Winter Times 2017-18 by Mountain Times Publications

WINTER TIMES

2017

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Table of Contents Numbers of Note .......................................................................................... 5 Welcome to the High Country ...................................................................... 6 High Country Chamber of Commerce ......................................................... 6 High Country Host ........................................................................................ 8 Our Towns .................................................................................................. 13 Unique Shopping ........................................................................................ 21 ‘Aspen’ Predicts Mostly Mild Winter ......................................................... 23 Winter Weather Driving ............................................................................. 24 Choose and Cut .......................................................................................... 28 Blue Ridge Parkway .................................................................................. 29 ‘Secret Season’ on Grandfather Mountain ............................................... 31 Frescoes in the High Country .................................................................... 32 Winterfest 2018 ......................................................................................... 33 Mystery Hill ................................................................................................ 34 Tweetsie Railroad ...................................................................................... 37 Tweetsie Christmas ................................................................................... 43 Totally Tubular ........................................................................................... 45 Appalachian Ski Mtn. ................................................................................ 48 Fabulous at ‘50: Beech Mountain .............................................................. 49 History of Sugartop .................................................................................... 56 Shredding Snow ........................................................................................ 60 Terrain Parks .............................................................................................. 61 Snowshoeing ............................................................................................. 62 Sugar Sweet Getaway: Sugar Mountain ................................................... 65 Linville Caverns ......................................................................................... 68 Winter Fishing ............................................................................................ 69 Winter Hiking ............................................................................................. 72 HighCountryNC.com .................................................................................. 73 Under the Rock and Ice ............................................................................. 74 Local Art Galleries ..................................................................................... 79 Blowing Rock Arts and History Museum .................................................. 84 Live Theater Features Seasonal Shows, Local Actors .............................. 86 Variety of Talent Takes the Stage at ASU this Winter ............................... 88 Brewing up Success .................................................................................. 94 Fine Wine in the Wintertime ...................................................................... 96 Relaxing in the High Country .................................................................. 100 Winter Times Outdoor Gear Guide ........................................................... 102 Calendar ................................................................................................... 103 Restaurants .............................................................................................. 103 On the Cover: Graphic illustration by Todd Bush.

PHOTO BY ROB MOORE The holidays are upon us and soon there will be snow. Spruce up your outside tree and let the festivities begin.

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2017 Winter Times Staff in the Mountains

NUMBERS OF NOTE Ashe County

Watauga County Watauga County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce (828) 264-3761 Bone Police Department (828) 268-6900 Blowing Rock Police Department (828) 295-5210 Appalachian Regional Healthcare System Police (828) 262-4168 Appalachian State University Police (828) 262-8000

Charlie Price Advertising Director Tom Mayer Editor Rob Moore Production Chief

Ashe County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce (336) 846-5633

Watauga Medical Center (828) 262-4100

Jefferson Police Department (336) 846-5529

Cannon Memorial Hospital (Linville) (828) 737-7000

West Jefferson Police Department (336) 246-9410

Ashe Memorial Hospital (Jefferson) (336) 846-7101

Emily Robb Production Specialist

FastMed Urgent Care (Boone) (828) 265-7146

Andy Gainey Circulation Manager

Avery County

Law Enforcement

Health Care

Gene Fowler Jr. Publisher

Avery County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce (828) 737-0121 ext. 1208 Banner Elk Police Department (828) 898-4300 Elk Park Police Department (828) 733-9573 Newland Police Department (828) 733-2024 Seven Devils Police Department (828) 963-6760 Sugar Mountain Police Department (828) 898-4349 Beech Mountain Police Department (828) 387-2342

AppUrgent Care (Boone) (828) 265-5505 Blowing Rock Hospital (828) 386-3300

Animal Control Watauga County Animal Control (828) 262-1672 Watauga Humane Society (828) 264-7865 Animal Emergency & Pet Care Clinic of the High Country (828) 268-2833

Johnny Hayes, Emily Jones, Troy Brooks and Jason Balduf Layout Artists

Steve Behr, Brian Miller, James Branch, Anna Oakes, Jamie Shell, Matt Debnam Kayla Lasure, Troy Brooks, Thomas Sherrill Derek Halsey, Colin Tate and Rob Moore Writers Mark Mitchell, Ron Brown Sales Meleah Bryan Creative Services Director Kristin Obiso and Brandon Carini Creative Services

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2017

WELCOME TO THE HIGH COUNTRY Let the adventure begin

nstructions for enjoying your High Country winter vacation. Take a deep breath. Hold it. Let it out. Relax. That’s all there is to it. After all, the air is diﬀerent here in the mountains. As are the people, the venues, the restaurants, the hotels and the natural scenery that is breathtaking during all four seasons, but especially so when coated with its winter white. Whatever your reason for visiting the High Country, we’re glad you’re here. From specialized eateries to one-of-a-kind day trips unavailable anywhere else in North Carolina, there’s just more to do in the mountains.

Want to cut down your own Christmas tree? Check. Ride a historic locomotive through a Wild West town filled with Christmas lights? Check? Relax at a day spa? Take skiing lessons? Try ice skating or tubing? Check, check and check. From a single day to a full-on vacation, adventures abound in your mountain home away from home. And to guide you on your journey, in your hands or on your screen is your roadmap. Winter Times 2017 is a compilation of all there is to do during your mountain travels — indoors and out. Enjoy your stay in the High Country, and let the excitement begin. Tom Mayer Editor, Winter Times

HIGH COUNTRY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE Ashe County Chamber of Commerce

Ashe County is home to the mountain towns of Jefferson and West Jefferson, and offers a step back in time to the way life in the Appalachian Mountains used to be. West Jefferson offers a vibrant downtown for residents all over the county. The chamber of commerce can direct travelers through the scenic areas of the county as well as offering a wide selection of maps and brochures for activities during your visit. 01 North Jefferson Avenue, Suite C. PO Box 31, West Jefferson, NC 28694. (336) 846-9550. info@AsheChamber.com. www.ashechamber.com.

Avery County Chamber of Commerce

Avery County, home to Grandfather Mountain among other attractions, is home to a number of outdoor activities as well as dining experiences. The county’s chamber of commerce is conveniently located in the Shoppes at Tynecastle at the intersection of N.C. 105 and N.C. 184. The chamber oﬀers information on lodging, dining, attractions, shopping as well as everything else the county has to oﬀer. 4501 Tynecastle Highway, Unit 2, Intersection of NC 105 & NC 184

Banner Elk, NC 28604. (828) 898-5605. chamber@averycounty.com. www.averycounty.com.

Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce

Located in the heart of Banner Elk, the chamber of commerce promotes the area as a unique place to work, visit and live. The chamber oﬀers information on area dining, lodging, shopping and attractions. 100 W. Main St., Banner Elk N.C., 28604. (828) 898-8395. www.bannerelk.org.

Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce

Whether your’re looking for a quiet get away or a vacation full of adventure and activity, Beech Mountain, Eastern America’s highest town at an elevation of 5,506 feet, has a lot to oﬀer. For lodging, dining, shopping and outdoor activities visit the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce to make your visit a memorable one. 403-A Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain N.C., 28604. (828) 387-9283. chamber@beechmtn.com. www.beechmountainchamber.com.

Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce

Often described as the “Crown Jewel” of the Blue Ridge, Blowing Rock oﬀers a small town feel for the visitors that come to eat at one of the many restaurants or to shop downtown. The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce knows their community like no other and are always willing to share information with their visitors. The chamber can provide information on various lodging, dining, shopping and recreational activities in the area. 123 Park Ave., Blowing Rock N.C., 28605. (828) 295-7851. www.blowingrockncchamber.com.

Boone Area Chamber of Commerce

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is one of the most active chambers in the area, with their commitment to tourism as well as solidifying Boone as a business hub. Located in downtown Boone on King Street, the chamber is a convenient stop to gather more information on the area during your visit. 870 W. King St., Suite A, Boone N.C., 28607. (828) 264-2225. wysteria@boonechamber.com. www.boonechamber.com.

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YOUR

HOMETOWN PHARMACY

Offering: Durable Medical Equipment • CPap Supplies Oxygen • Respiratory Services • Immunization Clinic Visit One of Our Locations Today! Watauga: Boone Drug and Healthcare at Deerﬁeld Boone Drug at Greenway • Boone Drug at King St Boone Drug at New Market • Village Pharmacy

Avery: Avery Pharmacy • Crossnore Drug

Check us out online at

www.boonedrug.com

Ashe: Warrensville Drug

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HIGH COUNTRY HOST

PHOTO BY LEE SANDERLIN The High Country Host staff are available to assist visitors in the area. From left to right: Mollie Shanly, ofﬁce director, J.P. Greene, travel counselor, Diane Hill, travel counselor, and Candice Cook, marketing director.

Welcoming traveler’s with open arms BY LEE SANDERLIN lee.sanderlin@mountaintimes.com

or more than 30 years, visitors to the area have relied on High Country Host as the best resource to help plan their stay. Located in a shared building with Appalachian Ski Mtn. at the intersection of Edmisten Road and U.S. 321 in Blowing Rock, High Country Host oﬀers a variety of resources for travelers in the area. “We have coupons, brochures, bathrooms, water fountains and vacation planning services for everyone, and it’s all free,” said High Country Host Marketing Director, Candace Cook.

The facility can provide information on hiking, trail maps, attractions, lodging and restaurants. Their visitor guide also provides coupons to various attractions such as Grandfather Mountain. The High Country Host serves Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Wilkes and Watauga counties. “Most people come up here with ideas of what they want to do, and we help them organize what they want to do and show them other things to do in the area,” Cook said. Visitors in the are may also use their website to obtain the resources provided in the welcome center. For more information visit www.highcountryhost. com or call (800) 438-7500.

PHOTO BY LEE SANDERLIN The High Country Host offers a variety of brochures for different attractions, dining and lodging.

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PHOTO BY AMANDA LUGENBELL A crowd gathers for Bowing Rock’s lighting of the town.

o matter who you are, when you’re in the High Country, winter has something in store for you. Whether it’s the college town atmosphere that Boone provides, the shops in Blowing Rock, the sights of Beech Mountain or any of the other unique experiences provided by Watauga, Avery and Ashe counties, the High Country can be your getaway for a month or an afternoon. Here’s a brief guide to enjoying the entirety of the diverse mountain community that locals are fortunate enough to call home.

WATAUGA COUNTY 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,

PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Snow holds on to Howard’s Knob, which overlooks Boone, after a snow storm blankets the town.

student or retiree, socialite or seeker of peace and quiet. The town is home to Appalachian State

University, one of the 17 colleges and universities that makes up the University of North Carolina system and draws more than 18,000 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-uhlatch-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 art and craft galleries and a diversity of restaurants to suit almost any taste. Departing from downtown, 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 explor-

er 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 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. The historic Jones House Community Center, a relic of Boone’s storied past, 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 are made to feel like part of the family. For more information, visit www. townofboone.net.

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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, which is open certain dates in winter, 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. While clinging to the small-town charm and Southern graciousness of its past, Blowing Rock also includes about 20 hotels and inns and more than 100 shops. Find a place to park and spend 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 Shoppes on the Parkway on U.S. 321 to find namebrand 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 hot chocolate and watch the world go by. The less-traveled Broyhill Park down Laurel Lane paints the perfect seasonal scene, complete with a gazebo and glistening pond. The trails surrounding Moses Cone Memorial Park and Bass Lake offer another scenic stroll. The picturesque town of Blowing Rock is the perfect place to have an active vacation — or to relax and do nothing at all. For more information, visit www. blowingrock.com.

VALLE CRUCIS Just oﬀ N.C. 105 south of Boone, Valle Crucis oﬀers simplicity and serenity in a pastoral riverside community. The valley contains the site of the only known Native American village in the

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PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Valle Crucis offers plenty of historic inns, art galleries, farms and churches. It even has a nice park located behind the Mast General Store, where you will meet this bear if you decide to take a walk on the paved loop.

immediate area. The first European settler of Watauga County, Samuel Hicks, also built a fort in the area during the American Revolution. Today, the community offers several historic inns, art galleries, farms and churches that provide service and comfort to all who enter. The Episcopal church has played a role throughout the community’s history. An Episcopal bishop entered the community in 1842 and provided its name, which is Latin for the “Vale of the Cross.” The Valle Crucis Conference Center, on the National Register of Historic Places, stays busy with retreats for numerous groups, and Crab Orchard Falls is a short hike from the conference center. The original Mast General Store provides a central gathering space in the community, as it has since 1883. Residents appreciate the store for its post office, morning news and coffee, while visitors can also find gifts, apparel and souvenirs. Just down the road is the Mast Store Annex, which opened about 25 years later. Behind the annex is a gravel road to the Valle Crucis Park, a recreational area with walking paths, riverfront, picnic areas and sports fields. Dining highlights include Simplicity at the Mast Farm Inn and the 1861 Farmhouse Market, formerly the Ham Shoppe, which boasts some of the best sandwiches in the High Country.

For more information, visit www. vallecrucis.com.

TODD Todd is a town so nice it’s claimed by both Watauga and Ashe counties. The community’s main drag, Railroad Grade Road, is popular with bicyclists and walking tours as it winds along with the New River, one of the few rivers in the world that flow north. Todd was the last stop of the Norfolk and Western “Virginia Creeper” railroad and got much of its supplies from the train. The Todd Mercantile features the work of local artists and crafters, as well as mountain honey and other local goods, while also hosting monthly square and contra dances, with traditional mountain music by local performers. The ever-crafty Elkland Art Center, known for its colorful parades and environmentally conscious puppet shows, oﬀers summer workshops and programs for those with a flair for creativity. The river itself provides plenty to do, from canoeing and kayaking to excellent fishing for all four seasons. Several companies, including RiverGirl Fishing Company and Wahoo’s Adventures, have outposts near Todd to provide gear and instruction for anyone interested in hitting the river. For more information, visit www. toddnc.org.

Nestled between Boone and Banner Elk is the unincorporated community of Foscoe. But don’t let its size fool you. The community is brimming with shopping, art, dining and outdoor fun. Shopping includes mementos and more at Bear Creek Traders, treats, snacks and other tail-wagging goodies for your furry friends at Mountain Dog & Friends and the luxurious linens of Dewoolfson Downs. If you’re shopping for outdoor fun, cast a line with Foscoe Fishing Company, or pan for gold with the Greater Foscoe Mining Company. Hungry? Sample some home-cooked Southern goodness at the Foscoe Country Corner and Deli. Some of the High Country’s finest gourmet sandwiches and baked goods await at Eat Crow, while burgers, billiards and family fun are on cue at Country Retreat Family Billiards. Foscoe’s also home to one of the views that made Grandfather Mountain famous — the ridgeline’s iconic appearance of an old man reclining.

SEVEN DEVILS From elevations of some 5,200 feet, the town of Seven Devils straddles both Watauga and Avery counties. From many areas in the town, one has views of Grandfather Mountain, as well as Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Rich Mountain and Mount Rogers in Virginia. Seven Devils is just a few minutes from Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and Valle Crucis and can be found oﬀ N.C. 105. One of the smaller towns in the region, Seven Devils began life in the 1960s as the Seven Devils Resort, and, in 1979, the resort became incorporated as the town. How did it get its name? According to the Seven Devils website, “The L.A. Reynolds Industrial District of Winston-Salem, N.C., formed the resort in 1965, and the founders were met with the challenge of naming the resort. At this time, there was a rumor about an old man on the mountain who had seven sons ‘as mean as the devil.’ People were heard commenting that in the winter the mountain was ‘as cold as the devils’ or ‘as windy as the devil.’ “The founders wanted a catchy, unique name that would bring attention to the mountain. They noticed the repeatSEE TOWNS ON PAGE 15

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ed appearance of the number seven, including the seven predominant rocky peaks surrounding Valley Creek, as well as the many coincidental references to ‘devils.’ ‘Seven Devils’ seemed to suggest a frivolous, mischievous resort where people could ‘experience the temptation of Seven Devils.’” In the 1960s, the town grew with a golf course, ski slope, lake, riding ground and camping area. After the resort venture experienced financial trouble, the town was incorporated. While the golf course and ski slope have been closed for a number of years, Hawksnest has become one of the town’s centerpieces. Among the attractions at Hawksnest (www.hawksnest-resort.com) are zip lining and snow tubing. For more information and events at Seven Devils, visit www.townofsevendevils.org.

AVERY COUNTY BANNER ELK The mountain valley town of Banner

FILE PHOTO Beech Mountain is one option for some great skiing in Avery County.

Elk has grown from a tiny hamlet to a town oﬀering year-round amenities and memorable vacations for the entire family. Banner Elk is home to Lees-McRae College, a small, private, four-year coeducational liberal arts college aﬃliated with Presbyterian Church U.S.A. with more than 900 students from more than

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20 states and countries. The old stone buildings nestled across campus make for a photographer’s delight. The town hosts numerous shops and restaurants and stays abuzz with activities and events. Visitors can picnic or walk in the town park, hear live music, enjoy exquisite shopping or simply relax by the mill

When you’re in

pond and stay in one of the inns after dinner in a fine restaurant. Banner Elk is in the heart of the High Country’s many attractions, and just a short drive will take you to numerous natural settings where you can relax and revel in nature’s beauty. Banner Elk also oﬀers many cultural happenings, with a celebrated summer theater program by Lees-McRae and art festivals by some of the area’s many galleries and artisans. Visitors are encouraged to return to Banner Elk each yeah for its Woolly Worm Festival, which attracts close to 20,000 people annually. Cutting between the peaks of Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain and Grandfather Mountain, the topography of the town provides natural definition and gentle undulation through the town’s boundaries. For more information or a calendar of events, call Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce at (828) 898-8395, or visit www. bannerelk.org.

BEECH MOUNTAIN At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is the highest town in Eastern North America. SEE TOWNS ON PAGE 16

Blowing Rock

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for the latest updates or email us at: antiquesmain@skybest.com

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That means two things: When winter comes, it’s a great place to ski, and, 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. 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. Beech Mountain is a four-season resort. There are 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 days, 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 after-hours 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, visit www. beechmtn.com.

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 traveled the 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 built dormitories to accommodate them. It gained a national reputation for eﬀectiveness in changing lives and in

PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Grandfather Mountain is a beautiful place to visit in the winter, especially after a storm hits and turns the mountain into a winter wonderland for the otters.

breaking the cycle of poverty, moonshine and child marriages of mountain families. 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, telephone, paved road and boarding school. Through the Sloopses’ advocacy, public schools flourished in Avery County. Today, 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 teachers enable it to meet not only the special needs of Crossnore residents, but also the needs of area students who live at home and whose educational needs are best met at Crossnore. The school is also home to Miracle Grounds Coﬀee Cafe & Creamery, a working vocational classroom, featuring specialty coﬀee drinks, homemade snacks, sandwiches, milkshakes, ice cream, Wi-Fi and more. 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 Friday night through the summer and fall months. For more information, visit www. crossnorenc.com.

ELK PARK The town of Elk Park borders the state of Tennessee and oﬀers a unique visiting experience. From the old-time feel of Brinkley’s Hardware Store to the additional Lower Street antique shops and classic barbershop, Elk Park takes visitors back to a simpler time. The town’s original thoroughfare, Lower Street, and many businesses originated when Elk Park hosted a train depot for the old East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad, better known as Tweetsie. Elk Park thrived due to the industry and remained vibrant after the trains stopped running through town. For more information, call Elk Park Town Hall at (828) 733-9573.

LINVILLE The community of Linville is located just south of the intersection of U.S. 221 and N.C. 105 in Avery County. The community was founded in 1883, designed by Samuel T. Kelsey of Kansas and named for William and John Linville, who were reportedly killed by Cherokees in 1766. East Tennessee and Western North

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Carolina Railroad passed through the community from 1916 through 1940, when a major flood washed away the tracks. The old rail route later became N.C. 105 in 1956. Linville has three country clubs in the area: Eseeola, Grandfather Golf and Country Club and Linville Ridge, all open late spring to early fall. A number of local tourist areas within a short drive share the Linville name, including the Linville River and majestic Linville Falls, Linville Caverns on U.S. 221 and the Linville Gorge wilderness area. For visitors considering making Linville a part- or full-time home, they can visit Linville Land Harbor, where units are available for sale or rent in a cozy community featuring its own golf course and amenities. A number of residents reside at Land Harbor part time, while others stay year-round to enjoy the beauty of the area’s four seasons. During the winter months, Linville is only a short drive to nearby ski slopes at Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain, popular skiing and snow-tubing destinations. Perhaps the most popular tourist attraction housed in Linville is Grandfather Mountain. The Grandfather Mountain attraction oﬀers picturesque views during all four seasons, animal habitats and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Grandfather Mountain State Park oﬀers hiking trails and backcountry camping opportunities.

NEWLAND The highest county seat east of the Mississippi River at 3,589 feet, the town of Newland was incorporated in 1913 as the county seat of the newly formed Avery County. Its original name was “Old Fields of Toe,” because it is located in a broad flat valley and is at the headwaters of the Toe River. Newland was a mustering place for Civil War troops. Toe is short for “Estatoe,” an Indian chief’s daughter who drowned herself in the river in despair because she could not marry a brave from another tribe. A town of about 700 residents, Newland succeeded over three other areas for the honor of county seat. The recently renovated courthouse, originally constructed in 1913, overlooks a classic town SEE TOWNS ON PAGE 17

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The chapel was built about 1902. The interior of the chapel is finished, in part, with American chestnut wood, harvested before the blight reached the northwestern mountains of North Carolina.

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square, bordered by shops and churches and complete with a memorial to Avery County veterans. Adjacent to the courthouse building is the original jail, which has been converted into the Avery County Historical Museum. Exhibits in the museum, which is free to visit, include the original jail cells, numerous artifacts and information about the history of Avery County. During the autumn and fall months, visitors can check out the farmers’ market that meets on Saturday mornings outside of Newland Elementary School, and visitors traveling out of town can picnic or hike at Waterfalls Park, a unique recreation spot sponsored by Newland Volunteer Fire Department. Heritage Park hosts rodeo events on weekends during the summer and is the permanent home for the county’s annual Agriculture and Heritage Fair each September. Newland hosts an annual Christmas parade through downtown, with decorations adorning the town reflecting the area’s rich Christmas tree industry. With a number of restaurants and boutiques downtown, Newland is a prime destination for dining and shopping, or just to stop in on a visit to nearby Roan Mountain, Tenn., or Grandfather Mountain. For more information, visit www. townofnewland.com.

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 round-trip 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, the vibrant reds and yellows of

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FLEETWOOD Located just off of U.S. 221 between West Jefferson and Deep Gap, Fleetwood is home to 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 PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Some winter traveling in Ashe County will showcase some Christmas trees covered with Jack Frost’s coat.

fall, and the white of winter. The trails of Sugar Mountain are not just for those on foot. Many cyclists 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, Sugar Mountain will soon become your destination for great outdoor fun. For more information, visit www. seesugar.com.

Ashe County CRESTON Located in the northwestern corner of Ashe County, Creston lies on the border of Tennessee. The curvy winding roads can oﬀer travelers some of the most beautiful, scenic byways in the area. The Riverview Community Center is located oﬀ of N.C. 88 West in Creston and is home to festivals and other events all year long. Worth’s Chapel at Creston United Methodist Church is located in Creston and was listed as a National Historic Building in 2005.

Home of the breathtaking and awe-aspiring fresco painting by Ben Long at Holy Trinity Episcopalian Church, Glendale Springs has become revered for its budding arts scene. The community has become a must for anyone visiting Ashe County. Proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway is an added bonus as summer sets in and fall colors begin to explode.

GRASSY CREEK

ginia 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 delectable dinners.

JEFFERSON A rich history, dating from 1799, lies in the picturesque town of Jefferson. Jefferson was founded prior to its counterpart, West Jefferson, and stood at the base of Mount Jefferson. The town was first known as Jeffersonton, but then became Jefferson, and was one of the first towns in the nation to bear the name of U.S. founding father Thomas Jefferson. The town is the county seat of Ashe and is home to the new courthouse, as well as the historic 1904 Courthouse. The Museum of Ashe County History is located in Jefferson and can be found in the 1904 Courthouse. The museum, through items collected and on display, offers a look at who the citizens of the county are, where they came from, how

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2017

TOWNS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

they got to the town, what did they do on the way and where do they go next? Ashe County Park and Foster Tyson Park are also located in Jeﬀerson, the former of which hosts a nationally celebrated disc golf course.

LANSING Whether you’re looking for a town reminiscent of the past or a town that offers whispers of tomorrow, the small, friendly town of Lansing beckons to travelers from near and far to visit and relax, while browsing its shops, trying some home cooking and tasting some locally made wine. The town, in the northwestern section of Ashe County, is 20 minutes from Jefferson and West Jefferson and only 45 minutes from Boone. Travelers can arrive in the town in less than an hour from Abingdon, Va., or Mountain City, Tenn. The town has one stoplight, and several businesses line the street. Home-cooked meals can be found at Country House Restaurant, while pizza, sandwiches and salads, along with specialty teas and fresh roasted coffee, are available at Pie on the Mountain. The first post office in the town was established in 1882 and served a rural community, made up of a village and outlying farms until the railroad made its appearance, according to www.lansingnc.com. The economy and population began to take off by 1914 as the Norfolk and Western Railroad, better known as the Virginia Creeper, came to town. A big commodity for area residents was iron ore mined from the mountains. The railroad served as an avenue to transport the ore to markets in Richmond, Va., and Pittsburgh, Pa. During its history, Lansing had a cheese plant, clothing store, coffin shop, doctor’s office, bank and a restaurant, according to the town’s website. The cheese plant allowed area farmers to bring their goods to sell instead of having to travel into West Jefferson. The town was chartered and incorporated in 1928. Lansing faced two devastating fires in the 1930s and ’40s and faced Hurricane Hugo later that century. Despite these setbacks, the town continued to flourish and expand. The Works Progress Administration built the Lansing High School in 1941, using local granite stone. The school still

FILE PHOTO Travel to West Jefferson around the holidays and you might run into Santa Claus.

stands today. The scenic Virginia Creeper biking trail is available to visitors, as is the town’s park. For more information about Lansing, visit www.explorelansingnc.com.

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 continuing their adventure on the scenic byway. Although it touches Wilkes, Alleghany and Ashe counties, Laurel Springs is never more than a 30-minute drive from the listed county seats. Also, be sure to stop by the Thistle Meadow Winery for individualized tours of a family-owned wine business.

WEST JEFFERSON With a thriving arts district and Christmas trees galore, West Jeﬀerson makes its mark on the High Country as a destination for locals, as well as visitors. The town was built around the Virginia-Carolina Railroad depot during the early 1900s. According to the town’s his-

tory, the first ownership of the valley now known as West Jefferson began in 1779 when N.C. Gov. Richard Caswell granted 320 acres to Col. Ben Cleveland, who battled the British at King’s Mountain. More than a century later, the West Jefferson Land Company surveyed the new town and fixed its limits as a square one-half mile north, south, east and west of the Virginia-Carolina Depot. The town was chartered in 1915. The town’s initial growth came through the railroad, but early development was also spurred by the opening of the First National Bank of West Jefferson in 1915. The bank’s branch office, built in 1962, is now home to West Jefferson Town Hall. The town continues to thrive today and has a little something for everyone. Those visiting the town can browse one of the many art galleries, gift shops and retail stores. West Jefferson is home to many varieties of artwork, from paintings and photographs to sculptures and quilted items. More information about the area’s art district can be found at the Ashe Arts Center, located at 303 School Ave., just

off of East Main Street. The center is home to the Ashe County Arts Council, which sponsors a variety of community programming and exhibits throughout the year. A popular spot in the town is the Ashe County Cheese Plant where visitors can see cheese made and go across the street to the Ashe County Cheese Store to purchase a variety of cheeses, from cheddar to pepper jack and the celebrated cheese curds. Old-fashioned snacks and candies and locally made wines can also be purchased at the store. The cheese plant is open year-round and located at 106 E. Main St. in West Jefferson. Just outside West Jefferson, in the Beaver Creek community, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church can be found. The church is the location for a fresco of Jesus on the cross by renowned artist Ben Long. A painting of Madonna with child also hangs on the sanctuary wall. Local eateries and cafes offer all sorts of tasty treats, coffee, spirits and more, from one end of the town to the other. For more information, visit www. visitwestjefferson.org.

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CULTURALLY SPEAKING

General stores and unique shopping opportunities in the High Country BY DEREK HALSEY

he High Country is filled with many distinctive gift shops and general stores that highlight aspects of the culture in this magnificent section of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With popular ski slopes and winter festivals drawing folks in from literally all over the world, the general stores and unique shops found here give travelers and locals alike another reason to get out and enjoy the sights. Here are some of the High Country’s best general stores and unique shops.

MOLLY NORTHERN INTERIORS AND THE BEE AND THE BOXWOOD GIFTS 215 Boone Heights Drive, Suite 300, Boone, NC thebeeandtheboxwood.com (828) 386-6212 Molly Northern is unique among local store owners in that she is a native of the High Country, born and raised in Boone by parents who were a school teacher and a building contractor. From an early age, Northern developed an interest in fixing up the rooms of her house with panache as she observed her mother, Bain Winkler, and other close relatives who had a knack for style. Combined with a love of art, she cultivated her knowledge of design as she grew older and began to pursue it professionally. Eventually, Northern achieved a degree in Housing and Interiors at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro before meeting and marrying her husband, Mike. Then, like others who grow up here on the mountain, she left the High Country to move to Hilton Head, S.C. “I grew up in Boone and then I lived in Blowing Rock, but then we moved to Hilton Head and we also lived near Winston-Salem as well,” said Northern. “But, when you grow up in Boone, you are so used to knowing everybody you see and you miss that hometown warmth. I just missed it and the people that we loved, and my family is here. So, we did whatever we could to get back up to the mountains.” After Northern came back to the High

BY DEREK HALSEY Shopping at Molly Northern is one way to access mountain style. Unique shops and general stores are found throughout the High Country.

Country, she went into business with Darlene Parker and helped to create Northern Parker Interiors in Banner Elk. But then, in early 2017, she finally decided to strike out on her own and created Molly Northern Interiors back in her hometown. “I just thought it was time for me to start my own business and I am tickled to death because I’ve wanted to do this for years and years,” said Northern. “My store feels fresh and clean and when people walk in they say, ‘We love how bright it is in here. It feels cheerful.’ I am thankful that people are loving it. We do interior design and it is also a retail gift shop with home furnishings. My interior design themes are Southern and charming and comfortable and happy. I feel like that is what comes across in my look, which is warm and cheerful. I always want your surroundings to make you feel good.” The Bee and the Boxwood is the gift side of the store and when Northern chooses what gifts to feature, such as her interior design work, she goes with her intuition, heart and artistic instincts. “When it comes to my gifts, if it makes me feel good and makes me smile, then I’ll order it,” said Northern. “I always order things that I would enjoy as well. I

acquire items that are light and cheerful and with a Southern theme. I feel like that Southern philosophy of beauty and charm and ease of living is very ‘in’ right now. I am always looking for new items and noticing and scouting around for new things, as otherwise I get bored pretty easily. I want to sell things I haven’t seen before, and with my interiors, I want to oﬀer items that all work together.”

MAST GENERAL STORE THREE LOCATIONS Downtown Boone, NC, 630 West King Street (828) 262-0000

ORIGINAL MAST GENERAL STORE 3565 NC-194, Valle Crucis, NC (828) 963-6511

MAST STORE ANNEX 2918 Broadstone Road/NC-194 Valle Crucis, NC (828) 963-6511 Quite simply, there is no other business in the High Country that is more famous than Mast General Store. With three stores in the High Country, the company has provided sundry goods,

food items, clothing, summer and winter gear and unusual gift items since 1883. The original Mast General Store still stands in Valle Crucis, where it has been open for business for 134 years. With its delightfully-creaky old wooden stairs and floors and wood stove, there are literally thousands of gift items to choose from. From locally-themed gifts to unique, fun and odd gifts to a selection of candies once famous yet hard to find in these modern times, the selection at Mast General Stores is diverse, authentic and fun to peruse. Just a little way from the Original Mast General Store, in Valle Crucis, is the Mast General Annex. An outlet store, it is a good place to find items on sale that are discontinued, were bought in excess or on sale due to seasonal merchandise rotation. But, there is also a big Mast General Store located downtown Boone, NC, at the corner of King Street and Depot Street. It is one of the many attractions you will come across with a visit to the heart of Boone. Next door to the store is a distinctive statue dedicated to a local music legend, the late Doc Watson. Watson, an international Bluegrass Music Association Hall of Famer, died in 2012 at 89 years of age. After shopping the Mast General Store for all of their gift-giving needs, patrons often sit beside the guitar-playing Watson on his brass park bench statue and have their picture taken with the world-famous High Country artist.

BANNER ELK CONSIGNMENT COTTAGE 414 Shawneehaw Ave., Banner Elk, NC (828) 898-5733 Banner Elk is a mountain resort town located just 17 miles from Boone. There are many seasons experienced there, from vacationers taking in the spring and summer beauty found in the cool mountains and on the adjacent Blue Ridge Parkway, to fall foliage season to the busy wintertime part of the year with SEE STORES ON PAGE 22

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STORES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

famous ski resorts located on the edge of town. In the summer months, the population of Banner Elk multiplies as people migrate to the area by the thousands as folks from Florida, Atlanta, New York City and elsewhere arrive at their summer homes. Because most people stay at their summer homes and gated communities for about four to five months a year on average, there is often a turnover of fine furniture when these folks decide to change their interior designs. Instead of hauling their replaced fine furniture back to their primary homes that are hundreds if not thousands of miles away, they bring them to Susan Brown’s Banner Elk Consignment Cottage for resale. Brown’s store is sought out because she is very selective in what items she accepts and chooses to sell. As a result, the constantly-changing inventory merits multiple visits to the store as potential customers want to see what wonderful and unique items have recently arrived. Brown and her employees are nice and knowledgeable as they oﬀer high-end

FILE PHOTO Shopping in general stores provides the opportunity to give in to your sweet tooth.

used furniture at a discounted price.

FRED’S GENERAL MERCANTILE 501 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC (828) 387-4838 Beech Mountain is the highest incorporated town east of the Mississippi River. Located at 5,506 feet above sea level, the hamlet is dominated by the Beech

The High Country’s Complete Mountain Adventure Store

Mountain Ski Resort and an impressive seasonal and year-round community. Yet, because of its relative isolation, there are no major box stores found on Beech Mountain. That is where Fred’s General Mercantile comes in; a sundry item-filled general store that has been serving the mountain community for 38 years. In the tradition of mercantile stores of over a century ago, the magic of a place such as Fred’s General Mercantile is the detail used to pick the varied and useful items chosen for the shelves. Variety is key as the limited store space is used expertly, containing the best choices of needed items as well as unique gifts that tell the story of this beautiful mountain resort town. Fred’s General Mercantile features gifts and local goods, including Christmas wreaths made locally, as well as hardware goods, clothing, seasonal items and fresh food. The company also takes advantage of its stunning location by oﬀering guest quarters for rent and ski and snowboard rentals. It is also a great location to find information on all of the many nature sights, trails, mountain views and local events throughout the year.

THE BLOWING ROCK ATTRACTION GIFT SHOP

102 South Jefferson Ave West Jefferson, NC

336.246.9133 mtnoutfittersnc.com

The Blowing Rock 432 The Rock Road, Blowing Rock, NC theblowingrock.com (828) 295-7111 The Blowing Rock is North Carolina oldest tourist attraction, a unique geological formation that puts the visitor on top of the Blue Ridge Mountains, over-

looking John’s River Gorge and Pisgah National Forest below. With the town of Blowing Rock and Appalachian Ski Mtn. nearby, The Blowing Rock Attraction is open daily in November and December and every day but Tuesday and Wednesday from January to March from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Blue Ridge Mountains are considered some of the oldest mountains left standing on earth. Some say they are the second oldest mountains now in existence. At one time, the overall Appalachian Mountains were taller than both the current elevations of the much younger Rocky Mountains, and even Mount Everest. But 250 million years of life on the surface of this dynamic planet led to centuries of erosion, and that led to interesting and unique rock formations being formed. That is how The Blowing Rock came into creation. Due to the flume created by the shape of the gorge below and the 3,000-foot cliﬀ up above, the wind is always present on The Blowing Rock. Famously, on a snowy winter’s day, it is one of the few places where snow is known to fly upside down into the sky. Since 1933, The Blowing Rock has been an attraction in the Western North Carolina High Country. As a part of the trip, there are few things as fun as visiting such a place and then going into the gift shop to find unusual, unique and nice items for purchase. The Blowing Rock Attraction Gift Shop has had a long time to stock items that families, and especially kids, will find worthy including toys, locally made items and commemorations and souvenirs of your memorable trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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predicts mostly mild winter

PHOTO BY MATT DEBNAM The ofﬁcial woolly worm prediction for this coming winter, as read by Tommy Burleson. The winning worm, Aspen, was trained by Joshua Grosser of Apex. BY MATT DEBNAM matt.debnam@averyjournal.com

he worm has spoken. According to “Aspen,” the grand champion woolly worm during the 40th Annual Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival in October, an early cold spell during the first three weeks of winter will give way to average temperatures for the vast majority of the season before a cold, snowy two weeks finishes out the season. After climbing to the heights of immortality during the races, Aspen, trained by a young man from Apex named Joshua Grosser, was cleared by Dr. Bill Burrow as being clean of performance-enhancing drugs before the prediction process got under way. It then

fell to basketball legend and woolly worm aficionado Tommy Burleson to perform the solemn duty of “reading the worm.” Seated atop the festival stage like the Oracle at Delphi above her fissure, Burleson called upon his decades of worm-reading prowess of past champions and locked eyes with Aspen in a moment of perfect understanding. With a whisper, Aspen revealed the secrets of the coming winter. The following are the revelations unveiled by Aspen for the upcoming weeks: Week No. 1 — below average temperatures with snow Week No. 2 — below average temperatures with snow Week No. 3 — below average temperatures with

snow Week No. 4 — average temperatures Week No. 5 — average temperatures Week No. 6 — average temperatures Week No. 7 — average temperatures Week No. 8 — average temperatures Week No. 9 — average temperatures Week No. 10 — average temperatures with light snow Week No. 11 — average temperatures Week No. 12 — below average temperatures with snow Week No. 13 — below average temperatures with snow Thus spake the Woolly Worm, and thus it shall be (with 87.12573-percent accuracy).

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2017

winter weather driving BY COLIN TATE colin.tate@mountaintimes.com

hile many live in the High Country for the wonderful colors and feel of autumn, each winter seems to arrive quicker than the last. Residents and visitors of the mountains must always be prepared for frigid temperatures, icy streets and car troubles. It does not take long for the temperature to drop unexpectedly in the winter, and consistent preparation is a must. Snow tires and/or chains are necessary for better traction in the winter months, and tire pressure checks are encouraged to make sure tires are in their best shape. Checking the exhaust system is also a smart idea, and always have adequate fuel in Here are a few things to keep in your a vehicle in case vehicle in case you run into problems you should run during the winter months. into unexpected Windshield scraper circumstances such Small shovel FILE PHOTO as a traﬃc stopJumper cables Snowy roads can be eventful for High Country drivers unless precautions are taken. Carpet strips page, wreck or road Extra winter clothing closure. Extra antifreeze Tires are not damage along the view, or the view of another driver on the take even longer. To avoid wrecks, leave Nonperishable food items the only aspect of mountain roads of road. Also, give your vehicle adequate more space between your vehicle and the Blankets your car to check the High Country. time to warm up before driving. When in vehicle in front of you than you normally Flashlight before driving in It is important to your vehicle, always wear a seatbelt and would. Also, stay back at least 200 feet Medicines the winter months. remember that travel at a slow safe speed. If you find from winter maintenance vehicles. Wiper blades must bridges do ice over that your car beginning to slide, turn into Ashe County Emergency Management be up to standard to clear the windshield first. Also, clear roads can contain hidden the slide for your best chance at correctCoordinator Patty Gambill recommends of any water, ice or snow. A bad battery ice, otherwise known as “black ice.” ing the issue. that drivers only get out in the snow if can begin to act up due to cold weather. For vehicles that are not stored in a gaWhen driving, give your vehicle enough absolutely necessary during true winter Make sure your vehicle has plenty of oil, rage, clear oﬀ the windshield of any snow time to stop, noting that it will take weather. She added that while this region as well. It is also smart to check all belts or ice before driving. Also, clear the hood longer than normal to come to a comis more prepared for winter weather, it is and brakes before the winter season. and roof of the vehicle to prevent snow plete halt. Bigger vehicles, even though still important to remember and follow It doesn’t take a deep snowfall to cause from flying or falling, obstructing your they may possess four-wheel-drive, can all safety measures.

WINTER PREPARATIONS

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elebrating 41 years in Business – Jenkins Realtors Inc. is the oldest branded and most trusted name in real estate located at 452 Sunset Drive in Blowing Rock. The friendly office is there to satisfy all your buying selling, or renting needs. Jenkins agents are the best of the best and their service is second to none and proud to market themselves as the oldest real estate office in town. The culture isn’t just about finding, selling, or renting your property, it’s about making you feel at home through every step of the process. If it has something to do with real property, you’ll find it at Jenkins Realtors. Family owned and operated by Kim Jenkins Rogers and Pam Jenkins Vines. With 10 sales agents, 1 rental property manager, 3 reservationists, 3 full time housekeeping staff, 1 association manager, and 1 maintenance specialist they are the biggest little office in Blowing Rock. SALES with Jenkins Realtors – to understand residential real estate in today’s complex market requires knowledge, creativity, experience and enthusiasm. Let the real estate sales professionals assist you every step of the way. From the listing process with a competitive market analysis on your property; to the closing table with an experienced local attorney; you are never left in the dark about your transaction. Buying and selling real estate is typically the largest financial transaction most people make – trust that you are being represented and taken care of. Jenkins Realtors is dedicated to protecting our clients’ interests, whether representing buyers or sellers. VACATION RENTALS with Jenkins Realtors – in the fast paced, ever changing rental market, the rental department of Jenkins is always on top of the issues. Making vacation dreams come true for families for 41 years, trust and integrity lead the way – with technology coming in a close third. Online 24 hour booking availability for over 65 properties, third party partners including TripAdvisor, FlipKey, Booking.com, and Air B&B gives the best marketing edge available. On site staff for arrivals & departures so everyone is greeted with a smile and a “welcome”. Properties are checked and cleaned by Jenkins employees only. ANNUAL RENTALS offered for full time residents in the Watauga County area. With inventory of over 55 properties ranging from efficiency apartments to luxury homes there is something for everyone. Moving to the mountains but not ready to purchase? Let the Jenkins rental staff help find you a temporary home while you familiarize yourself with the buying process. ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT is management of your property owners association, or condominium association. Hands on management of property upkeep, maintenance, construction repairs, accounting services including billing of monthly / quarterly / annual dues, payment of invoices, and monthly reporting to directors. If your association is struggling with self management or no management, call Jenkins to inquire about association management.

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CHOOSE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

Choose and cut gives families the opportunity to visit local farms, and choose their favorite tree that has yet to be cut, packaged or shipped. It is still in the ground where it was originally grown. Not only that, but when families buy choose and cut trees, they are supporting local farms and the environment Robin Sexton of Sexton Christmas Trees said the most important aspect is beginning and continuing a family tradition. “You see a lot of young families come and they are developing a tradition of their own,” Sexton said. Frosty’s Choose and Cut is a part of Sexton Christmas Trees, and Sexton says they receive visitors from out of the area, including as far away as Florida. Sexton said that when people come to choose their tree, it is always a family trip, which mirrors the family business of Sexton Christmas Trees. In a way, families from multiple states are spending part of their holidays with those in the High Country. “They have planned the day and that is what’s on their schedule,” Sexton said. “They’re beginning their Christmas holidays, and that begins with choosing a tree.” Come visit the High Country and pick out the Christmas tree that you and your family will gather around this Christmas season.

MORE INFORMATION For more information and contacts on choose and cut Christmas trees in the High Country, visit these websites. Ashe County: www.ashecountychristmastrees.com/choose-cut.php Avery County: www.averycountychristmastrees.org/members/ Watauga County: www.wataugachristmastrees.org/choose-and-cut-christmastrees.html

PHOTO BY ROB MOORE During the winter months, portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway are covered with snow and ice for longer periods of time, as Parkway roads are not plowed or salted during the season.

Blue Ridge Parkway A hidden winter gem

BY JAMIE SHELL

ne of the most popular and heavily traveled roadways in the United States is the Blue Ridge Parkway. Spanning a length of 469 miles along the backbone of eastern America, the parkway extends from just north of Cherokee at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in southwest North Carolina to just south of the Shenandoah National Forest in Northern Virginia. While most highways take the paths more traveled, such as easy ways, valleys and gaps, the Blue Ridge Parkway braves the crests and peaks, soaring from 2,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level as it crosses hundreds of miles of mountainous terrain. There is nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world. As the roadway passes through Avery, Ashe and Watauga counties, most of the campsites and visitor centers are closed, but the road itself remains open, weather permitting, year-round. After the peak leaf season of autumn passes, traﬃc decreases, making the Parkway

A driver’s guide for Parkway winter trips HOW TO DRIVE IN THE SNOW Slowly and surely is the key to driving in the snow. Common sense should prevail — allow plenty of stopping time, don’t tailgate and, of course, don’t drive when conditions are dangerous. Forcing the gas to accelerate will only make you spin — gentle and even pressure leading up to a slow start is the best. Never slam on your brakes, otherwise you will slide out of control. When you car begins to fishtail, turn the wheel into the slide rather than the direction you are trying to go — exactly opposite of what you would think.

BE PREPARED FOR WINTER TRAVEL If you plan to do a lot of visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially doing so during winter, a few items stowed in your trunk will serve you well. A set of chains helps in foul weather. A snow shovel is a helpful too for digging out stuck vehicles. A blanket, extra clothing (including socks and boots) and a flashlight are helpful in the event of being stranded.

a haven for breathtaking views and relaxing and a leisurely Sunday drive through some of the most beautiful scenery found throughout Appalachia. There is one important fact to know about venturing on the Parkway in the winter months, however. The Parkway is not plowed after snow storms nor is it

salted, in order to preserve the natural beauty and habitat of the road and surroundings with minimal encroachment. That means road conditions can remain treacherous long after the final snowflakes or ice droplets fall following SEE PARKWAY ON PAGE 30

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PARKWAY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

a storm, and long after the main highways are clear. For up-to-date information on the status of stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway, call (828) 298-0398, or 1 (800) PARK-WATCH. That said, drivers shouldn’t be frightened or shy away from the Parkway, but simply use common sense. There is much to enjoy on the BPR during the winter season. First, the cold settles that characteristic haze that inspired the name of the Blue Ridge Parkway centuries ago. That means virtually unmatched views from the Parkway. On a good day, you can pick out individual buildings in Hickory, while on crystal clear days binoculars aid alert viewers to see as far away as Charlotte. The Parkway, while being less traveled in the winter months, also results in a quiet, still environment that oﬀers optimal scenery for personal reflection and observation. If exploration is your blood, get some sought-after winter exercise by taking advantage of one of the Parkway’s many trails. Be careful, however. Despite the roadway being clear, it’s possible for shaded areas to be covered with frozen precipitation. The Blue Ridge Parkway is prime for exploration via vehicle on the highway, while others embrace the challenge of the rolling terrain by utilizing cross-country skis or showshoes. The speed limit on the parkway is 45 miles per hour (unless otherwise marked at slower than

this). The Parkway was created to enjoy all there is to see at a leisurely pace, so take your time with the views and activities along the way. You do not have to wait until there is a designated “overlook” to pull off of the roadside to take in some scenery. Unless it is posted otherwise, and if safe to do so, you can pull your vehicle completely off the road to avoid endangering yourself and others. As well, be aware of your surroundings, as native animals that do not hibernate, including deer and other animals, can decide to cross the Parkway at a moment’s notice. Stay extremely alert when driving in deteriorating weather conditions while on the Parkway. It is also wise to pack an emergency kit, including a blanket, extra jacket, water and snacks when traversing anywhere during a High Country winter, including when venturing across the Parkway. A pair of locations open year round when accessible via the Parkway in the winter months is the Price Park Picnic Area, located on milepost 296.4, in addition to the Museum of North Carolina Minerals (828-765-2761), located in Spruce Pine at milepost 331. The museum offers myriad gems and stones native to the region, and is open seven days week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (hours subject to change). For more information on the Blue Ridge Parkway, call (828) 298-0398 or 1 (800) PARK-WATCH, or click to www.blueridgeparkway.org or www.nps. gov/blri.

2017

PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Grandfather Mountain is always a beautiful sight when old man winter adds his touch.

MILEPOSTS OF NOTE (LISTED NORTH TO SOUTH) 248.1: N.C. 18 Crossover 2 miles west of Laurel Springs. 24 miles east to North Wilkesboro. 261: N.C. 16 Crossover. West 12 miles to Jefferson, 14 miles to West Jefferson, 26 miles to Grassey Creek. East 20 miles to North Wilkesboro. 268: Benge Gap. 272: E.B. Jeffress Park. Picnic area, Comfort station, trail to Cascades. 276.4: Deep Gap. U.S. 421 Crossover. West 11 miles to Boone. East 26 miles to North Wilkesboro. 291.9: U.S. 221/321 Crossover. 7 miles north to Boone, 2 miles south to Blowing Rock. 292.7: Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, 3,600 acres. Many miles of horse and carriage trails, hiking, fishing. 294: Historic Flat Top Manor House; Parkway Craft Center; comfort station; visitor information, publications. 295: Julian Price Memorial Park. 4,344 acres. Campground, picnic area, lake, boating, fishing, trails. Altitude 3,400 feet. Reservations for camping www.recreation.gov. 304.4: Linn Cove Viaduct Information Center. Visitor information, comfort station, publications. Trail access viaduct. Altitude 4,000 feet. 305.2: Junction Parkway and U.S. 221. 3 miles west to Linville. 308.2: Flat Rock parking area. Self-guiding nature trail to superb view of Linville Valley and Grandfather Mountain. 312: N.C. 181 Crossover, 32 miles southeast to Morganton, 2 miles north to Pineola. 316.3: Linville Falls. Visitor Center. Campground and picnic area. Trail to overlooks of falls and gorge. For camping reservations, visit www.recreation.gov. 316.4: Linville River Parking Area. One of the parkway’s largest stone arch bridges. Three spans of 80 feet each. Fish in Linville River. Picnic area. Comfort Station. Altitude 3,250 feet. Take Spur Road to Linville Falls, campground and visitor center. 317.4: South 1 mile to Linville Falls community. 24 miles to Marion. 320.7: Chestoa View offers an unusually fine view from one of the many vertical cliffs on Humpback Mountain. 331: N.C. 226 Crossover. 6 miles north to Spruce Pine. 14 miles south to Marion. 331: Museum of North Carolina Minerals. Junction of parkway and NC. 226. Features minerals found in North Carolina and regional geology. County chamber of commerce office. Restrooms. Open daily year-round. 331: Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail — commemorates the campaign leading up to the American victory at Kings Mountain in 1780. Route crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway at Gillespie Gap, near the Mineral Museum. Administered by the National Park Service, www.nps.gov/ovvi. 334: N.C. 226A Crossover to Little Switzerland. 339.5: Crabtree Falls. 250 acres. Hiking, picnic area, camping, comfort station, drinking water. 40 minute walk to Crabtree Falls.

2017

WINTER TIMES

BY MATT DEBNAM matt.debnam@averyjournal.com

ach year, thousands of visitors flock to the High Country to take in the scenic wonder that is Grandfather Mountain. While the vast majority of tourists visit the mountain during the spring, summer and fall seasons, those who choose to come during the winter months are in for a unique experience during what GFM staff refer to as the mountain’s “secret season.” “Winter is a time to see the mountain in a completely different light, both literally and figuratively,” GFM Stewardship Foundation Director of Marketing and Communications Frank Ruggiero said. “It’s often a little more secluded, it’s a little more quiet, and you beat all the crowds that you normally find in spring, summer and fall. Oftentimes, when you’re out there on a nice winter day, it feels like you have the entire mountain to yourself.” While the landscape may look dramatically different, visitors can enjoy many of the same attractions that are hallmarks of the mountain’s offerings, albeit with a seasonal touch. From crossing the Mile-High Swinging Bridge and visiting the animals in their habitats to exploring the GFM nature Museum and grabbing a bite to eat at Mildred’s Grill. “Grandfather Mountain becomes a veritable winter wonderland during the colder months,” Ruggiero said. “Rime ice coats the Mile-High Swinging Bridge, the otters frolic on their frozen pond and the mountain itself seems extraordinarily peaceful.” Of particular interest this winter are some new additions to the animal habitats adjacent to the Nature Museum. After the Mountain’s deer passed, GFM began converting their habitat to be suitable for elk, a species once native to the area, as evident in place names such as Banner Elk, Elk Park and Elk River Falls. “Our environmental habitats aim to

PHOTO COURTESY GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION A miniature snowman guards Grandfather Mountain’s Mile-High Swinging Bridge.

show people what these creatures would play “ice hockey” on the frozen pond in look like in their natural environment,” their habitat. Ruggiero said. “The habitats are built For those seeking unique gifts for the around the holidays, the animal’s native enmountain’s gift vironments. Unlike shop oﬀers unique cities where they gift opportunities, import rocks and including local arts Secret Season Pass — Allows unlimited acvegetation, these and crafts, GFM cess to the mountain during from Nov. 1 through are already here.” merchandise and April 30, 2018. Cost is $32 per adult and $18 for Animal lovers homemade fudge children ages four to 12. Secret Season Group Pass — A group pass, will also want made on-site using good for up to six people traveling in the same to check out the sustainable pracvehicle, is available for $90. mountain’s new tices. For the true Christmas Tree Special — Cars that arrive cougar habitat, animal lover, there at the mountain during November or December home to big cats are also adoption with a local Christmas Tree on the roof receive Aspen, Logan and and sponsorship $2 off admission. In lieu of a tree, a reciept from Trinity. While the opportunities that a local tree farm will also be accepted. December Dollar Days — Residents of bears will be in hiwill directly benefit Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga and bernation for most the creatures who Wilkes Counties can access the park for $3 per of the season, with call the mountain person, with proof of residence, during the month the exception of home. of December. In lieu of $3, the park will also acsome groggy wake“You can adopt cept three cans of food to be donated to charity. ups on warmer an animal for days, the otters are someone and give exceptionally playful this time of year, and that to someone as a gift,” Ruggiero said. have been known to frolic in the snow and “Depending on the level of adoption they’ll

WINTER DEALS AT GFM

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receive a special box containing a plush animal, an adoption certificate, a biography of the animal and a cast footprint.” For more information on how to adopt an animal, click to www.grandfather. com/preserving-protecting/adopt-an-animal. For frequent visitors to Grandfather, the Secret Season Pass allows unlimited access from Nov. 1 through April 30, 2018. At $32 for adults and $18 for children ages four to 12, each pass costs less than the price of two regular tickets. A group pass, good for up to six people traveling in the same vehicle, sells for $90 plus tax and pays for itself on the first visit. The Secret Season passes are available at the Grandfather Mountain entrance gate. “Whether your interest is snapping shots of snow-dusted evergreens, sipping soup from Mildred’s Grill or just savoring the solitude, the Secret Season Pass is the most aﬀordable way to do it,” Ruggiero said. While the mountain oﬀers a variety of specialized winter programs for visitors, the scheduling of those activities had not been finalized as of the printing of Winter Times. For an updated schedule of programs, click to www.grandfather.com/ plan-your-visit. Weather permitting, Grandfather Mountain is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day in winter, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. In cases of severe weather, the park opening is delayed until all roads and paths can be cleared of snow and ice. In particularly bad weather, the park may close or open “halfway” to the Nature Museum, during which guests can enter for half price. A phone call to the entrance gate at (828) 733-4337 can confirm the day’s conditions and set the stage for a memorable outing. “We’re a fun place to visit, no matter the weather,” Ruggiero said. “It’s always beautiful here, regardless of the season. We just continue to do what we can to bridge education and outdoor fun.”

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WINTER TIMES

2017

PHOTO BY LEE SANDERLIN Artist Ben Long’s ‘The Mystery of Faith’ in the St. Mary’s Church sanctuary. From left to right: ‘Mary Great with Child,’ Jesus Christ’s cruciﬁxion and ‘John the Baptist.’

BY LEE SANDERLIN lee.sanderlin@mountaintimes.com

hat does renaissance artwork from Italy and the High Country have in common? Both have fresco paintings. Fresco painting is a technique of mural painting executed on wet lime plaster. Water is used as the solution for the pigment to bind with the plaster so that when it sets the painting and the plaster become one. Perhaps the most recognizable fresco in the world is Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” While none of Leonardo’s work will be found in the High Country, visitors can enjoy masterfully done frescoes from artist Ben Long and his art students. Three churches in the region, St. Mary’s

Church and Holy Trinity Church in Ashe County and the E.H. Sloop Chapel on the campus of the Crossnore School in Avery County, have Long’s frescoes. Long painted three different frescoes in St. Mary’s Church, 400 Beaver Creek Road, West Jefferson, the set titled “The Mystery of Faith.” The set features a pregnant Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ on the cross and John the Baptist. The Holy Trinity Church, 195 J.W. Luke Road in West Jefferson, features Long’s “The Last Supper.” Both Ashe County churches are open 24-hours-a-day for visitation and meditation. The E.H. Sloop Chapel, featuring Long’s “Suffer the Little Children,” is located at the Crossnore School in Avery County and is open for public viewing daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

PHOTO BY LEE SANDERLIN Ben Long’s ‘Mary Great with Child’ as it is seen in St. Mary’s Church.

2017

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BY DEREK HALSEY

hen it’s January and the holidays are over, things can be a bit dreary down oﬀ the mountain, as folks patiently wait for spring to arrive. Up in the High Country, however, folks are embracing the heart of winter and are ready to have some fun. That is when Winterfest kicks in, a fourday event taking place in Blowing Rock, from Jan. 25 to 28. This year’s Winterfest 2018 will mark the 20th anniversary of the festival, which brings people in from all over the world to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here is a list of the fun activities to be oﬀered at this year’s event.

SHOPPING GALORE All of Blowing Rock’s unique downtown stores and boutiques will be shined up, spiﬀed up and ready for customers that are eager to walk along the nooks and crannies of this beautiful resort town in search of deals. The nearby Tanger Outlet Mall will also be prepared for customers as well. All stores will be open for all four days until Sunday at 5 p.m. Antiques, jewelry, arts and crafts, home furnishings, apparel and accessories, galleries and outdoor supplies will all be for the taking.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON Dessert time! WinterFeast patrons stop by the Ugga Mugga Bakery table to pick up desserts during 2017’s gala meal.

WINTERFEAST This event has sold out for the last five years in a row. WinterFeast is a unique opportunity for folks to sample the food of 20 local restaurants under one warm roof with ‘cruise style’ seating. Basically, it is a fun and delicious Restaurant Crawl in the Middle of Winter. Happening at the Chetola Resort located at 185 Chetola Lake Drive in Blowing Rock, tickets are $40 and food is served from 5 to 9 p.m. The restaurants to be featured at WinterFeast will include Timberlake at Chetola, Canyons, Chestnut Grille at Green Park Inn, Best Cellar, Bistro Roca, Restaurant at Gideon Ridge, Woodlands BBQ, Rowlands Restaurant at Westglow, Town Tavern, The Table at Crestwood, Savannah’s Oyster House, Ugga Mugga bakery, Mellow Mushroom and Six Pence Pub. Friday, Jan. 26, 2018, will feature events

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON One of the highlights of Blowing Rock’s annual WinterFest celebration is the Polar Plunge into Chetola Lake.

that will include the annual WinterFashion Show at Meadowbrook Inn and Suites with a cash bar, a wine tasting at Christopher’s Wine and Cheese, the Winterfest Sip and Stroll, Jazzfest at Green Park Inn, and the Pre-Plunge Bonfire Party. Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018 will be the busiest day of Winterfest. The highlight of the festivities will be the Polar Plunge at Cheto-

la Resort Lake. From 10 a.m. until noon, folks with courage yet seemingly little sense will dive into the frigid lake water in a wide array of costumes. Sometimes, they have to literally cut away the lake ice so the contestants can go for the many prizes that will be awarded. For the more sane viewers of the event, Chetola Resort will be oﬀering a special brunch menu and drink specials.

Plungers can register for $35 at 9 a.m., with all of the proceeds going to charity. The rest of Saturday’s activities will include hayrides, an all day silent auction and raﬄe, pancake breakfast, a Cork and Canvas session at the Blowing Rock Arts and History Museum, ice carving demonstrations, the Winterfest Beer Garden and Chili Challenge, a bonfire at Chetola Resort and night time jazz at the Green Park Inn. Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, will be a time to relax and enjoy the last of the Winterfest activities. Foggy Rock will feature a brunch from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., and at 1 p.m., and the WinterPaws Dog Show will take place at Blowing Rock School. You can register your dog beginning at noon for $5 for each of six categories. The prize categories will include Most Unique Looking Mix of Breeds, Best Wiggle Butt, Most Clever Dog Trick, Cutest Looking Dog in the World, Best Winter Fashion Wear and Most Crooked Smile. The winner from each category goes on to compete for the title of Best in Show and for the Grand Prize. More information on times and locations of events can be found at blowingrockwinterfest.com and (877) 295-7801 or (828) 295-7851.

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PHOTO BY JEFF EASON Open all year-round, Mystery Hill features a day’s worth of family fun and wonder.

MYSTERY HILL Fun for the family

BY LEE SANDERLIN lee.sanderlin@mountaintimes.com Professional driver on closed course. Wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Read the Owner’s Manual and the product warning labels before operation. Model shown with optional accessories. Vehicle speciﬁcations subject to change. ©2017 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All Rights reserved. • YamahaOutdoors.com

2017

On a cold and blustery winter’s day, the best fun is often found inside.

Mystery Hill is the perfect indoor fun for the family when outside gets just a little too unbearable. SEE MYSTERY ON PAGE 36

WINTER TIMES

2017

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WINTER TIMES

2017

PHOTO BY LEE SANDERLIN Wayne Underwood demonstrates water ﬂowing uphill in the Mystery House.

MYSTERY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34

For more than 60 years, Mystery Hill has oﬀered family fun at it’s location between Boone and Blowing Rock on U.S. 321. The attraction is centered on what owner and operator Wayne Underwood calls a “gravity vortex.” The gravity vortex, located in the Mystery House, causes all sorts of

gravitational anomalies. Your body will be forced into a 45 degree angle despite your best eﬀorts at standing completely upright. Water will flow uphill and balls will roll that way too. In addition to the gravity vortex, the attraction features the Hall of Mystery and the Mystery Platform. Both are cleverly designed optical illusions to engage and entertain visitors. Mystery Hill is also home to two museums, the Native American Artifacts Museum and the Appalachian Heritage

Museum. The Native American Artifacts Museum features more than 50,000 artifacts on display. The artifacts were donated from the personal collection of R.E. “Moon” Mullins and his wife, Irene. The Appalachian Heritage Museum came to Mystery Hill in 1989. Originally located on Appalachian State’s campus, the Dougherty House was one of the first buildings erected on the state university grounds in 1903. The museum features artifacts that

showcase life in the Appalachia region from the 19th and early 20th centuries, including antiques such as sewing machines and traditional clothing. Underwood wants to expand the museum as he believes it plays an important part in the history of Boone and the university. Mystery Hill is open every day of the year except Christmas. Hours of operation during the winter season are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit www.mysteryhill-nc.com.

WINTER TIMES

2017

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Tweetsie Railroad honors 60th anniversary with first ‘Tweetsie Christmas’

BY DEREK HALSEY

weetsie Railroad is the High Country’s first amusement park, and throughout the summer months, the venue hosts children, families and adults from around the world looking for a fun and unique experience in the Blue Ridge Mountains. As one tourist season winds down, however, another arises as the holidays appear on the horizon. This is the 60th anniversary of Tweetsie Railroad, and to help celebrate the occasion, the park will host its first Tweetsie Christmas — a lights spectacular and holiday show. From the day after Thanksgiving on Nov. 24 until the end of December, Tweetsie Railroad will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. When you arrive at the venue, just outside of Blowing Rock, N.C., the park will be lit up with tens of thousands of Christmas lights. Earlier this year, Tweetsie Railroad hired a company which specializes in the construction of holiday displays around the country and they, along with the Tweetsie Railroad staﬀ, have been hard at work designing and building this exciting Christmas attraction. Much time and eﬀort has been spent to create this magnificent winter wonderland for all ages. Each night that Tweetsie Railroad is open during the Christmas season, Santa Claus will arrive by train shortly after the venue opens at 5 p.m. Then, kids of all ages can meet Santa in his new gingerbread home featuring giant pieces of candy and over-the-top decorations. And, be sure to keep your coats handy as you travel on the open air Tweetsie Railroad train and view the awesome display of illuminations leading up to the big tunnel of lights and a 40-foot tall interactive Christmas tree. There will also be an open fire pit around which guests can roast s’mores

TWEETSIE CHRISTMAS

PHOTOS BY THOMAS SHERRILL A lit house at Tweetsie Christmas.

and eat funnel cakes and fudge and more. And, to make it a complete experience, Hart-T-Trees Farm will be selling locally-grown Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas trees in the parking lot. “This is the first year that we have ever hosted Tweetsie Christmas,” said Cathy Robbins, of Tweetsie Railroad. “Everybody here has worked very hard to get the lights and decorations ready.

It is a pretty huge endeavor. This will be the biggest Christmas light display in the whole High Country. We wanted to create this fun night out because there are not a lot of big holiday events up here during this time of year. There are other places with Christmas lights, of course, but this is going to be on a much larger scale.” This latest addition to the Tweetsie Railroad calendar has been a team eﬀort

The live Christmas Show performances will happen every Friday and Saturday evening at 5:30, 6:15, 7:00, 7:45, 8:30, and 9:15 from Nov. 24-Dec. 30. The train ride through the Christmas lights display runs every half hour beginning at 5:30 p.m. Santa Claus arrives at his gingerbread house on the ﬁrst train shortly after 5 p.m. You must buy a ticket ahead of time to ride on the scheduled train rides through the Christmas Lights Spectacular. Tickets are $38 for adults and children. Kids 2 and younger are admitted free. For more information on the limited nightly tickets available, please go to tweetsie. com or call (800) 526-5740.

as everyone is working together to extend the season and make this a special time for the arriving visitors of all ages. “With all of the Christmas trees grown, cut and sold in this area, we have received a lot of requests from our guests to do a Christmas event,” said Robbins. “So, we decided to begin this new tradition now because it is our 60th anniversary as a park. We will have hot apple cider and hot chocolate and other warm drinks, as well as soup and chili. A lot of our seasonal staﬀ is staying around to help out. Hart-T-Trees Farm, who will be selling fresh-cut Christmas trees in the parking lot, is a local grower based in next door Ashe County. The word is getting out that you have to buy tickets ahead of time to secure a seat on a train ride, so sales are looking good.”

PAGE 38

WINTER TIMES

2017

WINTER TIMES

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PAGE 39

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PAGE 43

The High Country’s New Holiday Tradition is Here

elebrate the joy of the season as Tweetsie Railroad transforms into a winter wonderland for Tweetsie Christmas. On Friday and Saturday evenings from Nov. 24 through Dec. 30, guests can experience countless holiday delights at North Carolina’s first theme park.

What to Expect at Tweetsie Christmas: 1. Santa Claus

Here comes Santa Claus . . . Don’t miss the arrival of jolly old Santa.

2. Santa’s Gingerbread House Meet Santa in his own home – made of gingerbread filled with candied furnishings. Imagine sitting on a chocolate truﬄe or resting on a piece of ribbon candy just before you meet Santa and have your picture taken with him on his Gingerbread bench.

3. Night-time Train Ride Ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains on a crisp winter’s night, as you enjoy Christmas carols and the tracks dazzlingly lit for the holidays. Remember to dress warm, the cars have open windows!

4. Lights Lots of them — thousands to be exact! Holiday lighting professionals have created a winter wonderland of lights not only along the three-mile track, but also throughout the open areas of the park. Look for the tunnel of lights and the 40’ LED interactive Christmas tree.

5. Live Entertainment Enjoy the sounds of Christmas during a 15-minute variety show in the Tweetsie Palace. You can enjoy the show and warm up with a bowl of chili or soup.

6. Larger-than-life Christmas Décor Step into a snow globe filled with swirling (synthetic) snow, peak through a Christmas present, feel dwarfed by nut crackers, toy soldiers, candy canes, toy drums, and more.

7. Specialty Sweets Roast s’mores over an outdoor fire pit and enjoy freshly baked cookies, warm funnel cakes, and other handmade items from Tweetsie Railroad’s famous Fudge Shop.

8. Christmas Trees Complete your family’s holiday experience by picking out your very own Christmas tree in the parking lot of Tweetsie Railroad. Hart-T-Trees®, a locally owned and operated tree farm, will have just your size — from table top to 12’. Larger trees are available by special order. (Show them your Tweetsie Christmas ticket and receive $5.00 oﬀ a Christmas tree.) Tweetsie Railroad will be open for Tweetsie Christmas on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Tickets are $38 per person and are being sold for a designated night and a specific train ride time. A limited number of guests will be admitted each evening, so visitors are urged to purchase tickets in advance. For more information visit www.Tweetsie.com or call 877-893-3874.

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2017

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Totally tubular All ages enjoy snow tubing in the High Country BY THOMAS SHERRILL thomas.sherrill@mountaintimes.com

hether you’re 3 or 103, snow tubing is a popular winter sports event for all demographics. “Pretty much anyone can enjoy it, you need to be at least 3 to do it (at Hawksnest)” Lenny Cottom, owner of Hawsnest Tubing Park in Seven Devils, said. It only lasts a few seconds, but those few seconds can create lasting moments on one of the many snow tubing lanes available in the High Country. Not as physically demanding as skiing or snowboarding and requiring no prior experience, aside from some brief instructions about safety, snow tubing oﬀers a fun and controlled environment, a winter equivalent to a water slide in the summer. Before one ventures to one of the many snow tubing venues in the High Country, they must make sure they are insulated as best as possible with multiple layers, including gloves and socks that properly fit. “Pretty much ‘what to wear’ is anything waterproof,” Cottom said. “Anything that’s cotton will absorb water. Long wool socks will help.” Cottom noted that it’s very possible you might end up covered in snow, thus waterproof clothing is essential to staying warm. “We’re at a higher elevation than Boone, so it might be windier or colder up here than down there,” Cottom explained. Goggles are also recommended to make sure you can see ahead and avoid the snow’s reflection of sunlight as well as to not have the wind irritate your eyes. Buying tickets in advance is also recommended, especially on weekends and holidays when thousands will flock to

A group of excited tubers careen down one of Sugar Mountain’s 700-foot-long tubing lanes.

SNOW TUBING MOUNTAINS Hawknest Tubing Park 2058 Skyland Drive Seven Devils (828) 963-6561 www.hawksnesttubing.com

Beech Mountain Resort 1007 Beech Mtn Parkway Beech Mountain (828) 387-2011 www.beechmountainresort.com

Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing 9472 N.C. 181 Newland (828) 733-4155 www.jonasridgesnowtube.com

Sugar Mountain Resort 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive Sugar Mountain (828) 898-4521 www.skisugar.com

Appalachian Ski Mtn. 940 Ski Mountain Road Blowing Rock (828) 295-7828 www.appskimtn.com the mountains. “Those sessions often sell out,” Cottom said of weekends and holidays. Those session vary in length from one to two hours, depending on the location.

PHOTO BY HAWKSNEST Snow Tubing at Hawksnest offers the thrill seeker dozens lanes of downhill fun.

Conditions can also change depending on the time of day. Early and later sessions can oﬀer faster tubing due to the sun’s light being obscured and colder temperatures.

Locations such as Hawksnest or Jonas Ridge in Newland are dedicated snow tubing locations. Appalachian Ski Mtn., Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain also oﬀer snow tubing.

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2017

Appalachian Ski Mtn. 56 seasons strong in the high country

PHOTO SUBMITTED Appalachian Ski Mtn. in Blowing Rock offers skiing opportunities for all experience levels. BY DEREK HALSEY

onveniently located on the main road between Blowing Rock and Boone, the history of Appalachian Ski Mtn. dates to 1962 when it opened as the second oldest ski area in the Tar Heel State. Six years later, the resort was bought and the name changed to the current moniker – Appalachian Ski Mtn. At various times over the years, Appalachian Ski Mtn. has expanded and spent money to improve the resort. Now,

the venue is known works hard to adfor having top snow dress skiing needs, Appalachian Ski Mtn. blower technology and that includes 940 Ski Mountain Rd, that can throw down a 46,000-squareBlowing Rock, NC 28605 a large amount of foot lodge with free (828) 295-7828 white powder in wifi, and food and https://www.appskimtn.com a short amount of refreshments. time. The average There will be mid-season base many special events depth is 100 inches. oﬀered over the course of Appalachian With 12 ski slopes and two terrain Mountain Ski’s 56th season in 2017 and parks for snowboaders ready to rock, 2018. Appalachian Ski Mtn. plans to keep folks Appalachian Mountain Ski features the on the snow until March. The venue only late night ski opportunities in the

region with their Midnight Blast program. That is when tickets will be available every weekend for time on the slopes between 8 p.m. and midnight. With the unique stores, restaurants and nightlife of both Blowing Rock and Boone located just a few miles away, and maybe even a chance to take in the amazing views on the famous Blue Ridge Parkway if the weather cooperates, a trip to Appalachian Ski Mtn. makes for a well-rounded and wonderful wintertime adventure.

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Fabulous at 50: Beech Mountain Resort celebrates golden anniversary BY JAMIE SHELL editor@averyjournal.com

old and snow have rarely looked so great together. The pristine slopes and regional attraction of Beech Mountain Resort enters its 50th season during the 2017-18 winter season, and plans to honor the milestone in style throughout the winter months. “Fifty years is just the beginning, and we are excited for the year ahead,” Talia Freeman, director of marketing with Beech Mountain Resort said of the golden anniversary. “We are continually investing in our product and really care about the customer experience.” The resort had a new vision for Southern skiing when it debuted in the winter of 1967-68. It was the only North Carolina resort built around an alpine village, and remains that way today. “Skiing in the South was just being developed and this was a unique facility at 5,506 feet in elevation with a Swiss Bavarian village. It exposed the Southeast market to something new,” general manager Ryan Costin said of the humble beginnings of the attraction. “That continues to be one of our strongest assets — a layout where you can navigate the village and experience all the wintertime activities we have here.” To celebrate the half century mark, Beech Mountain Resort oﬀers season-long throwback pricing for night sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tuesdays are Ladies’ Nights with $9 lift tickets — the same price as opening day. Wednesdays are Men’s Nights with $9 tickets and Thursdays are Couples’ Nights, featuring a first ticket

PHOTO COURTESY SAM DEAN PHOTOGRAPHY Skiers and snowboarders are welcome to kick off their skis and snowboards and kick back at Skybar 5506’. Beech Mountain Resort added the facility in 2013, paying tribute to the elevation of the highest ski area in eastern America. 5506’ is a structure like no other, consisting of a deck with Adirondack chairs and picnic tables, a glass roundhouse complete with bar, barstools and tables, a snack bar and heated restrooms.

for $14 and a second ticket for just $8. In addition, the resort hosts a special celebration Jan. 20 to 28, 2018, featuring activities, contests, live music, games and fireworks. Meanwhile, the events calendar throughout the season will include special recognitions of the 50th year. New this winter is a streamlined checkin process in which customers purchase

lift tickets and rental equipment at a central location, then go straight through the fitting process and are ready to hit the slopes in less time. Also new this winter is the ability to buy multi-day tickets and multi-day rentals to avoid repeating the same process each day. “Going into the 50th year, we took a hard look at not only the product on the

mountain, but the process, too. That’s one of the elements we needed to make easier,” Costin added. “We want people to spend as much time outside enjoying activities as they possibly can.” Other activities at the resort include snow tubing, ice skating, and the resort’s SEE BEECH ON PAGE 50

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customer-friendly learn-to-ski programs for adults and youths. “In general our ski school takes pride in small instructor to student ratio,” Freeman explained. “We are proud of that, and really work to make our customers feel comfortable. We have first-time, all-day programs for ages 3 to 14. This provides an easy way to try the sport. You do not really have to think about anything, and visitors have instructors that walk them through the entire process, starting with an equipment fitting. Everything is included in the prices including lunch, so it is just an effortless way to learn.” For après ski, the resort is located in the town of Beech Mountain, which offers lodging, restaurants and nightlife within walking distance or a short drive of the slopes. “It’s an exciting year for us and we look forward to another half century of serving skiers across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions,” Costin explained. “A lot of people are surprised at just how good a winter season we have. Our infrastructure provides a strong product all winter.” A popular area at Beech Mountain Resort that opened for customers just last year is affectionately known as “The Park,” a terrain park that creates a fun and innovative space in which to get radical. Beech’s Terrain Park Crew is

2017

MORE INFORMATION Beech Mountain Resort is located at 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy., Beech Mountain, NC 28604. For ticket prices, up-to-date conditions, group rates, lodging, directions, group and wedding bookings, or for additional information, contact the resort by phone by calling (828) 387-2011 or (800) 438-2093, clicking to to www.skibeech.com or emailing info@ skibeech.com.

constantly reshaping, reinventing, and pulling from its inventory of more than 50 features to make sure riders always have something new to check out. The new and fast handle-pull tow makes taking laps easier than ever and gives riders the chance to hone freestyle skills in a park-specific environment without general skier traﬃc. “The new annexed location provided a safer environment as much of the general public stayed out of the park,” Freeman explained. “The new location of the park opened back up Powder Bowl as skiable terrain, which is a favorite slope for many non-park riders. We received a lot of positive feedback and we couldn’t be more proud of our park director. They really stepped it up from previous years and our patrons noticed.” If you have competitive juices flowing when it comes to skiing the powder at Beech Mountain Resort, there are numerous opportunities during the winter season to compete. Scheduled activities

TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST DAY Beech Mountain Resort strongly recommends that ﬁrst-timers take a lesson. Like anything, you’ll improve the most when you receive some guidance. The best way to become a good skier or snowboarder is to take a lesson from one of Beech’s professional instructors. You’ll safely learn more in a one-hour lesson that you will all day on your own. The following are some helpful pointers to make the most of your foray onto the slopes. Obtain proper equipment. Be sure to have your ski or snowboard bindings adjusted correctly. You can rent quality ski or snowboarding equipment at Beech Mountain Resort. Dress in layers. Layering allows you to accommodate your body’s constantly changing temperature. For example, dress in polypropylene long underwear (top and bottom), which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat, and keeps you warm. Wear a turtleneck, sweater or sweatshirt. Wearing the proper outer layer is important. Insulated, waterproof pants and coats are essential (these are available for rent in our clothing rental department). Be prepared for changing weather. Have something for your head to keep your head and ears warm (a full facemask and helmet are other options, too). Wear insulated, waterproof gloves or mittens; mittens are typically warmer.

PHOTO BY KYLE BECKMANN | BEECH MOUNTAIN RESORT A snowboarder shreds the gnar at ‘The Park,’ Beech Mountain Resort’s terrain park that opened in the 2016-17 season.

on the mountain for this season for those seeking the thrill of victory include the following events: Jan. 20 — High Country Freestyle Racing and Beech USASA Slopestyle — The Park; Collegiate Giant Slalom- Robbins Run Jan. 21 — Collegiate Slalom-Robbins Run; Collegiate Slopestyle at The Park Jan. 28 — High Country Junior Race Series -Robbins Run; The Cardboard Box DerbyFreestyle Feb. 4 — High Country Racing Series — Robbins Run Feb. 10 — Crescent Ski Council — Robbins Run

First-timer tips Know your limits. Learn to ski and snowboard in control. If you’re tired, take a break. It is not a good idea to ski or snowboard when you are tired; it is usually when most injuries occur. Have fun! What to wear (our best advice for first-timers): Socks: Usually your socks should be warm, but thin; thin, woolen socks are the most preferred. Thin socks are best as they let you feel the sole of your ski boot which is where the action is generated as you ski. Make sure that only your socks are inside of your boots for the same reason, extra layers can make pressure areas that cut off circulation or numb nerves so try to avoid them. Boots: You will probably be renting boots. These are a very important item as they are the connection between you and the skis. If this connection is too sloppy you will find it hard to get the skis to do what you want them to do. You want the boots to fit firmly around your foot but not to cut off your circulation or press too hard on nerves and make your feet numb. Pants: You want these to be waterproof! You will be sitting on a

Feb. 11 — Crescent Ski Council — Robbins Run Feb. 24 — Banked Slalom- Robbins Run Feb. 25 — High Country Junior Freestyle Series — The Park Beech Mountain resort boasts 19 slopes of varying diﬃculties that has a lift capacity of up to 10,858 skiers per hour, guaranteeing all the ski time an aficionado could want. The resort village oﬀers four restaurants, two sport shops, a full rental facility as well as a wireless internet connection to post those memories and photos from an unforgettable visit at the Beech.

chair-lift that may have snow on it and you will probably fall on the snow since you are learning. You will feel really cold and miserable if you get wet, so go waterproof. Jacket: It is very important that this should be windproof and waterproof. You will be sitting on a chair-lift in the wind. The snow is wet. Thermal Underwear: Even if it is warm and you do not need this for warmth you may want to consider wearing a layer of thermal underwear to remove moisture from your skin. There are many companies that make sportswear that perform this job. If you do not have anything suitable even a cheap pair of thermal underwear (legs and top) will be ﬁne. Cotton holds moisture and will make a chill layer so try to avoid using any cotton. If you are coming from a warm climate perhaps try some online shopping or stop at a department store on your way to your destination. Warm layers: Fleece is great for warm layers. However you can use anything that will keep you warm (cotton is not the No. 1 choice). Go with a down jacket or vest if it is really cold, and wool works well, too. Grab some ﬂeece from a local discount shop if you do not have any. Fleece works well because it tends to keep the moisture from your sweat in vapor form making it easier to let it get through your jacket (if it can breathe). Wool works similarly. Remember you will need to move – so a vest can let you have a warm trunk but keep some arm movement possible.

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The history of sugartop

or those people who live here, stay here, or visit here, Sugartop is like a good friend, and like a friend, we like knowing when they were born, how they were raised, and their life experiences along the way, and so it is with Sugartop. She was conceived in the minds of some fine architects, engineers, planners and administrators from the Resort Investment Corp. and the US Capitol Corp. developing company of Columbia, SC. Their dream was of a 5-story wood and steel building, which would have covered pretty much the exact same square foot base as Sugartop actually does today. At that time, the plan was

PHOTOS BY SUGARTOP RESORT

‘one of a kind’ for the 1100 square foot individual condo units to be built somewhere else and for the completed units to slip into the readied slots, like stack trailers, much the same as many motels are built. There was to be a five-story atrium in the center. They hired S & W Construction Co. as the original contractor, to start early in 1982.

That company folded and the Fireman’s Fund Bonding Company stepped in to pay oﬀ any outstanding debt. Next, the LP Cox Construction Co. of Sanford, North Carolina came in, and was the company that completed the job. Early on, when the five story building was still being considered, it was realized that the building as originally

planned, would have not been able to withstand the already clocked winds of hurricane force, over 160 miles per hour up on the ridge of the mountain. It was at that time that the original plans were substituted for the 10 story tower that stands today. The original plans with many deviations were then built down below Sugartop, and are still known as the country club condos. From the inception of the building of Sugartop right up to completion and beyond there was unrest from the local inhabitants of Banner Elk and all of Avery County, and eventually SEE SUGARTOP ON PAGE 57

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all of North Carolina and beyond. The people were upset because the huge skyscraper dominated the view of the lovely rolling mountain landscape, taking away the natural beauty that Mother Nature alone, had blessed the area with. The building of Sugartop became the most controversial living quarters in the history of North Carolina, and because of this, the Avery County Board of Commissioners passed a moratorium in March of 1983 on all High Rise construction in the county, in anticipation of a State Ridge Law. That Ridge Law made Sugartop the last of its kind to be built on the ridge of a mountain, and that law was made even before the building was occupied. However, all 320 units were planned and designed well before the battle for the statewide ridge top development regulation began in the legislature. Therefore, Sugartop is exempt from the law’s provisions. The exclusivity that the Ridge Law gave Sugartop had proven to be a boon for the developers. Sugartop as we know her, was about to grow into the proud strong fortress that she is today. She started her life with three huge concrete and steel structures, already 10 stories high, one at each end of the building and the third one in the middle. These structures held the staircases,

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and were the end markings for all 320 condos to be attached together to form the 10 story High Rise. The entire building is a magnificent structure of steel and concrete, and completely fire proof. The huge round columns that are quite prominent everywhere, are steel and concrete. There are several hundred such columns, and they go down deep into the mountain sixty, one hundred, and more feet to insure how sturdy she is. There was a concrete plant where you now see parking lot B, and huge cranes carried the finished products to the growing High Rise. In early 1983, and before the resort was completed, there were 240 condos already sold, and 80 units to be added, were still on the drawing board, and already one fourth of those had also been sold. Sixty percent of those who first bought condos, were from out of state, and half of them were from Florida, and seventeen percent were from South Carolina. Those purchases had all been made by mail, and most were to be investment properties. The first 40 units had been sold from 1981 to 1983, for $69,900 when problems occurred, some changes were made, and the prices had to go up. However, the company honored their contracts, and built the condos at a cost of $98,000 each, of course losing money, big time. Another interesting statistic is that some condos sold for as high as $180,000, and the lowest priced went for $50,000, about 30 years ago. The unique status

of Sugartop actually boosted prices in the beginning. Each two bedroom two bath unit has a wet bar, covered balcony, and wood burning fireplace. All units were sold completely furnished, making it a delight for owners to easily move right in, and there were three diﬀerent choices, according to furnishing and amenities. There was the Standard, the Deluxe, and the Luxury to choose from. Some had washers and dryers. Of course for those who did not, there are spacious laundry rooms on every other floor, available to everyone. As people first moved in, problems here and there showed up, and were taken care of immediately, by a 50 man crew on hand, 24 hours a day to take care of the unforeseen complaints, such as a window or two that cracked, and wind that blew in to the bathroom of one unit making an eerie sound. As in buying a brand new car, all the little bugs were removed, leaving Sugartop, strong proud and secure. Plans had been made for a restaurant, of coat and tie formality, along with a Grillroom for the casual eating, plus a deli for all hour snacks. Some of these ideas were started, but were not successful ventures. Even a small store for necessities and souvenirs was part of the plans. October 19, 1983 was the first day for new owners, and in four days, 160 people took possession of their condos. Sugartop was being referred to as North Carolina’s Premiere Resort Locale. She was indeed an impressive

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High Rise sitting on the ridge of the mountain, to be seen from all directions below. The desk in the lobby in 1983 was where the lovely fireplace now stands, but otherwise the Lobby is the same warm welcoming room, furnished graciously to oﬀer several group gatherings, with floor to ceiling windows to enjoy the lovely view. She already boasted the amenities that we, today still enjoy, such as the heated indoor pool, hot tub, spa, men’s and ladies locker rooms and showers, steam and sauna rooms, and a well-equipped exercise room. The room for snacks and cold drinks is conveniently oﬀ the lobby. Life at Sugartop holds other activities that help to insure the camaraderie of the people inhabiting the units. There are dances with live bands, cards and games in the card room, along with Pot luck suppers to be enjoyed by all, and of course winter time is known for the skiers. There is a special place to keep your skis and ski boots, so that such items are not brought into the condos to clutter and damage anything. What more could we want? That says it all. We, who live stay or visit Sugartop, have a warm feeling with her, and appreciate the history of her growth. Just stand and look out your window, no matter which unit you are in. You will never see a more beautiful landscape to appreciate. It can take your breath away. You have to see her to understand and experience life here to appreciate Sugartop.

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Shredding show Snowboarders come out to play during winter BY THOMAS SHERRILL thomas.sherrill@mountaintimes.com

ne of the more popular activities to do in the winter months, snowboarding continues to grow throughout each successive winter season. “It’s growing and growing every year,” J.P. Pardy, owner of Recess Skate and Snow, said. At the tail end of fall, thousands of eyes start looking at webcams set up across the High Country, checking out forecasted temperatures and hoping for the right conditions so snow can be made and the ski mountains can oﬃcially open.

“Snowboarders get excited and people know they get excited,” Pardy said. “Once the cold weather hits, the resorts open pretty quickly.” Once open, thousands will descend upon the various peaks of the region to shake the rust oﬀ. A snow equivalent to skateboarding that allows a variety of tricks or moves, snowboarding caters to the hip, young crowd, but as Pardy says, appeals to all ages. For first-timers, getting into snowboarding can seem daunting. But whether one has no experience or has more than they can remember, one thing’s for certain, there will be falls. But just like riding a bike or skateboarding, lessons from a

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trained professional can provide immediate benefits. “I definitely recommend getting lessons,” Pardy said. “If you do get that lesson in, it’ll help the learning curve and get you in the right direction quicker.” As far as equipment goes, Pardy notes that borrowing equipment can be a negative for the snowboarding experience as it might not fit and thus create a harder learning curve and lead to crashes. “Make sure to get equipment that fits,” Pardy said. Rentals, either at the ski mountain themselves or at various locations across the High Country, are a good move for first-timers who will want to see if snowboarding is right for them. Another piece of advice for first-timers is to avoid the temptation to find that perfect postcard-esqe day. “I wouldn’t worry about the weather as much when you’re up here,” Pardy explained. “Everyone wants that perfect weather day and you’d be surprised at how much fun you have by just going out there.” The evolution of snow making has allowed ski mountains to stay open longer and not depend so much on mother nature to cooperate. Once a base of snow is down, the High Country’s ski mountains can withstand most temperature changes at a high volume of traffic. Along with the traditional downhill slopes, App Ski Mtn provided multiple different parks for snowboarders, each with a different degree of difficulty. The trick parks includes jumps, hits, ramps, banks, jibs, rails and a quarter-pipe among its features. “App Ski and Beech Mountain both cater very well to snowboarders,” Pardy said. If you’re a first-timers who’s never seen snow or an experienced veteran who practically lives on the slopes, everyone is invited. “Definitely go out there and give it a

Snowboarding tricks can be much like tricks attempted by skateboarders.

SNOWBOARDING Appalachian Ski Mtn. 940 Ski Mountain Road Blowing Rock (828) 295-7828 www.appskimtn.com

Beech Mountain Resort 1007 Beech Mtn Parkway Beech Mountain (828) 387-2011 www.beechmountainresort.com

Sugar Mountain Resort 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive Sugar Mountain (828) 898-4521 www.skisugar.com shot,” Pardy said. For more information of local ski mountains, including rates, slope conditions, open dates and specials, visit www. appskimtn.com, www.skisugar.com and www.beechmountainresort.com.

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terrain parks adding a little zip into the skiing, snowboarding experience

BY STEVE BEHR sports@wataugademocrat.com

kiers and snowboarders have been swooshing down the slopes for years. Some do it for the speed of it and some prefer a nice relaxing trip down the mountain. Some people who have made the move to snowboard have never

gone back, while others do both. Those who want a little extra rush in their ski and snowboarding experience. That’s where terrain parks come in. There are two terrain parks in Watauga County. One is at Beech Mountain and the other is at Appalachian Ski Mtn. The Park at Beech Mountain opens Nov. 24 this season after its inaugural season opener in 2016. According

to the Beech Mountain website www. beechmountainresort.com/mountain/ freestyle-terrain/, there are more than 50 features at “The Park” that lures. It has more acreage to build more elaborate jumps. The website that “Beech Terrain Park Crew is constantly re-shaping, re-inventing, and pulling from their inventory of more than 50 features to make sure riders

always have something new to check out.” The Park has a new handle-pull tow that makes it easier to get to the diﬀerent features that the run has to oﬀer. There are jumps to attempts, rails to snowboard along and more. It also has a snowmaking system to provide extra snow when needed. Appalachian Ski Mtn. also has three terrain parks to challenge skiers.

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2017

snowshoeing a different way to get around BY MATT DEBNAM matt.debnam@averyjournal.com

or thousands of years, the snowshoe has been an invaluable tool for humans living in cold, snowy climates. According to the United States Snowshoe Association, the earliest known instances of humans using snowshoes date back more than 6,000 years, and it is thought that the tools were brought to North America by the ancestors of the modern-day Native Americans. While the modern, aluminum-framed snowshoe has evolved significantly from the bent-ash and rawhide shoes of days gone by, the function remains the same. Distributing a person’s weight evenly across a larger surface, the snowshoe allows one to traverse on top of deep snow rather than trudging through it. The trick is, the snowshoe only works if the conditions are right. “We say that at least five inches of snow has to be on the ground for people to snowshoe,” Buckeye Recreation Fitness Coordinator Kate Prisco said. In the High Country, there are two places that oﬀer snowshoeing opportunities during the winter. While Buckeye Recreation Center on Beech Mountain rents snowshoes for self-guided tours, Sugar Mountain Resort oﬀers guided tours for both adults and children.

PHOTO BY TODD BUSH, WWW.BUSHPHOTO.COM | COURTESY SUGAR MOUNTAIN RESORT A party of adventurers treks across the snowy landscape of Sugar Mountain.

shoes for adults in women’s size 6 and larger, there are currently no snowshoe rentals for children.

BUCKEYE RECREATION

SUGAR MOUNTAIN RESORT

In addition to a system of rugged Beech Mountain trails known as the Emerald Outback, there is also a short, flat loop called Wild Iris that is perfect for beginners. The cost to rent snowshoes is $5 per person, with sessions lasting two hours. Diﬀerent rates are available for longer or shorter rentals. While the recreation center oﬀers snow-

As an alternative to skiing, Sugar Mountain Resort oﬀers guided snowshoe tours that can range from a casual walk to an intense workout depending on the desires of the participant. Each tour is an hour long and includes snowshoe rental. Adult tours are available for ages 12 and older, and children’s tours are available for kids ages eight to 11.

WHERE TO GO Snowshoeing opportunities are available at the following locations:

Buckeye Recreation Center 1330 Pine Ridge Rd, Beech Mountain Cost: $5 per 2-hour rental (828) 387-3003 www.beechmtn.com/things-to-do/winter-sports/snowshoeing

Tours take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 3 p.m. and on Saturdays at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Groups are

Sugar Mountain Resort 1009 Sugar Mountain Dr, Sugar Mountain Cost: $25 per person, $19 after March 5 Free Snowshoeing on Jan. 7 in honor of National Winter Trails Day 800-Sugar-MT (784-2768) www.skisugar.com/snowshoeing

welcome, and the cost is $25 per person. March Madness rates of $19 per person apply after March 5.

2017

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SUGAR SWEET GETAWAY Sugar Mountain Resort a snowsports haven

BY JAMES BRANCH james.branch@averyjournal.com

Your Future Elevated | Banner Elk, NC | 828.898.5241

or all your winter skiing, snowboarding and general snow-related sport activates, Sugar Mountain Resort has all that you need and more to have fun in the High Country this winter season. With 21 slopes ranging from “easier”

difficultly level all the way to double diamond’s “most difficult, use extra caution,” Sugar Mountain Resort offers varying mountain challenges for any snow lover’s age or skill set. With three restaurants open, including with a 350-seat cafeteria open from SEE SUGAR ON PAGE 67

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WINTER TIMES

The Banner Elk Winery & Villa offers the ultimate wine country experience; views, location, setting and privacy. Enjoy the serene pleasures of tranquility and beauty, while still being minutes away from downtown Banner Elk. It is the perfect venue for weddings and receptions of all sizes and styles, from the small and intimate to the large and opulent. Open daily, 12pm-6pm Live music every Saturday and Sunday Follow us on Facebook and our website for special events, accommodations, releases of new vintages.

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2017

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2017

SUGAR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 65

8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, a 250-seat Top Floor Cafeteria open as needed and the Last Run Lounge Restaurant, complete with an outdoor grill on deck (weather permitting), customers have plenty of options to feed an empty stomach and adventuring spirit throughout the day and evening. Sugar Mountain Resort is also adjacent to many additional local eateries within a short distance to welcome guests, as well as myriad shops and activities throughout the Village of Sugar Mountain and other local towns. For those enthusiasts who have the time and desire to stay over for a few days of shredding the slopes, Sugar Mountain Resort also provides lodging options, in addition to a number of local hotels and motels to stay at that are both conveniently located and offer topnotch scenic views. To ease accessibility to the mountain, Sugar offers parking options at locations on the mountain, as well as a free parking area and shuttle service at the base of the mountain on Hwy. 194, taking the hassle out of parking on a busy ski day when parking may be limited elsewhere. In terms of activities and programs, Sugar Mountain Resort offers top-notch amenities, including skiing, snowboarding, NASTAR race action, snowshoe-guided tours, tubing, ice skating, a sports shop and snowboarding school, one for adults and one for kids, which all ensure that an experience on the mountain is both enjoyable and safe. Sugar Mountain Resort is North Carolina’s largest snow-sports resort providing the best skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, tubing and snowshoeing experience possible. To make the Sugar Mountain adventure even greater this season, the resort has upgraded its snowmaking system. All of Sugar Mountain Resort’s skiable terrain is equipped with an underground piping system and surface machinery that produces manmade snow. Maintaining, upgrading, and replacing the 48-year-old system is a constant work-in-progress. During the summer months, a 1,000-gallon-per-minute, high-efficiency, variable-speed water pump replaced the oldest of the four, increasing capacity by 15 percent. Two new fully-automated SMI tower snow machines were added to the current

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TICKETS AND TIMES Tickets can be bought at the gate or ahead of schedule. On top of that, Sugar Mountain Resort will rent you any kind of equipment you may need on your trip. Lift tickets are also available separately if desired. All pricing information, including group rates, rentals, military or student discounts, can be found online by clicking to www.skisugar.com. Alongside keeping safe with the right clothes that can be rented, check out the resort’s equipment rentals where you can rent out some of the top gear for your chosen sport.

fleet, meaning more snow, more quickly for skiers and snow lovers to enjoy. As if the activities and features already mentioned aren’t enticing enough, Sugar Mountain has a multitude of events to keep customers and guests occupied during a visit. One such event is Sugar’s annual SugarFest, taking place this year on Dec. 8 to 10, and includes a hot chocolate bar, a soup safari, BBQ lunch and dinner specials. The weekend features an adult ski clinic taught by four-time Olympian and World Cup downhill winner Marco Sullivan, while 1992 Olympic figure skating silver medalist Paul Wylie returns to Sugar Mountain Resort to perform an amazing show on-ice, in addition to an ice skating clinic, a meet-and-greet session and a chance to hold a genuine Olympic silver medal. Overall, a trip to Sugar Mountain promises excitement, variety and an unforgettable experience. It is a sweet place with loads of events and activities that will keep snow athletes and admirers with an experience that can only described as an all-day “Sugar high.” As a word of friendly advice, with any trip to the mountains, it’s a good idea to remember to dress warmly and in water-resistant clothes. Also, remember to drink plenty of water and take breaks to not tire out and increase risk of injury. It is good to have fun, but remember to be safe about it. Upon getting tired or worn out, perhaps a relaxing move is visiting one of three spas at the resort, or even changing up one’s look at the resort’s hair salon. To make a long story short, Sugar Mountain Resort is the sweetest place for anyone to get away for a day, a week or multiple visits during this High Country winter to have a good time.

PHOTO COURTESY SUGAR MOUNTAIN RESORT Sugar Mountain Resort has upgraded its snowmaking system to further enhance the snow sports experience for visitors this winter season.

WINTER LIFT AND SLOPE SESSIONS, CONTACT INFORMATION Winter Lift and slope session times: Day Session: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Half-Day Session: 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Twilight Session: 12:30 to 10 p.m. (closed 4:30 to 6 p.m.) Night Session: 6 to 10 p.m. Christmas Eve: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Christmas Day: noon to 10 p.m. Tubing: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (session times may vary) Ice Skating: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (session times may vary)

For more information: Sugar Mountain Resort 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive Sugar Mountain, NC 28604 (828) 898-4521

PHOTO COURTESY SUGAR MOUNTAIN RESORT Sugar Mountain Resort’s Summit Express is the fastest lift in the region, quickly shuttling skiers and snow sports enthusiasts to make another run down the mountain.

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2017

LINVILLE CAVERNS

THE MOST FUN YOU CAN HAVE IN A CAVE BY JAMES BRANCH james.branch@averyjournal.com

hen most think of dark and moist caves, the word “fun” is usually not associated alongside them. However, Linville hosts an attraction so cavernous and wonderful it will likely challenge your thinking about caves. Linville Caverns, located in a beautiful area of the Blue Ridge Mountains in McDowell County, holds the title of being North Carolina’s only known limestone cave. Deep beneath Humpback Mountain, million of years worth of flowing water has shaped the caverns to what they are today. In 1822, two fishermen followed a family of fish to upstream to discover what is now known as Linville Caverns. Minutes after buying your ticket, you are transported from a land of sunshine to an underworld of rocks, dripping water, tight spaces and your childhood wonder as you explore a cave, the opposite of your normal commute. Many individuals as children played in the yard, pretending to explore diﬀerent worlds while navigating through adventures in their imagination. Upon growing up, those same children as adults find that most places of exploration include shopping malls or overcrowded clothes closets. Those childlike dreams and experiences of true exploration are available again at Linville Caverns, as visitors learn about the diﬀerent types of limestone rocks that grow there, in addition to the types of fish who have made their homes in the cavern’s streams. Also during the upcoming winter months, tour groups may get the chance to see some hibernating tricolored bats. Did you know there was a type of spider with “grand” in its name? In addition to hibernating bats, hibernating grand-daddy long legs occupy the cavernous spaces that are prime climates

PHOTO SUBMITTED The trails inside Linville Caverns are cool and damp, with a seasonal average temperature of approximately 50 degrees, relatively warm for the winter High Country months.

for a long rest. Experience complete darkness a mile underground, a feat that is only comparable to being in the very depths of the ocean, which unlike the caverns, would be a much more expensive, time-consuming and dangerous journey. With a constant temperature of 52 degrees year round, it would be wise to bring a jacket, especially one with a hood due to dripping water. Now there is no need to fret of becoming bored at Linville Caverns. With halfhour long guided tours, there is much to learn and even more to see with something new happening each time you go. Getting lost within the caverns is never a concern, as trained guides

TICKETS AND TIMES Hours of Operation Linville Caverns is open daily from March to November, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During the months of December, January and February, the attractions is open only on weekends from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Ticket Prices Adults: $8.50 Adults 62 and over: $7.50 Children ages 5 to 12: $6.50 Children under 5 years of age are admitted free with adult admission. More information about special group rates can be found online at the Linville Caverns website by clicking to www.linvillecaverns.com. will take visitors on a tour of the cave, pointing out interesting rock formations and various animals, while also teaching visitors, whether individuals or groups,

about the history of the cave. All in all, a trip to Linville Caverns will rock your socks and you will not take it for granite ... rather, granted.

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WINTER FISHING BUNDLE UP AND STAY WARM

BY STEVE BEHR sports@wataugademocrat.com

inter fishing does not involve cutting a hole in the ice of a lake that is surrounded by a shanty and a television — at least in the High Country. In the High County, most of winter fishing involves many of the same things that summer fishing involves. There are some diﬀerences, some subtle, some obvious. But winter fishing is alive and well in the area, even if there are more fishermen who test the waters during the warmer months. The key to winter fishing, according to fishing guide Brad Burchette of Watauga River Fly Shop, is to make sure you are prepared to bundle up for warmth before going out into the river or on the lake. “I don’t like to fish if it’s lower than 30 degrees,” Burchette said. “Whenever you’re stripping your fly line, the water you pick up on your line will freeze on your rod, which is a pain to deal with. As long as it is over 30 degrees, then I like to get out there.” Getting too cold while fishing can ruin the experience, so it’s important to stay as warm as possible. Fishermen are going to get cold, especially standing in a river that is around 50 degrees or cooler. Proper clothing is critical to keep from getting too cold. Insulated waders are helpful to take oﬀ the chill. Doing the old-fashioned way of dressing in layers is also recommended. “I’ll wear long johns, then I’ll usually wear sweatpants or flannel-like Carhartt-type pants under by waders,” Burchette said. “I’ll wear big wool socks.

PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Proper clothing is critical to keep from getting too cold if you want to catch one of these beauties.

Sometimes I’ll put hand-warmer on the tips of my socks just to get a little extra warmth to my toes, because the first thing that goes are your feet.” Burchette cautioned that even with the extra clothing, anglers can expect to be cold while standing in a river. Burchette said the hand-warmers on his feet help keep them from getting too cold right away. “You’ll be pretty uncomfortable as soon as you walk in, unless you are really dressed correctly,” Burchette said. “I’ve found the only way to keep my feet from completely becoming numb is putting the hand-warmers in my waders on the tops of my feet.” If there are more than one angler taking on a river, Burchette recommended that one person fish for a while in the river, and then be replaced by one of his

friends. If the angler is fishing a river that is away from trees, a good way to stay warm is to simply not go into the water at all and fish from the side. Since trees are not around, there is nothing to tangle up the line on a cast before it reaches the water. “If I’m fishing a small stream that’s pretty rocky, I’ll make as many casts as I can without getting into the water,” he said. “The problem up here is that so many of these rivers have so much overhang that goes through wooded sections, it’s hard to fish, with a fly rod at least, from the bank, because a lot of times you have do a back-cast or you have overhang where it’s tough making that cast. You have to position yourself in the river in order to have a clear back-cast.” Burchette said the sheer volume of

people fishing is lower than during the summer, which can provide opportunities to catch a higher volume of fish. He said trout is the most plentiful type of fish available, but small-mouth bass and rock bass are also in the local streams. The Watauga River is also home to brim. “A lot of the more popular places people go to fish will be empty,” Burchette said. “A lot of instances you have the river to yourself, which is really nice.” The lower temperature will impact the activity of the fish themselves. Many fish do not need to find the food they eat during the summer months, putting the fish into a hibernation state. They will not be as active and some fish will find warmer areas in the river in an attempt to escape the colder water. However, fish still try to find food. Potential anglers should use smaller bait of flies to lure fish to the hook. “I think it’s better fishing than the heat of the summer,” Burchette said. “For trout, they need a lot of oxygen in the water to survive and to have energy, and what happens is warm water doesn’t dissolve as much oxygen. so, the colder the water, the more oxygen. There is a point when it gets too cold, they’ll start slowing down, but for the most part up here it’s pretty easy to get fish to bite over the winter.” The bugs in the streams for the fish to feed on become much smaller in the winter. That also means that the flies used to lure them must be smaller than during the summer months. “The biggest thing to know is there are a lot smaller aquatic bugs in the rivers throughout the winter, so you have to use a smaller fly pattern most of the time,” SEE FISHING ON PAGE 71

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FISHING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 69

Burchette said. “That’s where a lot of people go wrong. They use the flies they use in the summer time that work well in the winter and you’re just not going to catch as many fish because they’ll know that they’re fake.” Burchette said the fish will be in the general places in the rivers that they are in the summer, but not necessarily in the exact same spots. Burchette said when the summer months come around, the fish will be in the currents to feed. In the winter months, Burchette said the fish will be in the currents, but the currents will be slower-moving water. The fish will also congregate in deep pools along the river “They move around a little bit, but not necessarily completing in diﬀerent sections of rivers,” he said. “Once it reaches a certain temperature of coldness, it’s almost like a hibernation mode, were they kind of sit there

WINTER TIMES and hang out,” Burchette said. “That’s another reason why I said the river is freezing and all that, that’s an indication that those fish aren’t going to be eating as much at that point. At temperatures 45 degrees and up, they should have plenty of energy from eating bugs.” Burchette said there were some public places that people not familiar with Watauga County fishing holes can go to try their luck this winter. Valle Crucis Park is a good place to start. He also said that at this time of the year, the fishing in the county is catchand-release until June 1. “It’s a good place to go,” he said. “You can’t keep them, but there’s a lot of fish in the water and it’s easily accessible.” Todd Island Park on the New River is another place to try. It’s another delayed harvest section that fishes well in the river. Burchette said any information about winter fishing and how to get to those places is available on www.ncwildlife. org.

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2017

WINTER HIKING

some trails just can’t be reached, but... BY ROB MOORE rob.moore@mountaintimes.com

inter in the mountains of North Carolina can be brutal. During the cold months many people want to stay inside and drink a warm cup of cocoa or coffee, eat some soup or sit by a fire. Those who are adventurous see the snow and ice as an opportunity to observe nature in a different way. The color combinations are far different than from the summer or fall months, but just as spectacular. Icicles forming on the rock cliffs or in a stream brings out natures artistic touch and adds to the beauty of all things cold. Hiking in the cold takes a different type of person, but it is attainable. Make sure you bundle up, have some extra warmth, dawn some waterproof boots with crampons and always take food and water. Here is a link to some great tips should you feel the hike is worth the effort – https:// matadornetwork.com/notebook/10-tips-for-safe-andcomfortable-winter-hiking/. Here is a list of local hikes you can do that are not backcountry, but easy enough to accomplish with great results. Just remember, not all trails can be reached, especially if the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed due to a snow storm – that is unless you want to really get your hike on. Price Lake Trail: An easy trail leading around scenic Price Lake for 2.7 miles. If you are lucky, the beavers will be working or the Kingfishers searching for a small fish. Trailhead is at Price Lake parking area, Milepost 297.0. If the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed you can access this by coming in on Calloway Mountain Rd. Moses Cone Carriage Trails: Easy-to-moderate. The Moses Cone Park includes 25 miles of gently sloping carriage trails of varying lengths, available to hikers, joggers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. Most trails begin near the Moses Cone Manor, Milepost 294.0. This trail has some great fall scenery viewpoints and the family can enjoy the trek. The payoff is the Flat top tower at the end which provides a 360 degree view to Boone, Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain. Trout Pond on Carriage Trail: Hikers and cross

PHOTO BY ROB MOORE A lone jogger heads around Bass Lake in Blowing Rock. This is one of the starting points for the Carriage Trails that lead up to Moses Cone and Flattop tower.

country skiers can access this side oﬀ of Shulls Mill Road at the Trout Pond. This system of trails leads into the Carriage Trails and will take you up to Rich Mountain. There are plenty of switchbacks and it is wide enough to share with everyone. Bass Lake: This is reached by U.S. 221 between Blowing Rock and Linville. It is part of the Carriage Trails and will lead you up to the Moses Cone home and also further up to Flattop tower. Crosscountry skiers use this as a starting point. Beech Mountain Emerald Outback: Several trails of the Beech Mountain Emerald Outback in this system can be hiked if you are skiing Beech Mountain. There are some cool rock formations. Elk River Valley, Awesome Oz and Pride Rock overlooks are on this trail for some excellent winter viewing. You might even come across the many deer that frequent this “Hobbit” type terrain.

Sugar Mountain: Snowshoeing trails are available in the winter months. Boone Greenway Trail: Boone has an easy greenway that can be accessed at several locations. The most used access point is oﬀ of State Farm Road. The distance is less than 4 miles end-to-end. For more information on this trail use: https://www.boonebike.com/about/town-ofboone-greenway-trail-pg108.htm. The harder trails will take some eﬀort to reach, but if you are skilled, that will not be a problem. Grandfather State Parks trails are for the experienced hikers in the winter. The Linville Gorge trails can be accessed year round but extreme caution is advised if snow and ice are present. For more trails go to www.mtnsnapshots.com or www. highcountrync.com/play/hike/ for more information.

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imply put, there’s a lot going on in the High Country. And, with so many adventures awaiting visitors and residents alike, it’s important to have a guide to point out all there is to do, from day trips to full-fledged vacations. Since 2014, that guide has been HighCountryNC.com, a website developed to help you easily navigate all there is to do and see in our mountain communities. HighCountryNC.com is filled with stories, photographs and information about regional events, activities and attractions. So much so, that it has become the leading tourism website of the High Country. “HighCountryNC.com is a special resource for visitors and locals in the area,” said a founding member of the tourism website. “We’re able to keep content fresh with input from writers who have grown up here and continue to chose to live here for special reasons — including a love for the Blue Ridge Mountains and the outdoor adventure they present.” HighCountryNC.com highlights the outdoor activities available throughout the region, including where to hike, ski, snowboard, tube and fish, in addition to keeping tabs on local events and festivals, restaurants, entertainment, shops and hotels that specifically cater to the visitors and locals alike. “Not only does HighCountryNC.com offer resources for where to stay, play

and eat, but the website also keeps readers in the know with breaking news,” the spokesman said. “Is the Parkway open or closed? Find out here.” The journalists who contribute to HighCountryNC.com belong to Mountain Times Publications, the largest regional media group. The website accompanies MTP’s seasonal magazines: Winter Times, Summer Times and Autumn Times — publications that have won multiple awards for content and design. HighCountryNC.com also presents a unique opportunity for advertisers who are looking for exposure to tourists from outside the region, said MTP Advertising Director Charlie Price. “We offer seasonal stories that engage visitors,” Price said. “We share our stories on Facebook and Twitter to reach thousands of current and new viewers.” About 70 percent of HighCountryNC. com’s visitors come from cities outside of the High Country, including North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. MTP’s newspaper websites have more than a million unique visitors each year, with more than 10 million page views, and HighCountryNC.com adds to that total. If you’re interested in exploring the beauty of the High Country, visit HighCountryNC.com to start your journey. We’ll see you there.

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2017

Under the rock and ice Caving in the winter provides wonders

BY THOMAS SHERRILL thomas.sherrill@averyjournal.com

hen snow comes to the High Country, many eyes are fixed on looking up. People look up at the peaks and the slopes that descend from the heavens to the valleys. However, the wonders of winter can also be found below the valleys in the High Country’s caves, where bats, stalagmites and stalactites can provide a winter wonderland that can seem like a hidden secret. “There’s less traﬃc, so generally, there’s fewer people in the caves,” said

Mark Ruff, manager at High Mountain Expeditions about caving in the winter. One fascinating fact is that even if the temperature is below freezing or above scolding, caves have a natural insulation from the outside elements. “You’re going into a very climate-controlled area,” Ruff explained. “It generally runs about 55 degrees.” A select number of Boone companies offer tours of caves along the North Carolina and Tennessee borders, most notably Worley’s Cave in Bluff City, Tenn. With more than 4,000 feet to walk, Worley’s Cave is one of the premiere spelunking experiences in the Appalachian Mountains. More than just a

walk-in experience, guided tours involves traversing narrow passages, dark areas and some picture-esqe scenes. “Worley’s Cave is a great introductory cave as a lot of it can be upright and more people can enjoy it,” Ruff explained. “Some spaces are small, but some space you can fit a church.” For first-timers, caving can offer a new world of wonders as every rock formation is different. “Most people hardly ever go into a cave, so it’s really exploring a whole new world,” Ruff explained. “You have various animals, fish, bats and particularly toward the entrance, sometimes raccoons or bears.”

Caving can be for anyone, with exceptions for those with claustrophobia or limited mobility, with the more challenging passages requiring a degree of physical fitness. With the caves being insulated at around 55 degrees and some with streams running through, minimizing exposed body parts is highly recommended. “Wear closed-toed sturdy shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt,” Ruﬀ noted. “Avoid wearing cotton. One of the caves we do is in a river, so getting wet is a good part of it. Wear wood or clothes SEE CAVING ON PAGE 75

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2017

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Celebrating 35Years

PHOTO BY MICHAEL HARDY Several caves can be found along the banks of the Watauga River.

CAVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 74

that can retain heat.” Ruff also highly recommends wearing gloves to avoid cross-contamination as the oils that humans secrete can react badly with the natural formations, as well as additional clothing post-trip. “You should also bring a change of clothes, depending on the weather outside,” Ruff said. Due to the sensitive nature of the areas caves such as possible cross-contamination with bat populations, littering and even trying to take some of the natural beauties home, it’s highly recommended to take a guided tour if possible. Most area guides are passionate about the caves they explore and minimize their footprints, sometimes literally. “Pack it in, pack it out, whatever you bring in, bring out,” Ruff said in regards to keeping the caves clean. “Respect the cave, animals, features and respect the entrance to the properties and access areas.” Guided trips can help beginners learn how to navigate certain caves safely and securely. For the experiences spelunkers

who want to explore without a guide, Ruff says to never go spelunking alone and always let others know where you are. “Always have gloves, a helmet and gloves,” Ruff explained. In the end, even though caves can appear scary, the small spaces are full of character, history and imagination. “I say just get out and do it,” Ruff said.

COMPANIES THAT OFFER CAVE TOURS River Earth Adventures Vilas 5578 Highway 421 (828) 963-5491 raftcavehike.com

High Mountain Expeditions Banner Elk 3149 Tynecastle Highway (828) 266-7238 highmountainexpeditions.com

WINTER AND SMALL WORKS EXHIBITION

November 24 – April 30, 2018

Holiday Open House November 24 and 25, 10am-5pm

A Gallery filled with Exquisite Gifts WORKSHOPS FOR ALL LEVELS Call for 2018 schedule

Wahoo’s Adventures Blowing Rock 3385 U.S. Highway 321 (828) 262-5774 www.wahoosadventures.com

Located 10 Miles South of Boone on Highway 105 in Grandfather Community 828-963-4288 | www.carltongallery.com | carltongallery@carltongallery.com

PAINTINGS • CLAY • GLASS • WOOD • FIBER ART • JEWELRY

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EAT

EAT SHOP O explore p

MIRACLE GROUNDS COFFEE SHOP

this is no ordinary cup of coffee

Serving hot and cold coffee, specialty drinks, tea, and breakfast and lunch specials daily. OPEN Monday-Saturday 7:30am-5:00pm www.miraclegrounds.org | 8 Fountain Circle | Crossnore, NC 28616 | (828) 733-2247

SHOP BLAIR FRALEY SALES STORE

largest resale shop in the high country

The Blair Fraley Sales Store offers treasures to locals and visitors alike. OPEN Monday-Wednesday & Friday-Saturday 10am-5:00pm, Thursday 10am-6pm 100 DAR Drive | Crossnore, NC 28616 | (828) 733-4228

CROSSNORE WEAVERS

a working museum

colors off hope p

SEE THE AT CROSSNORE SCHOOL & CHILDREN’S HOME.

The Weaving Room was created to keep alive the Appalachian art of hand-weaving. The museum promotes the school through the sale of its beautiful hand-woven goods. OPEN Monday-Friday 9am-5pm & Saturday 10am-5pm | www.crossnoreweavers.org 205 Johnson Lane | Crossnore, NC 28616 | (828) 733-4660

CROSSNORE FINE ARTS GALLERY

helps artists help Crossnore children

Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery represents regional painters, sculptors and fine crafts. All work in the gallery is available for purchase. OPEN Monday-Friday 9am-5pm & Saturday 10am-5pm | www.crossnoregallery.org 205 Johnson Lane | Crossnore, NC 28616 | (828) 733-3144

CROSSNORE school & children’s home

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE CHILDREN OF CROSSNORE SCHOOL & CHILDREN’S HOME.

EXPLORE

BEN LONG FRESCO

in the Sloop Chapel

Completed in 2006, the fresco at The Crossnore School renders the scripture of Mark 10:14, “suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.” OPEN Daily 8:30am-5:00pm | 100 DAR Drive | Crossnore, NC 28616 | (828) 733-4305

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Artists add a splash of color to white winters BY BRIAN MILLER AND MATT DEBNAM brian.miller@mountaintimes.com matt.debnam@averyjournal.com

rt is a powerful tool of expression — it tells stories, it evokes emotion. Art, in all of its media — painting, drawing, sculpture, pottery — sparks imagination in its creator or viewer. Art in the High Country is especially powerful, and that may have something to do with the surreal, mountainous surroundings that embrace the region and inspire the artists. This winter, it won’t be uncommon to witness works depicting snow covered landscapes, as local galleries tend to coincide with the seasons, but there will certainly still be plenty of variety. From small, intimate venues featuring local works, to upscale, nationally-acclaimed museums, there is something for everyone’s taste. Following is a list of galleries in Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties to check out this winter.

ASHE COUNTY Acorn Gallery Acorn Gallery is a fine art gallery for originals and giclees by Raney Rogers, a nationally known realist painter who teaches art throughout the U.S. and abroad. The Acorn Gallery was the first artist dedicated fine art gallery to open in West Jeﬀerson. Raney’s subject matter is as broad as her mediums and her work can be found in galleries throughout the southeast. 103 Long St., West Jeﬀerson (336) 246-3388 acorngallery@acorngallery.com www.acorngallery.com

Ashe Arts Center Located in a historic WPA building

featuring the Gallery and Gallery Shop, Ashe Arts Center features nine exhibits per year. With artists from across the high country represented, there’s always something for everyone. Painting, photography, mixed media work, sculpture, fibers, woodworking, jewelry, and works on paper are presented. Each December, the Gallery is transformed into a winter wonderland with Tree Fest and the Christmas Miniatures Exhibit. Corner of Main Street and School Avenue, West Jeﬀerson (336) 846-2787 jane@ashecountyarts.org www.ashecountyarts.org

Ashe Custom Framing and Gallery The oldest gallery and custom framer in West Jefferson, Ashe Custom Framing and Galleru offers a fine selection of original paintings, prints, pottery and photography by local and regional artists and crafts persons. Featured is a wide array of decorative and functional pottery, note cards, wooden items, glass, baskets, fountains, other art gifts, and, of course, custom framing. 105 South Jefferson Avenue, Jefferson (336) 846-2218 tom@ashecustomframing.com www.ashecustomframing.com

Backstreet Beads and Handcrafted Jewelry This unique store features handcrafted designed jewelry and gifts from semiprecious and precious gemstones, Swarovski crystals,and precious metals. Pendants, necklaces, earrings, watches, and custom orders are all unique and one of a kind. Craft and bead supplies and jewelry repair are also available along with displays of paintings and photography from local artists. 111-A North Jeﬀerson Avenue,

PHOTO BY MATT DEBNAM Located in the Cultural Arts Center at the Historic Banner Elk School, the Banner Elk Gallery is a co-op featuring the work of several local artists in a variety of mediums.

West Jeﬀerson (336) 877-7686 michelle@backstreetbeads.com www.backstreetbeads.com

Bohemia Gallery Bohemia Gallery features the work of several fine local artists including Martha Gimlin’s original paintings, watercolors by Mick Donelan, graphite drawings by Sally Glass, pottery by David Bridge, and wooden bowls, cutting boards and unique wood items by Mile High Lumber Company. Enjoy a fine cup of coffee, great atmosphere, and beautiful artwork. 5 North Jefferson Avenue, West Jefferson (336) 846-1498 thebohemiagal@gmail.com www.bohemianc.com

Catch Light Gallery Catchlight Gallery is the only gallery exclusively dedicated to the art of photography in the High Country. Beautiful, unique images by North Carolina photographers can be found at Catchlight. CatchLight Gallery representation will change throughout the year in both

featured artists and showings. A section of the gallery is dedicated to the up and coming photographers of Ashe County where Ashe County High School students display their works. 108 North Jeﬀerson Avenue, West Jeﬀerson (336) 846-1551 info@catchlightgallery.net www.catchlightgallery.net

Cher Shaffer Studio Gallery The newest gallery stop in the Arts District. Cher Shaﬀer is a self-taught folk artist with many years’ experience in creating colorful work which has been classified as outsider or visionary art. Her work is bold and fluid, and her masterful use of image and color have made her work very collectible. 19 E. Ashe Street (336) 385-6001 mountainmojo@skybest.com www.chershaﬀer.com

Florence Thomas Art School Downtown West Jeﬀerson’s one stop SEE GALLERIES ON PAGE 80

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paintings, pottery and metalwork. Located next to the Old Hampton Store in Linville, visitors to this gallery can also enjoy live music, southern cooking and the occasional festivity on the lawn. 87 Ruﬃn Street, Linville (828) 737-0420 www.87ruﬃnstreet.com

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shop for art workshops, classes, demonstrations, and the work of renowned artist Florence Thomas. Special events, exhibits, artists in residence, open studio, and First Fridays all contribute to the vibrant art scene. 10 S. Jeﬀerson Avenue, West Jeﬀerson 336.846-3827 info@florenceartschool.org www.florenceartschool.org

Crossnore Fine Art Gallery

Foxﬁre Holler Fiber Arts This shop focuses on local fiber arts with uniquely handcrafted apparel, accessories, gifts, home décor, yarns, and more. Spinning, weaving, felting, rug hooking, and all things fiber! Classes and workshops are also available. 08 E. First Street, West Jeﬀerson (336) 620-2829 foxfirehollerfiberarts@gmail.com

Frenchy’s Gallery Frenchy has put together an eclectic group of artists including painters Joy Braverman-Smith, Susan Jesperson, Emma Wilson, Deborah Speas, Clayton Proctor (painting and glass mosaics). Also included are Charla Rae’s photography, Joel Carpenter’s wood craft, and others. Frenchy’s folk art style of painting is bright, colorful, and full of life. 119 North Jeﬀerson Avenue, West Jeﬀerson (336) 846-1900

Great Southern Gothic Great Southern Gothic embraces everything Southern, from the mysteries of the Appalachian mountains all the way down to the genteel deep south. This is a place where old and new, light and dark, raw and refined, natural and fantastical mesh together to create a unique experience. You will find the work of local artists and others residing in the Southern states. 103 N. Jeﬀerson Avenue (336) 846-2410 zeeadarling@ymail.com www.greatsoutherngothic.com

Originals Only Gallery Originals Only Gallery showcases fine oil paintings by Joan Stiles Bell and Susan Van Wyk. Light-filled landscapes of our North Carolina Mountains and farms and color infused paintings by

2017

PHOTO BY COLIN TATE The home of the Ashe County Arts Council, the Ashe Arts Center is at the epicenter of the art scene in Ashe County.

these two artists offer a delight to the eye. The gallery also features pottery and woodworking by local craftspeople and a colorful array of beautiful textiles. 3B North Jefferson Avenue, West Jefferson (336) 846-1636 joanie@joanbell.com www.originalsonlygallery.com

Quilt Square Girls Quilt Square Girls features hand-painted Barn Quilts in a variety of sizes for your home, oﬃce, outbuilding or barn. Choose quilts from inventory or customize your own in either hand painted or graphically designed aluminum versions. Also highlighted are local photography by Jay Wild and Bluemoonistic Images, custom wire wrapped jewelry by Dres Wire Designs, pottery by Grassy Creek Pottery and Leesa Kessell, Maple Hill Wool Studio fiber arts and much more. 5 East Second Street, West Jeﬀerson (336) 385-0197 quiltsquaregirls@aol.com www.ilovebarnquilts.com

Love for the Mountains Love for the Mountains Store features the handcrafted work of local artisans. Featured work includes paintings, quilts, wood crafts, pottery, yard art, handmade toys, soap, unique craft items and more. The Vintage Locket is nestled inside featuring fine artisan jewelry by Melissa Cox. 16 North Jeﬀerson Avenue,

West Jeﬀerson (336) 846-7600 loveforthemountainsstore@gmail.com www.loveforthemountainsstore.com

Located on the campus of the Crossnore School, The Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery displays the works of local and regional artists and makers of fine crafts. The gallery hosts a variety of exhibits throughout the year and is located in the same building as the historic Crossnore Weaving Room, a space where students learn the traditional Appalachian art of hand-weaving. 205 Johnson Lane, Crossnore (828) 733-3144 hfisher@crossnore.org www.crossnore.org/fine-arts-gallery

Banner Elk Gallery

This gallery features a wide variety of original fine art. Enjoy sculpture and abstract and realistic paintings by owners R.T. Morgan and Glass by Camille Morgan. Other featured artists show pottery, blown glass, sculpture, baskets and garden art. 120 North Jeﬀerson Avenue, West Jeﬀerson (336) 246-3328 ctmorgan47@gmail.com www.rtmorganartgallery.com

One of the newest additions to the Avery County art scene, the BE Gallery is housed in the Cultural Arts Center at the Historic Banner Elk School. The gallery features the works of a co-op of local artists who specialize in a variety of mediums, including painting, photography, woodwork, ceramics and graphic design. In addition to members, a number of consignment artists also have their work on display. 185 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk (828) 260-2189 art@BEartistsgallery.com www.beartistsgallery.com

Shoemaker Studio and Gallery

Art Cellar Gallery

This gallery features the artwork of local artist Stephen Shoemaker. Stephen is known as the “Train Man” in Ashe County with numerous original paintings and prints on his favorite subject. Stephen also paints landscapes and still life; he works in watercolor & acrylics. 111 South Jeﬀerson Avenue, West Jeﬀerson (336) 846-3401 shoethree@skybest.com www.stephenshoemaker.com

For 25 years, the Art Cellar Gallery has been a destination for art lovers visiting Banner Elk. Featuring works from regionally, nationally and internationally renowned artists, the gallery’s collection includes paintings, glass, wood, stone, metal and clay. With an ever-changing array of displays and exhibitions, the Art Cellar has something for every artistic taste. 920 Shawnehaw Avenue, Hwy. 184, Banner Elk (828) 898-5175 sarah@artcellaronline.com www.artcellaronline.com

R.T. Morgan Art Gallery and Glass by Camille

AVERY COUNTY 87 Rufﬁn Street Established in 1999, 87 Ruﬃn Street features southern folk art, including

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Blowing Rock Arts and History Museum BY DEREK HALSEY

hile winter time turns into fun time in the High Country Mountains, there is also a warm and beautiful building to visit this part of the year that will stimulate your mind and imagination. The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM) is one of the true gems of the High Country region, located at 159 Chestnut Street in the heart of Blowing Rock. The mission of the nonprofit museum is to “promote visual arts, history and heritage of the mountains through educational programs, exhibitions, and significant permanent collections.” Run by Executive Director Lee Carol Giduz, Facilities Manager Mark Brackbill, Education Center Director Jennifer Garonzik, Curator of Exhibitions and Collections Director Dianna Cameron and a wonderful staﬀ, the Blowing Rock

Arts and History Museum will feature three interesting and unique exhibits during the winter months. There will be a regular series of gatherings and workshops throughout the winter, all of which are listed on the museum’s website found at blowingrockmuseum.org. The three exhibits to be oﬀered this season will include “Comic Stripped: A Revealing Look at Southern Stereotypes in Cartoons” which will take from November 11, 2017 — March 17, 2018; “Black Mountain College” from November 24, 2017 until April 7, 2018, and “Cecil Sharp Historic Photographs,” which will be featured at the museum from November 30, 2017 until January31, 2018. The “Cecil Sharp Historic Photographs” exhibit is a fascinating look into the journeys of Cecil Sharp in the early SEE BRAHM ON PAGE 85

GALLERIES

Mazie Jones Gallery

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Doe Ridge Pottery Gallery Doe Ridge Pottery Gallery, owned and operated by master potter Bob Meier, specializes in home décor as well as functional ware. The gallery is home to a collection of local artists, including Becki Henderson-Gow, Carol King, Cindy Pacileo, Claire Lenahan, Constance Cox, Jimmy Savely, Kate Colclaser, Nathan Fields, Nancy Graham, Patti Carmen-Whitehead, Rick Brake and Stephanie Weldeneach, who each bring their own unique voice and perspective to their pottery. Most days, visitors can see the artists live at work. 585 W King Street, Boone (828) 264-1127 meier@doeridgepottery.com www.doeridgepottery.homestead.com

Hands Gallery What began as the dream of a small group of craftspeople in 1975, Hands Gallery, a co-op gallery, continues to thrive today in an intimate and continually-changing environment. Dozens of artisans have explored the business opportunities Hands has given their

COURTESY OF THE BLOWING ROCK ART & HISTORY MUSEUM, BLOWING ROCK. The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum is a High Country jewel and perfect for a wintry indoor activity.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Bob Meier, owner of Doe Ridge Pottery Gallery in downtown Boone, works on his craft in the gallery studio.

work, while donating time and ideas to the growth and success of the operation. Each of the artist members has a full display of work in the gallery, and the variety of work and personalities has always made Hands an interesting and rich experience for members as well as visitors. 543 W King Street, Boone (828) 262-1970 www.handsgallery.org

Located inside the Jones House Cultural and Community Center in downtown Boone, the Mazie Jones Gallery showcases local artists in an intimate, historical environment. The Jones House was built as a family home by Dr. John Walter Jones in 1908. Jones’ daughter, Mazie Jean Jones Levenson, inherited the house and sold it to the town of Boone in 1983 with a stipulation in the deed that the house and surrounding green space only be used as a cultural and community center. That restriction expired in 2008, but the town continues to honor her wishes. 604 W King Street, Boone (828) 268-6280 www.joneshouse.org

Nthº Gallery & Studios The Nthº Gallery & Studios is a nonprofit, member and donation supported art venue that features monthly exhibitions of local and regional contemporary and emerging artists. The gallery’s season spans the entire year with shows taking place on the first Friday of every month. The space also features six studio rooms and seven active artists who use the space to create

their own work and also contribute to the operation of the gallery. Approximately three shows a year are member shows. 683 W King Street, Boone (828) 719-9493 www.nthdegreegallery.com

Turchin Center for the Visual Arts The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts at Appalachian State University engages visitors from the university, community, nation and beyond in creating unique experiences through dynamic and accessible exhibition, education, outreach and collection programs. These programs inspire and support a lifelong engagement with the visual arts and create opportunities for participants to learn more about themselves and the world around them. The center boasts permanent collections as well as rotating exhibits from student, local, national and international artists. 423 W King Street, Boone (828) 262-3017 turchincenter@appstate.edu www.tcva.org

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COURTESY OF THE LEVINE MUSEUM OF THE NEW SOUTH, CHARLOTTE, N.C. BRAHM’s gallery view of ‘Comic Stripped: A Revealing Look at Southern Stereotypes in Cartoons.’

BRAHM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 84

1900s. Sharp was an English folklorist and musicologist who was traveling to America in search of songs and along the way took some amazing and revealing photographs. “Cecil Sharp was a founding member of the Folk Song Revival in England in the early 20th century,” said Cameron. “He came over to the Americas and traveled to North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia to specifically collect variances of songs from individuals. But, he also took photographs along the way. The songs ended up ending published, but the photographs had not been exhibited over here until recently. This is a traveling exhibition that we are borrowing from the English Folk and Dance Song Society and the Cecil Sharp House in London. This photographic exhibition features a lot of diﬀerent people he came across in Appalachia around the period of 1916 to 1918.” “Comic Stripped: A Revealing Look at

Southern Stereotypes in Cartoons” is a visual display that features various works by newspaper cartoonists over the years. The focus is on how folks from Appalachia have been portrayed over the last century or so, and the healthy doses of stereotypes that emerged along the way. “We are borrowing this exhibit from the Levine Museum of the New South in Charlotte, N.C.,” said Cameron. “This exhibit is sponsored by the Mast General Store in Valle Crucis. This traveling exhibition features panels of comic strips from a couple of select, famous comics including ‘Lil Abner, ‘Mountain Boys,’ ‘Pogo’ and ‘Snuﬀy Smith.’ They explore how comic strips in the early to mid1900s had a lot of southern stereotypes. It really explores the imagery of Appalachia and the verbiage that was expressed and how that related to the overall culture at the time, and compares it to more modern cartoons with a similar theme like ‘Kudzu’ and ‘King of the Hill.’ The panels also go through southern history as well and the stereotypes used, which allows for a unique conversation around the exhibit.” The “Black Mountain College” exhibit

unveils a brief yet incredible period in the 20th century when a forward-thinking university existed in Black Mountain, N.C., that was so ahead of its time, it inevitably could only last so long. “The exhibition is called ‘Arts at the Center – A History of Black Mountain College,’” said Cameron. “This is an exhibition that we are curating and it is a huge project. We are doing it in collaboration with Appalachian State University, the Center for Appalachian Studies and the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts in Boone, who is having their own exhibition as well on Black Mountain College. Black Mountain College no longer exists. It opened in 1933 and continued until 1956 and it was an experimental Arts School founded during the Great Depression by John Andrew Rice Jr. with not a lot of money. The focus was on the Liberal Arts, but it was unique because the students who came to the school were allowed to govern amongst themselves. It was very community-centered and there were not really any class requirements as the students were allowed to take whatever classes they wanted to enroll in.

There was faculty there to advise them on what to take, but it was really up to them.” Though brief in its tenure, Black Mountain College hosted some very famous students during its 23-year run. “There were over 1,000 students that went to the college, but the majority of them did not graduate with any sort of degree,” said Cameron. “The college closed for monetary reasons, but also because it was such a democratic structure that it really wasn’t sustainable. But, a lot of famous individuals went through that school including American painter and graphic artist Robert Rauschenberg, painter Robert Motherwell, Jacob Lawrence, inventor and architect Buckminster Fuller, composer John Cage, dancer and choreographer Merce Cunningham and even more well-known individuals.” Some of the guest lecturers at Black Mountain College included poet William Carlos Williams, Nobel Prize-winning author Aldous Huxley and the brilliant Albert Einstein. More information can be found at blowingrockmuseum.org and 828-2959099.

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Live theatre features seasonal shows, local actors BY BRIAN MILLER brian.miller@mountaintimes.com

or those looking to get out of the house during the cold, winter months, the High Country oﬀers an excuse through its several live theatre stages. Local theatre troupes with actors young and old, from Watauga, Avery and Ashe Counties, can be found performing throughout the region in schools, on campuses, at professional venues and more. Following is a list of community theaters and upcoming performances.

APP STATE DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE AND DANCE The department of theatre and dance was established as an academic department in 1989, and has since expanded

greatly in numbers of students, faculty and staﬀ, with several performances taking place on campus each semester. Professional and student-led theatre productions take place at the Valborg Theatre, Varsity Gym, Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts and I.G. Greer Studio regularly. For more information, visit www. theatreanddance.appstate.edu. Upcoming Shows “Well,” Feb. 21-25 “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” April 13-15

“Proof” and “Willie Wonka, The Musical” so far in 2017. The Little Theatre is always in need of volunteers, and there are many ways to get involved including production, lighting, sets, costumes, publicity and more. For more information, call (336) 846-2787 or visit www.ashecivic. com.

ASHE COUNTY LITTLE THEATRE

BEANSTALK COMMUNITY THEATRE

The Ashe County Little Theatre is an all-volunteer, community-based theatre group who make their home in the Ashe Civic Center in West Jeﬀerson. Since 1972, the Little Theatre has produced three to four plays a year, including

Boone-based BeanStalk Community Theatre is a nonprofit organization that was established in 2012 by creative director Amy Beane and executive director Andrea McDonough. However, the duo dates back to 2009, when they directed

MOVIE THEATERS Winter is an ideal time to take a trip to the big screen, and the High Country is home to two movie theaters — one in West Jefferson and one in Boone. Each theater shows popular, new release ﬁlms, consistently keeping the movie cycle fresh.

Regal Boone Cinema 7 210 New Market Centre, Boone (844) 462-7342 www.regmovies.com

Parkway Theatre 10 E Main St, West Jefferson (336) 846-3281 www.parkwaytheater.net

“Twinderella” for Blue Ridge Community Theatre together. That was followed by SEE THEATRE ON PAGE 87

PHOTO BY BRIAN MILLER Spencer Ball and Arwen Taylor played the roles of Troy and Gabriella in BeanStalk Community Theatre’s production of ‘High School Musical.’

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FILE PHOTO Appalachian State University’s department of theatre and dance performed ‘Silence’ at the Valborg Theatre last winter.

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“Willy Wonka” in 2010 and “A Peter Rabbit Tale” in 2011, which eventually led to BeanStalk Community Theatre’s first show, “Jingle Jury,” in December 2012. Since its inception, BeanStalk has produced several shows a year, including musicals, children’s shows and more. Performances take place around Boone, including at Harvest House and Watauga High School. BeanStalk is open to community members interested in the performing arts, as each show is made up entirely of local talent. For more information, visit www. beanstalknc.com. Upcoming shows “Last Round Up of the Guacamole Queens,” March 22-24 “The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy,” July 26-28

ENSEMBLE STAGE Ensemble Stage is a professional, nonprofit theatre company located at the Historic Banner Elk School. Since 2009, under the leadership of artistic director Gary Smith, Ensemble Stage has presented 72 productions with more than 275 performances. The theatre is dedicated to culturally enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike by providing a broad range of live theatrical presentations of the highest possible quality at an aﬀordable price. The Ensemble mission is to inspire, challenge and nurture the imagination and social skills of youth and adults through performances and theatre-based educational programs. For more information, visit www. ensemblestage.com. Upcoming shows “A Christmas Carol” (Live radio play), Dec. 1 and 3 “An Ensemble Christmas” (Musical variety show), Dec. 15-17

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Variety of talent takes the stage at ASU this winter

PHOTO SUBMITTED Fiddling duo Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy take the stage at the Schaefer Center at 7 p.m. on Feb. 27.

Performances include music, dance, theatre and more BY BRIAN MILLER brian.miller@mountaintimes.com

ppalachian State University continues to bring a wide scope of nationally acclaimed talent to the small town of

Boone. Expanding on the High Country’s intimate performance arts scene, the university oﬀers a bigger stage for concerts, dances, theatrical pieces and more. From popular local acts to student productions to worldwide sensations, Appalachian State has something for everyone’s taste. Two prominent campus venues, The Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts and the Valborg Theatre, host shows consistently throughout the winter season

into early spring. The Schaefer Center is a nearly 2,000seat auditorium featuring orchestra and balcony level seating, showcasing the most high-profile acts that visit the High Country. The university’s performing arts series, “The Schaefer Center Presents,” is currently underway for the 2017-18 season, with recent acts including “TajMo” (the Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ Band), Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance and Us the Duo. The Valborg Theatre, used prominently for theatre and dance productions, is a more intimate venue that features mostly student and faculty-run productions, while still hosting professional acts. The department of theatre and dance is also

ADDITIONAL VENUES, PERFORMANCES Appalachian State University’s Hayes School of Music offers weekly recitals, concerts and more for faculty, students and the public to attend at various venues on campus. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.music.appstate.edu. Legends, a small concert venue and club on campus, offers a handful of concerts and events throughout the spring semester. Shows are yet to be announced. To learn more about the venue and to stay up to date on events, visit www.legends.appstate.edu. currently underway with its 2017-18 season, with recent acts including “Radium Girls” by D.W. Gregory, “Much Ado About Nothing” by William Shakespeare and Aniruddha Knight & Ensemble, Bharata Natyam South Indian Music and Dance. Following is a list of remaining shows at each venue to enjoy this winter and spring.

SCHAEFER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 9 The world’s foremost all-male comic ballet company was founded in 1974 by a group of ballet enthusiasts for the SEE ASU ON PAGE 92

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purpose of presenting a playful, entertaining view of traditional, classical ballet in parody form. The Trocks, as they are aﬀectionately known, is a company of professional male dancers performing the full range of the ballet and modern dance repertoire, including classical and original works in faithful renditions of the manners and conceits of those dance styles. Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy: Visions of Cape Breton and Beyond 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 27 Starring the fierce fiddling duo, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy command the stage with an explosive celebration of raw energy and passion that infuses their traditional heritage with their taste for the contemporary. With the “Visions” show, Natalie and Donnell share their legendary musical traditions of their hometowns of Lakefield, Ontario and Cape Breton, Nova Scotia with an expanded show that highlights the unique talents, influences and stories of this amazing family of artists through dancing, singing and, of course, world-

class music making. Golden Dragon Acrobats 7 p.m., Friday, March 16 The Golden Dragon Acrobats, hailing from Cangzhou, Hebei province, in the People’s Republic of China, have toured the United States continuously since 1978. Its members are athletes, actors and artists who have studied and trained for their craft since early childhood. The Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of a time-honored tradition that began more than 25 centuries ago. The company combines award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street 7 p.m., April 13 to 15 This thrilling, theatrical treat by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler has simultaneously shocked, awed and delighted audiences across the world. The show’s Broadway premiere received eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. This is a production of Appalachian’s SEE ASU ON PAGE 93

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PHOTO SUBMITTED The Golden Dragon Acrobats, hailing from Cangzhou, Hebei province, in the People’s Republic of China, perform at the Schaefer Center at 7 p.m. on March 16.

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Department of Theatre and Dance and the Hayes School of Music. Black Violin 7 p.m., Friday, April 20 Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus use their unique style of classical, hip-hop, rock and pop to create a high energy sound that is enjoyed by fans of all ages and backgrounds. Backed on stage by drummer Nat Stokes and DJ SPS, Black Violin delivers an entertaining yet powerful show that encourages people of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds to overcome barriers and find what brings us together. Tickets A faculty/staff and retired faculty/staff discount is available when tickets are purchased over the phone or at the box office. A local resident discount with proof of residence in Watauga, Ashe or Avery PHOTO SUBMITTED counties for Golden Dragon Acrobats is ‘The Trocks’, an all-male comic ballet company, comes to the Schaefer Center at 7 p.m. on Feb. 9. available when tickets are purchased over the phone or at the box office. To purchase tickets, visit the Schaefer “Enriching lives, sparking imaginations and inspiring a love of learning through the arts.” Center for the Performing Arts Box Office, Every season, affordable music, dance, film and theatre events are offered to students and their teachers from K-12 classrooms across the call (800) 841-2787 or (828) 262-4046 or region through the Schaefer Center’s APPlause! program. visit: www.theschaefercenter.org. Students experience everything from high-energy acrobatics and Appalachian music to international dance and literary classics brought to life through theatrical productions. VALBORG THEATRE Registration for the 2017-18 APPlause! Series season is now open. Direct any questions to Christy Chenausky, director of arts education and outreach, at (828) 262-6084, ext. 109, or chenauskyc@appstate.edu. “Well” by Lisa Kron Following are the remaining APPlause! Performances. Each show takes place at 10 a.m. at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. 7 p.m., Feb. 21 to 24 and 2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 27 — Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy Feb. 25 Friday, March 16 — Golden Dragon Acrobats Lisa Kron is best known for writing the Wednesday, March 21 — Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour: book of the Tony Award winning musical, Student edition “Fun Home,” based on the autobiographFriday, April 20 — Black Violin ical graphic novel by Alison Bechtel. In “Well,” Kron uses her own life experience to address what it means to be healthy in medical, personal and social terms. Spring Appalachian Dance Ensemble 7 p.m., March 21 to 24 and 2 p.m., March 25 This popular annual concert features Appalachian faculty, students and guest artists showcasing their talents in choreography and performance. The 2018 spring concert is scheduled to include work by Associate Professors of Dance Studies Emily Daughtridge and Susan Lutz, as well as a choreographic world premiere by a national guest artist. Tickets Tickets are available in person at the PHOTO SUBMITTED Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts PHOTO SUBMITTED The Spring Appalachian Dance Ensemble, featuring Appalachian facbox office, by phone at (828) 262-4046, at Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus bring their unique ulty, students and guest artists, takes the stage at the Valborg Theatre the Valborg Theater box office and online style of classical, hip-hop, rock and pop to the March 21 to 25. Schaefer Center at 7 p.m. on April 20. at www.theatreanddance.appstate.edu.

APPLAUSE! K-12 PERFORMING ARTS SERIES

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Brewing up success

Craft breweries offer unique winter flavors and atmospheres BY THOMAS SHERRILL thomas.sherrill@averyjournal.com

n the same vein of hot chocolate by a fireplace being a winter tradition, craft brews by a roaring fire is now becoming more commonplace in America. And helping to spearhead that change is the ever-growing number of craft breweries in the High Country. “If you’re one of those people who likes craft beers, then the winter time is a great time to be a beer lover,” said Andy Mason, co-owner of Lost Province Brewing Company in Boone. Winter sees a variety of darker brews in contrast to the lighter brews that are popular in the summertime, such as how lemonade is more popular in the hotter months. “Most of the breweries up here tend to move to more darker and richer beers in the winter,” Mason explained. “Those beers have a slightly higher alcohol content and a little more flavor.” Mason explained that during the summertime, he and other brewers create more saisons, pillsners, blondes and light colored beers. In the wintertime, they’ll switch to more ales and lagers, which are darker and richer. “We characterize some of them as ‘fireplace beers’, best suite when you put your feet up by a fire and relax,” Mason PHOTO SUBMITTED explained. “When I want one, I either want One of the leaders the Boone beer revolution has been Appalachian Mountain Brewery, which has quickly grown into an a good book, someone I love, or both.” award-winning, regional leader in craft brewing. The explosion in the craft beer culture in the High Country has all come relatively recently and the competition is helping everyone. “The Boone area is a great area for craft beer,” Mason explained. “We have four local breweries who all do a great job in Lost Province Brewing Booneshine Brewing Boondocks Brewing Tap Company Company Room & Restaurant Blowing Rock Brewing Company, BooneBoone Boone West Jefferson shine, AMB and us. Outside that range, 130 N. Depot St. 246 Wilson Drive L 108 S. Jefferson Ave. you’ve got several other great breweries (828) 265-3506 (828) 386-4066 (336) 246-5222 in Boondocks in West Jeﬀerson, Beech lostprovince.com booneshine.beer www.boondocksbeer.com Mountain Brewing Company and Blind Squirrel in Plumtree.” Appalachian Mountain Blowing Rock Brewing Flat Top Brewing Blind Squirrel Brewery Having multiple breweries in a region Brewery Company Company Plumtree Boone Blowing Rock Banner Elk 4716 South U.S. Highway 19 E. has seen a growth in customers for every163 Boone Creek Drive 152 Sunset Drive 567 Main St. East (828) 765-2739 one, rather than taking away customers (828) 263-1111 (828) 414-9600 (828) 898-8677 amb.beer blowingrockbrewing.com www.ﬂattopbrew.com

LOCAL CRAFT BREWERIES

SEE BREWERIES ON PAGE 95

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PHOTO BY MATT DEBNAM Lost Province Brewer Aaron Maas talks shop with two festival goers, explaining the process behind crafting a delicious beer

PHOTO BY ANNA OAKES Booneshine brews are on tap at Basil’s Pasta & Deli, which serves as the tasting room for the new brewery.

BREWERIES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 94

from other places. “One local concern is that if a new business comes into the area, it’ll decrease business, but actually the inverse is true,” Mason explained. “As a whole, I think the industry up here will grow and have wider dstribution of their products, more packages.” As well as providing great beers, Mason believes local craft breweries are becoming more of an experience with good food and fellowship. “A great thing craft beer has done is recreate that great pub environment here in the United States where people go to meet their neighbors and their friends, share a pint and talk about the day,” Mason said. Another community-centric positive is the growing focus on local and seasonal

products has benefited the various breweries in the High Country. “The whole movement related to food, gastronomy, beverages, etc., in the last 20 years have been more toward those products that are local, regional, sustainable, better product, sourcing locally, directly from your neighbors and friends,” Mason said. “It’s all about incorporating these local products, supporting your local economy and that’s fabulous.” Mason said he would like to get more “hyper-local” in terms of where he sources his products and predicts craft brewing will step in that direction as the science continues to evolve. “I haven’t seen a whole lot of great hops from North Carolina yet, but I know people who are working on that, so maybe that’ll change.” As the craft brew industry in the High Country continues to grow, one thing is for certain, as Mason said, it’s a great time to be a craft beer fan in the High Country.

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Fine

2017

in the wintertime

PHOTO BY ANCHOR & VEIL PHOTOGRAPHY Nicole Tatum and Dylan Tatum sample wines at Grandfather Vineyard and Winery. BY KAYLA LASURE

he winter season shouldn’t deter wine lovers from visiting some of best wineries and vineyards North Carolina has

to oﬀer. Despite the cold weather, High Country wineries will be sure to please any taste buds.

Banner Elk Winery and Villa Banner Elk Winery and Villa serves as the first winery in Avery County after opening in 2005.

Banner Elk Winery and Villa has earned itself as number of accolades, including a gold, silver and two bronze metals for its products at the 2016 North Carolina State Fair. While vineyard tours are only oﬀered May through September, visitors can enjoy wine tastings year round. Some of the 10 or so products Banner Elk Winery provides are its Cabernet Sauvignon — with tastes of dark fruits led by black currant, the Banner Elk Red — with tastes of cherry, raspberry, plum and toasted oak and the the Banner Elk Blueberry “Ice” — a dessert wine with undertones

of blueberry pie. The tuscan inspired villa on the grounds encompasses seven luxurious suites for guests to enjoy. For more information on Banner Elk Winery and Villa, visit www.bannerelkwinery.com.

Grandfather Vineyard and Winery Starting as a hobby sized vineyard, Grandfather Vineyard and Winery in Banner Elk grew into a business and opened its doors in 2011. “We do oﬀer the most wine options and the most variety,” said Nicole Tatum,

tasting room manager at Grandfather. “A lot of the other wineries have between six to nine wines on their menu; we have close to 25 to 30 at any given time.” Grandfather Vineyard and Winery oﬀers shipping of its products to approximately 34 states. Products range from $9.95 for the 22 ounce hard cider to the $26.95 bottles of Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Tatum said the red wines will be sure to keep people warm in the winter time. The wineries tasting room allows SEE WINE ON PAGE 97

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PHOTO BY ANCHOR & VEIL PHOTOGRAPHY Grapes are picked during the fall for Grandfather Vineyard and Winery products.

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guests to choose from four tasting experiences — eight dry wines for $10, four dry reds for $6, four dry whites for $6 or four sweet wines for $6. Reservations are not needed for the tasting room, and the area is pet friendly. For a group of eight or more visitors, it’s requested to call 48 hours in advance. For more information on Grandfather Vineyard and Winery, visit grandfathervineyard.com.

Linville Falls Winery Located at an elevation of 3,200 feet, Linville Falls Winery oﬀers a space for weddings, private events, classes and space for reservations. Linville Falls Winery oﬀers guests a tasting experience that is both child and pet friendly. For those of age, chosen wines can be tasted in 1 ounce pours with requests taken for a glass or a bottle. This winery grows several types of grapes for its wine, such as Rielsing, Seyval Blanc, Noiret, Marquette, Petit Verdot, and Foch. The farm also produces blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, heirloom apples, pumpkins and Christmas Trees. For more information on Linville Falls Winery, visit www.linvillefallswinery. com.

Thistle Meadow Winery Located in Alleghany County is Thistle Meadow Winery. Thistle Meadow oﬀers 30 to 45 minute winery tours as well as wine tastings — with each guest able to taste up to five wines. There is a variety of 60 diﬀerent wines to choose from; selections can be found in dry red, dry white, blush/sweet and cooking wines. Wine examples include the Bourgeron — an easy-drinking taste with fresh berry flavors, the Feather Bed

White — which has hints of green apple, melon and citrus and Double Black — with a taste of sweet black cherries and Pinot Noir. Thistle Meadow can create custom wines and blends as well as private label products. For more information on Thistle Meadow Winery, visit www.thistlemeadowwinery.com.

MenaRick Vineyard & Winery MenaRick Vineyard & Winery is a family owned vineyard in Wilkes County that specializes in in Spanish and Portuguese varietals. The winery chooses not to filter its products, wanting to keep the authenticity of the taste. MenaRick is currently oﬀering 10 wines for guests to enjoy in its tasting room, including the blackberry merlot wine, a Portuguese style Vinho Branco wine and a light red Grenache wine. Bottles of wine can also be purchased for $21 to $27. Shipping is available for select states. For more information on MenaRick Vineyard and Winery, visit menarick. com.

Roaring River Vineyards Another winery located in Wilkes County is Roaring River Vineyards, which officially opened in 2016. Roaring Rivers offers a selection of six wines such as its crisp Chardonnay, a French-American hybird of its Chambourcin wine and the Traminette wine with grapefruit and citrus flavors. Wine lovers can enjoy wine Tastings of up to six different wines for $10, a glass of wine for $8 or a bottle of wine for $24. Reservations are required for groups of eight or more. Roaring River Vineyards also offer restaurant and lodging options. For more information on Roaring River Vineyards, visit roaringrivervineyards.com.

PHOTO BY ANCHOR & VEIL PHOTOGRAPHY Grandfather Winery and Vineyard offers a wide variety of wines all types of wine lovers.

HIGH COUNTRY WINERIES Banner Elk Winery and Villa

Thistle Meadow Winery

Location: 60 Deer Run Lane, Banner Elk Hours: Noon to 6 p.m. daily Phone: (828) 898-9090

Location: 102 Thistle Meadow, Laurel Springs Hours: Monday — Saturday: Noon to 4 p.m. Phone: (800) 233-1505

Grandfather Vineyard and Winery Location:225 Vineyard Lane, Banner Elk Hours: Monday — Saturday: Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday: 1 to 5 pm. Phone: (828) 963-2400

MenaRick Vineyard & Winery

Linville Falls Winery

Roaring River Vineyards

Location: 9557 Linville Falls Highway, Linville Falls Hours: Noon to 6 p.m. daily Phone: (828) 765-1400

Location: 493 Brewer Mill Road, Traphill Hours: Friday — Saturday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m. Phone: (336) 957-2332

Location: 328 Luffman Road, Ronda Hours: Thursday — Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m. Phone: (336) 328-7038

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Relaxing in the High Country Treat yourself to a destination, day spa getaway

BY KAYLA LASURE

here’s nothing like cold weather that makes someone want to stay inside and relax. The High Country has a variety of spas to help you unwind and put your mind at ease. Whether someone wants a weekend getaway at a destination spa or quick trip to a day spa, the High Country has something for everyone.

Destination spas

Westglow Resort and Spa Coming in the top of the list of Travel and Leisure’s 2017 World’s Best Awards top ten for destination spas in the country is Westglow Resort and Spa. Located in Blowing Rock, Westglow provides a full-service spa with a variety of choices from face and body treatments, health and well-being therapies, salon services, as well as day spa and vacation packages. During the winter season — November through April — Westglow offers day spa treatments from $215 to $415. Day spa packages could include the use of the indoor swimming pool, whirlpools, steam room, saunas, cardiovascular center, weight room, tennis court, fitness classes, fireside relaxation lounge and morning guided hike. Facial and body treatments can include overnight or bed and breakfast packages. Westlglow additionally offers vichy services — with amenities such as detox mud wraps, grapefruit body scrub and Vichy showers. Most services require booking 48 hours in advance and is subject to a 24-hour cancellation policy. Other services and amenities can be found on the Westglow website. The Inn at Crestwood Located in Boone, the Inn at Crestwood offers a spa with a lap pool, dry sauna and fitness center. Day passes are available for amenities as well as club spa memberships. Children younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult while at the spa. Appointments are advised to be made 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made

PHOTO SUBMITTED Natalie Schwan relaxes on a couch at Westglow Resort and Spa.

24 hours or more prior to the reservation incur no service charge. Other services and amenities can be found on the Crestwood website.

$170. Reservations are required for all treatments. Other services and amenities can be found on the Chetola Resort website.

The Spa at Chetola Resort Visitors of the Spa at Chetola Resort can enjoy services such as massages, facial treatments, nail care as well as a hair salon. Massage packages range in minutes as well as price — with the Chetola signature Swedish massage fluctuating from 30 minutes at $70 to 90 minutes at $300. The Spa at Chetola also oﬀers massage packages in deep tissue, rain therapy, maternity, swan body wrap and hot stone. The luxury facial treatments can be purchased in 60 or 90 minute packages including the peel infusion, gentleman’s facial, ‘the works’ rejuvenating facial and organic facial. Depending on the package chosen, prices range among $105 to

Art of Living Retreat Center The Art of Living Retreat Center found in Boone combines ancient Ayurveda with contemporary wellness to bring guests the upmost care. Massage therapists use the Ayurveda method to with with the clients body to encourage healing, growth and physical stress relief. Body treatments can include a 45 minute joint rejuvenation bath for $125, a 60 minute detoxifying warm body massage for $130 or a 90 minute spa body wrap for $165. Spa retreats are also available. Visitors can book a couple’s get away, girlfriend getaway or mother/daughter getaway with a two night stay in a hotel starting at $595. Reservations are required for all

treatments. Other services and amenities can be found on the Art of Living Retreat Center website. The Spa at Eseeola Lodge The Spa at Eseeola Lodge oﬀers visitors not only a destination spa experience, but has allows them to take the spa feeling home with items people can purchase. Clients are able to buy herbal teas, candles, soaps, body and hair care products. In addition to products, customers can also take advantage of massages, body treatments, facials, hair and nail services as well as waxing. Massages can be purchased in 30 minute to two and a half hour packages ranging from $65 to $190. Enhancements such as dry brush exfoliation, back scrub or botanical hand/foot indulgence can be added to the massage. Eseeola Lodge will have clients feeling SEE RELAXING ON PAGE 101

2017

RELAXING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 100

refreshed with any of their face or body treatments. A treatment package they oﬀer — named ‘scent-sastional’ — oﬀers a shower, warm essential oils drizzled from head-to-toe, an extensive scalp massage and hydrating treatment for $310. Visit the Spa at Eseeola Lodge website for a full list of services.

Day spas

Heavenly Touch Day Spa Voted Best of the Best in Watagua County for 2017, Heavenly Touch Day Spa allows clients to take advantage of massage, tanning, facial, waxing and body services. Massages at Heavenly Touch will meet whatever need a client desires, whether it’s a deep tissue, trigger point, couples or a sports massage. New clients are oﬀered a 30-minute massage for $25 on up to a 120-minute massage for $99.95. Facials can be purchased in 60 or 90 minutes with sessions for a “dermalogical” skin treatment, aging treatment or calming treatment. Heavenly Touch also oﬀers waxing services as well as lash and brow tinting. Check the Heavenly Touch website for more information. 7th Heaven Day Spa This Boone spa prides itself on providing “heavenly services at down to earth prices.” Massages at 7th Heaven can be purchased from anywhere from $50 for a facial massage to $110 for a butterfly massage that includes a wrap. Facial treatments include an acne facial, anti-aging facial and deluxe European facial for no more than $110. Spa services are done by appointment only with a recommended 24-hour appointment set-up. For more information on services by 7th Heaven, visit the spa’s website. The Care Collective at Shear Shakti With a genuine desire to care for clients, The Care Collective at Shear Shakti provides services in massages/body work, skin care and hair. Massage rates include $22 for a 20-minute hot tea foot soak and massage, $78 for a 60-minute massage, $138 for a 120 minute massage and other packages in between. Not only can clients receive massage services in-house, but they can also request out-call massages within the Boone city limits at a residence or business for a $25 travel fee. Customers can also request a 60-minute facial massage for $82 that is said to help ease jaw and neck tension, headache pain or any other head and neck related issue.

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The Care Collective requires a 24-hour cancellation notice in order to not be billed. For more information on the Care Collective, check out its website. Natural Healing Day Spa Serving the people of Banner Elk for 20 years, Natural Healing Day Spa welcomes walk-ins as well as appointments. Natural Healing offers massages, body treatments, a sunlight sauna, skin care services, hair removal and nail services. The basic massage package can be purchased $60 for 45 minutes, $80 for 60 minutes or $105 for 90 minutes. Body treatments include wraps such as detox, muscle renew, regeneration or a dead sea body mask. Natural Healing requires a 24-cancellation notice with early arrival of 10 to 15 minutes before appointments. For more information, visit the Natural Healing Day Spa website. Lavender Fields Opening in 2002, Lavender Fields offers clients a combined 20 years of experience. This day spa offers services in facials, massages, nail care, permanent cosmetics, microblading/tinting, waxing and electrolysis. Lavender Fields offers seven different types of facials landing among $50 to $150 — including a microdermabrasion facial, “hydroclean” facial and a skin medica vitalize peel. Massages last between an hour to an hour and a half ranging from $70 for the basic one massage and $125 for the hour and a half hot stone massage. Digital equipment is used to administer permanent makeup in eyeliner — both top and bottom for $395 — and eyebrows for $375. Microblading — or semi-permanent eyebrow tattooing — is also offered for $325. For more information on Lavender Fields, visit the spas website. Serenity Day Spa Offering a fireplace to relax by during the winter, Serenity Day Spa invites guests to partake in facials, massages, microdermabrasion, waxing and body treatments. Basic rates for massages — which can be upgraded for a higher price for a couples massage or hot stone usage — $50 for 30 minutes, $90 for an hour and $125 for an hour and a half. Facials can be bought in eight different packages including an European aromatherapy facial, mens power cleanse or an O2 treatment. Microdermabrasion can be administered individually for $125 or in a series of sex treatments for $600. Body treatments include either a salt glow or back cleansing treatment. Clients are taken by appointment only. Visit the Serenity Day Spa website to find out more about the spa’s services.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Westglow Resort and Spa offers a scenic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains while clients relax.

WESTGLOW RESORT AND SPA Location: 224 Westglow Circle, Blowing Rock Spa hours: Monday-Saturday: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Salon hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 828-295-4463 Website: www.westglowresortandspa.com

THE INN AT CRESTWOOD Location: 3236 Shulls Mill Road, Boone Hours: Phone: (828) 963-6646 Website: crestwoodnc.com

THE SPA AT CHETOLA RESORT Location: 185 Chetola Lake Drive, Blowing Rock Hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Phone: (828) 295-5531 Website: chetola.com/spa

ART OF LIVING RETREAT CENTER Location: 911 Rock Cliff Road, Boone Hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Phone: (828) 264-8382 Website: artoﬂivingretreatcenter.org/spa

THE SPA AT ESEEOLA LODGE Location: 34 Dogwood St., Linville Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Phone: (828) 737-9500 Website: www.eseeolaspa.com

HEAVENLY TOUCH DAY SPA Location: 246 Wilson Drive, Boone Hours:

Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Phone: (828) 264-4335 Website: heavenlytouchboone.com

7TH HEAVEN DAY SPA Location: 4457 N.C. 105 S., Boone Hours: Monday — Friday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: By special request and availability Phone: (828) 963-2355 Website: 7thheaven.vpweb.com

THE CARE COLLECTIVE AT SHEAR SHAKTI Location: 693 West King St., Boone Hours: Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: (828) 865-7425 Website: www.takecareboone.com

NATURAL HEALING DAY SPA Location: 2960 Tynecastle Highway, Banner Elk Hours: Monday — Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Phone: (828) 898-8400 Website: www.naturalhealingdayspa.com

LAVENDER FIELDS Location: 820-C State Farm Road, Boone Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Phone: (828) 265-1029 Website: www.lavenderﬁeldssalon.com

SERENITY DAY SPA Location: 72 Arnett Road, Banner Elk Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: (828) 898-3550 Website: www.relaxatserenity.com

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Winter Times Outdoor Gear Guide

ven though Western North Carolina exists in the Southern section of the United States, it is called the “High Country” for a reason. The Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk region is nestled among the highest mountains east of the Mississippi River. Because of the unique weather found in the higher altitudes, the High Country has become a destination for folks interested in winter sports and outdoor activities during the colder months. The Pisgah National Forest and its trails, mountaintops and cliffs draw folks in from all around the world during the year along the Blue Ridge Parkway. But when the temperature drops at the 3,000 to 6,000 feet elevation and the snow blowers begin to do their magic, the area’s ski resorts are what bring in the winter sports enthusiasts who are out for adventure and fun. Below is a comprehensive list of stores and shops located in the High Country that will cater to your winter sports needs. Mast General Store – Three Locations In downtown Boone, NC, 630 West King Street (828) 262-0000 Original Mast General Store — 3565 NC-194, Valle Crucis, NC (828) 963-6511 Mast Store Annex – 2918 Broadstone Road/NC-194 Valle Crucis, NC (828) 963-6511 www.mastgeneralstore.com Mast General Store has been an institution in the High County since 1883. While other so-called “mercantile” and old-timey stores have popped up since then, which sell the usual old school items that were found in country stores of yore, Mast General Stores have been the real deal for 134 years. And, because the company originated in the High Country, providing the needs of the citizenry over three different centuries has meant keeping goods in stock that help to make the winter months bearable, and even enjoyable. When it comes to clothing, Mast General Store offers a large selection of items made by companies such as Patagonia, Columbia, Carhardt, Toad and Company, Oboz, Eagles Nest Outfitters, Chaco, The North Face, SmartWool, Yeti, Kuhl, Royal Robbins, Sherpa Adven-

ture Gear and many more brands. The assortment of clothing found on the shelves includes a wide selection of insulated parkas, reversible vests, flannel shirts, fleece lined jeans, Cardigan turtlenecks, weatherproof jackets and much more for men, women and kids. Mast General Stores also oﬀer a wide array of much-needed footwear for mountain life. Some of the merchandise for sale range from casual boots to winter boots, from waterproof running and hiking shoes to a wide array of insulated socks. All Mast General Stores have a wide variety of styles, brands and prices in stock at all times. But also remember to check out the Mast Store Annex located in Valle Crucis, a short walk from the Original Mast Store. There, you will find deals on shoes and clothes that have been marked down from their original price. Being outfitted by Mast General Store means you can walk out and explore the beauty of the mountains without letting the weather hinder your adventure. Mo’s Boots and Outdoor Gear 1586 Old HWY 421 in Boone, NC. www.mosboots.com/new/ (828) 265-2668. Base Camp B.E. 441 Shawneehaw Road in Banner Elk, NC. www.facebook.com/BaseCampBE/ (828) 898-2020. Pack Rats 150 Linville St. in Newland, NC (828) 733-3600. Regear Outdoors 967 Rivers Street, Boone, NC regearnc.com/ (828) 386-3100 Foscoe Fishing Company & Outfitters 8857 NC-105, Boone, NC 28607 www.foscoefishing.com/ (828) 963-6556 French Swiss Rentals 10821 NC-105, Banner Elk, NC 28604 skifrenchswiss.com/ (828) 963-7792 Headquarters Bike and Outdoor 4501 Tynecastle Hwy #3, Seven Devils, NC www.hqbikeandoutdoor.com/ (828) 898-8885 Highland House Ski Rentals 4516 Tynecastle Hwy, Banner Elk, NC

highlandhouseskishop.com/ (828) 898-9581 Alpine Ski Center 3440 Tynecastle Hwy, Banner Elk, NC www.alpineskicenter.com/ (828) 898-9701 Ski Country Sports 3149 Tynecastle Hwy, Banner Elk, NC www.skicountrysports.com/ (828) 898-9786 Extreme Snowboard & Ski 3071 Tynecastle Hwy, Banner Elk, NC extremenc.com/catalog/ (828) 898-7669 Sugar Mountain Sports Shop Sugar Mountain Ski Resort 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive, Sugar Mountain, NC www.skisugar.com/ (828) 898-4521 EDGE of the WORLD Snowboard Shop 394 Shawneehaw Ave. S. Ste 200, Banner Elk, NC www.edgeoworld.com/ (828) 898-9550 The Ski Shack 1378 S Beech Mountain Pkwy, Banner Elk, NC theskishacknc.com/ (828) 898-9988 Beech Meadows Ski Shop 405 S Beech Mountain Pkwy #C, Beech Mountain, NC beechmeadows.com/index.html (828) 387-4777 Alpine Ski Center 1005 Beech Mountain Parkway C-3, Beech Mountain, NC www.alpineskicenter.com/ (828) 387-9291 Beech Mountain Resort 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC www.beechmountainresort.com/ (800) 438-2093 High Country Ski Shop 3085 Linville Falls Hwy, Pineola, NC www.pineolainn.com/ (828) 733-2008 Hike More Adventures 9223-9245 NC-181, Newland, NC www.hikemoreadventures.com/ (828) 595-4453 Hibbett Sports 276 Watauga Village Dr Suite A, Boone, NC www.hibbett.com/ (828) 265-3911 Appalachian Ski Mtn. 940 Ski Mountain Road, Blowing Rock, NC www.appskimtn.com/ (828) 295-7828

WINTER TIMES

2017

CALENDAR

COMPILED BY BRIAN MILLER brian.miller@mountaintimes.com

Nov. 24

HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS: The annual Hometown Christmas in downtown West Jeﬀerson will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24. Events include the oﬃcial lighting of the community Christmas tree, caroling, hot chocolate, free rides on the old-fashioned fire truck and a visit from Santa. CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK: Blowing Rock’s Christmas in the Park and Lighting of the Town Celebration takes place with activities from 2 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24 in Memorial Park on Main Street. Join the town for free hot chocolate, caroling and a visit with Santa. For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit www. blowingrock.com.

Nov. 25

tain Parks and Recreation will host a holiday market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 25 at the Buckeye Recreation Center at 1330 Pine Ridge Road in Beech Mountain. The event will feature homemade décor, wreaths, gifts, crafts, food, candles and more. SANTA IN TODD: Santa Claus will be at the Todd Mercantile, 3899 Todd Railroad Grade Rd., on Saturday, Nov. 25, during business hours on small business Saturday. Children and their families are invited to come out to meet Santa. For more information call Todd Mercantile at (336) 877-5401 or visit their website at www.toddmercantile. com. CHRISTMAS PARADE: Blowing Rock’s Christmas Parade will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25. The parade will wind its way down Main Street from the Mellow Mushroom to the Edgewood Cottage. For more information, visit www.blowingrock.com.

HOLIDAY MARKET: Beech Moun-

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SEE CALENDAR ON PAGE 111

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Red Onion Dine in the cool mountain air, rain or shine, on our covered outdoor patio! 227 Hardin Street, Boone, NC 28607

828.264.5470

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FIND US FOR SPECIALS! 421 Blowing Rock Road Across from Convocation Center 828-386-1216 • www.tapproom.com

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2017

A Favorite of High Coun y Locals • Extensive Wine List • Adjacent Tap Room with Billiards & Games • Large Selection of Craft Beers • Patio Dining Available, • All ABC Permits Leashed Dogs Welcome • Daily Culinary & Beverage Specials • 18 Rotating Taps to Include a • Large Parties Welcome Large Selection of Local Beers • Reservations Accepted

• Open Lunch & Dinner, All Day 7 Days a Week

Large Screen TVs

See all College games Saturdays and NFL Package on Sundays.

970 Rivers Street, Boone, NC 828-264-7772 • www.CafePortofino.net Follow us on Facebook & stay up to date on special events and daily specials!

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Kitchen Always Open Until Midnight BAR OPEN: Sunday - Wednesday Thursday - Saturday Until Midnight Until 2 a.m. Enjoy our Excellence in Courtesy & Customer Service. 1121 Main Street • Blowing Rock · 828-295-3155 • www.sixpencepub.com

WINTER TIMES

2017

Chinese, Japanese, Sushi & Thai 100% No M.S.G. 240 Shadowline Dr., AA3 + AA4 - Boone Inside Harris Teeter Shopping Center OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon-Thurs: 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Fri-Sat: 11:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

828-386-1170 • 828-386-1179 Everyday Specials: Sushi Rolls 2 for $8 • 3 for $11 Hibachi Vegetables $5 Hibachi Chicken $5.50 Hibachi Shrimp and Steak $6 Take Out Only!

ASU 10% OFF (with ID)

TAKE OUT AVAILABLE or use Boone Take-Out • tastegrill@hotmail.com www.tastegrill.wix.com/tastegrillboone

DAILY WINE SPECIAL 10% OFF 6 BOTTLES 20% OFF 12 BOTTLES 25% OFF PRE-ORDERED Proudly Serving Lady Fingers "Gourmet to Go" Frozen Meals

Come see our new additions and expanded deli options!

See why Southern Living Magazine called us 'The Nicest Gas Station in America' – featuring a Full Deli, Extensive Beer and Wine options, rotating local draft beers, and snacks from local artisans.

990 Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 (828) 414-9322 • www.blowingrockmarket.com

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2014

2016

2017

2015

7 DAYS A WEEK 11AM - LATE 276 WATAUGA VILLAGE DR Â· WAL-MART SHOPPING CENTER

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Enter as strangers. Leave as friends.

Half Wine Wednesday Bottled Wine. Dine-in only with entrée purchase.

Featuring Craft NC Brews and Storie Street Wines Open ALL Day Monday through Saturday Check out our Menu on our website www.StorieStreetGrille.com

1167 Main Street | Blowing Rock | 828.295.7075

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Home Pool Table Repairs, Recovery & Move & Setup Cues, Lights, Covers & Complete Billiards Accessories

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WINTER TIMES

Like Family for 58 Years!

2017

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CALENDAR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 103

Nov. 25 to Dec. 29

TREE FEST: The gallery in the Ashe County Arts Council in West Jeﬀerson celebrates the season with the annual holiday Tree Fest exhibit with beautifully decorated trees, handmade ornaments and miniature paintings from Nov. 25 to Dec. 29.

Nov. 30 to Dec. 3

FESTIVAL OF TREES: The Western Youth Network will be holding its annual Festival of Trees fundraising event at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, Thursday, Nov. 30 through Sunday, Dec. 3. Participants will get the opportunity to bid on pre-decorated Christmas trees and presents with all proceeds benefiting the Western Youth Network. Admission to the event will be by monetary donation to the Western Youth Network. For information on volunteering, designing a tree, or the event itself, visit www. wynfestivaloftrees.com.

Dec. 1

NEWLAND CHRISTMAS PARADE: The town of Newland and the Greater Newland Association will hold the annual Newland Christmas parade beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Dec.1 in Downtown Newland. Lineup will take place at 5 p.m. for any who would like to participate. GRAND REOPENING: The public is invited to the grand reopening of Beech Mountain Brewing Company at a special celebration from 5 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 1. Enjoy live music from If Birds Could Fly, door prizes and much more. TREE LIGHTING: Join the Jones House Cultural and Community Center in Boone for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1. Enjoy live music during the “ChristmaHanaKwanzika” local singer-songwriter showcase hosted by Appalachian State’s Split Rail Records. The event coincides with downtown Boone’s First Friday Art Crawl. For more information, visit www.joneshouse.org. CHRISTMAS CRAWL: The Holiday Christmas Art Crawl in downtown West Jeﬀerson will feature 17 galleries all decked out in their holiday finery from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4. Sponsored by the Ashe County Arts Council, the Christmas Crawl showcases and promotes the

varied artistic talents in Downtown West Jeﬀerson just in time for your holiday shopping.

Dec. 1 and 2

A SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS: A Small Town Christmas in Banner Elk begins Friday evening with the Ensemble Stage’s A Christmas Carol Live Radio Show. Saturday’s events begin early in the morning and stretch well into the evening. Festivities include: a 5K run, Breakfast with Santa, candy cane hunt, storytelling, ornament making, cookie decorating, Parade of Lights, train rides through luminaries in the park, visits with Santa and a synchronized light show. Shopping is available, too, and all activities are within easy walking distance in this one-stoplight resort town in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Dec. 1 and 3

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: After a long absence from Ensemble Stage, the crusty old codger, Scrooge, is back in all his spiteful glory. The show is a live staged adaptation of the 1930s radio play, “A Christmas Carol.” Not only do you get to see and hear one of the all-time classics performed, you get to witness how it was done for an attentive radio audience, including all the sound eﬀects being performed manually, live on stage. Shows begins at 7 p.m. on Dec. 1 and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 3 at the Cultural Arts Center at the Historic Banner Elk School. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 16 and younger. For more information, and tickets, click to www.ensemblestage.com.

Dec. 2

SATURDAY WITH SANTA: During the Ashe County Arts Council Holiday Open House there will be a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus. From 8:30-11:30 a.m. in four sessions, Santa will be available for photos. Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen will be open with stories and there will be an arts and crafts table and milk and cookies. Children will receive a book and holiday gift bag. Space is limited and reservations are encouraged. Admission is $5 per child.

Dec. 7

HOLDAY COCKTAIL PARTY: The Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge is hosting a holiday cocktail party and shopping bazaar at the Blowing Rock Country Club from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7. Tickets for the event are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Ticket price includes

a glass of wine. For more information, visit www.womensfundoftheblueridge. org.

Dec. 8 to 10

SUGARFEST: Sugar Mountain hosts a weekend of fun from Dec. 8 to 10. 1992 Olympic figure skating silver medalist Paul Wylie will perform an amazing show on-ice followed by an ice skating clinic, a meet and greet session and a chance to hold a real, Olympic silver medal. Consumer ski/snowboard equipment demos, live music performed by the Shelby Rae Moore Band, fireworks, preseason adult ski clinic, EDGE of the WORLD mini games, appearances by Sweetie and Sugar Bear and lodging specials are some of Sugarfest’s fun happenings. If that’s not enough let SugarFEAST entice you. Indulge in a hot chocolate and whipped cream bar, a soup safari and North Carolina BBQ. For a full schedule of events, click to www.skisugar.com/sugarfest.

Dec. 9

CHRISTMAS PARADE: The annual downtown Boone Christmas Parade starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9. The parade travels through downtown with lots of treats and surprises. Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Christmas elves will even make a special appearance. For more information or for those interested in participating in the parade, call (828) 268-6280.

Dec. 9 to 24

SANTA AT SUGAR: The jolly old elf himself, Santa Clause, will be skiing, riding and taking pictures with all the good boys and girls from Dec. 9 through 24 at Sugar Mountain Resort.

Dec. 15 to 17

AN ENSEMBLE CHRISTMAS: From Dec. 15 to 17, Ensemble Stage presents a holiday musical variety show patterned after the Andy Williams and Bing Crosby television Christmas specials of the ‘60s and ‘70s with women in beautiful dresses, guys in tuxedoes, lots of singing, dancing, comedy sketches and more. Shows begins at 7 p.m. on Dec. 15 and 16 and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 17 at the Cultural Arts Center at the Historic Banner Elk School. Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children 16 and younger. For more information and tickets, click to www.ensemblestage.com.

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all the kiddos of Beech Mountain and the surrounding communities from 2 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 16 by a crackling fire in the lobby of the 4 Seasons at Beech hotel. Bring your camera for photos, as well as a light appetite for cookies and hot cocoa.

Dec. 22

BONFIRE & HAYRIDE: Beech Mountain Parks and Recreation will host a Yule Log Bonfire and Hayride beginning at 5 p.m. on Dec. 22 at the Buckeye Recreation Center.

Dec. 23

LONG JOHN CAROLERS: The 45th annual gathering of the Long John Carolers is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 23, at Horn-in-the-West parking lot in Boone. Meet there and then go on to sing at shopping centers, nursing homes, Boone Mall, and plan to eat together at around 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 31

NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the kiddos from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 31 at Buckeye Recreation and be back at home for bedtime. This celebration is geared toward families and children 12 and younger, oﬀering all members of the family an opportunity to celebrate and ring in the New Year without staying out into the wee hours. NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION: For the younger crowd, Beech Mountain Resort oﬀers Family Night in the Lodge from 7 p.m. to midnight, free of charge. DJ Pete Welter will be spinning fun party tunes to get everyone moving. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. After winning one of many great prizes at BINGO, its time to lace up your ice skates for a New Year’s Eve Late Night Ice Skate. For only $15 everyone can enjoy a skate under the stars accompanied by festive music during an additional session from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. The mountain will also have a firework show at midnight to ring in 2018. NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION: A New Year’s Eve celebration Sugar Mountain style. The mountain will host a complimentary alpine torch light parade at 11:45 p.m. and a fireworks show at midnight. A fee, as well as reservations, for the indoor festivities from 9:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. are required and can be made by calling (828) 898-4521 ext. 261.

Dec. 16

SANTA ON BEECH: Santa will visit

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CALENDAR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 111

Jan. 6

WINTERFEST BEER FESTIVAL: Each January, Beech Mountain Resort hosts the Winterfest Beer Festival on the first Saturday after New Year’s Day. The 2018 edition takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 6. The event fills both levels of the Beech Tree Bar & Grille with more than 50 ales and ciders from North Carolina craft breweries and cideries.

Jan. 7

WINTER TRAILS DAY: Sugar Mountain’s 23rd Annual National Winter Trails Day event oﬀers children and adults new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing for free. Discover the fun and fitness of snow sports. Guided tours are available on the hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The program includes a 45-minute tour and snowshoe rental. Adult tours are for those who are 12 years or older. Children’s tours are for those ages eight to 11. Sign up at least 15 minutes prior to your tour time at the ski/snowboard school.

Jan. 9

SEPTUAGENARIAN PARTY: Sugar Mountain will host its annual Septugenarian party on Jan. 9 to recognize the resort’s “Senior Citizen Skiers.” Favors, refreshments and good company take place at noon in the Last Run Lounge.

Jan. 25-28

WINTERFEST: Blowing Rock celebrates its 20th annual WinterFest from Jan. 25 to 28. Events include the Polar Plunge at Chetola Lake, WinterFeast, WinterPaws Dog Show, WinterFashion Show, ice carving, Appalachian State University’s Snowflake Parade, Lil Miss WinterFest, Winter Beer Garden and more. Most events are free, some require tickets. For more information, visit www.blowingrockwinterfest.com.

Jan. 28

CARDBOARD BOX DERBY: For over 30 years, Beech Mountain Resort has hosted the annual Great Cardboard Box Derby, and this year in celebration of its 50th anniversary are bringing it back. The competition is sure to be fierce. Historically this event generates a day of creativity, laughter, thrills and the prospect of winning prizes. This year’s event takes place Jan. 28. Registration cost is $25 per entry per group. For more information, click to www.beechmountainresort.com/event/great-cardboard-box-derby.

Feb. 9

BALLET: Les Ballets Tockadero de Monte Carlo, the world’s foremost all-male comic ballet company founded in 1974, will perform at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts in Boone at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9. For more information, visit www.theschaefercenter. org.

PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Visit downtown Boone this winter and take in all the small town has to offer.

Feb. 21 to 25

WELL: “Well,” by Lisa Kron, will be performed by the Appalachian State Department of Theatre and Dance at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 to 14 and 2 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Valborg Theatre on the university campus. For more information, visit www.theatreanddance.appstate.edu.

Feb. 22 to 25

‘80s RETRO WEEKEND: Flashback to the 1980s at Beech Mountain Resort from Feb. 22 to 25. This year’s festivities include live ‘80s music each night, retro ski fashions every day and a plenty of old school activities ranging from a Rubik’s Cube competition to ‘80s karaoke to the ever-popular Totally Retro Apparel Contest. For more information, click to www.beechmountainresort.com/event/totally-80s-retro-weekend.

Feb. 27

CONCERT: Fiddling duo Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy will perform at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts in Boone. For more information, visit www.theschaefercenter.org.

Mar. 4

SUGAR CUP COMPETITION: Sugar Mountain hosts a giant slalom competition for participants with an intermediate or above ability level. One-hundred percent of the entry fees go to the American Cancer Society in memory of Sugar Mountain’s former director of operations, Richard T. Trundy. SUGAR BEAR CELEBRATION: Join Sugar Mountain Resort’s resident mascot, Sugar Bear and his

friends for a fun birthday celebration. Activities include the Great Bear Race, special treats, cake and ice cream. For additional details, contact the Sugar Bear/Polar Bear ski & snowboard school.

Mar. 11

EASTER EGG HUNT: Dress up in your Easter costume and join Sugar Bear and Sweetie Bear on the slopes in search of prize filled eggs. You may be the lucky winner of a 2018-19 season pass hidden in the grand prize egg. Or be one of three contestants awarded a prize for most creative, imaginative and colorful costume. Valid lift/slope tickets or passes are required for participation. Event is only for children ages 12 and younger. Participants should meet at the bottom of the Lower Flying Mile slope at 8:45 a.m.

March 16

GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS: The Golden Dragon Acrobats, hailing from Cangzhou, Hebei province, in the People’s Republic of China, will perform at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Art in Boone at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 16. For more information, visit www.theschaefercenter.org.

March 21 to 25

DANCE ENSEMBLE: Appalachian State’s Spring Appalachian Dance Ensemble takes place at the Valborg Theatre on the university campus at 7 p.m. March 21 to 14 and 2 p.m. March 25. For more information, visit www.theatreanddance.appstate.edu.

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ADVERTISERS INDEX 4 Seasons Vacation Rentals ..........................................................................................35 Animal Emergency Clinic Of The High Country ..........................................................92 Antiques on Howard .....................................................................................................27 Antiques on Main ......................................................................................................... 15 Appalachian Antique Mall ............................................................................................ 16 Appalachian Regional Healthcare System .................................................................. 86 Ashe Chamber of Commerce ........................................................................................35 Ashe County Arts Council............................................................................................. 35 Ashe County Cheese ..................................................................................................... 35 Banner Elk Consignment Cottage ................................................................................39 Banner Elk Winery 3 .................................................................................................9, 66 Barra .....................................................................................................................39, 106 Beech Mountain Resort ................................................................................................ 51 Blackberry Creek Mattress Company ..................................................................... 17, 38 Blowing Rock Art/History Museum .............................................................................78 Blowing Rock Attraction ...............................................................................................18 Blowing Rock Chamber Of Commerce ......................................................................... 91 Blowing Rock Furniture Gallery ...................................................................................10 Blowing Rock Market .................................................................................................105 Boone Bagelry .........................................................................................................26, 95 Boone Drugs Inc. ............................................................................................................7 Boone Paint & Interior ...........................................................................................58, 59 Booneshine .................................................................................................................105 Brass Exchange, The .................................................................................................... 82 Brushy Mountain Powersports ........................................................................34, 53, 78 Bush Photo ................................................................................................................... 89 Cafe Portofino .............................................................................................................104 Caldwell Chamber .........................................................................................................63 Cardinal, The ..............................................................................................................109 Carlton Gallery ..............................................................................................................75 Casa Rustica of Boone Inc. ......................................................................................... 110 Cha Da Thai ..................................................................................................................27 Chetola Resort At Blowing Rock ................................................................................108 Cobo ..............................................................................................................................27 Corriher Tractor Inc. DBA Bobcat of Lenoir ................................................................99 Crossnore ...................................................................................................................... 77 Cumberland Marketing ............................................................................................... 98 Daniel Boone Inn ........................................................................................................ 110 Derekas ........................................................................................................................ 28 Dewoolfson Down ...................................................................................................12, 38 Dianne Davant ................................................................................................................9 Edge of the World ...........................................................................................................4 Ericks Cheese & Wine .................................................................................................. 40 Family Billiards .....................................................................................................38, 109 Farmers Rentals & Power ............................................................................................ 83 Footsloggers ...................................................................................................... 27, 41, 47 Echota ............................................................................................................. 38, 55, 116 Foscoe Realty Rentals ..................................................................................................115 Freds General Mercantile .............................................................................................74 Grandfather Mountain ................................................................................................ 28 Grandfather Mountain Campground ...........................................................................74 Grandfather Vineyard .................................................................................................. 38 Green Park Inn .............................................................................................................65 Hawksnest .....................................................................................................................46

High Country Antiques .................................................................................................70 Incredible Toy Company .............................................................................................. 41 Jenkins Realtors ...........................................................................................................25 Juice Boone .................................................................................................................104 Kincaid/Bernhardt Furniture Outlets ............................................................................3 Leatherwood Mountains ..............................................................................................76 Lees-McRae College, Seasonal .....................................................................................65 Logs America, LLC. .......................................................................................................78 Lost Province ................................................................................................................26 Lucky Penny ..................................................................................................................27 Makoto’s ...................................................................................................................... 107 Mast Farm Inn ..............................................................................................................44 Mast General Store ...................................................................................................2, 44 Molly Northern Interiors ..............................................................................................52 Mountain Dog And Friends .......................................................................................... 61 Mountain Home And Hearth Inc .................................................................................53 Mountain Outfitters ......................................................................................................22 My Best Friends Barkery ..............................................................................................39 My Mountain Home ..................................................................................................... 41 Mystery Hill ...................................................................................................................11 New Lifestyles Carpet One ........................................................................................... 71 Village Jewelers ...................................................................................................... 26, 41 Paramount Motors ...................................................................................................... 114 Parker Tie ................................................................................................................35, 73 Pedalin Pig ..................................................................................................................109 Perry’s Gold Mine .........................................................................................................87 Proper ...................................................................................................................27, 104 Ram’s Rack ...................................................................................................................27 Recess ............................................................................................................................63 Red Onion Cafe ...........................................................................................................103 Remax Realty Group .................................................................................................... 40 Rivercross .............................................................................................................. 34, 44 Shoppes At Farmers Hardware ....................................................................................26 Six Pence Pub ..............................................................................................................104 Skyline Telephone Corp ................................................................................................81 Sorrentos ...............................................................................................................39, 106 Spice and Tea Exchange ............................................................................................. 107 Storie Street Grille ......................................................................................................109 Sugar Mountain Resort ................................................................................................18 Sugartop Resort ................................................................................................56, 57, 64 Tapp Room ................................................................................................................. 101 Taste Grill ...................................................................................................................105 Tatum Galleries ........................................................................................................... 38 Taylor House Inn ..........................................................................................................44 The Art Cellar ................................................................................................................ 91 The Cabin Store ........................................................................................................... 98 The Gamekeeper Restaurant ........................................................................................53 The Local ............................................................................................................... 27, 103 The Pet Place ................................................................................................................ 60 The Rock .....................................................................................................................107 The Woodlands BBQ .................................................................................................. 110 Town of Seven Devils ................................................................................................... 90 Tweetsie Railroad .........................................................................................................42 Valle Crucis Conference Center ....................................................................................44

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WINTER TIMES

2017