it. In the winter, our lift and trail services are dependent upon weather. We
have a good, dry summer season and we see a lot of activity. A lot of people use the trails and a diverse group, from kids to seniors to downhill mountain bikers, use the trails.” Access to the trails is free of charge May through October from dawn until dusk, and visitors may pick up a trail map in a mailbox located at the base of Sugar Mountain’s Flying Mile slope or when purchasing a chairlift ride ticket at the bottom station of the Summit No. 2 lift or they can also be downloaded online. Trails are maintained on a continuous basis and can change as a result of weather and other variables. Helmets are required when riding a bike within the village limits. In addition to the trail opportunities, Sugar’s 5,300foot peak may be viewed from lofty heights on scenic chairlift rides that begin Friday, July 1, and conclude Labor Day weekend on Monday, Sept. 5. Scenic chairlift rides operate each Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., weather permitting. The 45-minute round-trip adventure carries viewers on a breathtaking panoramic adventure, offering scenic CONTINUED ON PAGE 50
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views of North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, nearby Grandfather Mountain, Roan Mountain and beyond, while families can take advantage of the chairlift for a group outing, picnic lunch and more. The chairs include hooks on the back, offering mountain biking enthusiasts the unique thrill of carrying their bike to the top of Sugar Mountain. Lift ticket prices are $12 for a one-time round-trip ride and $25 for an all-day ticket. Children age 4 and younger ride free with a ticketed adult. Groups of 20 or more may purchase one-time ride tickets for $8. Advanced reservations are required for group rates. Call (828) 898-4521, extension 261, for group reservations. On Fourth of July weekend, cold weather gear for
the approaching winter season will be available for purchase during Sugar’s Fourth of July Sports Shop Super Sale. Everything in the shop is 40 percent to 70 percent off, featuring name brands such as Marmot, Ugg, Sorel, Spyder, Merrell, Columbia, Bogs, NILS, Descente, Obermeyer, Mammut, Burton, Scott and more.
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Sugar’s 21st annual Oktoberfest will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8 and 9. Festival admission is free, and applications for vendor participation are now being accepted. For more information about summer at Sugar Mountain, call Sugar Mountain Resort at (828) 8984521, or click to www.skisugar.com.
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GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN Highland Games
BY KEVIN HOLDEN
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he usually tranquil atmosphere at the foot of Grandfather Mountain will come alive with the sound of bagpipes as thousands don kilts and celebrate all things Scottish July 7 through 10 at the 56th annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games at MacRae Meadows. Since its founding in 1956, the Games have grown into one of the largest in North America and draws crowds from all 50 states and several countries. Scottish clan tents line the track, with representatives helping visitors explore their family history. The weekend-long festival features athletic events that include traditional Highland competitions like “tossing the caber,” which a casual observer would describe as “flipping a telephone pole
end-over-end.” “Tossing the sheaf,” another traditional event, involves using a pitchfork to hurl a heavy bag over a high bar. More typical track and field events are also held at the Games, which has its own 440-yard oval track at the meadows. The Grandfather Mountain Marathon, the 65-mile Grizzly bicycle race and the five-mile foot race known as The Bear present physical challenges that draw athletes from across the country. The Bear run begins in Linville, winds up an unpaved road and emerges at MacRae Meadows, where the runners circle the track and then make their way up to the Mile-High Swinging Bridge atop Grandfather Mountain. The course climbs more than 1,500 feet in elevation from beginning to end. Competitors in the Atlantic International Dance Championship, held each year at the Games, must dance a specific
sequence of steps before three judges. A wide variety of piping and drumming competitions takes place during the Games. Music plays a big role in the Games, with both traditional musicians and modern bands performing over the weekend. Purveyors of what has come to be known as “kilt rock” have grown in popularity over the past few years, performing throughout the weekend in Celtic groves around the edge of the meadows, at the Friday night jam and the Celtic rock concert on Saturday night. Musicians appearing at this year’s Games include Saor Patrol, Rathkeltair, Mother Grove, Brother, The Blessed Blend, Cutthroat Shamrock, Davy Ramone Morrison, Celtic Connections, Jill Chamblis and Scooter Muse. Lisa Lynn and George Tortorelli, Marcille Wallis and the Chelsea House Orchestra will also be featured on the mountain. Grand Ole Opry and North Carolina Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame member George Hamilton IV
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PHOTOS BY ROB MOORE
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• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Children’s Highland wrestling competition. Sheep herding. Massed bands on track. Opening ceremonies. History and genealogy studies at clan tents Children’s tent activities. Celtic Grove music. Highland wrestling. Harp competitions. Pre-Premier Highland Dance Competition. N.C. Provincial Gaelic Mod. Scottish fiddling workshop and jam session. 7 p.m.: Celtic Rock Concert at MacRae Meadows ($15 adults / $5 children age 5 to 12).
Highland Games CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51
will entertain at the Games with his distinctive blend of traditional country and gospel with a Celtic touch. Grandfather Mountain Highland Games Inc. is a nonprofit organization that uses proceeds to support the Games, foster and restore interest in traditional dancing, piping, drumming, athletic achievement, music and Gaelic culture, and to establish scholarship funds to assist local students.
SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, JULY 8 • •
• • • • • • • • •
THURSDAY, JULY 7 Picnic, Torchlight Ceremony & Sheep Herding • 4:30 p.m.: Picnic — food concessions are available at MacRae Meadows, or you can bring your own. • Scottish entertainment and traditional Celtic music. Performers to be announced. • Sheep herding: Sheep herding with Border Collies on the field. • 7 p.m. — The Bear: Assault on Grandfather: This five-mile footrace climbs 1,568 feet in elevation from the town of Linville to the summit of Grandfather Mountain. More than 800 runners will start up Old Yonahlossee Road from Linville at 7 p.m., circle the Highland Games track around 7:15 p.m., and head up the Grandfather Mountain summit road. • Torchlight Ceremony: Opening ceremony announcing each participating clan’s arrival to the Games.
•
•
7:30 a.m.: The Grizzly Bike Race. 9 a.m.: MacRae Meadows opens: Preliminary athletic competition, sheep herding, music/dancing exhibitions. Opening ceremonies. Highland wrestling clinic for children. Children’s tent and field activities. Harp workshop. Sheep herding. History and genealogy studies at clan tents. Highland dancing pre-championship. Lochaber trump competition in the harp and fiddling tent. 3 p.m.: Day events completed, preparation begins for Celtic Jam. 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.: Celtic Music Jam Concert tracing the evolution of Celtic music from the ancient to the contemporary at MacRae Meadows. 8 p.m. to midnight: Scottish Country Dance Gala — Williams Gymnasium at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk ($25 dancers / $10 spectators). Tickets are sold only at the door.)
SATURDAY, JULY 9 •
• • •
7 a.m.: Mountain Marathon begins in Boone. Runners will arrive at Games track around 9:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m.: MacRae Meadows opens. Amateur heavy athletic qualifying. Competition for Atlantic International Highland Dancing Championship, piping, drumming, Scottish athletic events, track and field events, Scottish country dancing, Scottish fiddling and Scottish harp.
SUNDAY, JULY 10 • • • • • • • • •
• • •
8 a.m.: MacRae Meadows opens. Scottish heavy athletic demonstration and clinic. 9 a.m.: Scottish worship service and Kirkin’ of the Tartans. Children’s Border Collie demonstration. Celtic grove entertainment. Parade of Tartans. Scottish fiddling competition. Atlantic International Highland Dance Championship competition. Scottish athletic events, sheep herding, kilted miles, children’s events, Scottish country dancing, Scottish harps and clan tugs-of-war. History and genealogy studies at clan tents. Sheep herding demonstration. 4 p.m.: Closing ceremonies
For more information, click to www.gmhg.org.
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West Jefferson’s annual Christmas in July festival draws thousands to the downtown area for live music, a farmers’ market, arts and crafts and all-around family fun. PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Merry Christmas in July!
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tart your Independence Day holiday weekend by enjoying Ashe County’s biggest event of the year. Come and visit the 25th annual Christmas in July Festival on Saturday, July 2, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the Backstreet in West Jefferson, and help the festival celebrate its silver anniversary. Drawing more than 20,000 visitors in a day, Christmas in July is one of the best old-fashioned summer festivals in the south. This one-day-only, free-admission event features traditional mountain music and handmade crafts from throughout the northwest mountains of North Carolina. The celebration includes a vast selection of food, fun and festivities for the entire family, from children’s activities, to traditional and contemporary music and dance, to a historic Civil War battle re-enactment and camp. The Washington Rifles of 1st Virginia Cavalry Co. D in Abingdon, Va., will provide a Civil War era re-enactment program during the festival. The reenactors will set up in West Jefferson’s municipal park behind the library for three days (July 1-3) of events and activities, including an battle re-enactment, a Civil War camp, living history talks and period music. Music is the very soul of the festival, with some of the High Country’s top performers bringing their talents, including
co ntr bluegrass, bl egrass old time traditional country, old-time, traditional, pop and classic, gospel and the Caribbean sound of the steel drum band from Ashe County High School. The holiday weekend kicks off with a street dance on Friday, July 1, at 7 p.m. with music from Blue Country Band (country mix new and old) at 7 p.m. and Buck Haggard Band (classic country) at 8:30 p.m. along with food vendors. The festival opens on Saturday, July 2, with craft vendors offering a wide variety of arts and crafts, including paintings, photography, wooden, glass and leather items, jewelry, clothing and accessories, toys, books, furniture, pottery, sculpture, collectibles and much more. There are also locally made crafts and locally grown produce and greenery at the Ashe County Farmers’ Market, open on the Backstreet during the festival. Children can enjoy a ton of fun during the festival with hands-on activities, including arts and crafts, games and recreation. Dance entertainment at the festival is offered by students of area dance studios. Music fills the streets of West Jefferson as area bands take the stage. And if your mouth is already watering for some of that tasty festival food, Christmas in July offers it up, from traditional to exotic menu items, with ice cream, kettle corn and candy, providing something for everyone. The festival is a showcase for the Ashe County and North Carolina Christmas Tree Associations, exhibiting picturesque examples of the popular Fraser fir tree growing in abundance all across the High Country. This 25th anniversary festival will fea-
ture a return of grower exhibits, including competitions in wreath making, tree baling and other related activities, and give visitors an opportunity to try their hand. For more information, visit www. christmasinjuly.info, contact the Ashe County Arts Council at (336) 846-ARTS or the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce at (336) -846-9196.
Music Lineup • • • • • • • • • • • •
9-10 a.m.: Southern Accent (bluegrass gospel) 10-11 a.m.: Pans and Cans Steel Drum Band 11 a.m.-noon: Crooked Road Oldtime Band 12-1 p.m.: Creek Junction Band (bluegrass) 1-2 p.m.: Wayne Henderson and Friends (traditional) 2-3 p.m.: Jeff Little 3-4 p.m.: Big Country Bluegrass (nationally known) 4-5 p.m.: Dollar Brothers Bluegrass 5-6 p.m.: Amantha Mill (bluegrass) 6-7 p.m.: Moods and Memories (1960s & ’70s pop & classic music) 7-8 p.m.: Tone Blazers (acoustic blend)
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Gallery crawl in West Jefferson
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hat could be better than an evening in the mountains, where the weather is cool, the people are friendly and artistic talent is abundant? Try Gallery Crawl. The Ashe County Arts Council will again sponsor the second Friday evening Gallery Crawl starting on June 10 and continuing through October. The crawls will be from 5-8 p.m. The monthly Gallery Crawl spotlights and promotes the artistic talents in West Jefferson on a continuing basis. The streets of downtown West Jefferson come alive with visitors and residents perusing shops, galleries and studios for original art and one-of-a-kind treasures. Photography, paintings, pottery, stained glass, quilts, fiber arts, furniture, toys, jewelry, woodturned art and many more handcrafted items are some of the highlights just waiting for “crawlers.” Various artists are on hand to share their latest creations and demonstrate new techniques. West Jefferson has an eclectic group of art-related shops, galleries and studios. The arts district is alive and well, offering new businesses and familiar shops and galleries. Past Gallery Crawl participants included Acorn Gallery, Ashe Arts Center, Ashe Custom Framing and Gallery, Backstreet Beads, Bohemia Gallery, Broomfields Gallery, Originals Only Gallery, R.T. Morgan Art Gallery and the Stephen Shoemaker Studio. Gallery Crawl offers an opportunity for visitors and residents alike to see the downtown murals and listen to strolling street musicians. Crawlers might choose to schedule their walking tour around a nice dinner at one of the downtown restaurants, or they may decide to do a leisurely three-hour tour. Most galleries will offer refreshments. Special in-store promotions or door prize drawings will be held during the crawls. Each month, special events, such as gallery openings, musical events and special exhibits, will add to the fun of the crawls. Visitors and residents are invited to come and stroll the streets in the cool mountain air, meet with old friends, make new acquaintances and experience the arts in West Jefferson. Admission to Gallery Crawl is free. Maps will be available at the Ashe Arts Center in West Jefferson and at other participating galleries and shops. For more information, call The Ashe County Arts Council at (336) 846-ARTS or see us on the web at www.ashecountyarts.org.
Gallery Crawl Dates
June 10, July 8, Aug. 12, Sept. 9 and Oct. 14.
2011
Land of Frescoes Ashe paintings preserved as pilgrimage site to many website says that 60,000 pilgrims come to Saint Mary’s and Holy Trinity each year. he frescoes at Saint Mary’s in West Jefferson and To the benefit of the frescoes, the Ashe County FresHoly Trinity in Glendale Springs are well known coes Foundation was formed in May 2009. It was crethroughout the region for their beauty and artisated to protect and preserve the Ben Long frescoes and tic style. to assure the tens of thousands of tourists they attract The two churches are part of the Episcopal Parish in that the frescoes will always be accessible. Ashe County, also known as Parish of the Holy ComThe church obtained a $24,000-grant that allowed munion. the congregation to accomplish the many much-needed The story behind the churches of the frescoes and how painting and repair tasks that have been ongoing. The they came about began back in the late 1800s. foundation continues to seek assistance and is currently According to the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, in need of volunteers for a variety of tasks. the story is as follows: The foundation is a nonprofit Episcopal missionaries corporation. Its articles of from Valle Crucis (in Watauga incorporation and its bylaws County) held services at various provide for a board of directors locations in Ashe County as consisting of nine members, early as 1852, but no continufour of whom are affiliated ing presence of the Episcopal with the Fresco churches. The Church existed until 1895 when remaining five members are ac19 candidates were presented tive and contributing members for confirmation. of the Ashe County community. Bishop Joseph Cheshire then The Last Supper Fresco was painted in the The foundation, as well as hired two teachers and began a summer of 1980 by Ben Long and is located activities such as the Fall Festischool. val of the Frescoes that is held at Holy Trinity in Glendale Springs. PHOTO SUBMITTED every October, are used to bring In September 1895, the church of Saint Simon the Zealot was organized. The attention to the fresco churches as being a valuable church’s name was changed to Saint Mary’s in 1903. commodity to the community. In 1900, another Bishop visited Glendale Springs and “Now our congregation is very small and with the high began building Holy Trinity Church. numbers of people who come to see the churches, we Jenny Fields, a nurse and midwife, moved into the are simply too small to adequately care for the properHoly Trinity Mission House in 1913 and began to tend ties as they need to be cared for as far as cleaning and the sick and deliver babies in the community. protection and preservation of the art works. We need The fresco paintings at the two churches began when help,” said Garrett Briggs, president of the ACFF. “The Ben Long, an Italian-trained artist of Statesville, painted foundation is set up to be separate from the church and three frescoes at Saint Mary’s: “Mary Great With Child” is made up by a majority of people who are not Episcoin 1974, “John the Baptist” in 1975 and “Mystery of Life” palian. That is to make the point that these artworks are in 1977. available for everybody.” In the summer of 1980, Long painted the fresco of For more information about the frescoes, the founda“The Last Supper” at Holy Trinity as that church buildtion, how you can help or make a contribution, click to ing was being restored. ashecountyfrescoesfoundation.org. Or, checks may be Since the frescoes were completed, hundreds of thoumade payable to: The Ashe County Frescoes Foundation sands of people have visited the churches. The chamber and mailed to P.O. Box 912, Jefferson, NC 28640. BY HEATHER CANTER
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Mark your calendars for a High Country autumn: The Fall Festival of the Frescoes is held every October. PHOTO SUBMITTED
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On the Same Page
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A literary festival in North Carolina’s northwest mountains
ach September, as the leaves in the mountains begin to turn to yellow and red, we turn to another inspiring, fun-filled On the Same Page Literary Festival in West Jefferson. Streets fill with readers and writers, as well as the stirring voices of authors such as Lee Smith, Jill McCorkle, Robert Morgan, John Hart, Fred Chappell and others. With the great literary tradition of North Carolina, “the writingest state,” as its inspiration, the festival was created to encourage and develop a love of the written word, to celebrate authors who move and inspire us, and to bring visitors to Ashe County to enjoy the scenery, the festival, and a healthy dose of local hospitality. In 2011, the festival will host, among others, Wayne Caldwell (“Cataloochee and Requiem by Fire”); Mark de Castrique (“Burryin’ Barry” series, “Sam Blackman” series and “Death on a Sum-
mer Breeze”), Jaki Shelton Green (“Dead on Arrival” and “Breath of the Song”), Michael Malone (“Handling Sin” and “The Four Corners of the Sky”) and Georgann Eubanks (“Literary Trails of the North Carolina Mountains” and “Literary Trails of the North Carolina Piedmont”). The theme for the 2011 Festival, to be held Wednesday to Saturday, Sept. 14-17, is “Family Matters.” Festival authors were chosen based on their works featuring family themes, and during the festival, they will be asked to share how their own families have influenced their writing. Beginning with an Ashe County Community Read of “Night” by Elie Wiesel, the festival will have something for everyone: a writing workshop, Hourwith-an-Author sessions, an author panel discussion, “Cinnamon Cinema!” featuring the movie “Life is Beautiful,” readings by featured authors, a writing
John Hart, the Dagger and two-time Edgar-winning author of three New York Times bestsellers, including “The Last Child,” signs books for attendees at the 2010 On the Same Page Literary Festival. PHOTO SUBMITTED
Robert Morgan, author of Oprah Book Club Selection, ‘Gap Creek,’ among other notable titles, shares insights and a reading from his work with attendees of the 2010 On the Same Page Literary Festival. PHOTO BY SUSAN L. CADDELL
competition, and more. New this year is the Page Crafter’s Prize, a writing competition in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Total prize money is $1,200, with first, second, and third-place prizes in each category of $250, $100, and $50. Entries for 2011 must center on the festival’s theme of “Family Matters.” Prizewinning writers, selected by judges in a blind copy competition, will be offered the opportunity to read their winning
entries during the festival. The competition opens on April 15, 2011; all entries must be submitted by July 8. For more information, check the Festival website at www.onthesamepagefestival.org or call the Ashe Arts Council at (336) 846.ARTS. Become a fan of the Festival by finding us on Facebook, and you’ll see up-to-date information on additional authors and activities as it becomes available.
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Summer with the
ASHE COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL T
he Ashe County Arts Council is a private, nonprofit community-based cultural organization that has diligently worked toward bringing the arts to Ashe since 1977. Ongoing community concerts, art exhibits, school assembly programs, the Mountain Arts Program, residencies, murals and special events for all ages have given Ashe County residents countless opportunities in which to experience the arts. Partnerships with various local groups and businesses create situations in which the arts are integrated into the community in a myriad of ways. The continuing goal of the Ashe Arts Council is to enrich the cultural life of Ashe, believing that this will go far in making it a first class community, which is good for families, the economy, businesses and visitors. The council presents programming at the Ashe Arts Center (303 School Ave.) and the Ashe Civic Center (962 Mount Jefferson Road) and continues to offer quality arts programming throughout the county. For information or tickets for upcoming events, call (336) 846-ARTS.
JUNE
The arts are prevalent in downtown West Jefferson, home to numerous murals that colorfully depict Ashe County culture. FILE PHOTO
JULY GALLERY CRAWL Friday, July 8 5-8 p.m. Open house at downtown galleries and shops Free
SHADOW OF THE HILLS June 6-July 2 Ashe Arts Center Opening reception: Friday, June 10
COFFEE HOUSE TALENT NIGHT Saturday, June 11 7:30 p.m. at the West Jefferson Methodist Church Hensley Hall Music, song and stories from local performers $10 adults, $5 students (336) 846-ARTS
“MAME” Ashe County Little Theatre June 23-27 Award-winning Broadway musical Ashe Civic Center $12 adults, $5 students
GALLERY CRAWL Friday, Aug. 12 5-8 p.m. Open house at downtown galleries and shops Free (336) 846-ARTS
SOLO EXHIBIT BY JOAN BELL July 6–Aug. 6 Ashe Arts Center Opening reception: July 8, 5-7 p.m.
GALLERY CRAWL Friday, June 10 5-8 p.m. Open house at downtown galleries and shops Free (336) 846-ARTS
AUGUST
“IT’S DELOVELY” Saturday, July 16 7:30 p.m. Ashe Civic Center A program of timeless favorites by Cole Porter. Performed by the well-known jazz musicians in North Carolina, including acclaimed vocalist Martha Bassett. $12 adults, $5 students
KEN KOLODNER Friday, July 29 7:30 p.m. Ashe Arts Center Ken Kolodner is recognized as one of today’s most accomplished, musical hammered dulcimer artists. Kolodner has been featured on many recordings with musicians in several different genres of music, such as old-time, Appalachian, Celtic and bluegrass. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.
BLUE RIDGE BRUTAL 100 BIKE RIDE Saturday, Aug. 13 Ashe Civic Center 22nd year for riders to challenge the mountains To register, visit www.ashecivic.com (336) 846-ARTS
COFFEE HOUSE TALENT NIGHT Saturday, Aug. 20 7:30 p.m. West Jefferson Methodist Church Hensley Hall Songs, stories and more $8 adults, $5 students (336) 846-ARTS
“THE FANTASTICKS” Ashe County Little Theatre Aug. 25-28 Ashe Civic Center Longest running off-Broadway musical $10 adults, $5 students
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Ashe Arts Council
Public Art in Ashe
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SEPTEMBER
GALLERY CRAWL Friday, Sept.10 5-8 p.m. Open house at downtown galleries and shops Free (336) 846-ARTS
“TICKLING THE IVORIES” Saturday, Sept.10 Ashe Civic Center An evening of piano music with local pianists $12 adults, $5 students (336) 846-ARTS
ON THE SAME PAGE LITERARY FESTIVAL Sept. 14-18 Community read, author talks, performances, special events www.onthesamepagefestival.org (336) 846-ARTS
ART ON THE MOUNTAIN Saturday, Sept. 24 West Jefferson School — downtown West Jefferson
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The Ashe Civic Center plays host to a variety of musical and stage acts. PHOTO SUBMITTED 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Fine art, master crafts, artist demonstrations Free (336) 846-ARTS
he small town charm of West Jefferson is enhanced by artistic visions of several artists. The beauty, culture, history and future of Ashe County are captured in 15 downtown murals. For residents and visitors, the murals give a glimpse of the artistic talent that abounds in Ashe County. The variety of styles and subject matter featured in the downtown murals offer something for everyone. The enthusiasm and the overwhelming support from the community had made the mural projects successful and has provided beauty and wonder on the walls of local businesses, as well as in the revitalization of the downtown area. West Jefferson is also home to several other pieces of public art, including sculpture in the Backstreet Park and painted fire hydrants. The Ashe County Arts Council has moved public art to roadways and byways of Ashe County with the Barn Quilt project. Artists and barn owners have been brought together to paint and install traditional quilt block designs on barns and outbuildings. The project has grown to more 70 quilts throughout the county. Take time to explore downtown West Jefferson and Ashe County to enjoy artistic talent in public places. Public art has the power to beautify, enhance, inspire and to contribute to our living spaces. For more information about arts programming, events or public art in West Jefferson, call the Ashe County Arts Council at (336) 846-ARTS.
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A Bit of Botanical History The Daniel Boone Native Gardens BY LAURA TABOR
Roses, tulips, and daffodils appear all over the High Country during the spring and summer, ushering in the new seasons. However, where else can you see Goatsbeard, Solomon’s seal, and Dutchman’s breeches? As a matter of fact, what are those three things? Both seeing and learning about these three plants (yes, they are plants) is just one part of the experience of Daniel Boone Native Gardens in Boone. According to its website, the gardens were opened in 1966 as “an educational and conservation effort to nurture rare or endangered plant species.” The three-acre premises involve everything from a bog for watery plants to a wishing well made of rock. Also, visitors can explore a fern garden, a grove of rhododendron, a rock garden, a vine-covered arbor, and even wrought-iron gates made by a descendant of Daniel Boone himself. Discover some of local history as you walk past the pond and to the Squire Boone Cabin. The namesake of the gardens actually hunted in the area. The gardens are open from May 1 through October each year, with different plants blooming at different parts of the summer season.
The season starts out each year with the gardens’ fourth annual plant sale, using locally grown plants from nurseries and selling coffee and pastries to benefit the gardens and the local nurseries. For the price of regular admission, which is $2 for visitors who are 16 or older, self-guided tours allow people to explore the variety of plants available. In addition, there are options for guided group tours. These tours can be for all ages, including groups from schools or summer camps, senior citizen or travel groups, among others. Depending on availability, a guide for a particular one- to two-hour tour costs $35, in addition to regular admission. To check dates, call the gardens at (828) 264-6390. The gardens are used for regular admissions and for many special events during the season. Weddings are often held in the gardens, and for information about scheduling a wedding at the location, visit the “wedding” tab on the Web site, www.danielboonegardens.org. The gardens were initially a project of the Garden Club of N.C. and are located at 651 Horn in the West Drive, Boone, near the amphitheater used for the “Horn in the West” outdoor drama. CONTINUED ON PAGE 62
The Daniel Boone Native Gardens span three acres in the heart of Boone, offering dozens of flower and plant species, along with a touch of local history. FILE PHOTO
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TRAIL
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Botanical History CONTINUED FROM PAGE 61
paves way to fun, adventure BY JAMIE SHELL
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he mountainous southwest corner of Virginia is home to likely the easiest mountain bike trail in the world. The Virginia Creeper Trail is a 33-mile crushed limestone rail-trail, which descends gently for more than 17 miles at an elevation distance of 1,600 feet from Whitetop to Damascus, Va., then flattens out for a 16-mile run to Abingdon, Va. The Virginia Creeper Trail is located roughly 53 miles from Boone and roughly 67 miles from Newland. For directions, call the Virginia Tourism Corporation at (800) 847-4882. The trail was named after the steam engine that once creeped up the rails into the Iron Mountains. It runs on a rail right-of-way dating to the 1880s that first belonged to the Abingdon Coal and Iron Railroad. After investing sizable capital without actually opening, that company went out of business. In the early 1890s, the Virginia-Carolina and Southern Railway purchased the land and assets, but it too had financial trouble, allowing the Virginia-Carolina Railway to purchase its assets. As the 20th century began, the Virginia-Carolina Railway began operating in Damascus, Va., and by 1912 the railroad extended to Whitetop and eventually in subsequent years to Elkland (now known as Todd) in North Carolina. The train ran to Todd until 1933, when the terminus moved to West Jefferson. In 1957, the last steam engine retired, replaced by diesel-powered engines. By 1974, the Norfolk and Western Railroad Company petitioned the Interstate Commerce Commission to abandon the line, and in 1977 hard rains flooded and damaged most of the line, which was left in disorder. In 1977, removal of the track began, and the United States Forest Service for a recreation trail secured the Virginia portion of the rail land, and in 1986, the Railsto-Trails Conservancy began converting old railroad beds into trail systems for hikers and bikers. The land in North Carolina was returned to its landowners, while in Virginia. The right-of-way is owned by the towns of Abingdon and Damascus, the National Park Service and the National Forest Service. The Creeper Trail winds through a number of towns,
including Abingdon, Watauga, Alvarado, Damascus, Straight Branch, Taylors Valley, Creek Junction, Green Cove and Whitetop. The elevation of the trail drops approximately 300 feet (91 meters) from Alvarado to the South Holston River and then climbs nearly 2,000 feet (610 meters) to Whitetop. Abingdon at Mile 0 is one of the most popular places to enter the Virginia Creeper Trail. Bikes are available for rental on a half-day or full-day basis nearby for less than $25, with parking and shuttle service available. Other popular access points are at Alvarado (Mile 8.5), Damascus (Mile 15.5), Creek Junction (Mile 25) and Whitetop Station (Mile 32.3). Although no facilities are available on the trail itself, 11 access points lead hikers and bikers to towns, forest service centers, water and toilets year-round. For those concerned about elevation difficulties while hiking or riding, the trail is a picturesque and easy path to plod. The trail from Abingdon to Damascus is quite level and is bordered by fields and pastures, leading visitors to a beaver pond, frogs, cottontail rabbits, gray squirrels and red and gray foxes. Approximately 40 species of birds can be seen while traveling along the trail. From the other end, at Whitetop, bikers love coasting downhill for 18 miles to Damascus. Bikers and hikers should be aware of weather conditions, however, as sudden changes can occur, especially at the higher elevations of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Whitetop Mountain. Other activities besides walking and biking await visitors to the Virginia Creeper Trail. Camping is permitted at Mount Rogers National Recreation Area at a distance of at least 100 feet away from the trail. Horseback riding is allowed all along the trail, while fishing at South Holston Lake at Mile 8 and Mile 13 is permitted. East of Damascus, the trail also parallels Whitetop Laurel Creek. If you enjoy the trail in the summer, it can also provide entertainment in the winter, as cross-country skiing on the trail is great in the winter along a snowpacked route. For more information on the Virginia Creeper Trail and its vast outdoors opportunities, click to www. vacreepertrail.com, or contact the Virginia Tourism Corporation at (800) 847-4882.
Students learn Appalachian arts and crafts during a field trip to the Daniel Boone Native Gardens. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
BLOOM SCHEDULE MAY – JUNE Bleeding heart Showy orchis Squirrel corn Dutchman’s breeches Shooting star Amsonia Wild iris Ladyslippers Flame azalea Rhododendron Shortia Columbine Goatsbeard Mountain magnolia Firepink Liatris Foam flower Turkey’s beard Merrybells Solomon’s seal Coral bells Carolina rose Mayapple Yucca Cinnamon fern Pitcher plant Trillums Mock strawberry Ox-eye daisy Stonecrop Squaw root Fringe tree
JULY - AUGUST Purple cone flower New England Asters Clematis Fairy bells Lobelia Purple fringed orchis Sweet azalea Turks cap lilies Malva Bee balm Ladies tresses Galax Trumpet vine Sunflowers Jerusalem artichoke Rhododendron Cardinal flower Old-fashioned hollyhock Milkweed Horse nettle Indian pipes Thimbleweed Boneset Virgin’s bower Swamp mallow Featherbells Evening primrose Wild geranium Skullcap Nightshade Spiderwort
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Appalachian Skate Park in Jefferson FROM STAFF REPORTS
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lthough it is slightly out of the way, dozens of skateboarders make their way to Ashe County Park in Jefferson to test their skills on the Appalachian Skate Park. Originally located in Boone, the Appalachian Skate Park was purchased by Ashe County Parks and Recreation in July 2009 from the ASP Committee in Boone. The skate park officially opened on Saturday, June 12, 2010, giving a place for anyone riding skateboards or in-line skates (no bicycles) a place to jump, ollie, grind and, generally, have a good time. “It’s a good feeling to know that folks are able to get out there, use the equipment versus it sitting there unused,” said Daniel Quin, athletic director for ACPR. He noted that it “took a while to get the concrete surface proper and correct” for the ramps to be set up on and to get the equipment reassembled, which required reconstructing a few pieces. Quin noted that officials considered both concrete and asphalt for the surface, but decided to go with concrete. “It’s a pleasant surface to ride on,” he said. The relocation was welcomed for Buzz Berry, one of the original three ASP investors in Boone who helped design the skate park.
“We really needed to provide a safe place for people to enjoy the sport,” Berry said of the ASP. “We wanted to get kids of all ages, whether they be college or adult — anyone who wanted to enjoy the sport of skateboarding — to be able to go to a safe place and enjoy it. We wanted to get them off the sidewalk, out of the streets or in front of businesses and give them a designated place to be.” Berry noted that the ASP was designed for “the beginner and intermediate skater, although an advanced skater can still enjoy it” and that it was also “designed for flow, so you can get from one element to the other just by rolling across. You just keep going from one place to the other non-stop.” Regarding the move, Berry said, “It was a happy thing that Ashe County decided they wanted to welcome it over there. “What a beautiful location for it to be, in Ashe Park,” he said. “It was great news for it to wind up in such a positive environment.” Quin said he believes the ASP will bring “a better variety of activities for park users to enjoy” in Jefferson at the 75-acre park that already features two playgrounds,
The Appalachian Skate Park is designed for beginner and intermediate skaters, though advanced skaters, like cofounder Buzz Berry, left, find plenty to enjoy. FILE PHOTOS
athletic fields, a disc golf course, a pond for fishing and picnic shelters. Park officials are also stressing the importance of skaters following North Carolina laws that require all users to wear safety helmets along with kneepads and elbow pads. “We want to make sure everyone is safe and is enjoying themselves out there,” said Quin. “Part of that enjoyment is not having people get hurt. We understand that skateboarding is getting scrapes here and there is part of the sport, [because] it’s an inherently dangerous sport.” Quin said he understands the danger because he grew up playing with skateboards. “Again, there are proper measures to be taken to make sure nobody gets hurt re-
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High Country Disc Golf
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ince the front nine opened in 2006, the Ashe County Park Disc Golf Course has offered an enjoyable and challenging outing for those interested in the quickly growing competitive sport. Designed to crisscross the 75-acre Ashe County Park, the course offers players a serious challenge as they throw 18 holes that weave over water and through the forest. The course was designed by two-time world disc golf champion Harold Duvall, who based the layout to take advantage of the trees and changes in elevation the land offers, while taking into consideration erosion, environmental issues and public safety. The full 18-hole course premiered in February 2008, in time for the Inaugural High County Ice Bowl. It has since brought hundreds of disc golf fans to West Jefferson. It is also extremely convenient for High Country and visiting players, as the next closest public course is located in Hickory. The course offers two tees for most holes — one for amateurs and one for pros. The goal is simple: Throw the disc into the basket. But “ball golf” is not as easy as “putting the ball in the hole,” and disc golf also challenges players to throw the right shots with the right discs. The High Country Disc Golf Course is free and open to the public from sunrise to sunset. Doubles tournaments are held on Thursday afternoon (daylight permitting) and some Sundays. Discs can be purchased at The Hobby Barn in West Jefferson and from the High Country Disc Golf Club (all proceeds are used for course maintenance). To find out more about the club, or how to get involved, click to www.highcountrydiscgolf.com.
Disc-golfers compete in the annual High Country Throwdown. FILE PHOTOS
Want to Go? 1. 2. 3.
4. 5.
Take U.S. 221 North toward Jefferson for about 1520 minutes. Turn left on Long Street, which quickly deadends into South Main Street. There’s no sign, but turn right on South Main by the Dollar Mart gas station and continue as South Main turns into North Main. Continue for a couple miles to Ashe County Park on the left. Turn left onto Ashe Park Road, and follow to the park.
Appalachian Skate Park CONTINUED FROM PAGE 63
ally bad and make sure everyone is using the equipment the way it was meant to be used.” Berry noted the importance of safety helmets. “You hit your head the wrong way and that’s it,” he said. For Berry, skating is also an opportunity to help teach self-esteem and that “the only way to learn is to keep trying.” Quin said he encourages anyone who wants to “be a part of the skate park to give input and adopt the park” and to “make sure that vandalism doesn’t happen and rules are being followed so the skate park will be able to permanently stay here.” “There’s a lot of life lessons in skateboarding,” said Berry, “and it’s a great way to meet new friends, too.” For more information about the Skate Park or Ashe County Park, call Ashe County Parks and Recreation at (336) 982-6185.
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Railroad
A Family Tradition BY JEFF EASON
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or three generations, folks have been traveling to Western North Carolina’s beloved theme park, Tweetsie Railroad. It has become a family tradition, as folks who were preteen cowboys when they first came to Tweetsie now bring their kids and grandkids to the theme park. Young, old or in between, Tweetsie Railroad and Wild West Theme Park offers something for everyone. The kids love the rides and the petting zoo, while the older folks enjoy the live music and saloon shows. And, of course, everyone gets a kick out of riding the classic steam locomotive into the beautiful mountainside to see what’s going on at Fort Boone. Tweetsie Railroad is open seven days a week from May 27 through Aug. 21. It then returns to a weekendonly schedule through Oct. 30, including Labor Day Monday. The park’s regular hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but will be open until 9 p.m. on July 2, 4, 9 and 16 for “Cool Summer Nights.” Additionally, the park will open at 8 a.m. both Saturdays (June 4 and 11) for the popular Day Out with Thomas event. The Ghost Train Halloween Festival will take place Friday and Saturday evenings, Sept. 30 through Oct. 29, from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Daily admission is $34 for adults and $22 for children ages 3 through 12. Children 2 and younger are admitted free. Print at home tickets and Golden Rail season passes are available at www.tweetsie.com. For more information, call Tweetsie Railroad at (828) 264-9061.
SPECIAL EVENTS DAY OUT WITH THOMAS: JUNE 3-12 Enjoy one of Tweetsie’s most popular annual events as Thomas the Tank Engine chugs through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Children will have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with Sir Topham Hat, listen to Thomas and Friends storytelling, and enjoy activities in the Imagination Station. Advance tickets are suggested.
Thomas the Tank Engine rolls into Tweetsie June 3-12. PHOTO SUBMITTED
popular characters from the hit Nickelodeon preschool series.
COOL SUMMER NIGHTS: JULY 2, 9 AND 16 A new program at Tweetsie, three special evenings will be devoted to nighttime fun. On these days, the park will keep special evening hours, staying open late and will feature movies, live music, a chuckwagon dinner and more. See the park in a whole new light: Moonlight.
FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA: JULY 4 Celebrate Independence Day with a great day of patriotic fun! Watch as the night sky is illuminated with a dazzling fireworks display, one of the biggest in Western North Carolina. The park will remain open until 9 p.m.
BARNEY AT TWEETSIE: JULY 15-17 Meet everybody’s favorite purple dinosaur when he
DORA THE EXPLORER AND DIEGO: JUNE 24-26 Kids will get to meet Dora and her cousin Diego,
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Tweetsie Railroad is full steam ahead for its summer season. PHOTO BY ROB MOORE
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visits Tweetsie Railroad. Join Barney in his sing-along, clap-along show that’s filled with loads of fun.
K-9S IN FLIGHT FRISBEE DOGS: JULY 23-31
This team of flying canines will amaze you as they jump, flip and catch discs in ways that defy gravity. Don’t miss out on the action-packed thrill of these incredible dogs as they perform live at Tweetsie each day.
RIDERS IN THE SKY: AUG. 6-7
Join Ranger Doug, Too Slim, Woody and Joey the Cow Polka King when America’s favorite singing cowboys, Riders in the Sky, mosey into town. Known for their rich blend of Western harmony and unique sense of humor, these Grammy Award-winning artists have captivated audiences of all ages since 1977.
RAILFAN WEEKEND Travel through the Blue Ridge Mountains on Tweetsie’s historic locomotives as the park hosts its seventh annual Railfan Weekend. Celebrate the rich history of steam locomotives and tour the famous Tweetsie Railroad Train Shop, where the steam locomotives from across the nation are repaired and restored.
The K9s in Flight Frisbee Dog show leaps into Tweetsie July 23-31. PHOTO BY JEFF EASON
GHOST TRAIN: SEPT. 30-OCT. 29 All aboard the Ghost Train for a spooky ride in the dark with conductor Casey Bones. The Halloween
Festival features a haunted house, freaky forest, trickor-treating and other Halloween-themed attractions to provide a night of thrills and chills for the entire family.
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Prospecting We Will Go Gem mining in the High Country BY KELLEN MOORE
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veryone needs a souvenir from their trip to the mountains. Visit one of the area’s gem mines, and you’ll take home both great memories and possibly precious stones. “It’s a unique experience,” said Grant Seldomridge, a junior geologist and raft guide at River and Earth Adventures. “When little kids find stuff, their eyes get as big as grapefruits. The kids-at-heart also love it, as well.” Gem mining is one of those experiences where parents won’t mind tagging along. Dale Wells of Valdosta, Ga., mined with two of his sons in April at Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine. “It’s very addictive,” Wells said. “This is our second time here. … We really appreciate Doc and what he does. He’s got a good operation here.” One of the perks of gem mining is that a miner can spend as little or as much time — and money — searching as he would like. Each gem mine offers several different bucket sizes. There’s debate among gem mines on the best strategy: Pack the buckets with precious gems, or dump in the raw ore and leave it up to chance? At The Greater Foscoe Mining Co., owner Kenneth Pickett says a bigger bucket guarantees better finds. “As the bucket size gets bigger, we change the formula of the rich gems,” Pickett said. But at Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine, owner Randy “Doc” McCoy says he takes a different approach. “We don’t put anything in or take anything out of the buckets,” he said. “I didn’t agree with that, which is kind of what drove me to do this.” But regardless of which mine you visit, finding gems is almost guaranteed. “Not long ago, I think it was this fall, a young girl found an emerald the size of a tennis ball,” Seldomridge said. “If it was cut and polished, it would be worth thousands of dollars.” For those who do find keepers, several mines offer onsite cutting and polishing. In fact, at The Greater Foscoe Mining Co., the jewelry store came first. “I have a jewelry store here that I started in 1981 or 1982, Facets of Foscoe,” Pickett said. “About six or seven years later, one of my stepchildren said, ‘Let’s go next door and play in the dirt like we’re looking for gems.’ Later I got the idea, ‘What a great idea for the kids,’ so with a garden hose and some scrap lumber, we put together the troughs, and before we knew it, people were coming to beat the band.”
Coraleigh Alveraz, 10, works carefully to catch any gems she can find. PHOTO BY KELLEN MOORE
Few other High Country experiences offer the same thrill and excitement brought on by the possibility of finding a giant ruby or emerald. “We guarantee folks are going to find stuff,” Seldomridge said. “We’ve got buckets laden with minerals. … You name it, it’s in there.”
LET THE MINING BEGIN Foggy Mountain Gem Mine 4416 N.C. 105 South, Boone (828) 963-4367 www.foggymountaingems.com Randy ‘Doc’ McCoy, left, of Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine examines the leftovers for any gems that miners may have missed. PHOTO BY KELLEN MOORE
Beyond the excitement of sifting for treasure, gem mining is also an educational experience in the High Country. Each find offers a chance for kids and adults to learn a few things about geology. “We sit down with them and teach them stone for stone what they found,” McCoy said. McCoy is expanding the learning opportunities with a new fossil museum above Doc’s Rocks, set to open in May.
Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine 129 Mystery Hill Lane, Blowing Rock (828) 264-4499 www.docsrocks.net The Greater Foscoe Mining Co. 8998 N.C. 105 South, Foscoe (828) 963-5928 www.foscoeminingco.com River and Earth Adventures 1655 N.C. 105 South, Boone (828) 963-5491 www.raftcavehike.com
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Zip Into Summer BY KELLEN MOORE
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othing beats the summer heat like a cool breeze. But when Mother Nature can’t provide, it’s time to take matters into your own hands. Cue the ziplines. The High Country offers two zipline locations, each with thousands of feet of scream-your-lungs-out excitement. “It’s exhilarating,” said Ally Hensley, a zipline guide at Hawksnest Zipline. “A lot of people are super nervous starting out.”
“People who might be kind of nervous always have the option of riding tandem with a guide,” Hensley said. Although the ziplines cause nervousness among many first-timers, the process is safe and monitored, she said. “We’ve never had any accidents,” she said. “They’re very big on safety here.” Hawksnest requires that participants are at least 5 years old, and guests cannot exceed 250 pounds and a 40-inch waist. Groups are permitted, and reservations are requested.
SCREAM TIME ZIPLINE HAWKSNEST ZIPLINE At Hawksnest Zipline in Seven Devils, participants can undertake a 10-zipline tour. The longest zip is 1,800 feet long, and the highest is about 150 feet in the air, Hensley said. The company also plans to open a new course this summer with eight new lines, she said. Customers use a hand-breaking system to slow themselves, and the course offers two shorter lines at the start to get riders accustomed to the process.
At Scream Time in Zionville, the shortest zipline on the regular tour is 460 feet and the longest is 800 feet, said Monie McCoury, creator and owner. Scream Time also offers the “Super Zip,” a set of three, 2,000-foot lines on which three people can zip at once. “This is totally the feeling of flight,” McCoury said. The process begins at Scream Time with a ride in a 6WD Austrian military vehicle, which shuttles guests to the start. Once they begin, guests use a braking
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Linville Caverns A 30-minute Journey to the Center of the Earth
The Linville Caverns are accessible via a system of walkways. PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY SAM CALHOUN
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wo thousand and five hundred feet below the pinnacle of Linville’s Humpback Mountain, North Carolina’s only “show caverns” lie waiting for you to take a plunge into total darkness. Two places exist in the entire world where people can experience total darkness — at the bottom of the ocean in a deep abyss and inside a fathomless cavern, such as Linville Caverns. Ninety-six years ago, two 17-year-old boys found out about total darkness the hard way. While fishing in a nearby stream, the boys spotted the entrance to the cave that had been discovered a century earlier. Fascinated and without permission, the boys ventured deep within the mountain, aided by only one oil lamp. They waded through the cave’s 42-degree streambed, enduring the cavern’s 52-degree air, watching their lamp’s light bounce off the stalagmites and stalactites, seeing what few had seen. Six hundred feet into the cave, their adventure reached new depths – a trip and fall by one of the boys cracked their only light. Total darkness took hold. According to a Linville Caverns tour guide, one of many who are versed in the history and science associated with the caverns, humans go completely blind from total darkness in three to six months — they go crazy in a few weeks and imaginary voices become present in just a few minutes. The boys were lucky; they had each other to talk to. But they had no light — an experience you can’t really imagine until a tour guide turns off the lights deep within Linville Caverns. The boys realized that they had fought the stream’s current while delving into the cave, so they began using their fingers to feel the water and retrace their path. It took two days in total darkness and surviving many CONTINUED ON PAGE 71
The Gilkey Room is named after J. Q. Gilkey, whose corporation opened the caverns for tourists.
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cuts and abrasions to make it out alive, but they did and their story was immortalized in Linville Presbyterian Gazette. For centuries, the beauty and intrigue that lies deep inside Humpback Mountain was unknown to most people. In 1822, the mysterious appearance of trout swimming in and out of the crack in the rocks that is now the entrance led fisherman to explore the passageways within. What they found was 1,300 feet of subterranean environment, containing millions of years of geological activity. Today, the more than 100,000 annual visitors to the caverns — more than 135,000 people toured the caverns in 2010, according to co-owner Sarah Davis — explore 600 feet of the cave. The deepest 700 feet is too dangerous for human traffic, but contains a rock bearing the signature of William Hidden, an explorer sent by Thomas Edison in the late 1800s to search for minerals necessary for the creation of the light bulb. Today’s cave explorers are led in 15-person groups along a level concrete path assisted by one of the caverns’ knowledgeable tour guides for a 30-minute expedition deep within the earth. A small stream — similar to what led the boys out almost a century earlier — hugs the corner of the path and is filled with rainbow and brook trout, which are blind because of their environment, swimming along the way. The path is wide and flat enough for wheelchairs, creating a unique adventure for those physically handicapped. In the half-hour tour, visitors see hundreds of stalagmites and stalactites, a bottomless crystal-blue pool that reaches more than 250 feet below the cave; rock formations that look like bowling pins, a wedding party, a polar bear and a mother-in-law; and a sandbar that once was home to Civil War deserters. “Remember stalactites hang tight to the ceiling and stalagmites might reach the ceiling,” a tour guide says. On the sandbar, which is no more than five-feet-byfour-feet, Union and Confederate soldiers escaped the horrors of battle in the 1860s, building a continuous fire to cook, for light and to stay warm. Old tools and a cobbler’s bench were found at the site, leading locals to believe that the soldiers made or repaired shoes in exchange for food and supplies from local farmers. Toward the end of the war, search parties spotted the soldiers’ smoke from their fire and the hideout was busted and the soldiers arrested. This story, the story of the boys losing light in the cave and an experiment in total darkness where tour guides shut down all lights and let visitors see for themselves— or rather not see — what total darkness is all about, are all part of the tour that boasts 40 percent repeat business. People from all over the world come to Linville Caverns and they realize that a trip to the mountains isn’t complete without a trip inside a mountain. Tour guides agreed that they have shown off the cave to people from every continent. Even dignitaries, such
A guide leads a duo of young explorers through Linville Caverns.
as the vice president of Costa Rica, have toured the caverns. “I’m on a first-name basis with most of my visitors. We have school groups come in here, college groups, kids, adults — it’s all walks of life and all different kinds of people,” said Jeremiah Webb, a Linville Caverns tour guide. “There’s no other place in North Carolina where you can take your entire fifth-grade class inside a mountain. “I’ve never had a bad tour. I’ll be working here during the summer and on a business day where we have 1,300 people coming through. You’ll have people who have been waiting in line for three and a half hours to tour the caverns. The kids are screaming, it’s 100 degrees and then they’ll walk in the cave, start cooling down and the next thing you know, they’re joking and laughing right along with me. At the same time, their kids calm down, start having a good time and they realize that they’re getting to see something that they would have never gotten to see on any other vacation.” Linville Caverns has been open to the public since July 1, 1939, when a corporation formed by J.Q. Gilkey of Marion readied the belowground lair for visitation. In late August 1940, a massive flood struck McDowell County, just days after Gilkey died. Overnight, the Linville Caverns enterprise was destroyed. The bridge was washed away, the parking lot was unrecognizable, the power plant knocked out and tons of mud and rock filled the caverns. It wasn’t until spring 1941 that new owners — Spencer and Mildred Collins — took over management of the caverns and began the unbelievable task of emptying the rock and mud using mule-drawn carts.
A couple of young explorers journey through the ancient caverns.
On June 30, 1941, the Collins along with their daughter Tena reopened the caverns for business — this time, the caves had a mud walkway along one side so visitors didn’t have to wade through water. Since then, ownership of the caverns has been passed down through the Collins family. Spencer and Mildred passed ownership to their daughter Tena, who passed ownership to her two daughters, Sarah Davis and Susan Leffe, who now run the family company. Leffe’s son Zack Medford is being groomed to continue the family tradition, but first he’s got some celebrating to do: Zack married an employee of the caverns in late April. “That’s a good sign,” added Davis. Linville Caverns is located at 19929 U.S. 221 between Linville and Marion, four miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The cavern is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in April, May, September (open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day) and October; from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in June, July and August; and from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in March and November. The cavern is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends in December, January and February. Tickets cost $7 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 12 and $5.50 for seniors older than 62; children younger than five are admitted free with paying adult. For more information, call (828) 756-4171, 800-4190540 or click to www.linvillecaverns.com.
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system in which they never touch the cable itself. The weight limits max out at 310 pounds, but the company has zipped people as young as 3 on their own and
as young as 15 months in tandem, McCoury said. Reservations are requested for better service.
Hawksnest Zipline lets participants take their HIgh Country visit to new heights. PHOTOS SUBMITTED
MAKE YOUR FLIGHT PLAN Hawksnest Zipline: (828) 963-6561 Getting there: From Boone, take U.S. 321 North (Blowing Rock Road) and turn left at Wendy’s onto N.C. 105 south. Go about 10 miles, then turn right at the sign for Seven Devils. Follow the signs up the mountain. Scream Time Zipline: (828) 898-5404 Location: 9250 U.S. 421 North, Zionville Getting there: From Boone, take U.S. 321 North (Blowing Rock Road) and turn left at Wendy’s onto N.C. 105 south. Go 2 miles, then turn right at the light onto N.C. 105 Bypass (U.S. 321/421). Go two miles, then turn left at the light onto U.S. 421 North. Go 8 miles to the shuttle pick-up on the right, and look for the STZ parking sign at a grass field.
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2011
It’s An
Appalachian SUMMER
Festival highlights include Dierks Bentley, k.d. lang and more BY FRANK RUGGIERO
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orecast this summer: Dierks Bentley, k.d. lang, Tony Rice and Broadway. It’s An Appalachian Summer Festival, and it returns to Boone July 1-30, with preseason events May 27 through June 29. “This year, we’ve really tried to listen more to what everyone was saying, what worked for them, and to go just one step higher,” event organizer Megan Stage said. “We really try to do things that keep it diverse – music, dance, theater, visual arts and film.” And judging by the lineup, Stage and company have hit their target. Highlights include a July 2 performance from the African Children’s Choir. “The premise behind it is these children come from all over Africa, and they’re orphans, whether it’s war or illness,” Stage said. “Many years ago, a minister visited Uganda and formed the choir as a way to raise money, and they traveled all over the world.” Proceeds from the children’s performances benefit their education, with new choir members joining each year. “It’s a great show to be part of, and it’s more than just great entertainment; it’s such a heartfelt show, and you know you’re giving to a great cause,” Stage said. This is followed by a July 3 performance from a festival favorite, the Eastern Festival Orchestra, featuring opera vocalist Susan Graham, and a July 10 performance featuring violinist Nadja Solerno-Soddenberg. And before that show, there’s an opportunity to chat with conductor Gerard Schwarz at Crave Restaurant in Boone. Tickets for the Crave event include dinner, the performance and transportation to and from the concert. The Broyhill Chamber Ensemble, for which the festival was originally founded, will perform July 6, 20 and 27. As for theater, Greensboro’s Triad Stage, helmed by Appalachian alum Preston Lane, returns to campus with “The Sunset Limited” on July 9. ASU Theatre & Dance will also host an open rehearsal night on July 21, featuring “Arsenic and Old Lace” and new dance works. Broadway’s also making its return to the mountains.
“Last year, we had Patti LuPone … and she did really well for us,” Stage said. “Everyone loved the fact we’re bringing New York’s Broadway stage to Boone, and this year we’re doing a show called ‘Our Broadway.’” That show, scheduled for July 8, stars Broadway legends Ben Vereen (“Jesus Christ Superstar”) and Chita Rivera (“West Side Story”). The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet returns to campus for a July 14 show. Stage described the group as “cutting edge and pushing the envelope.” It’s followed by a July 15 performance from Grammywinning singer-songwriter k.d. lang and The Siss Boom Bang. This year’s film series is called “Celebrating the Arts in Film” and includes “Mao’s Last Dancer” (July 7), “Seraphine” (July 18), “Mad Hot Ballroom” (July 22) and “The Concert” (July 25). “We’re also doing something a little different with the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival (July 16) this year,” Stage said. “That’ll be on Duck Pond Field … and we’re encouraging people to come and pack a picnic, bring a Frisbee, have a good time and watch a film at night.” The free outdoor film series includes titles like “Meet Your Farmer” and “Bag It.” Art returns with the Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition, now in its 25th year, featuring 10 sculptures on campus with acclaimed artist Mel Chin as juror. In honor of the late festival co-founder, Muriel Rosen, and her daughter, Nancy Schaffel, Appalachian Summer features the Rosen-Schaffel Young Artists Competition, which offers young artists at the university level the chance to perform with professionals. Open to universities across the state, each will nominate a music student to apply and perform at the July 25 competition. A jury will select the winner, who receives a cash prize and a chance to return as a soloist for next year’s Eastern Festival Orchestra concert. “And this year offers something new, but old: We’re bringing back the outdoor fireworks concert,” Stage said. For the past couple years, the grand finale concerts were held indoors at the Holmes Convocation Center, CONTINUED ON PAGE 75
Dierks Bentley performs July 23 at ASU’s Kidd Brewer Stadium. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
Triad Stage presents ‘The Sunset Limited’ July 9.
Chita Rivera performs with Ben Vereen July 8. PHOTO BY LAURA MARIE DUNCAN
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but popular demand has returned them to Kidd Brewer Stadium. This year, the headliner is popular country musician Dierks Bentley, performing July 23. “He’s got a new record out, he’s breaking records, has won many awards, been nominated for Grammys – he’s kind of big deal,” Stage said. “We’re excited to bring him out, and we’ll have fireworks and everything.” Following the Bentley show, the festival closes out with performances from Mountain Heart with Tony Rice (July 29) and The Manhattan Transfer (July 30).
APP SUMMER AT-A-GLANCE • • • • • • •
June 26 – Triad Stage Bus Trip – ‘Masquerade’ July 1 – TCVA Summer Exhibition Celebration July 2 – African Children’s Choir July 3 – Eastern Festival Orchestra with Susan Graham July 6 – Broyhill Chamber Ensemble July 8 – ‘Our Broadway’ with Chita Rivera and Ben Vereen July 9 – Triad Stage presents ‘The Sunset Limited’
“We’ve got bluegrass, pairing the new with the old once again,” Stage said, referring to the up-and-coming Mountain Heart and finger-picking stalwart Tony Rice, “and a classic quartet vocal group – more than just a barbershop quartet, really cutting edge. We’re really thrilled to bring them.” For more information, more acts, schedules and tickets, visit www.appsummer.org.
VACATION PACKAGES An Appalachian Summer has partnered with area hotels and resorts to offer all-inclusive (and hassle-free) vacations. Simply call the hotel or resort of your choice, book your room and order tickets – all at the same time. Vacation packages include lodging, tickets and guides • • • • • • • • • • •
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and maps to area attractions, galleries and craft centers, and exclusive discounts to area restaurants and attractions. Participating hotels and resorts include: • • • •
Westglow Resort & Spa, (800) 562-0807, www. westglow.com La Quinta Inn & Suites of Boone, (828) 262-1234, www.visitboone.com Chetola Resort & The Bob Timberlake Inn, (800) 243-8652, www.chetola.com The Broyhill Inn & Conference Center, (800) 9516048, www.broyhillinn.com
July 10 – Eastern Festival Orchestra with Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg July 14 – Aspen Santa Fe Ballet July 15 – k.d. lang and The Siss Boom Bang July 20 – Broyhill Chamber Ensemble July 21 – ASU Theatre & Dance: Open Rehearsal Night – ‘Arsenic & Old Lace’ July 23 – 25th annual Rosen Sculpture Walk July 23 – Outdoor Fireworks Concert with Dierks Bentley July 24 – Rosen-Schaffel Young Artist Competition July 27 – Broyhill Chamber Ensemble July 29 – Mountain Heart with Tony Rice July 30 – The Manhattan Transfer
For a complete schedule and more information, visit www.appsummer.org.
The African Children’s Choir performs July 2. PHOTO SUBMITTED
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2011
SUMMERTIME
e m i T l a v i Fest
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FROM STAFF REPORTS
MITFORD DAYS
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Singing on the Mountain returns to Grandfather for its 87th year. “It’s going to be a little different this year,” spokeswoman Landis Wofford said. The singing will feature tributes to gospel singer Tony Greene and Avery County staple Robert Hartley, both of whom died in the past year. The event starts at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 26, and lasts to mid afternoon. Last year, the singing attracted more than 200 people. While the full lineup hadn’t been released in early May, we’re told to expect “homecoming” style gospel and fellowship. Visit www.grandfather.com for more information.
Grab your floppy hat, lawn chair and river shoes and come celebrate mountain rivers at the second annual RiverFest. Slated to take place on Saturday, June 4, at beautiful Valle Crucis park, the event will feature fun and educational events to bring people closer to understanding the most essential element on this planet — water.
“We’re getting a new venue,” said Jimmy Hunt, founder of Boone’s increasingly popular Music on the Mountaintop festival. While the announcement of the venue hadn’t been made in early May, Hunt said the festival will be held in Boone and will feature popular acts, acts like Railroad
SECOND ANNUAL RIVERFEST
Fans of the ‘Mitford’ book series can enjoy an evening with Father Tim as part of Blowing Rock’s Mitford Days. PHOTO SUBMITTED
SINGING ON THE MOUNTAIN
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“If Jan Karon had never put pen to paper about Mitford she would have still been a jewel in Blowing Rock’s crown,” said Blowing Rock Mayor J.B. Lawrence, whose words embody the town’s sentiments about the best-selling author who once called the quaint village her home. Karon will be center stage in Blowing Rock once again in the upcoming “’Return to Mitford” event that she is supporting to help raise funds and awareness for the recently closed Hayes Performing Arts Center. “She is truly a gentle, southern lady who is loved by everyone and is a friend and neighbor to us all,” Lawrence said. “Even with her moving to Virginia, she is still very much a part of who we are.” While the popular “Mitford” book series is based upon Karon’s life experiences in general, and not those specific to Blowing Rock, “We are all thankful that Jan chose Blowing Rock to channel her Mitford world into,” Lawrence said. The Mitford Days celebration held in September 2007 was an incredible experience to the town, townspeople and visitors alike, Lawrence said. “Everytime Jan comes home, it is a celebration, whether you are having a parade downtown or just sitting around the dinner table having one of Betty Pitts’ home cooked meals,” he said. “Jan’s the real deal.” “‘Mitford’ … is based upon on my life experiences, which include those in Blowing Rock, as well as in Lenoir, where I lived until the age of 12,” Karon said. “The series is drawn from experiences and types of character from all the people I’ve met through the years.” Featuring tours, lectures, luncheons and an evening with the series’ protagonist, Father Tim, and more, Mitford Days happens June 2 to 6. For more information, visit www.returntomitford.com.
At this year’s RiverFest, folks can participate in fun, hands-on activities, learn more about the critters in our rivers, eat delicious local barbecue and even meet one of the event’s mascots — a real hellbender salamander. Local favorites Upright & Breathin’ and Charlottesville, Va. musician Bill Adams will provide live bluegrass to liven up the afternoon, along with students from the Watauga Arts Council’s Appalachian Junior Musicians program. Festival-goers will also be able to participate in handson demonstrations and talk to water quality experts like Appalachian Voices’ own Riverkeeper, Donna Lisenby. Activities will include face painting, nature walks, piñatas, making Japanese Gyotaku fish prints, a cake walk and — back by popular demand — a no-hands watermelon eating contest. There will also be an opportunity to float or paddle down the river (provided the water level is adequate). This year, RiverFest will serve as Appalachian Voices’ annual membership gathering, where you can find out how to participate in protecting Appalachia’s mountains and rivers. For more information on RiverFest and Appalachian Voices, visit www.appvoices.org.
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The annual RiverFest offers fun for all ages. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAINTOP
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Singing on the Mountain returns to Grandfather June 26. PHOTO COURTESY OF GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN
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Earth (Friday) and Sam Bush (Saturday), as well as an undisclosed headliner Saturday he’s calling “big.” “We’re also going to put some more focus on familyfriendly stuff throughout the day,” he said.
Expect family-friendly artists interspersed with the usual fare, about 18 bands total. Hunt’s also expanding the charity angle. Last year’s festival netted about $6,000 to local conservation charity Appalachian Voices. This year’s festival will benefit both Appalachian Voices and the Appalachian State University Energy Center. “We’re also going to have an instrument drive,” he said.
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That 15-year-old guitar in your closet? “Time to give it to someone who really needs it,” he said. Hunt plans to donate the instruments to Watauga County Schools. To stay updated on the lineup and venue change, visit www.musiconthemountaintop.com. Music on the Mountaintop returns Aug. 26-27.
From Market to Market Farmers’ markets serve local freshness
The Ashe County Farmers’ Market is held Wednesday and Saturday. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LAURA TABOR
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utdoor markets in the High Country are an opportunity to support local enterprise, acquire the freshest produce, buy one-of-a-kind arts and crafts for the home or for gifts and simply enjoy the beautiful mountains and community atmosphere of the towns in this area. The farmers’ markets vary in size and focus, be it on locally grown produce, eggs, meat or knitted goods, wood carvings and pottery, but all guarantee a morning (or afternoon) of shopping and surprising finds.
ASHE COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET
The Ashe County Farmer’s Market is held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays starting April 9 and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays starting on July 7. In addition to the regular activities of the market, John Smyre, manager of the Ashe County Farmer’s Market, said, “On May 14, we will have the legendary Lee Calhoun – Heirloom Apple Expert; he will be signing copies of his updated book, ‘Old Southern Apples,’ and will have books there to sell. Also, on Saturday, July 16, we will have Diane Daniel, author of ‘Farm Fresh North Carolina, a Go-To Guide to Great Farmers Markets, Farm Stands, Fruit Stands, Vineyards and More.’ She also will be doing a book signing and have books there to sell.” Other important events are listed on ashefarmersmarket.com.
AVERY COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET The Avery County Farmer’s Market is a collaboration
The Watauga Farmers’ Market is held Wednesday and Saturday. PHOTO BY JEFF EASON
with Lees-McRae College and the winner of a grant to promote local food education in addition to their regularly scheduled markets. According to Kyle Kitchin, president of the Avery County Farmer’s Tailgate and Educational Marketing Association, “We have two market locations this year. The first is Thursdays in Banner Elk on Tate lawn from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and runs through the last Thursday in August. The second market is in Newland at the Newland Elementary School parking lot on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon starting June 11 and running through the last Saturday in September.”
WATAUGA COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET Including both craft, plant and food vendors, the Watauga County Farmers’ Market is located by the Horn in the West parking lot and amphitheater and is open Saturdays mornings until noon from May 7 to Oct. 30, rain or shine. There will also be a market from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesdays during June through Sep-
tember at Kmart in Boone.
HIGH COUNTRY FARMERS’ MARKET The High Country Farmer’s Market happens from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the parking lot of Earthfare in Boone during the summer. It begins on May 16.
VALLE CRUCIS MARKET Located behind the Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, the Valle Crucis Market features flowers, canned goods, vegetables, baked goods and crafts. The market runs from 2 to 6 p.m. every Friday from June until September.
BLOWING ROCK FARMERS’ MARKET The Blowing Rock Farmer’s Market specializes in local food. On Thursdays, this market arrives on Wallingford Street between the Memorial Park and the American Legion building from May 12 until Oct. 20. Special holiday markets are also held in November and December.
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Legendary Grammy-winning flat-picker Doc Watson returns to headline this year’s MusicFest ’n Sugar Grove, held July 8-9 at the Old Cove Creek School. PHOTOS BY FRANK RUGGIERO
MusicFest ’n Sugar Grove Music the Doc ordered July 8-9 BY LAUREN K. OHNESORGE
W
ith a sly grin and a steady foot tap, Doc Watson, that good ole boy from Deep Gap, captures another audience this summer: Music Fest N’ Sugar Grove. Last year, Watson gave The Mountain Times a personal preview, picking with budding bluegrass acts Sweetbriar Jam and the Major Sevens before the festival kick-off. “I’ve been in the business too long, and I don’t like to brag on myself ... people love me for being who I am on the stage, and I appreciate that very much, as much as what I can do,” Watson said. “If I come to hear you play and you are yourself up there, if I enjoying you as much as your music, I’m giving you a compliment, and they tell me that’s what I do on the stage. I’m being myself and I’m kind of proud of that. I don’t have to rehearse it.” To musicians he picks with, it’s one of those career life changers. Take the Major Sevens’ Brooks Forsyth, practically panting following his set alongside the legend last year.
“Doc Watson is one of my biggest influences ... it’s surreal to have this as a reality ... it’s a real experience to simply play, say 3 feet from Doc Watson,” he said. “The moment where I had literally felt like I jumped up ... is when I looked over and saw Doc Watson’s foot tapping.” Forsyth was so flustered he accidentally walked away with Watson’s guitar case. “I can’t believe I did that,” he laughed. But it’s not just the lineup that tingles in anticipation of the picker. It’s the audience. This year’s festival, slated for July 8 and 9, is expected to bring more crowds than ever. If you’ve ever heard Watson, you’ll know why. While he gives off that “regular Joe” chuckle, there’s nothing regular about his specialty: Flat-picking. “It sounds like I have two guitars, don’t it?” Watson joked while playing. It’s the technique that 14-year-old budding guitarist and Sweetbriar Jam staple Nick Seymour watched last year. “It’s overwhelming,” he said. “Doc’s just a great guitarist, a great musician ... CONTINUED ON PAGE 80
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a living legend. It’s just a thrill for me.” And the legend keeps living, living and playing with positivity in spite of a life filled with adversity. Hang with Doc long enough, and he’ll start telling stories, stories like that time how, at the age of 14, he cleared an acre and a half of land with his father, a remarkable feat even if you’re not like Doc, blind. “I’ll never forget how proud I felt when I finished that job,” he said. “They growed potatoes on that little hillside we cleared ’til they wore the ground out,” he said. Seventy-four years later, he continues to defy what’s expected, and not only that, but help others in the process. His drive to help is part of the reason he returns to Sugar Grove every year. That, and “it’s close to home,” he said. The festival supports Cove Creek Preservation and Development Inc. and Appalachian State University’s Department of Sustainable Development, which, in turn, funds the Doc and Rosa Lee Watson Scholarship fund to area students studying sustainable development. “That will help a lot of young folks, it will,” Watson said. The festival is headlined by Doc Watson, Richard Watson and Charles Welch. Along with Sweet Briar Jam and the Major Sevens, the lineup includes the Kruger Brothers, the Grammy-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops, Snyder Family Band, Amantha Mill, Southern Exposure, The Cockman Family, Spirit Fiddle, None of the Above, The Dollar Brothers, Uncle Hamish and the Hooligans, Eli Snuggs Band, Travis Frye and Blue Mountain, Sure Fire, Trevor McKenzie and Friends, Sound Traveler, Dixie Bee Liners, Steve and Ruth Smith, Teacher’s Pet, Swing Guitars and Shannon
The Carolina Chocolate Drops are a MusicFest ’n Sugar Grove favorite.
Whitworth. The single day prices are $15 for Friday, $20 for Saturday and $55 for two-day reserved seats. Tickets will also be available at the gate. The prices are $20 for
Friday, $25 for Saturday and $55 for two-day reserved seats. Children 12 and under are free with adults. For more information check out www.musicfestnsugargrove.org or call (828) 297-2200.
Avery County Heritage Festival returns to Newland
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anner, Danner, Tanner and Tate, Johnson, Jackson, Jones, Stroupe, Sloop, Shoup, Shook, Shade, McKinney, McCoury, McClellan, McRae, Burleson, Buchanan, Bowman, Pittman, Pyatte, Wise, Wiseman, Watson, Ward, Isaacs, Ollis, Avery, Aldridge, Franklin, Foster, Freeman, Forbes, Dellinger, Davenport, Daniels, Mace, Coffey, Cuthbertson, Clark, Holden, Houston, Hughes, Hicks, Gragg, Garland, Young, Yoder, Vance, Carpenter, Shoemaker, Taylor, Oaks, Braswell, Turbyfield, Calhoun and Love. The names that dominate the genealogy of our mountain area are diverse in origin, but familiar to all who live here. These surnames have been prevalent in the early history of the region from land grants to census records, cemeteries and local news reports. Most of the names continue here to the present, as many descendants of the early residents still live on the land of their ances-
tors. However, many have moved away and often return to gather information on their families and reunite with relatives still here. To this end, the Avery County Historical Museum sponsors a genealogy gathering each year on the first Saturday in June. The Heritage Festival was originally started in 1999 by the Avery County Chamber of Commerce and was annually held “On The Square” in Newland. As was always the intention, the festival will return to Newland this year to kick off the “100 Days of Summer” for the Avery County centennial celebration. All families and communities are invited to bring their family histories, old photos and memorabilia to share with others. A scanner and copier will be available to help with the sharing. Food, music, dance, storytelling and authors with books to sell will be part of the day.
There is no cost to participate, and tents will be provided if you do not want to bring your own. An added feature this year will be an indoor space provided by Sue and Kelly Johnson in the building across from the First Citizens Bank. Communities and organizations are invited to put displays in the building which will be allowed to remain until the centennial celebration on July 29, 30 and 31. Another special addition will be on the following Sunday when Mayland Community College in Newland will host a reception for well-known historian and genealogist, Dr. Lloyd Bailey, and Morrison Library will feature book signings by some of the authors featured on their literary trail.” For information on spaces or participation, contact Cindy Peters at parkviewlodge@gmail.com or at (828) 765-5787.
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s t r A
It’s the BY KELLEN MOORE
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n the High Country, the arts come alive in summer. A mix of regular favorites and new opportunities defines 2011, and the movers and shakers in the arts community are promising excellent activities for locals and visitors alike. “Boone has done an amazing job of integrating art into the community,” said Megan Stage, marketing and public relations manager for Appalachian State University’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts. “You can’t walk down the street, go into a shop or even a restaurant and not be exposed to one of the many facets of art that has made Boone so unique.” Here is a glance at a few of Boone’s arts opportunities throughout the summer:
DOWNTOWN BOONE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION For information, visit boone-nc.org or call (828) 2624532. CONTINUED TO PAGE 82
The Lazybirds return to the Jones House porch for this year’s Concerts on the Lawn series.
FILE PHOTO
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It’s the Arts
Juror Talk and Afternoon Tea Reception — Held every other year, the event celebrates the national juried competition and exhibition of two-dimensional art. The 2011 juror, Steven Matijcio, will give a free guided tour and announce the competition winners. July 23-25 — 10 a.m. — Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Walk — Participants will meet at Farthing Auditorium for a tour of about 10 sculptures throughout campus that will be on display until February 2012. For the 25th anniversary year, artist Mel Chin will act as the juror and will announce the competition winner on July 23. July — Throughout July, the Turchin will offer summer workshops for kids, teens and adults. Registration is required.
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DOWNTOWN BOONE ART CRAWL The Downtown Boone Art Crawl has become a staple throughout the year. From 5 to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, dozens of downtown shops and galleries stay open late for music, shopping, artist meet-andgreets and drinks (though revelry often continues till 2 a.m.). On June 4, July 2, Aug. 6 and Sept. 3, take the opportunity to explore downtown.
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DOC WATSON SCULPTURE PROJECT The Downtown Boone Development Association plans to unveil a life-size bronze sculpture of legendary musician Doc Watson, who got his start playing music in downtown Boone. The sculpture will sit on a bench at the corner of King and Depot streets and is scheduled to be revealed in a June 24 celebration. The piece was created by Blowing Rock artist Alex Hallmark and features Watson picking his Gallagher guitar.
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The Watauga Arts Council is celebrating 19 summers of Concerts on the Lawn, a free concert series held at the Jones House in downtown Boone. Grab a chair or blanket and head to 604 W. King St. each Friday at 5 p.m. “It’s a nice blend this summer,” said Mark Freed, folklorist for the Watauga Arts Council. “Every year we have more groups that are interested in performing than we have time available to do it. In the past few years, we’ve even ended up putting two groups on every week to try to include more people.”
THE TURCHIN CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS
For information, visit www.turchincenter.org or call (828) 262-3017. The Turchin Center, an arm of Appalachian State University, opened in 2003 and provides can’t-miss exhibitions and activities throughout the year. New this year are the “Inside Exhibitions” tours, in which the Turchin’s volunteer docents will share more about a specific exhibition. The tours will occur at 2 p.m. every Saturday starting in July. “It is a way that the Turchin can further its involvement with the community by using our community volunteers to talk about what they find interesting and what they know about the exhibitions,” Stage said. Other summer events at the Tuchin Center include: •
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July 1 — 7 to 9 p.m. — Summer Exhibition Celebration — As part of the Art Crawl, the center will offer live music, cash bar and a chance to meet the artists. July 17 — 2 p.m. — The Halpert Biennial
Downtown Boone’s monthly Art Crawls bring artists, art-lovers and everyone in between to local galleries, restaurants and businesses. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
LAWN LINEUP
WATAUGA ARTS COUNCIL For information, visit www.watauga-arts.org or call (828) 264-1789.
2011
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June 3 – Brian Yerman and Boone Mennonite Brethren Choir — folk and gospel June 10 – Mary Neil and The Lazybirds — songwriting and blues/country rock June 18 – Jeff Luckadoo and Worthless Son-In-Laws – country and folk rock June 24 – Doc Watson Statue Dedication with Clint Howard, David Holt, Charles Welch, Wayne Henderson and Herb Key, Creekside Grass and others July 1 – High Standards and Lucky Strikes — big band and cool jazz July 8 – Swing Guitars and Katherine Whalen — gypsy jazz and Americana July 15 – Folk and Dagger and Michael Reno Harrell — folk and songwriter/storyteller July 22 – Sheets Family and Elkville String Band — old-time string bands July 29 – Traditional Music Showcase with Glenn Bolick, Lonnie Ward, Rick Ward and Charlie Glenn and Crooked Road Ramblers Aug. 5 – Ken Lurie and Buck Haggard Band — folk rock and country Aug. 12- Upright & Breathin’ and Amantha Mill — bluegrass Aug. 19 – Steve and Ruth Smith and Carolina Crossing — folk and bluegrass Aug. 26 – Dashboard Hula Boys and Hot Duck Soup — folk and novelty jazz Sept. 2 – Audan Parks and Soul Benefactor — songster and soul Sept. 9 – Mountain Laurels and The Forget-Me-Nots — world folk and Celtic fiddling Sept. 16 – Matt Kinman and Lisa Baldwin and Dave Haney — old-time and bluegrass
Along with a season’s worth of exhibitions and activities, ASU’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts is offering ‘Inside Exhibition’ tours this summer. PHOTO BY TROY TUTTLE
ASU’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts showcases diverse artwork in a myriad of media. IMAGE SUBMITTED
2011
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Meet your Avery Arts Council BY KEVIN HOLDEN
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ince 1977, the Avery Arts Council has promoted the arts in Avery County with funding and support. The council moved into its current home behind Old Hampton Store in Linville last year. The council continues to provide arts enrichment programs throughout the year and conducts the Riverwalk Arts Festival each August. The Gallery, located at 77 Ruffin St. in Linville, provides a home base for the council and a location for shows and events. The photography of Skip Sickler will be featured in the gallery during the month of June. In July, pastels and watercolors by Gaylene Petcu and JoAnn Pippin will be displayed. John Weber and Adam Adcock will round out the summer’s shows with photography and mixed media sculpture. The council also conducts shows at the Dickson Gallery at Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville, featuring the Beech Mountain Art Guild in June, Grandfather Golf and Country Club’s Art Guild in July and “Two Docs and a Hawk” by Barbara Timberman, Amy Cooke and students in August. A highlight of the Avery Arts Council’s summer
i iis the th Riverwalk Ri lk Arts A t and d Crafts C ft Festival programming from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, in Newland. For more than 30 years, the Avery Arts Council has hosted artisans from throughout the Southeast in a juried arts and crafts marketplace. The shady sidewalks of Newland’s Riverwalk Park will once again be the location for vendors from across the region. A longstanding August tradition, the Riverwalk Fest takes its name from the linear park that runs alongside of the Toe River. In Newland, the Toe – short for Estatoe, the name of an Indian maiden – isn’t much bigger than a creek. But it’s a creek with clear water and flat stones, ideal for wading. Those who stroll along the tree-shaded walk, shopping the 50-plus booths during the festival often let their children wade in the Toe. The Avery County Arts Council produces the festival, so art is the order of the day for all. Painters, photographers, sculptors, crafters and artisans of all types will offer their wares. The Riverwalk Festival has room for nonprofit booths, along with the arts and crafts folks. Visitors can pet a rescued owl, register to vote and buy a raffle ticket from Habitat for Humanity as they shop for handcrafted treasures among the juried artisans. Live bluegrass music wafts in the breeze from some of Avery County’s own,
Fine Art & Master Craft Festival
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he 20th annual Fine Art and Master Craft Festival sponsored by the Avery County Chamber of Commerce returns to the one red-light town of Banner Elk at the Banner Elk Elementary School on July 15, 16, and 17 and again on Aug. 20 and 21. It marks another milestone in the history of the event, as Banner Elk Elementary will have seen its last student pass through its doors as a new school opens just down the road. The event, free to the public, has added an extra
evening to our event to accommodate travels whose schedule required them to leave the area and not be able to attend the festival. Friday evening will bring entertainment to visitors, and the chamber has added a kids’ inflatable area, giving the entire family a reason to come and have fun. Ron and Barbara Runkle are visiting from their home down under, Australia, showcasing their brilliant opal jewelry at one of the few High Country festivals on their schedule this summer.
The Avery Arts Council moved into its current home behind Linville’s Old Hampton Store last year. PHOTO SUBMITTED
and food vendors offer refreshment all day. For more information, call the Avery Arts Council at (828) 733-0054 or email info@averycountyartscouncil. org.
Come spend the day as 85 juried artisans will be selling unique handcrafted items, such as pottery, wood and burral bowls, some so amazing it’s hard to image they were from a growth on a tree. Need a new look for your mountain or low country home or a special jewel for you or someone special? The festival features artists who will bring original pieces and customized jewelry, furniture, mosaic tables and so many more mediums. For more information on accommodations, restaurants and upcoming events, visit www.averycounty. com or call the Avery County Chamber of Commerce, located in the Tynecastle Shoppes at the intersection of N.C. 105 and N.C. 184, at (800) 972-2183.
100 Days of Centennial Celebration BY KEVIN HOLDEN
W
ith summer on the way, Avery County’s Centennial Celebration is kicking into high gear with activities and special events scheduled throughout the season. On Saturday, June 4, the Avery County Heritage Festival returns to Newland. On Sunday, June 5, author and historian Lloyd Bailey will be honored at a reception from 1 to 3 p.m., and local author Michael Hardy will sign books from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Avery County Public Library in Newland.
The big weekend-long Centennial Celebration in Newland will be held from Friday, July 29, to Sunday, July 31. Throughout the weekend, there will be food, music, crafts, vendors and activities for kids. Celebrants can visit historical displays at the Avery County Historical Museum, the rock gymnasium and around town. A quilt show and demonstrations will be held at the Avery County Library. The festivities kick off on Friday, July 29, at Newland’s Riverwalk with a classic car Cruz-in and concert by legendary beach music band the Tams. Fireworks
will follow after dark. On Saturday, July 30, the Centennial Parade will wind through Newland, beginning at 11 a.m., and a ceremony will be conducted at 1 p.m. on the Courthouse Square to honor North Carolina’s 100th county in its 100th year. On Sunday, July 31, praise bands will honor Avery County’s Christian heritage. Many other events fill out the summer, including Independence Day celebrations and weekly concerts in Newland, Banner Elk and Beech Mountain. For more information, click to www.averycounty. com.
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Last year, Ensemble Stage’s playlist included ‘God’s Man in Texas.’ PHOTO COURTESY OF ENSEMBLE STAGE
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Summer on Stage BY LAUREN K. OHNESORGE
E
nsemble Stage, the High Country’s only professional theater company, celebrates its first full season with a summer lineup director Gary Smith said you won’t soon forget. “We’re pretty much going all the time, from June through September,” Smith said. Ensemble Stage was created after Blowing Rock Stage Company shut down, although one has nothing to do with the other, he said. “We wanted accessible theater in the High Country,” Smith said. That’s why, in 2009, Smith created Ensemble Stage, to fill the void. During the past year, the group, whose performances mainly happen at the Blowing Rock Elementary School Auditorium, has performed a plethora of productions, including the recent “Murderous Vineyard,” an interactive murder mystery. This summer marks an opportunity for kids to get in on the action. “Our new kids’ Saturday theater series is going to be pretty cool,” he said. “It will give kids both local and visiting a chance to experience some theater and be interactive in it for a really cheap price.” It’s the main stage shows, however, that Smith is most
excited to produce. Highlights include “Catfish Moon” (expect a fishing pier on stage) and “Pageant Play,” an “incredibly crazy, fun, loony” story about child beauty pageants. For more information, including show times, on Ensemble Stage, the winner of the 2010 Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce award for Cultural Enrichment, check out ensemblestage.com or call (828) 919-6196.
“CATFISH MOON” BY LADDY SARTIN (JUNE 17-JULY 3) Three best friends spent their childhood hanging out at the fishing pier on Cypress Lake. Now older, the pressures of life have taken their toll. On the pier, the weight of adulthood is lifted by laughter and their love of fishing. The men discover life is too precious and short to let true friendship get away.
“DEAD CERTAIN” BY MARCUS LLOYD (JULY 9-JULY 19) Find out what happens when an out-of-work actor is hired by a reclusive, theater-obsessed former dancer to act out a play she has written. Is the play an artistic endeavor or something more sinister? Truth and fiction become almost inseparably entangled in a resulting game of ultimate revenge in this thriller.
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“PAGEANT PLAY” BY MATTHEW WILKAS AND MARK SETLOCK (JULY 29-AUG. 14) One mother will do anything to make sure her daughter wins the beauty pageant. Witness the hilarious lengths mothers will go to ensure their four-year-old reigns supreme.
“GOING TO SEE THE ELEPHANT” BY KAREN HENSEL AND ELANA KENT, PATTI JOHNS, SYLVIA MEREDITH, ELIZABETH SHAW AND LAURA TOFFENETTI (AUG. 26-SEPT. 11) Four frontier women cope with wolf attacks and fears of Native Americans in the Kansas wilderness of 1878. It’s a story of strife, sacrifice, family and humor that reminds us the frontier was not tamed by men alone.
‘Horn in the West’
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SATURDAY KIDS THEATRE SERIES (MAY-AUGUST) It’s an hour long live theater experience for kids that features the Ensemble Stage Imagination Trunk, a live play performance, pre- and post-show games, and the kids get a free activity package to take home. Tickets are $5. Performances are June 11, 25, July 2, 16, Aug. 13 and Sept. 17 at the Blowing Rock School Auditorium at 11 a.m.
Outdoor drama celebrates 60th year
BY LAUREN K. OHNESORGE
A
High Country tradition makes its return, and this time for its 60th season: “Horn in the West,” Boone’s own outdoor drama. One hundred and twenty-five actors, technicians and volunteers, a scenic stage and hundreds of tourists add up to a show you won’t soon forget. “There are people who live here who haven’t seen it,” spokeswoman Virginia Roseman said. “That’s just unacceptable.” This, she said, could be your year to catch a show that has captivated generations. You know the story, about Daniel Boone and the Revolutionary War, but when you add in fire dances, battle scenes and heart-wrenching drama, it’s a story too real for a textbook. The play, written by Kermit Hunter, details the lives of pioneers braving the wilderness to settle in the Blue Ridge Mountains and away from British tyranny. It’s that narrative that captivates director Julie Richardson. “It’s the story of freedom,” she said, and it’s larger than a textbook summary. Think music, choreography and drama, the makings of an epic tradition. For Richardson, “Horn” is more than a job. It’s an addiction. “I grew up watching ‘Horn In The West’ as a kid at the top of the hill while my mother worked at the gift shop,” she said. And she’s had her hand in it all: Props, production, stage management and more. And, when she moved on to the “real world” to become a professional stage manager, she couldn’t shake the “Horn.” When an opportunity presented itself to come home and direct, she said yes. This year’s show isn’t what you saw last year. “We’re working on tightening the script up a little bit,” she said. “I’ve tried to tighten up scenes and make them live a little faster.” And, thanks to ASU dance instructor Susan Lutz’s choreography and inspiration from the “Unto These Hills” Cherokee dancers, dance this year will be different than ever before.
Now in its 60th year, ‘Horn in the West’ delivers action-packed outdoor drama. FILE PHOTO
It’s all an attempt to emphasize the story. “I think it’s an important history lesson for us to remember in this day of technological advancement,” Richardson said. “Sometimes we forget to look at our history.” The show itself is a personal history to several local families, including retired Watauga High School band director, Billy Ralph Winkler. Winkler, who met his wife at Horn in 1975, is one of the five William Ralph Winklers to have taken the “Horn” stage. “It’s something we’ve always done,” he said.
And this year Winkler, the 2010 Mark R. Sumner Award winner (presented at the National Conference on Outdoor Drama) can’t wait to get started. “We want to use the 60th as a vehicle to remind people of how long this has been going on and what a wonderful treasure it is for the community and state,” he said. “Horn in the West” happens at the Daniel Boone Amphitheatre and premieres June 17. Tickets are $18 for adults and $9 for children. Discounts are available. Check out www.horinthewest.com for more information or to purchase tickets.
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Lees-McRae Summer Theatre Three shows hit Hayes stage
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ees-McRae College’s 2011 Summer Theatre returns to Hayes Auditorium, beginning June 27, with “I Do! I Do!,” “Swing! The Musical” and “The Sound of Music.” “Last summer we decided, in order to remain fiscally responsible, to only produce one show,” artistic director Dr. Janet Barton Speer said. “That show, ‘Ragtime,’ was a phenomenal success. Due to that success, and to the generosity of our donors and our grants-awarding institutions, we are back on firm financial ground, and will return to our old glory of producing three shows.” “I Do! I Do!” will open the season on June 27 at 7:30 p.m. Show dates and times are June 27, 29, 30 and July 1-2 at 7:30 p.m., with matinee performances on July 2-3 at 2 p.m. Based on “The Fourposter” by Jan de Hartog, “I Do! I Do!” features book and lyrics by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt, and follows Michael and Agnes from their wedding day through 50 years
of marriage until they turn their house over to the next pair of newlyweds. This is the quintessential musical about love and marriage. Then, beginning July 13, “Swing! the Musical,” dances its way onto the Hayes stage. Show dates and times are July 13-16 and July 18 at 7:30 p.m. and July 16-17 at 2 p.m. An original concept by Paul Kelly, this musical dance review features timeless music by the likes of Duke Ellington, William “Count” Basie and Benny Goodman, and features the dance revolution that shattered ethnic and cultural barriers with styles like Jive, Swing, Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, and Hip-Hop Swing. Wrapping up the season is the muchanticipated production of “The Sound of Music,” the final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein that became one of the world’s most beloved musicals. “The Sound of Music” opens Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m. “Now that we are back to a full season,
Lees-McRae Summer Theatre is known for its large-scale, professional productions, like last year’s “Ragtime: The Musical.” PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
we are especially excited that … ‘The Sound of Music’ will be connected to the Banner Elk centennial celebrations,” Speer said. “ Indeed ‘the hills are alive with the sound of music,’ and the mountains of Banner Elk are a rich place for music of all kinds. We happily credit the town of Banner Elk for making the third
show possible, and we are proud and honored to be a part of the town’s centennial celebration.” Tickets will go on sale at the box office June 16. For updates, check the website at www.lmst.lmc.edu or call the box office at (828) 898-8709.
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Take Paws in the High Country Pet-friendly places abound BY LAUREN K. OHNESORGE
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High Country vacation isn’t just about you. It’s also about your best friend, that furry friend you just can’t leave home without. Big or small, your canine can find him or herself racing up a rocky crag, splashing in a creek or even squirrel stalking on a paved greenway trail. “I think there’s a trend in general of more people traveling with pets,” Watauga Tourism Development Authority director Wright Tilley said. “We have definitely seen an increase in phone calls looking for pet friendly accommodations.” From the dog-friendly-hotels (Tilley suggests Best Western, La Quinta, Greene’s Blowing Rock Lodge, Red Carpet Inn, Alpine Village Inn and Hillwinds Inn), dog lovers often hit the Blue Ridge Parkway. “We have a lot of dog lovers in this area,” Blue Ridge Parkway ranger Tina White said. “And they love our trails.” Her advice? Have fun, but always keep your pal on a leash. It’s a statement echoed by Animal Emergency Clinic veterinarian Dr. Susan Mervin. “They can get in all kinds of trouble,” she said. The same greenery responsible for all those lush views also harbors dangers: Poisonous mushrooms, snakes, and it’s important to remain vigilant. Dogs who aren’t used to trekking may get abrasions on the pad of their paws. “So, if they’re going in and out of the water … make sure your pet’s feet are dry,” Mervin said. One of the biggest issues? Hydration. “Just as a person gets thirsty, a dog gets thirsty too,” she said. Bring plenty of water so your pooch doesn’t get overheated. If you think your dog is having heat issues, check the gums. “Instead of being nice and pink, they will often be kind of a brick red,” she said. That’s a sign of overheating, as are rapid panting, accelerated heartrate and when your dog “just can’t get comfortable.” It’s important to cool your dog off ASAP, whether it’s in a stream or with a water bottle. “If you can get the feet cool, the rest of the body will cool along with it,” Mervin said. And if your dog doesn’t cool down rapidly, you should get to veterinarian. Mallory Barrack of The Pet Place (240 Shadowline Drive, A10) said to make sure you stock up before hitting the trail. “We have traveling water bowls,” she said. “We have special-needs walking harnesses and leashes.” There’s a leash for every dog, she said, even dogs with leash issues. Barrack recommends a first-aid kit with bandages and compresses, just in case. “Tweezers and scissors might be a good idea,” she said. “Dogs get into stuff.”
Amanda Owen, above, and her pup, Harley, enjoy a hike in the High Country. Jade, right, is Rob Moore’s Walker Hound who can run with the best of them. PHOTO SUBMITTED ABOVE AND BY ROB MOORE ON RIGHT
FAVORITE PLACES TO WALK THE BOONE GREENWAY Complete with creeks, greenery and pretty views, the most popular place to walk your pooch is the Boone Greenway. Expect paved trails with river access points in case your dog wants to take a quick dip. Close to 5 miles of greenway means plenty of places for a stroll. Just be sure to take advantage of the dog litter stations and obey the leash law. Want a shorter trek? Check out Clawson-Burnley Park on Hunting Hills next to the Deerfield Road greenway access. The short loop is full of pretty views, from the marsh to the trees. With plenty of benches, it’s a great place for napping, people-watching and (a favorite pastime of many dogs) squirrel-gazing.
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STATE PARK With 11 trails of varying difficulties, Grandfather Mountain is the perfect place for both the experienced and inexperienced trail dog. Just bring plenty of water. Home to 16 distinct natural communities or ecosystems and 73 rare or endangered species, it’s the perfect place for nature watching. Trailheads are located off-mountain on U.S. 221 or N.C. 105, and a trail map will be supplied when you register for a free permit.
ELK KNOB STATE PARK At 5,500 feet, Elk Knob State Park is the perfect hike for a stamina-heavy dog. Bring plenty of water. With views of Long Hope Valley, an Elk Knob hike isn’t complete without a camera. The summit hike is along an old logging road and steeper than you might anticipate. But, once you reach the top, the views and photo ops are worth the trek. Expect to see Mount Jefferson, Grandfather Mountain and Mount Mitchell from the summit. Elk Knob State Park is located off N.C. 194 on Meat Camp Road. Make sure to bring a 6-foot leash. Rangers tell us the leash isn’t just about containing your pet. It’s also about protecting endangered plants. Round trip, expect a 3.6 mile trek.
NEW RIVER RIVER, TODD If river watching’s your game, take a trek down Big Hill Road in Todd. Here, you’ll see kayaks, canoes and inner-tubes full of people enjoying the sunshine. Try a picnic at Cook Memorial Park across from the General Store on Railroad Grade Road.
VALLE CRUCIS COMMUNITY PARK This super family-friendly park has picnic shelters, playground equipment and the perfect walking trail for your pet. There’s even a fishpond. Leash laws are enforced here. The park is located behind the Mast General Store at 3657 N.C. 194/Broadstone Road in Valle Crucis.
MOSES CONE MEMORIAL PARK Twenty-five miles of carriage trails makes Moses Cone Memorial Park ideal for canine and company. Think mountain views and the sparkling blue of Trout Lake. Try the Craftsman’s Trail, a 20-minute loop walk around the Moses Cone Manor, where the Cones themselves walked every morning. Check it out at Milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and keep driving. The parkway has plenty of trails (Julian Price is another favorite).
HOWARD’S KNOB COUNTY PARK At 4,406 feet, expect a view. From the top, you’ll see downtown Boone and beyond. It’s where photographers get the best shots of Kidd Brewer Stadium. From U.S. 421, turn north onto Grand Boulevard, then left on Bear Trail, and then left on Eastview Dr./E. Junaluska Road. From there, you’ll go up a steep road, and then turn right onto Howard’s Knob Road. Feel like ripping off that leash? The Watauga Humane Society’s dog park is the place to go. The dog park is located along Don Hayes Road between Rutherwood Baptist Church and the Boone Stockyard and consists of 3.5 acres of fenced land. A small dog-section is perfect for the shy Yorkie. To play in the park, you have to be a member. Visit www.wataugahumanesociety.org for more information.
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Horseplay
Fire Department, the Blowing Rock Rescue Squad, the Watauga Humane Society, Blazing Saddles and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. The Saddlebred Show happens June 9-12. Hunter Jumper I happens July 26-31, followed by Hunter Jumper II Aug. 2-7. For specifics, visit www.blowingrockequestrian.com. The fun happens at the L.M. Tate Horse Show Grounds at the Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve in Moses Cone Memorial Park. For more information, call the Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve Office at (828) 295-4700. The show is part of a larger circuit of riding competitions in the Southeast.
Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show in its 88th year BY LAUREN K. OHNESORGE
T
he Blowing Rock Charity Horse show trots its way to the Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve for the 88th year this summer, bringing hundreds of riders, family members and spectators to the ring. The competition, the oldest continuous outdoor horse show in the country, is the premier equestrian event in the High Country. The show itself starts with a Saddlebred show, and, according to BREP’s Collette McNell, that means prepare to be “dazzled.” Another crowd favorite promises to be the fine harness division, where carriages and harnesses, whose cost rival some people’s homes, will be displayed. Next comes the Hunter Jumper competitions and Blowing Rock Equestrian Foundation’s Kelly Lowry said prepare for a show. “It’s based on the traditions of the hunt field, so it’s a lot of big, beautiful, sort of natural looking jumps,” she said. And it’s a particularly good class for spectators “because there’s a lot of numeric scoring and it’s ex-
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The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show leaps into town in June, July and August. PHOTO BY JEFF EASON
plained as it goes,” she said, no need to wait for the end of the competition. “The horses get points for their style, their way of jumping, their quality,” she said. There’s a lot of style and quality to go around. “I think it’s great just to see all the wonderful tradition and just to experience a sport that’s a bit different,” Lowry said. The tradition also includes a show jumping class “that will be very exciting,” she said. But it’s not just about the competition. It’s also about the cause. Proceeds from the show have been used to support local organizations like the Blowing Rock
RESTAURANTS
GIDDY-UP Feel like riding, rain or shine? The Saddle Club at Yonahlossee in Boone offers the area’s only indoor training room. Along with boarding your horses during your High Country stay, Yonahlossee offers lessons with licensed professionals like Alexa Kapp, a Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre graduate who trained under people like Olympic Gold Medalist Anne Kursinski. The Saddle Club at Yonahlossee is lcoated at 223 Pine Hill Road in Boone. For more information, call (828) 387-0390 or visit www.saddleclubnc.com.
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Wine Country BY FRANK RUGGIERO
H
igh Country Rosé, Profile Red, Seyval Blanc and Terraced Gold – names that prove the High Country is wine country. About a decade ago, people scoffed at the idea of viably growing grapes in the higher elevations of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but the experts sought out to prove them wrong. In other words, they could put a cork in it.
BANNER ELK WINERY
Dr. Dick Wolfe is one of those experts. The noted chemist is vintner and coowner of Banner Elk Winery, home to acres of vineyards, a blueberry farm, a bed and breakfast inn and, most importantly, award-winning wines. “It’s taken us six years, and we’ve built one heck of a reputation as a premier winery,” Wolfe said. “And 2010 really was a great year for wine, because we had a dry fall.” That means the grapes’ sugar content was higher than usual, similar to levels found in California grapes, “which will make a very premium wine,” Wolfe said. And they have the medals to prove it. Since the vines took ground in 2005, the area winery has received more than 30 awards for its wines, crafted by Wolfe, with cold-hardy French-American hybrid grapes well suited for the High Country’s frosty winters. In fact, the winery took home six more at last October’s N.C. State Fair wine competition. Visitors can see – and taste – for themselves at the winery, where seven to eight wines are available for tasting. Those include Seyval Blanc, Banner Elk White, High Country Rosé, Banner Elk Red (2010 gold medal-winner), Marechel Foch, Cabernet Sauvignon (double-gold medal-winner), ice and blueberry wine, and Wolfe’s newest creation, Sweet Highland Wine, made from golden muskat grapes. Throughout the summer, Banner Elk Winery also offers wine dinners, where internationally themed foods are paired with appropriate wines. This year, for instance, dinners include Greek, Italian and Hawaiian themes, along with a few
i h h dates d h b surprises. Though have not been set, a dinner will be held each month from June to August, and interested parties should keep an eye on www.bannerelkwinery.com for updates. Folks can also expect live music all summer, as the winery features an outdoor amphitheater ideal for celebrations of all sorts, including weddings. Banner Elk Winery is located at 60 Deer Run Lane in Banner Elk, just off N.C. 194. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday, from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, call (828) 260-1790 or visit www.bannerlkwinery.com.
GRANDFATHER VINEYARD In 2001, Steve, Sally and Dylan Tatum planted grapevines in their Foscoe backyard. “If you grow your own grapes, you’re supposed to make your own wine,” Steve said. It doesn’t only make sense; it makes outstanding wine. Grandfather Vineyard & Winery is the Tatums’ labor of love, and it has the distinction of being the only winery located within Watauga County limits. Freshly opened in May, it’s also the newest winery in the High Country. Though the winery is new, the Tatums’ methods are tried and true, and a goal of 2,000 plants no longer seems very lofty. Dylan studied viticulture and enology in college, while Steve conducted extensive research on high-elevation viticulture. He spoke with fellow growers, checked growing degrees and sunshine levels in relation to those in European growing regions, and then considered the thousands of possible grape varieties. That includes a Vidal Blanc ice wine, in which the grapes freeze on the vines – at a minimum of 16 degrees Fahrenheit – and the water content is frozen solid. The result is a sweet wine, ideal for dessert, with flavors both unique and subtle. But that’s not all. Grandfather Vineyard, named such for its breathtaking view of the Grandfather Mountain profile, features the aptly named Profile Red, a meticulous blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, pinot noir, landot noir, St. Croix, Chambourcin, Frontenac and Foch.
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Area Wineries Thistle Meadow Winery 102 Thistle Meadow Laurel Springs, N.C. 28644 (800) 233-1505 www.thistlemeadowwinery.com New River Winery 165 Piney Creek Rd. Lansing, N.C. 28643 (336) 384-1213 www.newriverwinery.com Chateau Laurinda Vineyard 690 Reeves Ridge Road Sparta, N.C. 28675 (800) 650-3236, (336) 372-2562 www.chateaulaurindavineyards.com
From left, Steve, Dylan and Sally Tatum (and Zoe the dog) opened Grandfather Vineyard & Winery in May. PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO
The Terraced Gold, a blend of chardonnay and pinot gris, is Sally’s personal favorite, featuring “tendencies of both grapes.” “It’s a light wine that’s good on a summer day,” Steve said. Other varieties include the Big Boulder Red, Rosé of Pinot Noir and Symphony. Visitors can taste for themselves at
Grandfather Vineyard & Winery’s tasting room. Tasting flights cost $5 and include a keepsake glass. As their operation grows, the Tatums plan to expand the winery’s offerings to include cheese and foods appropriate for pairings, while opening the grounds for events and functions. Grandfather Vineyard & Winery is located on Vineyard Lane, just off N.C. 105 in Foscoe and past Sleepy Hollow. For more information, call (828) 9632400, visit www.grandfathervineyard. com or e-mail grandfathervineyard37@ yahoo.com.
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A Bird’s-Eye View BY LAUREN K. OHNESORGE
“I
t’s a very free experience,” Bubba Goodman said. Think lush greenery, clear skies, the blues of Watauga Lake trailing in the background. “You float around,” Goodman said. “It’s not violent … you’re just floating around, enjoying the scenery.” And from up here, you can see it all, fresh air framed by clouds and mountains and, as you float, you become a part of it, a part of the breeze. “You can’t really describe it,” he said. Goodman, along with nearly 60 hang/paragliding pilots from around the country, glide with the raptors themselves each summer. Now in its sixth year, the annual Tater Hill Open “takes off” July 31 through Aug. 6. The friendly competition helps pilots learn from their peers. Some of them, Goodman, for example, have been gliding for decades. He started 30 years ago when an instructor worked out of Tater Hill. Now, the closest places to learn are in Atlanta, Ga., or Chattanooga, Tenn. That hasn’t stopped him from organizing the tournament on Tater Hill, now that he owns the land. “It’s a bald top, so it offers a really good place for
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Gliding in the High Country
launching, especially for paragliders,” he said. “They need a little more of a top.” The mountain faces the predominant wind direction, the west, and is 5,000 above sea level and 2,000 feet above the valley floor. “It makes for some really nice flying,” Goodman said. And he’s not the only one who thinks so. Pilots from around the world gathered at the hill last year and this summer promises more of the same. The competition has hang-gliders and paragliders, but mostly paragliders, who utilize a softy canopy, similar to a parachute, as opposed to the rigid frame of a hangglider. Paulo Alves came from Brazil to fly the hill last year and said flying is something only fliers can understand. “Anybody who tries it once, you’ll never forget,” he said. “It’s a privilege of a few people, to go inside a cloud. That’s a temple right there. That’s how I find God.” The competition isn’t just about those in the air. Spectators are encouraged, and there are plenty of spots off Tater Hill on U.S. 421 where you can park and see the action. Sound intriguing? Come to the competition. For more information and a complete schedule of this year’s event, visit www.flytaterhill.com.
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE
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Warm weather welcomes return of golf
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embership at golf courses across the High Country is available on demand and offers a variety of benefits. At Jefferson Landing, the membership is capped at 325 members, so act quickly to ensure your spot today. Members are offered play anytime the course is open and are entitled to bring guests. More so, members are also offered exclusive tee times and access to club facilities. For more information on the membership, contact Cary Farmer, director of membership sales, at (336) 982-6414 or caryfarmer@jeffersonlandingclub.com. The Mountain Aire golf club of West Jefferson offers two types of memberships and is based by how often a player frequents the green. Membership runs from March until December and sometimes January — all of which depends on the weather. Daily fee memberships are recommended for those players who may only play 15 to 40 times a year. For fee times, call the golf shop at (336) 877-4716 or book online. For more information about Fairway Ridge Development, call (336) 877-4716. The Boone Golf Club accepts tee times seven days in advance, and tee off times for groups of 12 or more may be made anytime and may be made with the swipe of a credit card. Located south of Boone on U.S. 321, the club is one
Cool a hole C l weather h and d beautiful b if l scenery make k golfi lfing in i the h High Hi h Country C h l in i one. PHOTO SUBMITTED
BILL OF FAIRWAY Boone Golf Club 433 Fairway Drive Boone (828) 264-8760 Hound Ears Club 328 Shulls Mill Road Boone (828) 963-8712 Red Tail Mountain 300 Clubhouse Lane
Mountain City, Tenn. (423) 727-7931 Jefferson Landing Club 88 N.C. 16 Jefferson (336) 982-4449 Mountain Aire Golf Club 1104 Golf Course Road West Jefferson (336) 877-4716
of the few public golf facilities in the region and offers seasonal rates with the peak season lasting from May 27 to Sept. 5.
Mountain Glen Golf Club 1 Club House Drive Newland (828) 733-5804
Willow Creek Golf Course 354 Bairds Creek Road Vilas (828) 963-6865
Sugar Mountain Golf Course 1054 Sugar Mountain Drive Sugar Mountain (828) 898-6464
Mountaineer Golf Center, Driving Range 115 Beverly Heights Ave. Boone (828) 264-6830
To find out more, call toll free at (866) 532-GOLF (4653).
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Your Summer Times Calendar
JUNE
JUNE 11 Fourth annual Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame: Dinner and ceremony. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. The ceremony begins at 8 p.m. Held at the Walker Center at Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro. For more information, contact the Wilkes Heritage Museum at (336) 667-3171.
JUNE 1-12 Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble at Grandfather Mountain: Included in the price of park admission at the Grandfather Mountain attraction, the Ramble gives staff naturalists a chance to share their excitement for the showy rose-lavender blossoms. The Catawba Rhododendron flowers first appear at the lower elevations near the park entrance in early June and the display continues until its arrival at the Swinging Bridge by month’s end. Call (800) 468-7325 for details.
JUNE 11-mid-August Hickory Ridge Living History Museum: Hickory Ridge Living History Museum will be open every evening, except Mondays, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., prior to the start of the outdoor drama, “Horn in the West” (8 p.m.), mid-June through mid-August. In addition, the Museum is now open on Saturday mornings beginning in May, during the Watauga County Farmers’ Market (occurring on site), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come visit this living demonstration of pioneer life in the Appalachian mountains. Located at 591 Horn in the West Drive, Boone. Call (828) 264-2120 for details.
JUNE 2-5 Return to Mitford – Jan Karon: June 2, 10 a.m. through June 5, 6 p.m, downtown Blowing Rock. Join author Jan Karon in Blowing Rock for a celebration of the Mitford series. For more information, visit www. mitforddays.com or call (828) 295-7851.
JUNE 3 Concerts on the Lawn: The Watauga County Arts Council presents weekly Concerts on the Lawn, featuring local musical aficionados and acts. The concert takes place from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Jones House Lawn, downtown Boone. Call (828) 264-1789 for details.
JUNE 3-5 Nature Photography Weekend: Online registration is required for attendance at the Grandfather Mountain attraction’s Nature Photography Weekend. Hear presentations from top nature photographers in the evenings and photograph spectacular scenery and native animals during the day. Images from Friday’s and Saturday’s photo excursions are entered in an informal contest (using a digital format), with winners announced Sunday morning. It’s taking place at Grandfather Mountain, Linville. Call (800) 468-7325 or (828) 733-2013 for details.
JUNE 3-12 Thomas the Tank Engine at Tweetsie Railroad: Advance ticket purchase is encouraged. Enjoy a 25-minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine at Tweetsie Railroad. Meet Sir Topham Hatt! Enjoy storytelling, live music, build with Lego Duplo and much more. Tweetsie is located on U.S. 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock. Call (800) 526-5740 for details.
JUNE 4 The Cub … aka “The Valle Crucis 7 Miler”: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Valle Crucis. The “Cub” showcases the beautiful mountain community and countryside of Valle Crucis. This 7-mile mountain road race begins at the Valle Crucis School and promises to deliver some of the most beautiful scenery in the High Country. The Cub is the first race in the High Country Triple Crown Series. All proceeds from the races support Girls on the Run of the High Country. Other triple crown races are Aug. 27 (half marathon) and Oct. 21.
JUNE 11 49th annual Art in the Park: This series of juried art and fine handcraft shows has garnered numerous awards through the years and showcases 100 exhibitors at each show. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the American Legion Grounds, Blowing Rock. Admission is free. Call (828) 295-7851 for details.
JUNE 9-12 Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show – Saddlebred: Competition takes place June 9 beginning at 10 a.m. and continues through June 12 at 5 p.m. at the Tate Show Grounds in Blowing Rock. The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show is one of the oldest horse show events in the country and has been a Blowing Rock tradition since 1923. Admission is charged. For more information, call (828) 295-4700 or visit www.blowingrockequestrian.com. JUNE 10 Concerts on the Lawn: The Watauga County Arts Council presents weekly Concerts on the Lawn, featuring local musical aficionados and acts from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Jones House Lawn, downtown Boone. Call (828) 264-1789 for details. JUNE 10-11 A Cool Five Race Weekend: June 10, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; June 11 (race day), 7:30 a.m. to noon, Beech Mountain. Packet pick up and pasta dinner will be held at Buckeye Recreation Center June 10 featuring speaker Molly Barker, founder of Girls on the Run, and an elite endurance athlete. The entire course is above 5,000 feet featuring scenic vistas, 100-mile views, rolling hills and one grueling mountain climb.
JUNE 14 Storyteller Series: Storyteller Series at the Todd General Store, every Tuesday starting at 6 p.m. June through October, the Todd General store showcases this traditional Appalachian art. Dinner is available from 5:15 p.m. to 5:50 p.m., with two porches where you can enjoy your meal while listening to the river. So, come early and dine, too. Located on Railroad Grade Road in Todd. Call (336) 877-1067 for details. JUNE 15 Birthday Party at Grandfather’s Animal Habitats: Grandfather Mountain celebrates the birthdays of all the animals in the park with games, contests, crafts and surprises. Grandfather habitat staff has prepared a fun-filled day for guests as well as programming to celebrate its furry inhabitants. Grandfather Mountain is located at the intersection of U.S. 221 and the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 305. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children age 4-12. There is no extra charge to participate in the animal birthday activities. JUNE 17 Concerts on the Lawn: The Watauga County Arts Council presents weekly Concerts on the Lawn featuring local musical aficionados and acts from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Jones House Lawn, downtown Boone. Call (828) 264-1789 for details. JUNE 17-AUG. 13 “Horn in the West,” Boone’s outdoor drama – 60th anniversary year: Open every night
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except Monday. “Horn in the West,” the nation’s oldest Revolutionary War drama, brings to life the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone and the hardy mountain settlers in their struggle to preserve their freedom during the turbulent years of the War for Independence. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. at the Horn in the West grounds. Call (828) 264-2120 for details. JUNE 18 2011 Mile of Flowers: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. symposium and self-guided walking tour of Blowing Rock Gardens featuring nationally known garden writer and lecturer, Tony Avent, on “Perennials.” It will feature a continental breakfast, box lunch and afternoon tea. Tickets are $40. Mail check(s) written to “Mile of Flowers” to BRGC MOF, P.O. Box 2673, Blowing Rock, N.C. 28605.
JUNE 18-19 Roan Mountain Rhododendron Festival: This festival has continued uninterrupted for more than 50 years. The festival is held the third weekend or fourth weekend of June, depending on the peak of the rhododendron bloom. Originally, the festival was held at the top of Roan Mountain. In recent years the festival is held in Roan Mountain State Park, located at the foot of Roan Mountain and features handmade crafts, food and a variety of traditional music, plus an array of old-time folkway demonstrations. Location: Roan Mountain State Park, Hwy 143, Roan Mountain, Tenn. (between Asheville, N.C., and Johnson City, Tenn., on U.S. Hwy. 19-E, and only 40 miles from Boone/Blowing Rock, N.C., and 20 miles from Banner Elk/Beech Mountain/Linville, N.C.). The Appalachian Trail, as well as an official Tennessee Scenic Drive, run through the community. For more information, visit rhododendronfestival@yahoo.com. JUNE 24-26 Dora & Diego at Tweetsie Railroad: You can meet Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer and her cousin Diego from Go Diego Go in “Meet and Greets” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily throughout the weekend at Tweetsie Railroad. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The park is
between Boone and Blowing Rock. For more information, call (800) 526-5740. JUNE 24-26 23rd annual Trade Days: Trade Days features Native American dance and pow wow, lots of craft and food vendors and a pioneer America reenactment. Trade is the oldest community in Tennessee. A trading post was established for Native Americans and pioneers to have a place to buy and sell their wares. The event begins at 10 a.m. and continues through the evening. Located in Trade, Tenn., on the state line on U.S. 421 North, 15 minutes from Boone. Call (423) 727-5800 or (423) 727-3007 for details.
JUNE 25 Kid’s Fishing Derby: at the town of Beech Mountain. Call (800) 468-5506 for more information. JUNE 26 87th annual Singing on the Mountain: It’s an all-day gospel sing, church bazaar and dinner-on-theground (concessions are available or bring your own picnic) held in MacRae Meadows at the base of Grandfather Mountain. Admission is free. Camping (with no hookups) is available on a first-come basis. Begins at 8:30 a.m. Call (828) 733-1333 for details.
JULY JULY 1 Concerts on the Lawn: The Watauga County Arts Council presents weekly Concerts on the Lawn featuring local musical aficionados and acts from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Jones House lawn, downtown Boone. Call (828) 264-1789 for details.
JUNE 25 Blood, Sweat and Gears – God’s Country Century Challenge: Always the fourth Saturday in June, Blood, Sweat and Gears begins at 7:30 a.m. The start and finish is at Valle Crucis Elementary School in Valle Crucis. Registration is full for the cycling event. Proceeds benefit the Watauga Chapter of the American Red Cross. Call (828) 264-8226 for details.
JULY 1 Summer Exhibition Celebration: An Appalachian Summer Festival is proud to partner with the Turchin Center to bring some of the most exceptional visual arts to the High Country. Since its inaugural exhibition in 2003, the Turchin Center has been programming the visual arts offerings for the festival. With six galleries in two wings, the Turchin Center opens the season and recognizes the artists during its Summer Exhibition Celebration on the first Friday of July. This event is part of the downtown Boone First Friday Art Crawl. It is free of charge and open to the public. “Dress to kill, dress to thrill or dress to chill, and join us for the biggest summer art party in the High Country,” a spokesperson said. The event is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Turchin Art Center, King Street, downtown Boone. Call (828) 262-3017 for details. JULY 2 African Children’s Choir: 8 p.m. at ASU’s Farthing Auditorium, Rivers Street, Boone. Part of An Appa-
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of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841ARTS for details. JULY 10 A Conversation with the Conductor: Pre-concert event at Crave Restaurant located at Boone Heights Drive, Boone at 8 p.m. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details.
lachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details.
JULY 2 Downtown Boone July 4th Parade: Begins at 3:30 p.m. The parade route runs the length of King Street between the Dan’l Boone Inn and Murphy’s restaurant. Call (828) 264-4532 for details.
JULY 10 Eastern Festival Orchestra with Nadja SalernoSonnenberg, violin: 8 p.m. at ASU’s Farthing Auditorium, Rivers Street, Boone. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details.
JULY 2 Blowing Rock 4th of July Festival & Parade: 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. in downtown Blowing Rock. The festival features an adult horse shoe tournament, park games, water balloon toss, watermelon eating contest and more, plus face painting in the park, climbing tower, bounce obstacle course, patriotic sing-along with Vagabonds and more entertainment. The parade is down Main Street.
JULY 14 Aspen Santa Fe Ballet: 8 p.m. at ASU’s Farthing Auditorium, Rivers Street, Boone. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details.
JULY 2 47th annual Roasting of the Hog & Fireworks Celebration: Town of Beech Mountain. Call (800) 468-5506 for more information.
JULY 15 Concerts on the Lawn: The Watauga County Arts Council presents weekly Concerts on the Lawn featuring local musical aficionados and acts from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Jones House lawn, downtown Boone. Call (828) 264-1789 for details.
JULY 2 25th annual West Jefferson Christmas in July Festival: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Christmas in July is a oneday-only, free-admission event featuring traditional mountain music handmade crafts from throughout the Northwest North Carolina. Call (336) 846-9196 for details.
JULY 15 k.d. lang and The Siss Boom Bang: 8 p.m. at ASU’s Farthing Auditorium, Rivers Street, Boone. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details.
JULY 3 Eastern Festival Orchestra with Susan Graham, Opera: 8 p.m. at ASU’s Farthing Auditorium, Rivers Street, Boone. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details.
JULY 4 Fireworks at Tweetsie Railroad: 9 p.m. Celebrate 4th of July with a fireworks extravaganza at Tweetsie Railroad. Park is open until 9 p.m. Fireworks parking at Tweetsie is $5. Tweetsie Railroad is located between Boone and Blowing Rock. Call (800) 526-5740 for details.
JULY 6 Broyhill Chamber Ensemble: 8 p.m. in ASU’s Farthing Auditorium, Rivers Street, Boone. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details.
JULY 7 Celebrating the Arts in Film – Mao’s Last Dancer: 8 p.m. at ASU’s Farthing Auditorium, Rivers Street, Boone. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details.
JULY 7-10 56th annual Grandfather Highland Games:
Brawny athletes, delicate dancers, bagpipe band parades, rocking Celtic music and a spectacular Highland setting makes this colorful celebration of Scottish culture one of the best Highland games gatherings in America. Taking place at MacRae Meadows at the foot of Grandfather Mountain. Admission is charged. Call (828) 733-1333 for details. JULY 8 Concerts on the Lawn: The Watauga County Arts Council presents weekly Concerts on the Lawn featuring local musical aficionados and acts from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Jones House lawn, downtown Boone. Call (828) 264-1789 for details. JULY 8 “Our Broadway” starring Ben Vereen and Chita Rivera: 8 p.m. at ASU’s Farthing Auditorium, Rivers Street, Boone. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details. JULY 8-9 MusicFest ’n Sugar Grove: The 13th annual festival celebrates the music of Doc Watson and friends, on the site of the Doc Watson Museum. Located at Historic Cove Creek High School in Sugar Grove. It’s Friday, from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.; and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Call (828) 297-2200 for details. JULY 9 Triad State presents – “The Sunset Limited”: 8 p.m. at the Valborg Theatre, ASU campus, Boone. Part
JULY 15-17 Join Barney at Tweetsie Railroad: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Join everyone’s favorite dino, Barney, for a special singalong at Tweetsie. Sing-along times are: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Meet and greet times are 11:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. For more information, visit www.tweetsie.com. JULY 16 “Movies on the Lawn” Wild & Scenic Film Festival: 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Duck Pond field, Stadium Drive, ASU campus. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details. JULY 16 49th annual Art in the Park: This series of juried art and fine handcraft shows has garnered numerous awards through the years and showcases 100 exhibitors at each show. The free art show is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the American Legion grounds, Blowing Rock. Call (828) 295-7851 for details. JULY 16 Turchin Center for the Visual Arts – Family Day: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Turchin Center, King Street, Boone. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details. JULY 17 Halpert Biennial Juror Talk and Afternoon Tea:
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2 p.m. at the Turchin Center, King Street, Boone. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details.
JULY 18 Celebrating the Arts in Film – “Seraphine”: 8 p.m. at ASU’s Farthing Auditorium, Rivers Street, Boone. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details.
JULY 20 Broyhill Chamber Ensemble: 8 p.m. in Rosen Concert Hall, Rivers Street, Boone. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details.
JULY 21 ASU Theatre & Dance: Open Rehearsal Night — “Arsenic and Old Lace”: 8 p.m. at the Valborg Theatre, ASU campus, Boone. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details.
JULY 22 Concerts on the Lawn: The Watauga County Arts Council presents weekly Concerts on the Lawn featuring local musical aficionados and acts from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Jones House lawn, downtown Boone. Call (828) 264-1789 for details.
JULY 22 Celebrating the Arts in Film: “Mad Hot Ballroom”: 8 p.m. at ASU’s Farthing Auditorium, Rivers Street, Boone. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details.
JULY 23 25th annual Rosen Sculpture Walk: 10 a.m. at ASU’s Farthing Auditorium, Rivers Street, Boone. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details.
JULY 23 Outdoor Fireworks Concert with Dierks Bentley: 7:30 p.m. in KiddBrewer Stadium, Stadium Drive, Boone. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details.
JULY 23-31 K-9s in Flight: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at Tweetsie Railroad, located between Boone and Blowing Rock. High
energy performances featuring a team of dynamic dogs in acrobatic freestyle routines. Call (800) 526-5740 for details or visit www.tweetsie.com. JULY 24 The Rosen-Schaffel Young Artist Competition: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Rosen Concert Hall, Rivers Street, Boone. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details. JULY 25 Celebrating the Arts in Film: The Concert: 8 p.m. at ASU’s Farthing Auditorium, Rivers Street, Boone. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details. JULY 27 Broyhill Chamber Ensemble: 8 p.m. in ASU’s Farthing Auditorium, Rivers Street, Boone. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details. JULY 29 Mountain Heart with Tony Rice: 8 p.m. in ASU’s Farthing Auditorium, Rivers Street, Boone. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details. JULY 29 Concerts on the Lawn: The Watauga County Arts Council presents weekly Concerts on the Lawn featuring local musical aficionados and acts from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Jones House lawn, downtown Boone. Call (828) 264-1789 for details. JULY 30 Manhattan Transfer: 8 p.m. at ASU’s Farthing Auditorium, Rivers Street, Boone. Part of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Call (800) 841-ARTS for details.
AUGUST AUG. 6 Seventh annual Watauga Lake Triathlon: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join the competition at this AaUSAT sanctioned event, with a 1,000-meter swim/35-kilometer bike/8-kilometer run. For event information visit www.wataugalaketriathlon. com. For lodging, visit www.ExploreBooneArea.com.
AUG. 12 Concerts on the Lawn: The Watauga County Arts Council presents weekly Concerts on the Lawn featuring local musical aficionados and acts from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Jones House lawn, downtown Boone. Call (828) 264-1789 for details. AUG. 13 49th annual Art in the Park: This series of juried art and fine handcraft shows has garnered numerous awards through the years and showcases and features 100 exhibitors at each show. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the American Legion grounds, Blowing Rock. Call (828) 295-7851 for details. AUG. 13-14 Rider in the Sky: Noon and 3 p.m. at Tweetsie Railroad, located between Boone and Blowing Rock. Hear the Grammy Award-winning quartet perform and entertain audiences “the cowboy way.” Call (800) 526-5740 for details. AUG. 19 Concerts on the Lawn: The Watauga
County Arts Council presents weekly Concerts on the Lawn featuring local musical aficionados and acts from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Jones House lawn, downtown Boone. Call (828) 264-1789 for details. AUG. 26 Concerts on the Lawn: The Watauga County Arts Council presents weekly Concerts on the Lawn featuring local musical aficionados and acts from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Jones House lawn, downtown Boone. Call (828) 264-1789 for details. AUG. 26-27 Music on the Mountaintop: Location TBA. Music on the Mountaintop is a one of a kind, ecologically driven large-scale music festival, offering first class entertainment, as well as educational awareness on current environmental issues. AUG. 27 Triple Crown Half Marathon: 8 a.m. to noon. Brand new for 2011. Starts at the Blowing Rock Equestrian Center and will follow 13.1 miles of unsurpassed
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beauty. All proceeds from the races support Girls on the Run of the High Country. Other Triple Crown races are June 4 (The Cub) and Oct. 21 (The Knob). For more information, call (828) 262-6116, e-mail triplecrownraces@gmail.com or visit www.triplecrown.appstate. edu/halfmarathon.
SEPTEMBER SEPT. 2 Concerts on the Lawn: The Watauga County Arts Council presents weekly Concerts on the Lawn featuring local musical aficionados and acts from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Jones House lawn, downtown Boone. Call (828) 264-1789 for details. SEPT. 3 High Country Beer Fest: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Broyhill Inn and Conference Center, Boone. The High Country Beer Fest is the annual celebration of great craft beer from around the region and the world. Come sample craft beers, club beers and delicious food. Educational seminars will cover all aspects of beer, brewing and pairing food and beer. All proceeds will benefit local charities and the first non-profit, educational brew pub in the country. Call (800) 951-6048 for details. SEPT. 4 Ninth annual Mile High Kite Festival: Town of
Beech Mountain. Call (800) 468-5506 for details. SEPT. 9 Concerts on the Lawn: The Watauga County Arts Council presents weekly Concerts on the Lawn featuring local musical aficionados and acts from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Jones House lawn, downtown Boone. Call (828) 264-1789 for details. SEPT. 10 Kidfest on Grandfather Mountain: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kidfest features guided woods walk, the Thicket Game, face painting, Appalachian storytelling and music, and Gamelan, an Indonesian-style music ensemble. Other activities include a book reading by representatives from the Watauga County Library, followed by a craft-making session. Read more at www.visitboonenc. com/article.htm?article=244. Call (800) 468-7325 for details. SEPT. 10 49th annual Art in the Park: This series of juried art and fine handcraft shows has garnered numerous awards through the years and showcases 100 exhibitors at each show. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the American Legion grounds, Blowing Rock. Admissionis free. Call (828) 295-7851 for details. SEPT. 10-11 Railfan Weekend at Tweetsie Railroad: Take a journey back in time behind Tweetsie’s historical
coal-fired steam locomotives. Call (800) 526-5740 for details. SEPT. 16 Concerts on the Lawn: The Watauga County Arts Council presents weekly Concerts on the Lawn featuring local musical aficionados and acts from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Jones House lawn, downtown Boone. Call (828) 264-1789 for details. SEPT. 17-30 Hawk Migrations: at Linville Gorge Wilderness. Anticipated the third or fourth week of September, sightings of up to 200 hawks have been seen in the past at the lower end of Linville Gorge Wilderness. There is a new viewing platform at Pinnacle Rocks, just south of the wilderness boundary off the Kistler Memorial Highway, to facilitate viewing of the hawks this fall and for spring viewing of the Peregrine falcons. Other locations for good viewing are Table Rock and Wiseman’s View. For more information, contact the USDA Forest Service, Grandfather District. Call (828) 652-2144 for details SEPT. 17 Farm Heritage Days: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Historic Cove Creek High School. Come enjoy an old-time country fair. The Heritage Museum, located at the Historic Cove Creek High School in Sugar Grove, is open during all events. Call (828) 297-2200 for details.
23rd annual Trade Days June 24-26: Trade Days features Native American dance and powwow, lots of craft and food vendors and a pioneer America re-enactment. Call (423) 727-5800 or (423) 727-3007 for details. PHOTOS BY ROB MOORE
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Advertising Index ASU Summer Programs – 63 Addison Inn – 61 Alta Vista Gallery – 81 An Appalachian Summer Festival – 73 Animal Emergency & Pet Care Clinic of the High Country – 89 Anna Banana’s – 36 Antiques by Nancy – 81 Appalachian Lifelong Learning – 63 Appalachian Regional Healthcare System – 87 Appalachian State Football – 75 The Art of Oil – 90 The Artists Theatre – 54 ArtWalk – 36 Ashe Arts – 55 Ashe County – 54-55 Ashe County Chamber of Commerce – 55 Ashe County Little Theater – 59 Ashe Custom Framing & Gallery – 55 Ashe Mountain Times - 54 Avery Animal Hospital – 89 Avery County Centennial – 108 Banner House Museum – 9 The Barking Rock – 30 Barra – 93 The Best Cellar & The Inn at Ragged Gardens – 31 Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce – 30 The Blowing Rocket – 30 Blue Ridge Regional Hospital – 27 Boone Bagelry – 36 Broyhill Home Collection – 30 Broyhill Inn & Appalachian Conference Center – 78 Brushy Mountain Motor Sports – 61 Buffalo Tavern – 54 Cabin Fever – 30 The Cabin Store – 96 Café Portofino – 95 Camp Broadstone – 63 Canyons – 94 Carlton Gallery – 69 Casa Rustica – 95 Cha Da Thai – 37 Char – 37 & 94 Chick-fil-A – 91 Christmas in Blowing Rock – 31 Christmas in July – 53 Country Retreat Family Billiards – 95 Crossroads Pub & Neighborhood Grill – 95 Dancing Moon Earthway Bookstore – 36 Doe Ridge Pottery – 24 & 36 Doncaster Outlet – 30 Dos Amigos – 91
Downtown Boone – 36-37 Erick’s Cheese & Wine – 33 Evergreens – 97 Footsloggers – 25 & 36 Foscoe Fishing Company – 13 Frasers – 55 Fred’s General Mercantile – 23 Frog & Butterfly – 57 Gamekeeper – 94 Gems by Gemini – 30 Gladiola Girls – 36 Grandfather Mountain – 11 Grandfather Campground & Cabins – 23 Grandfather Trout Farm – 21 Grandfather Vineyard & Winery – 67 Green Park Inn – 99 Greenhouse Crafts – 55 Gregory Alan’s – 30 Hamilton House – 54 Hickory Furniture Mart – 85 High Mountain Expeditions – 3 & 16 Hobby Barn – 54 Honey Bear Campground & Nature Center – 15 J&J Chophouse – 96 Jefferson Landing – 106 Joe’s Italian Kitchen – 91 Kawasaki of Wilkesboro – 27 Kincaid Factory Direct Outlet – 79 Kojay’s Café – 31 Lansing – 60 Lees-McRae Summer Theatre – 84 Libby’s – 55 Linville Caverns – 9 Logs America – 57 Lucky Penny – 37 M.C. Adams Clothier – 37 Magic Cycles – 27 Magic Mountain Mini Golf – 59 Makoto’s – 93 Mast General Store – 2 McNeil Furniture – 55 Mears & Associates – 87 Mellow Mushroom – 107 Mountain Aire Golf Club – 103 Mountain Bagels – 90 Mountain Dog & Friends – 89 Mountain Girl Gallery & Market – 69 Mountain Outfitters – 16 My Best Friend’s Barkery – 89 Nick’s Restaurant & Pub – 96 On the Same Page – 101 The Open Door – 37
Originals Only Gallery – 54 Paolucci’s Italian Bar & Grill – 37 Parker Tie Company – 55 Pet Heaven Cemetery & Crematory – 89 The Pet Place – 89 Pet Spa – 89 Pets of the High Country – 89 Proper – 37 Pssghetti’s – 91 RAM’s Rack – 37 Recess – 101 Red Onion Café – 94 River & Earth Adventures – 10 River Camp USA – 15 Rivercross Market – 24 Rock Dimensions – 25 & 37 Rooster Ridge Stairlifts – 13 The Sanctuary – 60 Scoops Café – 37 Shatley Springs Uptown – 55 The Shoppes at Farmers Hardware – 37 Sister Act – 30 Skyline – 75 Sorrento’s – 93 Southern Highland Craft Guild – 84 Sugar Mountain Resort – 24 Sunalei Preserve – 92 Tasty Nuts – 21 Tatum Galleries & Interiors – 67 Tazmaraz – 31 Tucker’s Café – 90 Turchin Center for the Visual Arts – 36 & 73 Tweetsie Railroad – 66 UPS Store – 55 Under the Sun – 36 Valle Crucis – 39 Vidalia – 90 The Village of Blowing Rock – 30-31 The Village Café – 31 & 96 Wahoo’s Adventures – 17 Watauga County Farmers’ Market – 33 Watauga Kayak – 19 Watauga Lakeshore Resort & Marina – 78 Watauga River Anglers – 15 Westglow Resort & Spa – 72 Wilkes Chamber of Commerce – 61 Wilkes County – 61 Wilkes Playmakers – 7 Wolf Creek Traders – 85 The Woodlands Barbecue & Pickin’ Parlor – 96 Zaloo’s Canoes – 16
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